Tobyhanna Army Depot, PA –
Tobyhanna training aids sustainment of warfighter communication networks | Article | The United States Army
New training at Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is improving system readiness for critical military communication systems.
Personnel from the Production Engineering Directorate now conduct sustainment training focused on modernized enterprise terminals (METs), which facilitate satellite communication (SATCOM) for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel worldwide. The course modules were developed as a cooperative effort by personnel from TYAD, Product Manager Wideband Enterprise Satellite Systems (PdMWESS), and Air Force Wideband Enterprise Terminals (AFWET) to support warfighter needs, according to William Carbohn and Brian Augustine.
“MET terminals are the backbone of DoD communication systems and operate 24/7. While warfighters are often given familiarization training on these systems early in their careers, it was imperative to develop resources to update and expand their knowledge for quick and easy troubleshooting when necessary,” they said. Carbohn and Augustine are electronics technicians in the Production Engineering Directorate’s SATCOM and Site Installation Division.
The MET sustainment training runs three weeks, and focuses on theory, operations techniques, and maintenance skills for the complex system. Students gain knowledge through a mixture of classroom instruction, as well as hands-on exercises utilizing Tobyhanna’s AN/GSC-52BV(2) MET terminal.
Those who participated in the most recent iteration of the course applauded the course’s design.
“Being able to work on an actual terminal during the training heightened this experience,” said Sgt. Kory Pereza of the United States Space Force. “This was my first formal classroom training on the MET, so I now feel better prepared to act when the terminal goes down.”
Depot personnel also support upgrades to MET terminals around the world. The multi-year project provides heightened stability and provide ten times more bandwidth for satellite communications
Pereza noted the importance of learning from those who have a direct connection to the MET mission overall.
“During this course, we are not only learning essential skills – we are also building important relationships that will help us in the future,” he said.
Production Engineering personnel are currently developing a follow-on sustainment course that delves deeper into advanced theory related to the complex electronics within the terminals. In addition, mobile training is also being planned in conjunction with the PdMWESS and AFWET program offices. Once developed, Tobyhanna personnel will be able to provide enhanced training at sites worldwide to support forward stationed personnel.
The MET training effort is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028 – specifically the C5ISR Readiness and Shape the Future lines of effort. The plan aims to posture Tobyhanna for future force requirements.
MET sustainment training is offered six to eight times per year on site at Tobyhanna Army Depot. For more information or to register for future courses, please contact PdMWESS at (703) 806-8444.
Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.
Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.
About 3,500 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.