Ramstein to conduct Giant Voice testing Oct 2, 5, and 6

A worker performs maintenance work on a public announcement system on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 8, 2017. Public announcement loudspeakers are used on installations throughout the Air Force as a way to notify the public of various emergencies and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua)

Ramstein to conduct Giant Voice testing Oct 2, 5, and 6

Published Sept. 29, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The 86th Communications Squadron is scheduled to conduct several tests of its “Giant Voice” capability at Air Force installations across the Kaiserslautern Military Community next week.

All 18 loudspeakers will be tested on Oct. 2. Once each loudspeaker starts, the test may last for up to an hour. Each system will play every warning tone.

On Oct 5, and 6, the community can expect to hear testing from all speaker stacks throughout the day to include a “system-wide” test where all speakers broadcast at the same time.

The testing is necessary due to recent upgrades, said Lt. Col. Steven P. Brummitt, 86th CS commander.

“We’ve made some improvements to the system to ensure its reliability and clarity,” said Brummitt. “It’s important that we give each and every system a proper testing so we ensure it can deliver for us in the future.”

The loudspeakers, also known as giant voice systems, are scattered throughout Ramstein Air Base, Kapaun Air Station, and Vogelweh Military Complex.

Brummitt added that in addition to the one-time testing next week, routine testing will continue between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Tuesday. The 86th Airlift Wing Command Post is also scheduled to conduct its own giant voice tests every Wednesday at 12 p.m., he said.