Mustangs improve communication efficiency

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Onuoha | Sgt. Thomas Henry, a signal support systems specialist, with Bravo Troop, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, show Soldiers how to set an RF-1944 series broadband antenna, January 18, 2017, at Fort Stewart, Ga. 6-8 Cav. Soldiers received demonstrations and classes for different radio devices and equipment during a communication class. (U.S.Army photo by Sgt. John Onuoha / Released)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

01.18.2017

Story by Sgt. John Onuoha 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORT STEWART, Ga. (Jan. 18, 2017) - Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division polished their communication skills at Fort Stewart, Ga., January 18, 2017.

6-8 Cav. Soldiers learned basic operations and procedures for an OE-254 antenna and a Harris Falcon 150 high frequency (HF) manpack radio, as well as how to perform basic communication on a Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR).

“The Soldiers received the information pretty well,” said Sgt. Thomas Henry, an instructor and a signal support systems specialist, with Bravo Troop, 6-8 Cav. “I had them take notes on how to set up an HF radio. While I was explaining, I was giving them hands-on examples to make sure that they know exactly how to operate it.”

Communication is crucial in military operations because Soldiers have to talk in order to keep accountability and transmit information pertinent to their mission.

“If you cannot communicate during a mission it will be difficult to accomplish your task and that can cause confusion,” said Pfc. Nicholas Toensing, a cavalry scout with Bravo Troop, 6-8 Cav. “With (good) communication, you have an organized plan where everyone will be informed on any changes or updates.”

The knowledge learned in this class will allow Soldiers to troubleshoot and use communication devices effectively in a training or combat environment.

Some Soldiers shared their experience in combat and how communication lead to mission success.

Henry said when he was deployed, he always gave Soldiers briefs about radios before they began an operation to refresh their memory and build confidence in their skills and equipment.

“I want to pass on my knowledge from all the experience I have to help the Soldiers understand how to be efficient in communication,” said Henry.

Henry deployed with a group of Soldiers that lost radio connection when hit by enemy fire in Iraq. They were able to regain communication immediately and call for medical assistance with the skills they learned from his brief which led to saving the life of their battle buddy.

Toensing said the training was informative. He looks forward to more practical exercises during training and sharing his new found knowledge with other Soldiers.

• Date Taken: 01.18.2017
• Date Posted: 01.23.2017 11:49
• Story ID: 220995
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US