Missouri Guard provides support to Guyana Defense Force
By Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Lupescu
Missouri National Guard
Mr. Mbakhana, a Guyana Defense Force sailor, along with Missouri National Guard Soldier’s Capt. Aaron Larimore, and Staff Sgt. Michael Blomberg review river routes and communication short falls with the Guyana Defense Force’s current equipment. (Courtesy photo)
download hi-res photoJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (9/16/11) - Subject matter experts from the Missouri Army National Guard’s 35th Engineer Brigade traveled to Guyana this summer where they conducted an assessment of the current state of the Guyana Defense Force’s communications capabilities.
Guyana is a developing country located in the area of focus for U.S. Southern Command, which oversees U.S. military operations there. The team of four Missouri Guardsmen conducted annual training there where their mission included assessing communication centers layouts, radio systems, installation power, installation wiring, and installation antennas and towers.
“The Communication Assessment Team reviewed the current Guyana Defense Force radio communication capabilities, identified strengths and weaknesses, and made recommendations to improve GDF radio communication infrastructure and procedures,” said Army Maj. Timothy Bock, the officer in charge of the communications team.
The team evaluated eight locations. The first stop was at the Guyana Defense Force Headquarters where the team was briefed. They also covered a broad range of topics and future communication projects aimed to modernize the Force’s communications equipment.
“The assessment team performed extremely well and provided viable and attainable solutions to the GDF to build and sustain a solid radio communications infrastructure,” Bock said.
Missions with Army South help with our Soldiers proficiency to assess situations, said Army Lt. Col. Amy L. Clark, the 35th Engineer Brigade, Army South plans and operations liaison officer.
“It gives them opportunities to dig deep into regulations and to work with new and old equipment,” added Clark.
The mission also provided for a unique learning and team-building experience. It gave the Guard members an opportunity to train in a different country and experience a new culture.
“It was an honor to represent the United States military, Army South, and the Missouri National Guard on this joint team,” Bock said. “I have every confidence in the professionalism and abilities of the Missouri National Guard Army and Air communicators. This mission confirmed, once again, that confidence is placed well.”
The assessment refined the command, control, and communication goals of the GDF. It also laid the foundation for building firm short and long-term growth goals.
“Guyana was a success story,” Clark said. “They were so pleased with what Missouri did.”
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