AC Summer 08 WIN-T Online - United States Army Signal Center of ...

This project not only extended
across several of NETCOM’s subordinate
commands, but also touched
other military departments.”
“His (Couture’s) ability to
coordinate across such a wide
variety of organizations while
achieving project goals speaks to his
leadership capability and the value
of his experience, and was critical to
the success in completing this
project,” said Hamlett.
Couture was placed in charge
of the DMS restructuring project
after receiving LSS Green Belt
training, and was officially awarded
his Green Belt certificate after
completion of the DMS optimization
project. Although this project is
much more extensive than a typical
Green Belt project, this is Couture’s
first completed project that was
required for certification said
Hamlett. “The Army program of
instruction requires all belt candidates
to successfully complete one
project after attending two weeks of
training to qualify for certification.”
The savings from this project
were not typical either; and as a
result of the substantial savings to
the Army and the success of this
project, it is evident that LSS will
continue to be a part of NETCOM’s
transformation efforts as the command
continues to provide global
communication capabilities to the
Warfighter.
Mr. Van Vleet is a public affairs
officer with Network Enterprise Command,
Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
50TH SIGNAL BATTALION
(EXPEDITIONARY) PROVIDES
SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS
SUPPORT DURING BEYOND THE
HORIZON 2008
By 2LT Eric P. Young
In one year the 50th Signal
Battalion went from a mobile subscriber,
equipment-based, corps
support signal battalion, to the new
joint network node-based Expeditionary
Signal Battalion. In addition
to new equipment, the battalion
acquired a new mission to install,
operate, and maintain a reliable,
responsive, and robust command,
control, communications, and
computers system anywhere in the
world. Shortly after training,
fielding, and validating the new
equipment, the battalion received a
real-world mission in support of
United States Army South and they
deployed to Honduras, Trinidad and
Tobago, and Suriname as part of a
humanitarian project called Tactical Beyondsite
set up of Bravo Company of the 50th
the Horizon 2008. While in Signal South Battalion in Trinidad in support of Beyond
and Central America, one platoon the Horizon 2008.
from A and B Companies, 50th about 350 U.S. service members,
Signal Battalion supported U.S. representing National Guard and
Army South’s mission, which Reserve forces from all branches of
required them to work side-by-side service deployed as part of the
with other services and branches of mission. The 50th Signal Battalion
the U.S. and foreign military and operated with numerous Reserve
provide reliable communications and National Guard units, to include
support.
troops from Texas, Wisconsin,
Beyond the Horizon is a Connecticut, South Dakota, Puerto
humanitarian effort designed to Rico, and the Virgin Islands. As part
foster goodwill and improve rela- of a Joint Task Force, the Battalion
tions between the United States and also worked with the Marines, Navy,
governments of the region. Since and Air Force. Additionally, U.S.
March 2008, U.S. military personnel Soldiers worked with host nation
have provided comprehensive forces. Specifically, the Trinidad
humanitarian and civic assistance. Defense Force personnel showed
Troops specializing in engineering, great support and responsiveness to
construction, and health care pro- the missions. According to SSG
vide much needed services to Matthew Kohn from B Company “it
communities in the area. Some of is interesting to see how all the other
the services troops provide include branches and services operate within
building schools, clinics, community the Joint Task Force to accomplish
centers, water wells, and other life tasks.” Overall, the 50th Signal
enhancement facilities. Further- Battalion proved an integral part of a
more, U.S. military health care concept that promotes strong and
professionals conduct Medical and enduring relations not just with
Dental Readiness Training Exercises partner nations, but with other
in each country, providing services branches of the U.S. military.
to thousands of citizens requiring
The 50th Signal Battalion’s new
care. Beyond the Horizon simulta- joint network node equipment
neously strengthens foreign military provided vast capabilities to all task
interactions, improves the conditions force subscribers. The subscriber
within communities, and benefits the requirements for each site included:
integration among our nation’s 20 Non-secure Internet Protocol
partner capabilities.
Router users, five Secure Internet
The mission of Beyond the Protocol Router users, one secure
Horizon required U.S. joint services Video Teleconferencing, 10 Defense
to maintain a high state of readiness Systems Network users, 30 Voice
and enhanced ability to mobilize and over Internet Protocol users, and 30
deploy in support of active duty POTS users. After initial installation,
counterparts. The 50th Signal the Joint Network Node platoons
Battalion provided highly reliable shifted focus to setting up tactical
and flexible communications among operations centers for the Partner-
various branches and services. At ship of the Americas Engagement
any given time during the exercise, Team staff. Soldiers from Company
Army Communicator 79