JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - The soldiers of the 68th Transportation Company’s signal support system specialists perform all of the following; install, mount, maintain, troubleshoot, disseminate information and provide 24 hour assistance for keeping the company’s communications equipment up and running.
Sometimes referred to as “25-Universal” for their flexibility in their military occupational specialty, these communications specialists are expected to be the subject matter experts for all things electronic for the 68th Trans. Company, from convoy communication systems to fixing printers and running internet cables.
Pfc. Carven Bryant, a Tarboro, N.C., native, Pfc. Devante Ingram, a Chidester, Ark., native, and Pvt. Yeison Toro, a Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, native, are the signal support system specialists providing the “Road Warriors,” 68th Trans. Company, 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, with communication support, allowing the motor transport operators to concentrate on their mission without communication problems.
“These Soldiers are some of the most important pieces to the puzzle that makes up this company,” said Sgt. 1st Class Billy Purdue, senior truck master for the 68th Trans. Company, and a Highland Falls, N.Y., native. “Without communication it becomes very difficult to move strategically around an asymmetric battle field
The communication specialists have been working hard and have earned high respect from leaders within the company."
“Bryant, Ingram and Toro have very big jobs, they work around the clock supporting the mission and ensuring that the logistical convoy commanders have the ability to command and control their convoys,” said 2nd Lt. William Capps, a platoon leader with 68th Trans. Company, and a Columbus, Ga., native.