FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Signal and Cyber teams from across the Indo-Pacific theater recently gathered at Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter Flats in Hawaii for a first-time during the Pacific Signal Regimental Week on Feb. 27, 2024
The competitions showcased the warfighters technical skills set and physical readiness, as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance operational capabilities and preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The 25th Infantry Division Infantry hosted the tactical high radio frequency competition, at Schofield Barracks. The event challenged and developed tactical communicators to create a more lethal fighting force capable of conducting assigned mission sets throughout the Indo-Pacific theater. It featured four lanes of challenging signal tasks spread across a grueling six-mile ruck march.
“We tested and evaluated teams to ruck distance of six miles and their technical competencies across that distance,” said Maj. Andrew Delucio, 25th ID, 2nd Brigade S6. “Throughout this competition, we can continue to increase our tactical communication readiness.”
The competition, involving more than 15 Soldiers, served as a testament to the readiness and capabilities of U.S. Army Soldiers in the Pacific region. These Soldiers, including both deployable forces and citizen Soldiers, have emerged as a crucial component of the total force, embodying the warrior mindset and spirit essential for success in today's dynamic operational environments.
On the other hand, the Tactical Network Node Challenge, hosted by the Regional Cyber Center-Pacific at Fort Flats Shafter, Hawaii, challenged 16 Soldiers in a timed showdown, tasked with resolving discrepancies within a secure network. The competition not only tested technical proficiency but also underscored the critical importance of ongoing training and preparedness in fortifying cybersecurity resilience.
“The biggest challenge that we faced on our side is to replicate a tactical node in a virtualized environment, making it safe for the participants to work simultaneously without putting any node in danger of becoming non-mission-capable,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ken Witzen.
The competitive spirit and dedication displayed by the participating signal teams underscore the commitment of the U.S. Army in the Pacific to maintaining peak operational readiness and staying at the forefront of cutting-edge communication technologies. As threats in the cyber domain continue to evolve, events like the Tactical Network Node Challenge serve as invaluable opportunities for Soldiers to hone their skills and ensure readiness to confront emerging challenges head-on.
“It was definitely a challenge having never worked with a scalable network node before, but it was a great experience being able to test and apply our skills to an unknown situation,” said Sgt. Eastman. “However, I enjoyed it, the faults were mostly common errors you would experience while setting up a sight.”
Pacific Signal Regimental Week not only fosters camaraderie among signal professionals but also serves as a platform to showcase the expertise and dedication of the U.S. Army's signal forces in the Indo-Pacific region. Through continuous training, innovative approaches, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, these Soldiers stand ready to meet any mission with unwavering precision and effectiveness.
The successful completion of the competition highlights the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Army in the Pacific to maintain peak readiness and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare.
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