Communication barriers present training opportunities

By Staff Sgt. W. Watson Martin, 319th MPADAugust 6, 2009

Communication barriers present training opportunities
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Crane Army Ammunition Activity, Ind. (Aug. 6, 2009) -- When it comes to getting the job done, a lot of junior troops had to get creative when it came to communicating during this year's Golden Cargo annual training mission.

One Soldier, in particular, understands the stresses associated with communication networks but still found a way to make it possible via Army and federal networks.

"Our primary mission is to handle radios, telephones and internet connectivity - the network here is limited but somehow we're still able to get the job done," said Staff Sgt. Kimbal Cox, team leader for the 812 Transportation Battalion, communications section.

In some instances, providing additional technology resulted with an educational opportunity as well.

"We've set up the tactical radio systems for secondary commo, which has provided additional training," he said.

Cox and his small team even went above and beyond their military occupational specialties by pulling out manuals for other signal equipment.

The team set up and monitored mobile tracking systems for the M915 tractor trailers as well as erected and monitored 30-foot antennas.

"I've had a lot of fun on this AT, which is in part due to great leadership and good training," said Spc. Michelle Ferguson, an 812th information technology specialist who also took advantage of her time here to train on licensing for the Humvee.

Along with Spc. Chris Josey, who holds the same MOS, they both had good words to say about their team leader and the overall mission.

"The great thing about Golden Cargo is that it just doesn't provide you with an opportunity to train in your MOS, but it also helps give you the big picture of how convoys operate to how a tactical operations center operates - if you're lucky enough to work in a TOC," said Josey.

"I hope I get to come and do this again next year," he added.