Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 finished a two-week communications-training exercise here Aug. 24.

The exercise involved setting up communications between two forward operating bases, or FOBs, and four forward aerial refueling points, allowing the Marines with the squadron to simulate situations they may face while deployed.

During the exercise, the Marines simulated the first days during a deployment by building a communication network, explained 2nd Lt. Patrick M. Charles, the communications officer-in-charge of one of the operating bases.

“This gave us a chance to set up our equipment from the ground up, which included setting up basic-communications systems like our single-channel radios, and advanced communications such as the internet and multi-channel radios,” said Cpl. Jesse B. Taylor, a multi-channel wideband transmission equipment operator with the squadron, which is a subordinate unit of Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The training has an important impact on the Marines, explained Taylor.

“Events like this really benefit our junior Marines who haven’t had a chance to set up equipment in the field, as well as giving the rest of us a chance to improve our efficiency,” said Taylor.

According to Pfc. Kyle Thome, a communication systems operator with the squadron, the training gave him an opportunity to learn from the experience of other Marines.

“I learned a lot from my NCOs (noncommissioned officers) during this exercise,” said Thome. “They used their experiences from Iraq to draw real-world parallels to the things I am doing here.

Several challenges that arise while deployed developed during the exercise, according to Sgt. Frank McCafferty, a multi-channel wideband transmission equipment operator with the squadron.

According to Taylor, by experiencing the possible complications during the training exercises, the squadron will know how to effectively work through them, helping to succeed when they step foot in country.

The exercise prepared the Marines for a larger, multi-squadron, training exercise later this year and for deployment as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, explained Charles.

“The experience gained during this exercise will help us succeed in Iraq,” said McCafferty.