Spartans attend Signal University while deployed

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Four U.S. Soldiers took time away from their current deployment in southern Iraq to receive specialized signal training at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait recently.

Sgt. Joshua Martin and Spc. Andrew Fryman, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, attended the U.S. Army Central Command Signal University, where they learned how to better enable voice and data communication.

"I believe all Soldiers in the Signal Corps would benefit greatly from the professional and detailed instruction offered at the Signal University," said Fryman, a native of Mt. Olivete, Ky.

Spc. Jorge Castro and Pfc. Gabriel Resto, also assigned to the Spartan Battalion, completed the Basic Fiber Installers Course, gaining expert knowledge of how to expand communications networks and provide combat teams with the ability to interface from unit to unit throughout the brigade's area of operations.

"We're already benefiting from the training in Kuwait," said Spc. Jorge Castro, from New York, NY. "Hopefully we can use this knowledge to help the next unit when they take over for us this summer."

The Signal Soldiers received a certificate of completion and civilian college credit after completing the course. They also received credit toward promotion to their next military rank.

The Spartan Battalion is planning to send additional Soldiers to attend the unique training, which offers more than 30 courses on various communications skills. The course instructors are often retired military veterans who understand how to effectively communicate with Soldiers.

Training at the university is free to military units, and anyone can enroll at http://www.cflccsignaluniversity.arifjan.arcent.army.mil/default.asp.