From the Comms Cell, Afghanistan

SIG Fletcher and FSGT Adams at the Communications Cell Centre

02 January 2008

by LT Alan Walker in Bamian, Afghanistan

As the Communications Cell (S6 Cell) moved into the end of December we were finally able to take time to reflect on what has been a testing and challenging period during the NZDF's eleventh rotation to Afghanistan.

After completing the relief in place from the previous tour, members of the S6 Cell hit the ground running completing various tasks in order to grasp their respective roles. After two months in theatre the cell is now fully functional and provides seamless communication and information systems for the  contingent.

The S6 Cell is made up of four NZ pers and three US attached Sigs. Patrol signals are placed under the control of their respective patrol commanders and the Command Post (CP) operators under the Operations Officer. To date each group has proved they are more than capable of operating in the diverse environment that operations in Afghanistan provide. Each individual has brought unique and desirable skills with them and has been able to effectively apply these skills to their role.

In between managing the deployed in theatre communication systems and services, members take part in security tasks and extra base duties as they arise. This allows for a broad range of activities and allows comms cell personnel to experience a wide range of operationally based tasks that are well outside their job description.

The cell has taken on some of the projects started by previous NZDF personnel and  has had the privilege of overseeing their implementation. With one third of our tour now complete, the cell has a number of continuous responsibilities to meet including ensuring the systems and services in place are maintained and handed over in workable order with some added enhancements that future rotations can benefit from.

The support given by certain elements within 2 Signals Squadron and the J6 Cell at Joint Forces NZ has been excellent. This has allowed us to operate effectively and work though issues as they arise and ascertain workable solutions. Communications Information Services support to NZDF rotations provides an integral part of the support network in theatre - which needs to be continually maintained and monitored both here and back in NZ in order to continue to provide the best possible communication services.

The remaining four months will bring more challenges and late nights, all part and parcel of life here within the S6 Cell – a high tempo environment that the current members are thriving in.

Ends