The 198th ESB-E Leads the Way in Hawaii

Joint Training

By 1st Lt. Faith Fyock, Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced

Article published on: September 1, 2024 in the Army Communicator Fall/Winter 2024 Edition

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Soldiers of the 307th and 198th ESB-Es set up a Hawkeye Terminal.(Photo by Sgt. Kyler Brightwell, 198th ESB-E)

The Army’s recent initiative to convert expedition-ary signal battalions (ESB) nationwide into enhanced formations (ESB-E) marks a major advancement, improving the speed and reliability of network communications for future missions.

The Delaware Army National Guard’s (DARNG) 198th ESB-E was the first Guard unit to undergo this transformation in 2022, adopting lighter and more mobile equipment to better support the complex and varied missions of the modern battlefield.

With the introduction of new technology comes a period of adjustment, as Soldiers become familiar with innovative systems and learn to integrate them into daily operations. The multi-component training exercise held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from Sept. 15-21, provided a unique opportunity for the DARNG’s 198th ESB-E to collaborate with active-duty Soldiers from 307th ESB-E.

During the exercise, four enlisted signal Soldiers from the 198th worked alongside two companies from the 307th, engaging in hands-on training designed to enhance both units’ expertise in the Army’s next-generation communications equipment. This collabo-ration allowed Soldiers to exchange valuable knowledge and perspectives, improving not only their combat readiness, but also their communication in-teroperability. Alpha Company, 307th ESB-E, configured a Terres-trial Transmission Line of Sight (TRILOS) radio link during the training. The team practiced communica-tion setups and validat-ed their Scalable Net-work Nodes (SNN), connecting several points over short dis-tances using multiple data transports. The mission was divided focused on troubleshooting an issue with their Haw-keye III Light Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) that provides satellite-based data transport supporting SNN transmissions, and the Network Operations (NETOPS) team, which worked on validating their Commercial Coalition Equipment (CCE) that is a core component for enabling the Mission Partner Environ-ment (MPE).

The 198th Soldiers observed the NETOPS team using a proliferated low Earth orbit (pLOE) terminal, a military version of Starlink, as part of their communi-cation plan known as the Primary, Alternate, Contin-gency and Emergency (PACE) plan. This plan priori-tizes pLEO, Cradlepoint via a physical or wireless con-nection, the Hawkeye and TRILOS as capable options.

The 307th ESB-E recommended incorporating pLEO into the 198th’s procedures due to its reliability. Meanwhile, Bravo Company of the 307th prepared to deploy in support of Operation Pathways using the SNN. The 198th ESB-E team shadowed them during equipment packing and vehicle preparation, gaining valuable insights into streamlining their own processes.

Moving forward, the 198th ESB-E and similar units will continue refining their capabilities to support the Army’s goal of maintaining a technologically ad-vanced, agile force. This multi-component training offered key insights into communication challenges and helped both units improve their standard operating procedures. The team recommends continuing collabora-tions at the section ser-geant level and below to ensure Soldiers gain critical hands-on experi-ence. By fostering strong relationships and sharing invaluable ex-pertise, the DARNG and active-duty forces continue to enhance the Army’s effectiveness, ensuring it remains resilient and mission-ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The 307th ESB-E S3 into two groups: the SNN team, which contributed to this article.