Army reserve Signal Command receives networking award

Army Communicator, Winter, 2003 by Greg Majewski

The 335th Theater Signal Command received the Network Trailblazing Award in Atlanta Nov. 6 for its computer networking operations in support of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

TechTarget, an Internet technology based company, which recognizes civilian corporations and other organizations for their work in the IT industry, gave the award.

"I've been following network technology for 15 years," said Paul Gillin, vice president of editorial for TechTarget. Gillin also served as a judge

"I've never seen a case where someone has had to build a network of this size and this scope, just by itself, much less under battlefield conditions in which these guys were dealing with," said Gillin.

The 335th competed against eight other finalists in the Network Trailblazer category.

Another judge in the competition said he was more impressed with the magnitude of the operation.

"The shear size of this build out alone is impressive," said Zeus Kerravala.

"The fact that it was so successful in supporting a globally important event makes it extraordinary."

MAJ Thomas Lantzy accepted the award on behalf of the 335th Theater Signal Command. His team led in the planning of the IT operation.

"At the time we were building out the network, we did not think it to be a very big thing because we were so busy," said Lantzy. " But looking back now, I can see just how big of an accomplishment this actually is."

TechTarget says it recognized the 335th for using leading-edge networking technology to slash costs, generate new revenue or improve productivity, resulting in a network that provided users with increased efficiency, mobility and agility.

MG "Rip" Detamore, who commands the 335th, says he couldn't be prouder of the work his soldiers have done in support of the global war on terror.

"These men and women, many of whom are reservists, have performed magnificently, under extremely harsh conditions, and under pressure to meet timelines very few can even imagine ... this project could absolutely not slip. After all, lives were at stake, and many of our soldiers were saved, by the ability of our Warfighting Commanders to execute their missions with the information dominance these networks provided. Nothing can be more critically important than that," said Detamore.

"This award only demonstrates the professionalism, determination, and dedication of great citizen soldiers, as well as our active forces. It is a great tribute to the teamwork of all of our Signaleers--Army, Marine, Air Force and our Allies--on today's digital battlefield."

The 335th Theater Signal Command is responsible for the communication and computer network stretched across 25 countries in the southwest Asia area of responsibility.

The unit is based out of East Point, Ga.

CPT Majewski is with the 335th Signal Theater Command.