SUWON, South Korea –
Soldiers of the 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade and Republic of Korea Army Soldiers of the 51st Signal Communication Battalion gathered to participate in joint signal communications training at Base 51, here on Dec. 16.
The joint signal communications training was designed to enhance overall military readiness by learning the basic concepts of radio antenna equipment and ensuring connectivity between the ROK and U.S. systems in a joint training environment.
"The training event helps us to build a cohesive relationship with the Republic of Korean Army, getting both Armies on the same level of communication skill," said Spc. Michael E. Sosa, Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator and Maintainer, Alpha Company, 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade. "Most of us have not worked with other forces very often and training like this shows us how we come together as one. It's a good experience for newer soldiers as well."
"As for our unit, we try to conduct training like this once every two months." said Sosa. "And 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion's task in this training is to work alongside and build the relationship between the ROK Army and ourselves as one working unit so we can achieve the same goal while conducting a mission to ensure compatibility during battle."
The event highlighted the 304th ESB and 51st Signal Communication Battalion Soldiers setting up their radio antenna equipment with the intent of establishing an active voice communications connection.
"The joint signal communications training is important because we are allies and if something would happen in the future we can rely on our ROK counterparts," said 2nd Lt. Eric R. Thorsen, 1st Platoon Leader, Alpha Company, 304th ESB, 1st Signal Brigade. "And soldiers who are participating in this training can have fun while learning about each other's equipment and how to operate them."
"If something would happen, we are familiar with our ROK Army counterparts and we'll know the capabilitites of each others radio signal equipment," said Thorsen. "With their signal equipment we can do our own communications training and they can do the same with ours. Obviously, doing the basic signal soldiers' function while interacting with other signal units is beneficial for both sides."
At the conclusion of the training Thorsen and Soldiers in his team exchanged feedback with the 51st Signal Communication Battalion; discussing the key takeaways of the event and the way ahead for future joint training opportunities to enhance operational readiness for both U.S. and ROK Armies.