Special Ops Signal Bn provides special support for Operation Iraqi Freedom

Army Communicator, Fall, 2003 by Patrick Flood

As the network services were being installed and configured by Company C for JSOTF-West, in February 2003, Company B and the battalion TOC deployed into theater to begin operations. Because of denied entry to certain countries, the initial location for JSOTF-North's staging base could not be used and courses of action for alternate locations were necessary. Based on the new course of action, Company B was forced to jump locations several occasions in a short time period. The need for smaller, lighter, transit-case systems which would provide increased flexibility was identified as the airlift requirements for multiple units increased and JSOTF North's FOBs were moved forward with the FOB communications support packages. In order to facilitate command and control, a decision was made to jump the company's hub terminal along with the JSOTF North C2 elements.

Based on this decision, the company knew it needed to jump as fast as possible because the JSOTF would only have its SCAMPI and the three Trojan-Light systems at the FOBs as networked communications platforms. Although the SCAMPI was providing the JSOTF headquarters with basic services, the JSOTF Staff relied heavily on the 352th Communications Squadron communications package. With a delay in airlift due to the need for a C-17 capable airfield to move the legacy system TSC-85, the company arrived in its new location four days after coming off the air when they again established communications links for the JSOTF headquarters. This challenge would have been solved with smaller, lighter, transit-case systems, reducing the amount of airlift required. Company B continued to support combat operations from those new locations until "major combat operations in Iraq [had] ceased" and Company B and JSOTF-North redeployed.

By March 2003, the 112th Signal Battalion had communication assets deployed to support the CFSOCC headquarters, two JSOTFs and six FOBs in Operation Iraqi Freedom while simultaneously engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and other locations.

Upon completion of major combat operations, the next phase of the operation called for a single JSOTF in Baghdad in order to support the continued Army SOF presence in Iraq. The decision was made to establish JSOTF-West as the sole JSOTF (Arabian Peninsula) along with its subordinate FOBs. This allowed Company B, the battalion TOC and the JCCC to transition out of theater and turn command and control of the 112th assets over to the Company C commander. The task of establishing sustainment communications fell on both the 112th Signal Battalion and the JCSE.

Based on attributes, services needed and habitual relationships of both units, the 112th would continue to provide communications for the FOBs while JCSE would establish a USC-60 package to support the JSOTF headquarters. This provided for a no-down-time solution for the transition of the JSOTF-West from one location to the next while at the same time posturing the JSOTF for commercialization and allowing for Company C, 112th Signal Battalion to refit for future operations.