Focus on LandWarNet at brigade, battalion level S6 workshop

The S6 Workshop was conducted as part of the 32nd Signal Regimental Symposium. With more than 60 participants attending, it was a success.

The workshop focused on LandWarNet issues at the brigade and battalion levels, and issues included modularity, Tactical SATCOM, Lessons Learned, and tactics, techniques and procedures. MAJ Dave Palmer from the 442nd Signal Battalion facilitated the workshop and key organizations represented included the Joint Readiness Training Center, 3rd Infantry Division and 1st Cavalry.

The Directorate of Combat Developments provided an overview brief on modularity and how it impacts the S6. This was augmented by valuable feedback from those currently undergoing restructuring in 3ID.

Due to these doctrinal changes and cultural shifts we as Signaleers must understand potential impacts on maneuver commanders. Understanding the role of the S6 and the Signal company is even more important today in order to meet ever-growing requirements for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. MG Janet Hicks' visited the workshop and reemphasized the significance of the S6 and support to the warfighter.

The setting was an open forum, allowing participants to discuss relevant issues and recommend solutions to problems faced by S6s, especially those deploying in the near future. One of the more beneficial aspects of the conference was the discussion on collaborative tools to allow S6s to share ideas, techniques and procedures, provide feedback and query for assistance.

We unveiled the S6 Forums located on the University of Information Technology (https:// uit.gordon.army.mil/portal/) and the Signal representative from Center of Army Lessons Learned introduced himself. CALL is working to simplify access to the Signal-specific lessons learned on their website (http://call.army.mil). Given the vast experience gained from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, we need to push not only to collect such information but package it in formats or forums that are easily accessed for all Signaleers.

The lessons learned and successful TTPs presented by LTC Collin Hill from JRTC were reinforced by the OIF Lessons Learned from MAJ Diane Ryan (1CD G6), and MAJ Dan Kuntz and MAJ John Moelter from 3ID. Everything from S6 battle tracking, staff integration, communications rehearsals and information flow were discussed. Many excellent solutions were shared among the workshop attendees, and will be captured and shared on the S6 forums on the University of Information Technology Web site.

The group also received a visit from our Regimental Warrant Officer, CW5 Andy Barr, who discussed the roles and relationships of the new 254A warrant officer--the Signal Systems Support Technician warrant. This new "TOC (tactical operations center) Warrant" will be a tremendous addition to the S6 Team and will be an invaluable S6 enabler.

The S6 Team partnered with TSM-SATCOM to provide current and emerging information on SATCOM systems and capabilities. This session culminated with an excellent demonstration from Communications-Electronics Command, Raytheon and Harris Radio. CECOM gave a great SATCOM-on-the-Move demonstration and attendees were also able to do a hands-on demonstration with the Shadowfire and the Mixed Excited Linear Predictive waveform and the new Integrated Waveform, which not only improve digital voice quality, but also increase the access to a very limited resource. Harris also provided a great demonstration on the AN/PRC-117F. Steve Kaiser demonstrated the AN/PRC-150 HF and discussed his initiatives to support our S6 HF training.

We as a Regiment need to continue using those effective collaborative methods to share knowledge, solutions, TIPs and lessons learned across the spectrum of the Signal Community.

Based on this year's attendance and interest, we expect the S6 Workshop to continue to be one of the highlights for the Signal symposium. Much like the increasing significance for the role of the S6, the S6 Workshop will become a focal point at the Signal symposium to address the important issues affecting the S6/G6s.

We look forward to seeing an increased attendance next year, especially from our commo chiefs, our new 254As. We also hope to have more representation from the battalion and brigade level.

The S6 will be the tip of the spear for the LandWarNet and the S6 will continue to represent the Signal Corps through success, cohesiveness, support to the maneuver command and embodiment of the Warrior Ethos.

Pro Patria Vigilans

ACRONYM QUICKSCAN

C41SR--command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

CALL--Center of Army Lessons Learned

CECOM--Communications and Electronics Command

DCD--Directorate of Combat Developments

HF--high frequency

ID--Infantry Division

JRTC--Joint Readiness Training Center

MELP--Mixed Excited Linear Predictive

OEF--Operation Enduring Freedom

OEF--Operation Iraqi Freedom

SATCOM--satellite communications

SOTM--SATCOM-On-The-Move

TOC--tactical operations center

TSM--TRADOC Systems Managers

TTP--tactics, techniques and procedures

UIT--University of Information Technology

Check this out

S6 Forums located on the University of Information Technology:

https://uit.gordon.army.mil/portal/

CALL is working to simplify access to the Signal-specific lessons learned on their website:

http://call.army.mil/

MAJ Palmer is the S6 team chief, 442nd Signal Battalion, Fort Gordon, Ga.

COPYRIGHT 2005 U.S. Army Signal Center
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group