Reserve communication team uses skills in field exercise

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- --  In a sparsely grassy open field twenty-three 514th Communication Squadron members were recently challenged to erect tents and establish an entire communication network for a bare base airfield. 

The Reserve communication specialists participated in Eagle Flag 08-05, a field training exercise held June 16-26 both on Fort Dix, N.J., and on Lakehurst Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, N.J. The exercise is designed to test the Airmen's deployment skills by opening an air base to receive and generate aircraft in a hostile environment. 

The first week of the two-week exercise participants receive classroom instruction at the United States Air Force Expeditionary Center on Fort Dix from their combat skill instructors. The final week the group spends five days in field conditions on Lakehurst.

As part of the EC's mission, the Expeditionary Operations School holds several Eagle Flag exercises yearly. The 514th CS traditionally supports these exercises by storing and maintaining the school's field communication equipment in a warehouse on nearby McGuire Air Force Base. 

"The service the Reserve communication squadron provides is vital to the operation and success of Eagle Flag," said Tech. Sgt. Wyatt Bloom, EOS combat skills instructor. 

This time around the Reserve unit played a much bigger role. 

"In less than a year we'll undergo an operational readiness inspection where we'll be tested on our ability to perform in these conditions." said Senior Master Sgt. Edward Williams, superintendent, 514th CS. "We used this opportunity to prepare for the June 2009 inspection.

" The reservists established satellite connections for the voice and data network, provided land mobile radio support and configured the computer network system to include a secure internet and e-mail capability. The group also provided telephone service and maintained a help-desk which had to be established within specified time limits.

Time wasn't the only test members encountered while in the field. They also had to overcome weather hindrances, equipment failures, and cope with attacks from enemy forces. 

"We didn't receive our communication pallet and generator all at once so we worked hard to accomplish our tasks as we received the equipment, "said Staff Sgt. Gregory Lee, 514th CS, ground radio noncommissioned officer. 

Despite obstacles the group was successful at reaching some of the prescribed goals and in the process they also discovered what areas need more attention. 

"Our field experience brought out our strengths and established a baseline for areas where we need to focus as we prepare for the upcoming mobility exercise and ORI," said Master Sgt. Donovan Cameron of the 514th CS. "We had really good teamwork that contributed to our success," said Sergeant Cameron a night shift supervisor. "All 23 players brought different skills and it worked great," he added. 

The EF communications evaluator agreed. 

"This was a great learning experience for them and I know they gained a lot of knowledge which will enhance their effectiveness if they are ever called upon for real-world taskings," said Sergeant Bloom.