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Service center offers one-stop shopping for 26th IG members

By Capt. Joye Davis-Kirchner
26th IG
Ramstein AB, Germany

Members of the 26th Intelligence Group’s Communication and Information branch recently led a self-help project to create a new customer service center and language training lab that offers one-stop shopping to its staff.

The center offers common use terminals for scanners, graphics and web development, faxes and connectivity to the SIPRNET, NIPRNET and Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communication System mission networks. The center is also supported by two information managers who provide assistance and technical expertise.

“Compared to my last unit, this is great. I shared a terminal with 30 other people and I had to drive across base to send classified e-mail. It’s convenient to have all these services in one place,” said MSgt. Mike Lutz, 26th Information Support Squadron’s Directorate of Operations.

The 26th IG allotted more than 250 man-hours on the customer support center, which was done in concert with a major wiring upgrade project. This upgrade improved security and increased access speed to users tenfold, according to MSgt. Mike Ronayne, project team chief.

Major construction included a new server room, housing communication racks, crypto, circuit termination and back-up power devices. A separate air conditioning system was installed to ensure all three network systems remain cool to prevent network outages.

“The construction took more than 10 months and required several tons of rock to be hauled away down three flights of stairs,” said SrA. Tim Corey, construction team-leader.

To create space for the customer service center, members of the logistics and operations directorates were relocated. This involved moving furniture, phones, computers, local area network connections and acquiring the new equipment.

During construction, four members were deployed to Operations Joint Guard, Northern Watch and Allied Force, further taxing those who remained who had to work nights and on weekends to complete construction.

In conjunction with opening the new work-center, the group training staff officially opened its language and learning lab. “This lab contains a variety of learning aids. There are foreign language tapes, readers and Global Language Scenario Units and Standard Training workbooks for linguists and language enthusiasts,” said SSgt. Daryl Crissman.

“We also have on hand all the classified career development courses for the 1NXX career fields to help our people prepare for WAPS tests. We now have computer based instruction for information operations training, as well as commonly-used computer programs. In the near future we’d like to acquire two more terminals and will offer both classified and unclassified terminals,“ said Crissman.

“The principal advantage is that it is a quiet dedicated area to study that is available on a continuous basis. We encourage our people to make good use of the materials in helping them better prepare for WAPS, or Defense Language Proficiency Training as well as ancillary training,” said MSgt. Diane Vann.

“The members of the 26th ISS are not just support; they are a force multiplier in accomplishing the mission,” said Lt. Col. Felipe Alonso, 26th IG deputy commander.