Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Gaelen Lowers | Billy Townley Jr., lead instructor for the counter radio-controlled electronic warfare...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Eight Soldiers from Joint Base Balad, Iraq, and Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, trained to become counter radio-controlled electronic warfare system specialists for their respective units July 16-18, at the JBB Warlock Shop.
The purpose of CREW systems is to counter insurgents’ ability to detonate radio-controlled improvised explosive devices, said Sgt. 1st Class Tami Jones, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the electronic warfare office with 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Moultrie, Ga., native.
“When used properly, a CREW system will not allow the enemy’s radio controlled improvised explosive device transmitter to communicate with the radio controlled IED receiver, and prevents it from being detonated.”
Soldiers listened to lectures and conducted hands-on training including learning how to troubleshoot the various systems, put them into operation and also verify that the each system works properly.
“Every Soldier should know how to operate and understand the importance of life-saving equipment,” said Billy Townley Jr., lead instructor for the CREW systems training with 1st Battalion, 402nd Army Field Support Brigade and a Bridgeton, N.C., native. “CREW system specialists are responsible for the lives of their fellow Soldiers. Soldiers going on missions rely on others to ensure that their CREW systems have been fully checked for standard operating procedures.”
Jones said the number one bullet in her class is “electronic warfare saves more lives than anything else we do on the battlefield.”
Soldiers in the class walked away with considerably more knowledge of the CREW systems and many said they would recommend the class to every Soldier that could take it, said Pfc. William Jessup, a Soldier working in the central receiving and shipping point with the 403rd Transportation Company, 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Point, Texas, native.
“This is the most important thing we have in the Army,” he said. “It saves lives, flat out.”
Spc. Jacob Bastian, also a Soldier working with the 403rd Trans. Company at the CRSP and a Gadsden, Ala., native, agreed with Jessup and said the CREW systems were the best equipment the Army has to offer in saving Soldiers’ lives.
“I think that the military as a whole is coming up with better and more ways to defeat the enemy,” Bastian said. “Being knowledgeable on these systems is great. I feel confident in knowing how to operate and troubleshoot these systems now.”
Jessup said the training will prepare him for his Army career.
“This is how we fight wars now,” he said, “and I’d like to be that guy that makes sure everyone makes it home alive.”
The Warlock shop at JBB offers CREW system training, installs, maintenance and repair, day or night. They are dedicated to serving the Soldiers’ CREW needs, Townley said.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.26.2010 14:35 |
| Story ID: | 53411 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 539 |
| Downloads: | 169 |
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