LATAM conference a success

Army Communicator, Fall, 2004 by Brandon R. Aird

The 2004 Latin American and Caribbean Communications Conference began Aug. 23 at the Radisson Hotel in Augusta, Ga., home of United States Army's Signal Center. Officers from 23 countries participated in the week-long event, designed to help prepare for future multi-national operations.

The Latin American and Caribbean Communications Conference began in 1994 to develop communication standards, compatibility and familiarization among armies in the United States Army South area of responsibility.

Since 1994, nine conferences have been held in six countries. Tobias G. Rojas (civilian), of Costa Rica, attended a decade ago at the first conference, and almost half of this year's participants were at last year's conference.

"This year's conference focused on building future communications and computer compatibility among the different nations," said COL Nathaniel Smith, the USARSO deputy chief of Staff for Communications and commander for the 93rd Signal Brigade.

"The most important thing is that all the Latin American countries come together for the common goal to develop a standard method of communication for all Latin American countries," said COL Angel Bravo, of Ecuador. "That would allow us to be united under any circumstances (natural disaster, global threat, etc.)."

One of the key aspects of the conference is to promote military relationships among the Latin American countries, and contribute to the development of regional ties, said LTC Raymond Rembish, USARSO deputy director for communications.

The focus on the first day was a series of collaborative discussions on regional command, control, communication and computer issues. One way to help solve some issues is a Latin American and Caribbean web site to share information between the nations armies. The website has a secure e-mail system for the Conference on American Armies and will facilitate information for academic, military and training centers.

The second day of the Latin American and Caribbean Communications Conference began with a presentation on Argentina's C4.

In October 2002 COL Daniel Gerstein, then USARSO DCSG6 and USARSO Operations Commander, visited Argentina to compare technology and assess the compatibility of Argentina's communication systems with those in the U.S.

With a relatively modest Investment in commercial connectivity equipment, Argentina fulfilled a large amount of its C4 requirements and, at the same time, enjoyed a high degree of compatibility with any other force In the world, said LTC Oscar Vuisso, of Argentina.

After Argentina's brief, the officers broke off into three regional groups: Caribbean, South America and Central America. The groups discussed C4 issues and how they could overcome their challenges. After the groups dispersed, they left for a social hosted by Harris Corporation and L3 Communications.

The third day brought the conference out of the Radisson Hotel and onto the U.S. Army's Signal Center at Fort Gordon. The officers were brought to the 93rd Signal Brigade's Headquarters to view a tactical communication display. While on post, the officers visited the Fort Gordon Signal Museum and the Main Post Exchange.

After the visiting the PX, the conference moved to the Augusta Museum of History for the DCSG6 dinner. The delegates took a break from the conference to relax and have a good time. The highlight of the night was various countries getting together for some Karaoke.

The next morning started off with presentations from the region groups (Caribbean, South America and Central America). The presentations are crucial for communications planning of future peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

One of the issues brought up was the Caribbean's communication interoperability.

"The Caribbean Emergency Disaster Response Agency does not have the same communication assets across the Caribbean," said Senior LT Floyd Moxey, of the Bahamas. "There is a need for the CEDRA to establish common communication equipment and a regional satellite link to better respond to regional emergencies."

This is one of many issues the conference is progressively working on to solve.

After the presentations were given, the conference started to wrap things up. The delegates were taken on a culture tour to experience Augusta's local offerings.

The conference ended with a closing dinner at the Radisson Hotel with COL Thomas Heaney, USARSO Deputy Commander of Operations giving short speech.

Even though the conference has ended, the officers' work is just beginning. Once back home, the officers will pursue their C 4 missions to prepare them for the Conference on American Armies next April.

SPC Aird is is from Woodinville, Wa. Aird joined the Army Sept. 11, 2001. After graduating from the Basic Journalist Course and Airborne School he was stationed in Italy with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. While in the 173rd he provided media coverage for numerous deployments, which included a one year tour in Northern Iraq. After leaving the 173rd Aird was stationed at Fort Gordon, Ga., where he is currently providing media coverage for the 93rd Signal Brigade.