MUX Marines adapt, overcome harsh Iraqi environment
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq -- With summer temperatures topping out near 120 degrees Fahrenheit and the slightest breeze potentially kicking up storms of fine sand and dust, Iraq can be an extremely harsh environment for most electronic equipment, even ruggedized military equipment.
The Marines of the multi-channel radio or MUX section, Communications Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), dedicated their time and energy to protecting their equipment and personnel from the environment by building a hardened, wooden building for their equipment and workspace.
The project started in late April after the section’s leadership identified problems and deficiencies with their current workspace.
“We were working in a tent,” said Sgt. Marshall T. Williams, radio and MUX platoon sergeant. “It was condemned by [the Battalion Aid Station]. It had holes, mold. If it rained… it sucked.”
The MUX section is responsible for establishing and maintaining communications through Microwave Multi-channel Equipment and multiplexing, essentially creating a line-of-sight communications “shot” allowing telephone and multiple data channel information to be transported without cable or wires between two locations. Aboard Camp Taqaddum MUX is used primarily as a backup or for temporary use, as commercialized fiber optic cable carries most communications, said the Richwood, W. Va., native.
The Marines had established a need for a new workspace, and implemented a plan. They requested support from the combat engineers, but the engineers were not able to support immediately due to other mission requirements.
So the Marines took action. Sergeant Nathan Lutes and Gunnery Sgt. Michael Smith, both of whom recently redeployed to the United States after completing a seven-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Williams formed a team to get the mission accomplished.
Smith went to the Supply Management Unit to get the supplies and the wood. Lutes, with the most construction experience of the three, examined buildings similar to what the section wanted and used his computer to draft a design, said Williams. “It’s essentially two [Southwest Asia] huts, one slightly larger than the other, connected by a hallway.”
The Marines then set to work, entrusting their Marines to successfully accomplish the mission with less direct supervision.
“It came down to luck,” said Williams. “We had a hint of down time and good Marines capable of running the shop in day-to-day tasks.”
With some advice and assistance from the Marines of 8th Engineer Support Bn. the plans were finalized and the building began.
“It was whenever we had time we’d come down and build,” said Williams. “If we got called to do a shot we would stop building and go set up the shot.”
The building itself was a challenge, said Williams. Their little experience and some expert advice made it possible, though not without some trial and error. The team often found themselves tearing down something they had just built because they found a better way to do it, or an improvement they could make.
When it came to wiring the building for electricity, maintenance and the engineers stepped up to lend a hand or advise the Marines as to the proper way everything had to be done.
The finished product: a sheltered and more controlled environment for the communications equipment and a workspace for the Marines of the MUX and radio sections.
“A lot of people made a lot of sacrifices from early on to make things better now,” Williams said. “Support came from all throughout our company and from other units too.”
The new building has increased the proficiency of the section by lowering the need for gear maintenance and equipment changes, increasing the Marines’ ability to keep accountability and track equipment, centralizing watches, and allowing the Marines to focus more on the task of maintaining their communications connections.
Speaking on the adaptation it took for the building to be successfully built, 1st Lt. Zaffrenarda L. King, radio / MUX platoon commander, said, “It’s Marines doing what Marines do: taking what we have and improving on it to make things better and get the mission accomplished.”
For additional information on the service members or event covered in this story, contact cssemnfpao@cssemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Release # 0929-05-0904
South Dakota offers bonus to veterans
Sept. 29, 2005
PIERRE, S.D. -- The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans bonus of up to $500 to certain military personnel who were legal residents of the state for no less than six months immediately preceding entry into the Armed Forces, who are currently on active duty or were honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, and who served on active duty during one, or both of the following periods.
For service between the dates of Jan. 1, 1993 through Sept. 10, 2001 payment will be made only to those who served overseas and were awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Southwest Asia Service medal, Kosovo campaign medal or any other United States campaign or service medal awarded for participation in combat operations against hostile forces.
All active duty between the dates of Sept. 11, 2001 through a date to be determined, qualifies for a bonus payment.
Application forms may be obtained by writing to: SD Veterans Bonus, 500 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 or by calling us at (605) 773-7251. If you have E-mail access you can request a form by writing to
john.fette@state.sd.us. Be sure to include your name, street or PO Box number, city, state and zip code .