Photo By Staff Sgt. Micah VanDyke | Gordon Wright, an instructor at the U.S. Army Central Command Signal University...... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - “We’re teaching classes that keep the communicator up-to-date, while staying connected with the rest of the world.” said Vernon M. Riley Sr., an instructor at the university. “We keep the warfighter in the fight through hands-on- technical training.”
When one pictures a university, what normally comes to mind is a traditional four-year college, not a vocational college teaching highly technical classes like Fiber Optics or Network+. This unique university services troops by offering a variety of classes averaging a week in duration.
To be successful in a downsizing military, service members must be current on the latest information technology. The U.S. Army Central Command Signal University offers them the ability to communicate successfully on and off the battlefield. Last year, the university, located at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, graduated more than 1,800 students and is scheduled to exceed that number this year.
Soldiers, Marines and airmen are provided on-site training to further enhance the military’s capabilities around the world. This provides critical real-time information to the warfighter wherever they may be.
Col. Andre Wiley, the operations officer-in-charge at the 335th Signal Command (Theater) (Provisional), was a guest speaker during a recent graduation ceremony. “Technology is constantly changing and with these changes comes a gap in knowledge,” said Wiley. “The solution for ARCENT has been the signal university and the school is a success; the goal is to keep the soldiers current and up to date with IT.”
“The skills learned here not only benefit the military; they benefit the service member,” said Wiley. “This training is not just for signal soldiers, it’s for everyone.”
Soldiers from all career fields and different components within the DOD attend a variety of classes at Signal U. These classes focus on educating those who are charged with sustaining the fight while simultaneously carrying out Third Army/ARCENT’s mission.
Besides Fiber Optics and Network+, the school offers Comp TIA A+, and Security+. These advanced classes further the communicator’s capacity to get the job done.
While signal training is the primary focus, the curriculum is much broader and includes advanced Microsoft Office Intermediate classes, teaching complex techniques in Excel, Power Point and Access.
Maj. Michelle Mirano, a deployed reservist serving as the Army Liaison Officer at Third Army/ARCENT, attended several Microsoft Office classes at the university.
“While deployed, troops should take as many classes as their work schedule permits,” said Mirano. “This way they can bring something home that will benefit them in their civilian lives.”
Spc. Arielle Fortes, a training noncommissioned officer deployed with Charlie Company, 67th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 160th Signal Brigade to Camp Buerhing, Kuwait, attended the Security+ class which is required for members of the DOD to perform duties as information management officers.
“My job dictates the need for taking Security+ while deployed,” said Fortes. “When it’s time to leave the military and pursue a civilian career in IT, having certifications and on-the-job experience makes me more marketable.”
This marketability potential combined with increasing service member’s technical expertise makes this university a crucial component in keeping Third Army/ARCENT mission ready.
| Date Taken: | 05.10.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2013 11:32 |
| Story ID: | 107012 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 872 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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