MOSUL, IRAQ (May 21, 2006) --Smaller units on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq need the help of the 29th Signal Battalion to get their communications up and running.
The 29th Sig. Bn. provides the support and communications to the mayor's cell, the 505th Engineer's Battalion, and other supporting units by hooking up internet and phone lines.
"We basically provide command and control for units so they can talk to higher units," said Sgt. Rickey Thomas, 29th Sig. Bn. "They need to get their reports in and make sure they are getting supplied properly with food, fuel, water and ammunition." Thomas resides in Lacey, Wash.
According to Spc. Christopher Rudolph, 29th Sig. Bn., without 29th signal being here there would be no telephone communications or internet for the units to contact the people they need to. Rudolph is a native of Boise, Idaho.
"It is very vital to have communications here in Iraq so the units can pass on information that is important to accomplish their mission," Rudolph said.
"It is a pleasure to work with these smaller units and getting them connected to their phones and internet," said Rudolph. "They seem to appreciate it when we are able to help them out."
"Running lines here in combat is no different than it is back in a garrison setting," said Thomas.
According to Thomas they try and maintain the same standards as they do in garrison.
"We still take pride in our appearance," said Thomas. "We try to keep things as neat as possible, but we stress safety over neatness, making sure Soldiers are not going to get hurt by the wires we run."
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