KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany-- Signal Soldiers from the 16th Sustainment Brigade's 504th Brigade Signal Company supported a 10-day 21st Theater Sustainment Command communications exercise that displayed the unit's unique ability to deploy their strategic communications assets.
First Platoon, 504th BSC provided strategic network access through the deployment of their Joint Network Node and Satellite Transmission Terminal to provide continuous voice and data communications.
Teams worked in shifts to maintain 24-hour a day Frequency Division Multiple Access and Time Division Multiple Access Links, vital to data transmission via the STT. Network specialists worked in the JNN to manage data flow over the network to make sure mission critical systems stayed connected on the local network.
Through their tireless efforts and trouble-shooting with various networks worldwide, the 21st TSC G6 validated the mission-critical "Battle Command System" and established instrumental communication platforms, enabling synchronization of mission command up to European Command.
Both the JNN and STT teams developed new team members and cross-trained within the platoon and with the local Communications-Electronics Command support.
"Missions we have allow the team to hone their skills. In addition, this particular mission allowed the team to meet our civilian technician counterparts from CECOM and ManTech. It was a great opportunity for the Soldiers to expand on their knowledge and opened up positive question/answer-based discussions," said Sgt. Phillip Costa, satellite transmission terminal team chief, 504th Brigade Signal Company.
The Soldiers received high praise from their G6 counterparts for their support. Both parties have begun planning for another communications exercise this fall.
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