Photo By Sgt. Kellen Stuart | The 229th Signal soldiers respond to a radio call from their ROK army counterparts...... read more read more
CAMP CARROLL, South Korea – Earlier this year, 229th Signal Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Sustainment Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, conducted their first joint signal training exercise with their Republic of Korea counterparts from 2nd Battalion, 120th Brigade. The training allowed the two countries to focus on the interoperability of communications both at home station and on the move.
“It was our first full blown exercise working with them. We did a walk phase in December, and turned it into a run phase operation a few weeks later. It exceeded my own expectations as well as that of the battalion commander,” said Capt. Renata Crapps, 229th’s commander.
She said the idea stemmed from a 2ID initiative, pairing signal units from both armies.
“The ability for us to be able to not only strengthen the alliance from a protective perspective, but also from a combined signal perspective has been instrumental in developing relationships at the battalion and the regimental level,” said Lt. Col. Jason Baker, STB’s commander.
He said that he did not expect to be recognized for the signal company’s efforts. When he was notified that the brigade commander was coming to Camp Carroll to acknowledge the success of the joint training exercise, it was a pleasant surprise.
“To receive recognition from their division commander for our support is something that will definitely stay with us,” he said.
The joint operation helped the signal soldiers in 229th to see how important the US-ROKA partnership is to maintaining interoperability.
“I think it’s really good for us, working together. If anything should happen we know that our systems will be able to talk to each other,” said Pfc. Jeremy Willis, a signal support systems specialist (25U).
This is his first duty station. The Mesa, Arizona native did not think that he would be working at a joint level so early in his career.
The training made the mission in Korea more tangible and realistic, said Crapps.
The armistice that has been in place for more than 60 years may shift to contingency operations, and knowing that the partner nation systems work together is important.
“I think now, I am more comfortable knowing that our military and their military can work together,” he said.
The 2nd Sustainment Brigade provides support the 2nd Infantry Division and non-divisional units around the Korean peninsula.
| Date Taken: | 03.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2016 06:23 |
| Story ID: | 191693 |
| Location: | CAMP CARROLL, KR |
| Hometown: | MESA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 182 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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