The effectiveness of the Ground Combat Element relies on seamless communication. Radio operators are not just support but essential to mission success. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Juan Garcia enlisted out of Covina, California in 2023, and is now a radio operator with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3. Garcia was one of two radio operators for Archipelagic Coastal Defense (ACD) 25.3.
ACD is a series of bilateral exchanges and training opportunities between U.S. and Philippine Marines aimed at bolstering the Philippine Marine Corps’ Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept while supporting the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
As a radio operator, Garcia’s role in ACD 25.3 is to set up communication systems and networks, transmitting information over the radio and maintaining gear throughout the exercise for all of Golf Company. This allows for communication between the platoons and even back in Australia at any time and place.
“My time in the Philippines made me more reliant on my own capabilities,” said Garcia, “It was my first time being away from an entire platoon of comms Marines and suddenly I was one of two junior Marines in the Philippines.”
The sudden shift in environment pushed him to step up and take responsibilities he hadn’t encountered before. With fewer people to rely on, Garcia had to turn to his training and learn to problem solve.
“A simple but good habit I picked up was asking questions,” said Garcia, “I learned to not be scared to admit when I’m lost, this helped me learn to be a better RO.”
Garcia gained more confidence not only in his abilities but also in his growth as a Marine. He is retaining everything he learned to be a better leader as well.
“You can’t be a good leader without learning how to be a good follower,” said Garcia. Garcia is grateful for his time in the Philippines.
“I wouldn’t be the RO I am today without this experience,” said Garcia, “In the Philippines, I became way more proficient at relaying information over the radio, establishing comms and more confident in myself than I was before.”