CG’s Star Notes
ALOHA TEAM! The focus of this volume eight of our magazine is on Interoperability in the Pacific, and what it means to us as Signal operators in the Asia-Pacific region. What does interoperability really mean? This word is not only a mouth full, the topic can also be challenging to talk about, as it means something different to each of us, from the operator configuring equipment, to senior leaders interacting with neighboring nations. See our Q & A on page 6 for a range of perspectives. Looking back on our accomplishments of the past year, we have achieved much on many fronts – we extended our network to support our teams in the Kwajalein Atoll, we’ve endured deployments, summer rotations, taskings, decrements and changes in our Civilian workforce, sequestration and funding challenges for projects vital to national security, as we began the difficult task of collapsing our domains. We bade farewell to some teammates and welcomed others, and we gained greater fidelity and prioritization of numerous priorities through our Project Synchronization Review process. Our semi-annual G6 review sessions provide both internal and external partners a chance to understand and shape our way ahead as we develop an architecture playbook to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of transitioning units within the PACOM environment. Our Regional Cyber Centers and NECs continue to achieve “Excellent” ratings with every inspection which underlines the effectiveness of communications between Soldiers, Civilians and Contractors who, along with our IA professionals, are moving the Pacific to new heights. Our tactical formations are providing much needed support and training to Active and Reserve units as they participate in a myriad of exercises and disaster training missions throughout our AOR. 2016 will bring much change as Melinda and I leave many new friends and colleagues and move toward our next chapter in our lives. We have truly been blessed by the enrichment each and every one of you has brought to our lives and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve this great nation and the Pacific. GOD bless each of you as you continue your extremely important work and for the sacrifices each Soldier, Civilian and Contractor continues to make to enable our Warfighters. I hope you enjoy this 2016 edition of “Premier Signal,” our official publication of the 311th Signal Command, which shares your great stories from across the Pacific and around the globe. Once again, thank you for allowing me the honor of being your Commanding General!
Major General Lawrence Brock, III Commanding General, 311th Signal Command (Theater) G6, U.S. Army, Pacific
4 | PREMIER SIGNAL
PHOENIX 6! THEATER VOICE! ONE TEAM! ARMY STRONG!