Taking advantage of training opportunities

“Train like you fight” is the mantra of the members of the 1st Combat Communications Squadron.

During the recent Voyage Pass exercise, 26 Airmen were able to hone their skills to do just that.

Throughout the five-day exercise, Airman were able to train with live satellite time, which is difficult to come by due to the primary need in other operations across the services.

This training provided personnel with opportunities to figure out questions they would encounter in a real-world scenario.

They were able to establish unclassified and classified computer networks, Defense Switched Network services, video teleconference and troubleshoot their systems.
Trainers explained the steps used to resolve challenges that are hard to duplicate in the work center or training lab.

“This opportunity provided good insight into the day-to-day tasks that 1st CBCS personnel will need when deployed,” said Tech. Sgt. Paul Matlock, NCOIC of satellite communications.

The satellite technicians were able to complete their job qualification tasks for five personnel that require them to work with satellite controllers at the distant end of the link. Without this type of opportunity they would have to wait for a deployment to complete the last few tasks to be 100 percent qualified.

Staff Sgt. Jason Martin, computer systems technician, said he was impressed with the experience that everyone was gaining in just a short period. He received initial training on information assurance, which will be extremely beneficial in later exercises and deployments.

“With this being my first exercise and not having any prior knowledge of what to expect, I was pleased with the training and opportunity,” said Sergeant Martin.