31Us make it happen in IT/IA

Army Communicator, Fall, 2003 by Curtis L. Rucker

The Signal Corps is changing and 31U, Signal Support Systems Specialist, is making it happen! With the new changes in the information technology and information assurance arena there is no longer the need for hands-on experience in sending and receiving radio messages and using the Communications- Electronics Operation Instructions. The 31U field has transformed into a digitalized battle-field communication specialty due to improved technology in radio and computer communication capabilities, using the Internet Protocol. The advancements in the communications field have made it easier for 31Us to support clients.

Training

Even as a soldier grows and matures within the 31U field, training is always needed. With vast and continuous changes in battlefield communications, classroom and online knowledge is essential. Some of the 31U's unique training consists of classroom learning combined with online training such as: Advance system improvement programs--Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System, Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade-and-Below, Enhanced Position Location Reporting System, Army Tactical Command and Control System, Maneuver Control System and Common Hardware System just to name a few.

The Signal Corps strives for a new level in training excellence. 31Us now download technical and training manuals without leaving their unit. The 31U can also research systems online from various sources such as: 31U News Center Online, 31U Online and University of Institutional Technology websites. These resources provide the latest breaking information from the Signal Center and installations across world.

The future awaits

In the interim and objective forces the 31U soldiers assigned to the Stryker Brigade will move at a rapid pace. The new Signal vehicle Network Operation Center Vehicle currently has transition CHS components which are making a smooth transition into the future. The NOCV represents the centralized workstation where 31Us will be in manuever units.

The voice of the Regiment

The Regimental Signal Command Sergeant Major CSM Michael Terry is traveling around the world to visit and listen to Signal soldiers in the field. CSM Terry stated that 31U is doing great and making things happen in the corps and division. The 31Us in maneuver units can expect new challenges. 31U and Signal units need to maintain communication to meet training challenges in the field and bridge the gap.

CSM Terry also said that he is proud of two Signal soldiers in the 31U field: SFC Darwin Johnson and SPC Mark Vallem who won Soldier of the Year boards. SFC Johnson, assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division 1/319 Field Artillery, works along with a Signal officer as communication chief. SFC Johnson won the 82nd Airborne Division Noncommisioned Officer of the Year. SPC Mark Vallem, assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, 331st Signal Company, works on the Retrans team. SPC Vallem won 24th Infantry Division Soldier of the Year. SPC Vallem is now striving to make Forces Command Soldier of the Year.

The Regimental Commander BG Janet A. Hicks said, "The 31U is making it happen in the IT/IA arena."

As the communication equipment improves with embedded CHS, 31Us help smooth the learning curve for their clients. Today's clients have a variety of communication systems at their disposal to voice to communicate on the battlefield. The 31Us are not only responsible for hardware but must be well versed in information assurance. The IA portion is much like the CHS; it is constantly in a state of flux with new safeguards to maintain confidentiality and integrity created on a weekly or daily basis to maintain communication on the battlefield.

BG Hicks recently received email messages on the great and wonderful accomplishments of 31Us for Operation Iraqi Freedom efforts. Their knowledge and training on a variety of communication equipment and systems has made a big difference on the battlefield compared to Desert Storm.

Final thoughts

Without the diversity of 31U in communication field maneuver units, it is impossible to pass pertinent data, voice, and video information across the battlefield. The communications section (S-6) consists of the highly motivated, knowledgeable and determined soldiers in the Signal Corps. Regardless of the situation 31Us are put into you can rest assured that communications will be maintained. Like the famous adage says, "You can talk about us, but you can't talk without us."

ACRONYM QUICKSCAN

ASIP--Advance system improvement program

CHS--Common Hardware System

EPLRS--Enhanced Position Location Reporting System

IA--Information Assurance

IP--Internet Protocol

IT --Information Technology

NOCV--Network Operation Center Vehicle

SFC Curtis Rucker Jr. is the Senior Career Management NCO for MOS 31U/ Z with Office Chief of Signal.