Illionis National Guard Soldiers Field New Communication System

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Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti (center), of Springfield, the commander of the Illinois Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. John Starbody (left), of Decatur the senior enlisted adviser for the Illinois A

FORT GORDON, GA (09/30/2010)(readMedia)-- In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the phone changed the way the America communicated showing the world how a voice from miles away can alter a single event.

Communication on the battlefield has been key to victory and saving the lives and keeping commanders aware in order to influence a proper decision in a moment's notice.

As technology has grown so have the Illinois National Guard's ability to stay updated and current to complete its mission to state and country.

Officials of the Illinois Army National Guard visited Illinois Soldiers training to use the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) at the Signal School of Excellence Sept. 29 at Fort Gordon, Ga.

The 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) is the first brigade under the Illinois Army National Guard to be trained and to receive the WIN-T. The 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the 108th Sustainment Brigade will receive WIN-T equipment within the next year.

Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti of Springfield, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army , Command Sgt. Maj. John Starbody of Decatur, the senior enlisted adviser for the Illinois Army National Guard and Col. Paul Hastings of St. Charles, the commander of the 33rd IBCT spoke with trainers and Illinois Soldiers about the WIN-T and what it offers to the Illinois National Guard's mission.

The WIN-T is the newest communication system being fielded to Army personnel. Its mobile communications capabilities make it a critical asset to U.S. military forces of all branches. By roughly 2013 all major Army units throughout the active duty, National Guard and Reserve components will have the WIN-T equipment and personnel trained to use it.

With the possibility of returning to Afghanistan in the next few years, the 33rd IBCT has been training to be proficient with the WIN-T equipment and to remain on the forefront of technology, he said.

"Soldiers of the 33rd have displayed a great motivation to learn this new system and become proficient in it," said Celletti. "With record breaking course attendance and excellent reports from their trainers, I'm proud of the effort put forth from these Soldiers and their desire to excel."

During the 2008 deployment to Afghanistan Soldiers with the 33rd IBCT saw the WIN-T system being used by Air Force units in Afghanistan, said Staff Sgt. Robert Dobbs of Marion, communication systems

supervisor with C Company, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion based out of Carbondale.

The WIN-T offers the 33rd IBCT a better system compared to what was used in the past years, Dobbs said.

The 33rd IBCT has been tasked with the challenge and privilege to be first Illinois unit with the WIN-T system and personnel fully trained in its use, said Celletti.

"When the 108th and the 404th receive its WIN-T equipment we will have three brigades under one command that can efficiently communicate with one another no matter the circumstance," said Celletti.

The training the Soldiers at Fort Gordon can be applied to more than just an overseas combat environment, said Hastings. It can be used in domestic emergencies when the Illinois National Guard is called upon to assist emergency relief efforts in and outside the state of Illinois, he said.

"In the event of a serious incident, catastrophe or earthquake we'll be able to implement our Soldiers and organizations throughout the state," said Hastings. "We can immediately resolve those concerns and issues that are out there and communicate transparently to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and local emergency responders."

The WIN-T allows for real-time communication, which is critical in any area of operation, domestic or overseas, said Hastings. The WIN-T can transfer communications non-line of sight using satellites in orbit to any location in the United States, he said. In the case of a major disaster, the WIN-T can be mobilized and provide communications even when all commercial forms of communication are down, he said.

"The Illinois Army National Guard and it Soldiers play a major role in the defense of the nation and during domestic emergencies and we will adapt with the advancements of technology to complete our mission," Celletti said.