CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq -- To shoot, move and communicate is what Marines are known to do best. But the emphasis on the latter seems to have gone by the wayside -- until now.
Many Marines of Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division are now learning how to use the Personnel Radio Component 119 (PRK-119) system. The VHF radio is the Corps' main mode of communication in ground combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom and other operations being conducted during the Global War on Terrorism. That is why classes are being held here Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Good communication is the key to success and the classes are intended to ensure that, according to Sgt. Joel Fleischman, an Oswego, N.Y. native and radio supervisor for Headquarters Battalion, Communications Company, Radio Platoon.
"Communication is one of the things that keeps us alive," said the 26-year-old. "Our effort to give the Marines the ability to communicate with this equipment is one of the most important things in battle," added the 1996 Oswego Academy graduate.
The classes are held for anyone willing to go out to the company area and learn a few things about the radio and how to use radio etiquette," according to Sgt. Ramon Mayfield, a 26-year-old Atlanta, Ga. native and platoon sergeant for radio platoon.
"This is the information age, we're in and people in the military are used to grabbing a telephone or a laptop to make something happen," said Mayfield, a 1996 graduate of Liberty County High School. "But when you're in the middle of the desert and you have to call for fire, there's usually only one thing to do - get on a radio."
Tne administration clerk who attended the class mentioned that knowing how to use the radio and becoming proficient in its use could be the difference between life and death.
"I needed to know at least the basics," said Cpl. Alvaro Perez, administration clerk with Headquarters Battalion and Bronx, N.Y., native. "You never know what kind of things can happen out here and I want to be able to handle the situation," added the 20-year-old 2002 Colonel Hayes High School graduate.
Though many of the Marines in the headquarters area are working long hours to do their part in maintaining the combat operations center, they are making the time to sit in the bleachers and listen to the seasoned field radio operators.
"If a Marine goes out on a convoy in this area and they fall under attack, there's a chance that a radio operator may go down and someone else has to use that radio to call for fire," said Mayfield.
In the class, Marines who normally work out of offices and doesn't have much contact with actual ground operations can have a chance to learn how to store cryptological information, call for close air support from aircraft and initiate simple radio maintenance.
"We also teach the Marines some things they really need to know out here, like how to call for a medical evacuation and for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal guys in case the convoy or patrol comes across an IED (Improvised Explosive Device)," said Mayfield.
"When push comes to shove and there is a need for a radio operator, hopefully everyone here will know how to step up to the responsibility and take the radio."