Class 86 combat advisors learn communication skills during Polk stay

By 2nd Lt. PAUL WADE A Co, 1st Bn, 353rd Infantry Reg, 162nd Inf BdeDecember 14, 2009

Class 86 combat advisors learn communication skills during Polk stay
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT POLK, La. --

Small group advisors from 1st Battalion, 353rd Infantry Regiment, 162nd Infantry Brigade, assisted the Tiger Brigade by conducting basic communication training for combat advisor Class 86 in preparation for deployment.

"Communication training is one of the first common task training skills that combat advisors learn," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Fuqua. "The combat advisor program is set up a lot like basic training in terms of fundamentals, yet the architecture of training uses the adult learning model. The carefully designed curriculum begins with common tasks and progresses to specialized training to build cohesive, competent teams."

Training is progressive and prepares combat advisors for future collective training events including call for fire, convoy operations and full spectrum operations in the capstone exercise. "To perform collective tasks successfully, advisors must first understand the basics," said Fuqua.

Communication devices vary from service to service, and the frequency of their use is specific to each service member's job. As a result, a majority of the Air Force and Navy personnel who come to Fort Polk are not familiar with Army standard communications equipment. The training combat advisors receive is a three-day intensive course tailored to the communications equipment service members encounter while deployed.

"Much of the technical course material seems overwhelming at the onset but as the class progresses, you see combat advisors' comfort and confidence increase to the point where tasks seem second nature," said Staff Sgt. Jerry David.

"I have never touched a radio in my entire military career but as we moved through the training program, I began to get comfortable with the systems," said Air Force team chief Lt. Col. Garth Terry.

With this training, Class 86 will be better prepared to use their equipment. This will give them an edge in successfully completing their advisor mission while deployed in support of overseas contingency operations.