From Sept. 29 to Nov. 3, the Marines got in-depth classes and hands-on training on the Digital Technical Control Facility, a mobile communications system that provides the capability to control the technical aspects of communications networks in a tactical environment.

"This network connects you from the lowest ground fighter to the command element; it's the hub of communication," said Master Gunnery Sgt. David G. Doyle, a technical control chief with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group Systems Planning and Engineering Office. "This is the same technology used to perform communication requirements for Operation Iraq Freedom."

The training was in line with the Marine Corps' phasing out of the electronic switching equipment technician occupational field, which was responsible for the Digital Technical Control Facilities' operation.

The month-long evolution condensed what once took three months to teach as an occupational specialty, according to Sgt. Evander W. Cook, a technical controller with the 7th Communication Battalion, III MHG.

"These Marines weren't originally responsible for the facilities' maintenance," Doyle said. "We wanted to make sure every Marine had a working knowledge of the DTC facilities and the ability to accomplish the mission."

The digital facilities consolidate electronic data and allow Marines to communicate with a command element from anywhere in the world, Doyle said. They give deployed Marines the same communication abilities they have in garrison.

Three civilian instructors from General Dynamics, a military contracted company, taught the Marines how to use and maintain commercial and tactical switchboards.

Tactical switchboards are primarily used for secure communication while commercial switchboards are used to pull information into the DTC from outside sources, by accessing the Defense Switching Network, a worldwide private-line telephone network, according to Ron Jordan, one of the General Dynamics instructors.

Marines who completed the training received diplomas for DTC certification.

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