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Communication is Key for CLE-HOA

Submitted by: Marine Forces Reserve

Story Identification Number: 200312711582

Story by Cpl. Matthew J. Apprendi

U.S. ARMY GARRISON SELFRIDGE, Mich.(January 27, 2003) -- It is how Marines pass vital information from the highest rank down to the private. There can't be any misunderstandings - everyone has to be on the same page of music, or a Marine's life could be at stake. The art form is communication.

For the Marines with the communication section, Command Logistical Element-Horn of Africa, Marine Central Command, it is their duty to uphold this valuable resource and ensure all written and verbal communication is passed to the correct party, without any complication, via a computer or radio.

At the present time, they stand fast here preparing to deploy to the HOA. The hard chargers prepare by taking classes and by getting some hands on training with the radios and computer systems they'll be using in the HOA.

"If communication goes down, you would lose all your life lines - confusion would take over - it's our job to make sure that doesn't happen," said Lance Cpl. Michael Cole, field radio operator, who hails from Troy, Mich.

There is no doubt about it - communication is essential; how would forward observers call in artillery fire, if miles separate them? How would the commanding officer lead and direct his troops, if separated by land, water and air? The answer is quite simple - they couldn't, Cole said.

"We live in a technological world, new computers, software and radios are coming out all the time - as a communications section, we need to stay above that power curve," said Capt. Willie E. Davis, officer-in-charge, communication section.

Even now, the Marines were just introduced to a new Personal Radio Communicator here, the PRC-148. A hand held unit, with a range of approximately two miles, that will serve as an encrypted radio unit used by Marines standing post in the HOA.

It will be the duty of the communication Leathernecks to ensure the PRC-148 units are working properly, with secure communication between Marines - secure from the enemy, said Staff Sgt. Brian S. Brown, communication chief, who deployed from Marine Forces Reserve, New Orleans.

Not to mention, all of the wiring, Internet access and the other radios they are responsible for handling in the HOA, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They will remain ready and knowledgeable of all those systems, plus prepared to adapt and overcome any new communication situation, Davis said.

"We were able to pull Marines from different units throughout the country and plug them into one section," Davis said. "It doesn't matter where a Marine comes from, we all have the same standard - getting the job done right."