In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, robust communication is the bedrock of military success. Commanders rely on immediate, effective, and secure information exchange to execute missions and maintain a strategic advantage. This is why communication units are at the forefront of any operation, establishing and maintaining the vital links necessary for command and control.
However, the increasing sophistication of threats to information security demands a new level of resilience and agility in communication operations. Downtime is not an option. Systems must be instantly restored or alternative communication pathways established without delay. The 1st Communications Maintenance Squadron (CMXS) at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, stands as a crucial asset in U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), ensuring these critical communication demands are met with speed and unwavering reliability, every single day.
Tech. Sgt. Chad Fisher, the 1st CMXS unit training manager, emphasizes the unit’s critical role: “Whether it’s repairing underground cabling or restoring and reprogramming the complex network of switches, routers, and servers that form the Department of Defense information network for all levels of communication, classified or unclassified, we are the team called upon to bring it back to full operational status.” Their expertise ensures that any communication disruption is swiftly resolved, minimizing any impact on mission readiness.
The 1st CMXS specializes in network extension and rapid communication restoration. They are adept at taking core communication infrastructure from main operating bases (MOBs) within the USAFE theater and extending those vital services to diverse locations, including challenging, austere environments. Their capabilities bridge the gap between established bases and forward operating locations, ensuring seamless communication across the operational spectrum. Furthermore, they provide immediate repair and restoration services in areas ranging from combat zones to secure locations, demonstrating their versatility and responsiveness.
Tech. Sgt. Ricardo Hernandez, 1st CMXS network operations section chief, highlights their innovative approach: “We are developing an agile concept for communications. We’re finding the sweet spot between tactical and long-term solutions. We combine the rapid deployment speed of tactical combat communications with the robust capabilities of engineering installation units. This fusion allows us to deliver a rapidly deployable package that offers both speed and enduring capability.” This agile approach is crucial in today’s dynamic operational environment, where speed and adaptability are paramount.
Expanding their capabilities in electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) is another key focus for the 1st CMXS, serving as a vital resource for the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and USAFE. They provide real-time detection, analysis, and mitigation of communication threats, ensuring the integrity of the communication spectrum.
Fisher elaborates on this critical aspect: “The 1st CMXS ensures that warfighters deployed to the front lines have not only secure and dependable communications but are also protected within the electronic warfare domain and through enhanced base defense measures.” This proactive approach to EMSO ensures that communication networks remain secure and operational even under electronic attack.
Beyond traditional communication maintenance, the 1st CMXS is instrumental in enabling the 435th AGOW’s “Inside Out” mission, ensuring timely and reliable payload delivery, every time. Their expertise underpins the logistical and operational tempo necessary for mission success.
Hernandez explains how they facilitate rapid deployment and resource management: “We centralize resources at the main operating base, and then rapidly distribute them when and where they are needed, and then efficiently recall them. We can deploy resources directly from the MOB or from geographically separated units (GSUs). If another GSU is needed, the 1st CMXS is ready to respond. We can quickly establish new GSUs or rapidly restore existing ones. This agility is how we empower our warfighters.” This dynamic resource deployment model maximizes efficiency and responsiveness, crucial for supporting dispersed operations.
The adaptability and ingenuity of the 1st CMXS warfighters provide commanders with a tailored competitive advantage in establishing and maintaining command and control. They don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions; instead, they engineer bespoke communication solutions tailored to the specific needs of each unit within USAFE.
Hernandez emphasizes their customer-centric approach: “We literally tailor our solutions to whatever the customer requires. We build systems from the ground up, and we do it rapidly. USAFE encompasses diverse sites, each with unique missions. Therefore, standardization isn’t always the answer. We leverage our resources to develop the optimal communication solutions for each specific unit’s needs.” This customized approach ensures that each unit receives the precise communication capabilities required for their mission.
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of their solutions, the 1st CMXS warfighters provide essential strategic training to personnel at receiving units. This knowledge transfer is crucial for empowering local teams to maintain and operate the newly implemented systems effectively.
Fisher details their commitment to training: “When we integrate or upgrade communication equipment, we provide comprehensive training to the on-site cyber operators. We equip them to operate at not just a basic level, but at a competent intermediate level on their new networks.” He further highlights their unique training capabilities: “We are one of the few certified units capable of providing tower training and rescue. These specialized resources and skills are not typically available or maintained at standard communication units. At the 1st CMXS, it’s a core part of our daily operations.” This commitment to training ensures the long-term sustainability and operational readiness of communication systems across USAFE.
The consistent success of the 1st CMXS in expanding and enhancing communication capabilities throughout USAFE has solidified their reputation as a premier communication engineering, installation, and repair unit. Their exceptional performance has garnered recognition at the highest levels of command.
1st Lt. Douglas Boren, 1st CMXS plans and programs flight officer in charge, proudly notes, “Our network operations team recently received the General Edwin W. Rawlings Team Award for Air Force Information Dominance at the MAJCOM level.” He concludes, “As a small but incredibly capable unit, we deliver the capabilities of communication units many times our size across the Air Force.” This award is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and impact of the 1st CMXS team.
The solutions provided by the 1st CMXS extend far beyond routine maintenance. They equip USAFE with advanced capabilities, including real-time detection of signal degradation or jamming attempts, in-depth analysis of threat behavior patterns, precise location mapping of threats, and effective mitigation or neutralization of EMSO threats. Their proactive and comprehensive approach to communication security and resilience is essential for maintaining U.S. Air Force dominance in the European theater and beyond, ensuring uninterrupted command and control, anytime, anywhere.
