Voices of Courage talk communication solutions for the Pacific theatre

By Spc. Derick FennellSeptember 22, 2023

Voices of Courage talk communication solutions for Pacific theatre
U.S. Army signaliers, or military communicators, pose for a photo at the conclusion of America's First Corps Signal & Communications (G6) Directorate Signal Summit, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, Sept. 19, 2023. Signal leaders across JBLM, along with civilian representatives, came together to discuss challenges and find solutions for their mission set in the Pacific region. (Photo Credit: Spc. Derick Fennell) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Washington — Whether on the battlefield locked in combat, in the skies watching overhead, or in the command center managing it all, the key to success for our U.S. Army is their ability to communicate with each other.

On Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), signaliers are known as masters of communication and the direct pipeline to America's First Corps', and other units on JBLM, ability to maintain communications throughout the installation and across the Pacific region.

The leaders of America's First Corps Signal & Communications Directorate (G6) hosted a meeting they referred to as "The Signal Summit." This gathering was for all communicators on JBLM to come together and bring forth problems and realistic solutions while building relationships and networks. All this to be better prepared to fight in the Pacific.

Voices of Courage talk communication solutions for Pacific theatre
Communicators from America's First Corps, and other units on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, gather to discuss challenges to their missions and possible solutions within the Pacific region, Sept. 18, 2023. America's First Corps Signal & Communications (G6) Directorate hosted the event they called "the Signal Summit", to coordinate the discussion and to make necessary networks. (Photo Credit: Spc. Derick Fennell) VIEW ORIGINAL
“This is where you solve problems and provide us the 'how' and what resources you need to get where we need to get,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Carns, America’s First Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord command sergeant major.

He continued, “We have to continue to improve what we’re doing and how we do that, and we can only do that together.”

Acknowledging that protecting the Pacific would not be a solo mission for the U.S., the Summit also had a heavy focus on relationships with foreign allies. Communication and interoperability with friends in the Pacific are tasks leaders made sure to drive forward during the meeting.

“We should be heavily focused on Army capabilities, but we should also be focused on interoperability to be able to talk with our partners because we won’t go to war without them,” said Col. Phil Lamb, chief of staff of America’s First Corps.

Following the summit, the America's First Corps G6 Communicators gave out an Orange Call. This simply means they invited all signal leaders and communicators to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Organizers intended for the gathering to build camaraderie and create better bonds with one another.

Voices of Courage talk communication solutions for Pacific theatre
America's First Corps Signal & Communications (G6) Directorate conduct a "fun run" as the kickoff to their Signal Summit on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, Sept. 18, 2023. The goal was to bring signaliers, or communicators, on JBLM together to break a sweat for the first of a week-long slate of activities. (Photo Credit: Spc. Derick Fennell) VIEW ORIGINAL

“The Orange Call is for all our communicators to come out and break bread and have a good time, to build on that network and let our hair down a little bit just so we can get to know each other,” said Sgt. Maj. Katrina Richardson, America’s First Corps G6 sergeant major.

Leaders in attendance brought up many topics, discussed many different ideas during the Signal Summit, and talked about what they envisioned as to the direction the Corps' G6 directorate wants to go with communication. They were able to talk through solutions to current issues and will present those to collective results to America's First Corps leaders.