Photo By Staff Sgt. Constantine Bambakidis | U.S. Air Force radio frequency transmissions systems specialists assigned to the 269th...... read more read more
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The chilly Michigan breeze howled a challenge as the 269th Combat Communications Squadron disembarked their vehicles in Michigan. Their mission: two weeks of intense annual training at the Combat Readiness Training Center, mirroring squadron operations at a deployed location. The sprawling CRTC landscape became their arena, a testing ground for their ability to establish vital communications in an austere environment, where every second counted.
The first 24 hours were a whirlwind of orchestrated chaos. Forklifts and trucks sprang into action over 12-hour shifts, distributing equipment pallets across two distinct operating sites. The squadron split into Blue and Red teams, each one in different terrain, simulating two forward operating bases. This fostered healthy competition and allowed for more hands-on experience.
"The purpose of today is to rapidly set up communications capabilities. We need to get voice and data networks, both secure and nonsecure, delivered in the shortest amount of time possible," said Maj. Daniel Johns, the squadron's director of operations. "Our mission is to deliver a communications capability anywhere in the world. We bring our own heating, power, ventilation, air conditioning and everything required to make it happen."
Establishing communications is a highly coordinated operation – and it starts with power production, who provides the electricity needed for the satellite dishes. The connection established by those dishes is routed by the communications flight to provide computer and phone network service. Without electricity, the mission would grind to a halt. Recognizing this, the power production flight sprang into action, unloading fuel barrels, connecting hoses, and bringing the large, green generators to life. Their resonating hum became the soundtrack of the training. Around them, brown tents started to pop up, contrasting with the green of the brush and woods line.
“It’s electricity. It’s required for everything,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph Davis, power production journeyman. “It gives you the capability to deliver your end products anywhere in the world. You can’t do that without us.”
Meanwhile, the radio frequency transmissions specialists on both teams assembled their dishes with practiced efficiency. Weatherproof cases held the tools to connect them to the world, rain or shine. Airmen worked quickly and nearly silently, with their muscle memory guiding the assembly of tripods and the precise construction of parabolic dishes.
“If we weren’t here, theatre deployable comms would be nonexistent, and the ACE (Agile Combat Employment) doctrine would suffer as a result,” said Staff Sgt. Kelly Rish, a radio frequency transmissions specialist. “Our satellite communications provide telecom to the site so we can talk to the outside world.”
As daylight faded, the long, round shadows of satellite dishes stretched across the sites. Both teams had erected their Airbus Ranger 1200 and 2400 flyaway terminals, ready to pierce the clouds and talk to the satellites orbiting thousands of miles overhead.
“The great thing about annual training is the inner workings between the shops,” said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Gilford, a cyber systems operator. “When you’re out here, and you’re trying to get your equipment going and make sure it’s deployable, sometimes that means that you must rely on your wingman who works in the shop adjacent to you.”
Over the next two days, the communications flight worked intensely, their fingers flying across keyboards to establish secure networks. Inside dimly lit tents, the sound of humming electronics filled the air as cyber transport specialists precisely wired together the nervous system of the squadron's communications infrastructure.
"This is the opportunity to get stick time, to get hands on keyboards, hands on wrenches, and see what it’s really like,” Gilford said. “There’s no better teacher than doing it yourself and making mistakes, and this provides us the opportunity to do that. We practice how we play, and if we’re going to make mistakes, let’s do it and get it out of the way now.”
Within 72 hours, the 269th was buzzing with communication. Computer screens glowed, emails flew across the network, and the virtual command center buzzed with the fuel of the modern battlefield - information. Among the hum of servers and ventilation equipment, the sharp crack of gunfire filled the air as the squadron honed their marksmanship skills at the nearby small arms range. Communication is the squadron’s primary weapon, but they must remain ready to defend themselves in every way possible.
The 269th's annual training was a success and speaks to their dedication and adaptability. They left the CRTC with the confidence that they could rise to any challenge, a vital skill in a world defined by strategic competition.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2024 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 471860 |
| Location: | ALPENA, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 269th CBCS Hones Competitive Edge During Annual Training, by SSgt Constantine Bambakidis, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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