MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. – Soldiers from the 10th Press Camp Headquarters, Fort Bragg, N.C., and the 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Fort Bliss, Texas, are operating Radio Muscatatuck during the U.S. Army North exercise Vibrant Response 13-2, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Muscatatuck, Ind.
Radio Muscatatuck, which debuted three years ago, is an online radio station playing news, weather, music, sports and training from the MUTC and is designed to add a realistic media presence to the training conducted at MUTC.
According to Sgt. 1st Class Brad Staggs, public affairs chief, MUTC, the purpose of the radio station is to provide training, informing the public, and to entertain.
“We encompass training for both the broadcast specialty and for units exercising here,” said Staggs. “It is important for commanders to get a feel for the media environment.”
In addition to providing an avenue for training, the radio station informs the local public of upcoming training, news, sports and activities happing at MUTC.
“Any time there is a major exercise we have to close the road, and we put that information out through radio broadcasts,” said Staggs. “We also try to entertain over the radio. We have soldiers come through the facility that listen to our radio station over the Internet and continue listening while deployed.”
Staggs continued to express that the radio station helps MUTC make training as real as it gets.
This year, as part of VR 13-2, broadcast specialists from the two units are operating the radio station.
“I’m currently working as a radio DJ at the MUTC, and I help provide a media presence to the trainees during this exercise through hourly radio updates, on air interviews and in studio interviews,” said Sgt. Cameron Christensen, broadcast specialist, 10th PCH.
As part of the exercise, trainees get the chance to perform on air telephone and in studio interviews, which greatly enhances the realism and assists the trainees becoming accustomed to working with the media.
“This year is the first year the radio station has hosted on the air interviews during the (VR 13-2) training exercise,” said Christensen. “This type of exercise helps those going through the training, and it also helps us (broadcast specialists) stay sharp on our radio skills.”
Staying sharp and current on the radio is something most broadcast specialists do not get the chance to do.
“Having a radio station is a great opportunity for broadcasters to get training on how to run and operate a radio station,” said Sgt. Craig Givens, broadcaster, 10th PCH.
For a radio station to be functional you must have DJs that go on air.
“This is the first time I’ve worked as a DJ,” said Christensen. “I produce a monthly radio news program at a local station back in N.C., but I love being on the air.”
If you would like to listen to or know more about Radio Muscatatuck please visit there website at www.radiomutc.com.