Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala. -- The 117th Communication Squadron (CS) network infrastructure team ensures the base has an operational network, Wi-Fi, and telephone systems. During the work week, the two-person crew is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When drill weekend comes around, the team increases to seven people and it is not uncommon to see the team working past normal duty hours.
“We are currently working on upgrading the base area network,” said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Harden, NCOIC of network infrastructure. “We are slated to complete the project by September, and we will start a NIPRNet Wi-Fi upgrade in August.”
Harden enlisted in the 117th CS 12 years ago. He is currently pursuing his B.S in Network Engineering and Security from Western Governors University.
When the upgrades are complete, the base Intranet is projected to have greater than 10 times the speed for unit members accessing network resources. The network will also be more reliable, and support will be easier as there is more documentation available about the system for network personnel. The new system will also be the same as what the active-duty components use.
“Since it is the same system as active duty, we can hit the ground running and not have to get acclimated to another system when we forward deploy to active-duty bases,” said Staff Sgt. Abhishesh Phuyal, network technician.
Phuyal began his career as a network technician approximately five years ago with the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery before transferring here roughly three years ago.
Technical school for network technicians lasts approximately 37 weeks and is held at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. The first two months consist of Information Technology (IT) courses. The next 27 weeks focus on the core of infrastructure, which is comprised of network security, configuring network equipment, telephony, cryptography, cabling, and networking principles. The CompTia Security + exam is the final test to graduate from tech school.
“The test is challenging and had an approximate 30 percent failure rate when I graduated, and it’s most likely higher now with the addition of emerging technologies,” said Harden. “I encourage new airmen to study before going to BMT and on to technical school to ensure they have the best chance at passing on their first attempt.”