Learning from the Battlefield: From Task Force Band of Brothers in OIF to Combined Joint Task Force-101 in OEF

摘要

In 2005, the 101st Task Force Band of Brothers Space Support Element deployed a diverse team of personnel as members of the first transformational division supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom IV in 2005-2006. Key 101st Space Support Element leaders educated Task Force Band of Brothers staff to better understand the Space Support Element concept, new skill sets and capabilities as they emerged and that set the groundwork for the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF)-101 Space and Special Technical Operations that currently operate in Afghanistan. The CJTF-101 Space Special Technical Operations is one of the few units still manned with 25S (Satellite Communications Systems Operators and Maintainers) who are critical to the daily operations of the CJTF-101's Afghanistan Space Operations Center and staff. Enlisted professionals with proper space related education and training can greatly enhance the space community if properly leveraged as they have been in the 101st Space Support Element. Other branches and functions of the Army staff utilize space-based assets, many of which are operated and managed by dedicated Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs). Army space systems are no different, especially those responsible to operate SATCOM and analysis software. The 101st space NCOs are the most experience personnel in the section due to exposure. The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) began a movement in Operation Iraqi Freedom IV and has demonstrated just how capable a space team can be when properly equipped with 'space smart' Soldiers. Army space forces should identify NCOs with space experience and lobby to retain them for future space-based units. The mission requirements changed in Iraq from imagery production to 24/7 special programs support and space analysis in the Afghanistan Space Operations Center. This could not be accomplished if the CJTF-101 was not manned with proper space-educated Soldiers who understand space integration.