CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION MAREZ, MOSUL, Iraq - In most units, the routine technical requirements of information technology needed to keep a network's computers, phones, printers, and other signal equipment operational goes unnoticed.
Most people don't think about the effort and knowledge needed to keep the Army's numerous communications systems running. In fact, most Soldiers don't think about the S-6 section until they have an issue with their computer or any of their other communications equipment.
The 130th Engineer Brigade's S-6 is responsible for the continuous availability and integrity of the local network connectivity and security for the numerous communications systems that keeps information flowing and the brigade productivity running smoothly.
From running network cables to troubleshooting communication equipment issues, the seven-man team is continually on the go. Their main focus is to provide signal support for various types of systems to include the Blue Force Tracker, Frequency Management communications, Army Battle Command Systems, and anything that produces automated productivity. The team must also ensure the brigade's secure radios are up to date with the latest "crypto" for tactical communications during missions outside the wire.
Maj. Alex Bishop, the brigade's signal officer, said the most important aspect of his section's job in Iraq is providing the critical communications that enhance the brigade's role in the U.S. - Iraqi partnership. The 130th Engineer Brigade is responsible for engineering and reconstruction efforts in Ninewa province. With engineer battalions and companies scattered throughout not only Ninewa province, but all of Multi-National Division-North, reliable communications is essential.
The S-6 section, on average, responds to 10-15 help desk requests per day, not including the emergency walk-in's needing assistance right away or the "while-you-are-here" requests received while working on various trouble tickets in different offices. Bishop, of Fairfield, Pa., said when the brigade first arrived in country, his team responded to about 40 per day.
"When we first got to Iraq, my section worked about 16-18 hours a day to establish the required network structures so all the brigade's sections could function. While it has slowed down, new requirements continue to arise, requiring further expansion to our established networks," Bishop said.
Sgt. Stacey L. Sill, a signal support system specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 130th Engineer Bde., is one of the Soldiers who helps take care of automation helpdesk requests. She also coordinates video teleconferences and is the brigade's communications security custodian.
Sill, a Berrien Spring, Mich., native, uses her technical expertise to troubleshoot and solve any issues that come up with the brigade's communications network. She's completed numerous helpdesk requests and said she is continually learning during the process.
"We can fix a problem one way, but sometimes the same problem comes up the next day and yesterday's solution won't work," said Sill.
Along with setting up and maintaining the brigade's computer network, another S-6 responsibility is compliance and information assurance security. All the communications systems on the network must meet specific standards set forth by Multi-National Corp —Iraq.
The brigade's assistant S-6, Cpt. Jacqueline Grabin, of Makaha, Hawaii, is the go-to person for communication purchase requests within the brigade. All requests for communications equipment within the brigade and from the subordinate units go through her to ensure proper justification and compliance are met, as a courtesy to the brigade's budget office, where all purchase requests end up. When Grabin receives a communication request, she ensures proper justification for the equipment is established and then conducts the research to make sure the equipment specifications meet compliance standards.
Grabin is also the brigade's knowledge manager who is responsible for maintaining the brigade's SharePoint website. The portal is a tool that is used to help share information in a more efficient manner and also includes a site for staff members to conduct meetings, both internal and external to the brigade.
"As the knowledge manager, I created a SharePoint site and organized the information so the staff and Soldiers in all the brigade's units can upload and share files," Grabin said. "Instead of e-mailing large amounts of information, they can go to the SharePoint website, upload it and make that information available to whoever needs it."
With so much work to be done in keeping communications going, the S-6 section's job can be frustrating at times. Leaders and Soldier's often times don't realize what the S-6 section can and cannot do.
"People don't understand we're not the top level. With certain communications issues we have to go higher, to the people who manage our network. My section makes sure Soldiers are physically connected to the network. We can only do so much," said Pfc. Cody Cox.
Cox, a Paragould, Ark., native, is responsible for responding to helpdesk requests. As a computer information technology specialist, he provides technical support for the brigade's computer network. His job is not all problem-solving, though.
Recently, the S-6 section took time to make life on COS Marez a little more enjoyable for the brigade's headquarters company. The section spent several days running cables for American Forces Network to Soldiers' containerized housing units or CHU's that are the Soldiers' "home away from home" in Iraq. With limited entertainment options in Iraq, AFN provides news, movies, sports, and other programs to entertain the troops. The 130th Soldiers can now enjoy a little bit of television in their rooms after a long, hard day.
The S-6 AFN installation team installed and enhanced a total of 110 connections for AFN in the unit's living quarters and staff offices. Many of the cables were rerouted to use fewer AFN antennas to provide service to more televisions. With so many requests for AFN, the team has worked many hours during their personal time to install 3,600 ft. of AFN cable.
"It's a morale booster for the whole unit," Cox said. "We're happy to be able to make the time here easier and help Soldiers get their minds off of being away from home."
The S-6 section also installed television, computer and phone cables to a new multi-purpose recreation building the engineers built. With the opening of this building, Soldiers are now able to enjoy an air conditioned facility with movies, games, and musical instruments. It provides a place for Soldiers to relax with comrades during the upcoming holiday season.
Maj. Bishop said he's proud of the Soldiers in his section. Whether it's keeping people connected to the network to achieve the success of the brigade's mission or helping make the Soldiers' lives a little better, this S-6 team is a dedicated, professional group.
"They're always willing to help get the job done and see it through to the end," said Bishop.
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.21.2009 02:57 |
| Story ID: | 39070 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 160 |
| Downloads: | 136 |
This work, The 130th Engineer Brigade's unsung heroes, by SSG Melanie Trollinger, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
