1st CBCS: sharpening skills, creating solutions

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
By Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua --  Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron conducted a readiness exercise on Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany, Oct. 26, 2017.

The exercise, is expected to continue for approximately two weeks, and is designed to test the mission capabilities 1st CBCS Airmen. The combat communications Airmen also partnered with the 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron and U.S. Army for this training event.

Training activities include building and expanding networks, setting up satellite communications, and integrating with counterparts from other branches of service.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alexander Roosma, 1st Combat Communications Squadron mission planning and operations flight commander, said the exercise will test his Airmen’s capability to cooperate with sister branches and prepare them for real-world operations.

“”The purpose of this exercise is to validate that our team is fully-trained, our equipment is prepared, and that we are ready to provide the communication requirements for our customers,” said Roosma, who leads the 1st CBCS Airmen on the exercise. “Not only that, but we are also looking to develop new solutions on how to provide network back-ups for us and the Army.”

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Sargent, 1st Combat Communications squadron tactical network operator, stressed the importance of taking exercises seriously, saying training events prepare Airmen for higher level exercises and eventually real operations.

Sargent cited exercises, such as the one which is ongoing, as the reason for the 1st CBCS’s success.

“It’s crucial that we imitate the real world as much as possible because that’s what prepares us for game day,” he said. “We practice so much that when it comes to real-world contingency operations, we are able to effectively do what we do best from all facets.”

Sargent expressed pride in his squadron and in his career field, adding that training events give him an opportunity to improve his understanding about the communications career field and also sharpen his skills in his job.

“I love my job and I love the chance to get out here,” he said. “It gives me a chance to hone my skills and learn about what I am doing and why I am doing and be a better technician overall.”