Controlling the web of communication in Iraq

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Spc. Andrew Crozier, 34, of Braselton, Ga., a hub operator for Company A, 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, checks on a massive sattelite dish used to extend computer and telephone services to bases in Iraq. The U.S. military operates six in the world, including four at Camp Victory.


Controlling the web of communication in Iraq
By Vince Little, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, February 22, 2008

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq — Spread across dozens of locations in Iraq, more than 500 soldiers with the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion are working to tie U.S. and coalition forces into a blossoming information grid.

The Mannheim, Germany-based unit operates 40 sites in country and that number is growing. It provides all communication networks for several Army divisions and the Marines out west.

“We’ve had many technological upgrades since past OIFs. That enables us to go into smaller sites in more remote locations, such as (joint security stations),” said Lt. Col. Kris Kramarich, 40, of Belgrade, Mont., and the battalion commander. “We’re not limited by distance anymore. It’s all satellite.”

That’s also led to faster computer connections and better telephone service, she said.

The battalion, which deployed last October, participated in the first Iraq rotation and also went to Afghanistan from 2005-2006.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52689