Photo By Pfc. Christopher McKenna | Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel Solis, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Christopher McKenna
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
COMBAT OUTPOST MEADE, Iraq – At one point, improvised explosive devices posed a severe threat to Soldiers going outside the wire.
Today, security gains throughout Iraq have resulted in fewer occurrences of IEDs and other attacks. One Navy electronic warfare officer provides Soldiers at Combat Outpost Meade with peace of mind as he does his part to decrease threat of IEDs.
"My job is to maintain the counter-IED equipment on all of the vehicles that go outside of the wire," said Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel Solis, native of Ore City, Texas, Joint Counter Radio Controlled IED Electronic Warfare Composite Squadron-1, attached to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
"I maintain the equipment and make sure that, when at all possible, improvements are made."
Solis arrived in June after working as a cryptologic technician onboard the USS Sampson, out of San Diego. A cryptologic technician is similar to an electronic warfare officer on the ship, except operating with equipment optimized for maritime missions.
"I got my skill sets from the Navy and use that over here," he said. "I went through a week-long course here, and I'd say about 90 percent of what I do is from hands-on training."
Prior to arriving to the unit, Solis didn't know what to expect, especially being Navy and joining the ranks of an Army unit.
"Since I've arrived, I feel like I have been accepted well," Solis said. "I've never once felt like I don't belong. I feel like I am a part of the team, and in the same sense, I am treated like I am a part of the team."
Each of 1-187th Inf. Regt.'s four outlying patrol bases has a CREW specialist helping to maintain the trucks outside of Combat Outpost Meade. Fellow JCCS-1 Sailors and Airmen work throughout the Rakkasan operational area.
"We assist the supported commander with employing defensive and offensive electronic warfare and are helping to build the Army's organic electronic warfare capability for their future deployments," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Miller, from Oak Harbor, Wash., JCCS-1, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), electronic warfare officer.
When a system has a fault, Solis examines equipment in the vehicle, troubleshoots, then takes the needed steps to get the system running properly again.
"Being at Combat Outpost Meade would have to be the most challenging aspect of my job. Being in a remote location, the logistical aspect is challenging," Solis said. "Having a CREW specialist at each of the patrol bases has made it a lot easier. They're smart. They know what they're doing."
"I have learned a lot that I will not only use after the Rakkasans leave the country, but things I will also be able to take with me back to the Navy," Solis said.
His experiences and capabilities also instill confidence in his fellow service members.
"Guys like him are the ones making the difference," Miller said. "He is one of the key guys out there helping the commanders execute counterinsurgency operations safely."
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2008 09:47 |
| Story ID: | 23118 |
| Location: | COMBAT OUTPOST MEADE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 377 |
| Downloads: | 315 |
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