MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJUENE, N.C. -- The Communication Training Center II aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune trained a class of 20 Marines in networking, computer and radio programming aboard base during a weeklong course, May 27 through 31.
The Marines received their classes in a command and control tent powered by solar panels as opposed to in an ordinary classroom.
“The classes have really refreshed my mind and reminded me of the things I’ve learned in my basic military occupational specialty school,” said Cpl. Melissa Sayaseng, a field radio operator with the 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force. “Some of the radios are new to all of us, but the instructors are a big help to us. I’ve never touched some of this equipment.”
The week-long course is conducted once a month by CTC-2 and was a refresher to the Marines, it also introduced them to new equipment they haven’t used in their original training.
“Everything the instructors teach us is hands on,” said Lance Cpl. Matthew Martinez, a special intelligence system administrator with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. “If there’s something we don’t understand, the instructors will stop the class to make sure we get the help we need. They also offer one on-one time.”
The solar panels powering the classrooms were a new feature the students learned about. The solar panels are photovoltaic systems used to generate and supply electricityin commercial and residential applications. Photovoltaic means the production of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light.
The Marine Corps hopes to start using the panels in tactical situations also, said Capt. Daniel P. Chamberlin, the director of CTC-2.
“We want to get as much expeditionary training as we can for the Marines here,” said Chamberlin. “Giving this training to the Marines is a big success, we’re saving funding for the Marine Corps, and we’re allowing the Marines to stay local with this training.”
The Communications Training Center has been using the solar panels for six months, using it as a main source of power for the classroom.
“It really broadens the Marines’ outlook,” said Chamberlin. “We’re trying to show the Marines all of the different powering options they have, in garrison or out in country. Gunnery Sgt. Brian Stetto, Todd Jesson and Scott Mastranunzio, all instructors for the CTC-2, give the Marines the majority of the training.
The Marines and civilians designed the course to refresh the minds of the Marines, but the circumstances it’s given in, make it unique.
The solar panels will change how the Marine Corps operates in the future because the panels will charge the expeditionary equipment in a more efficient way.