Illinois Soldier becomes signal support specialist

Related Media

See Cutline 1

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/27/2016)(readMedia)-- Staff Sgt. Daniel Hufford of Rantoul, Illinois, an instructor at Illinois' 2nd Battalion, 129th Regional Training Institute's Officer Candidate School in Springfield, Illinois was among 15 Army National Guard Soldiers to become signal support specialists April 26. The Soldiers were recognized during a graduation ceremony held at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

Hufford and the other Soldiers learned vital information technology skills during the two-phase, four-week long course. During the first phase Soldiers learned skills relevant to install, troubleshoot and repair commercial information technology equipment including computers, routers, switches and computer hardware and software. Phase two focused on establishing and maintaining battlefield communications through computer systems, radios and satellite communications. The Soldiers also participated in a Capstone Field Exercise to reinforce the skills they learned throughout the course at the end of phase two.

Hufford will continue to instruct at the 129th's OCS, but will now also instruct at the 129th's 25U Signal Support Specialist Reclassification course.

Cutline 1: Staff Sgt. Daniel Hufford of Rantoul, Illinois, an instructor at Illinois' 2nd Battalion, 129th Regional Training Institute's Officer Candidate School in Springfield, Illinois shakes hands with Col. Paul Fanning of Chestnut, Illinois, commander of the 129th Regional Training Institute, as he receives his course completion certificate during the 25U Signal Support Specialist Reclassification course graduation ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy in Springfield, Illinois, April 26. Hufford will continue to instruct at the 129th's OCS, but will now also take on additional instructor duties at the 25U reclassification course. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Spreitzer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)