VICENZA, Italy (June 5, 2015) -- Signaleers, from the 173rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, hosted a combined radio telephone operators, or RTO, course for U.S. paratroopers and Dutch soldiers at Caserma Del Din here, May 4-8, to increase radio interoperability between the two NATO allies.
The RTO course brought members throughout the brigade and the Dutch military together to develop effective radio operators capable of performing in combat environments and instructing fellow troops on the basics of Army tactical communications systems.
"The course provides each commander with a team of Soldiers that encompass the knowledge and skills to be radio experts for their company," said U.S. Army Spc. Derek McGarry, a signal support systems specialist. "The brigade benefits because the class is designed as a train the trainer course leading to self-reliant units."
The course educated students, over five days, on the operation, maintenance and proper procedures of Army communications systems. Students used classroom materials, as well as, hands-on experience. Additionally, the academy included training on field-craft techniques, radio etiquette, communication security, reporting procedures and the effects of terrain on communication systems.
"The academy was an in-depth course on what it takes to be a professional RTO," said Dutch army Sgt. 1st Class Sheehan Cameron. "Interoperability is critical and it is important to know each other's tactics, techniques and procedures in order to conduct successful partnership operations in the future."
On the final day of training, Soldiers completed a comprehensive practical skills test for students to demonstrate the skills they learned throughout the week.
The 173rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion plans to conduct the RTO course for allies, partners and their own troops quarterly to continue the focus on interoperability and tactical communication skills leading up to major field exercises in the fall, such as Immediate Response 15.
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