The Ohio Military Reserve 4th CSSB recently held a multi-government agency & non government organization (NGO) communication exercise. This exercise simulated a loss of communication infrastructure, such as internet, and phone service throughout the state, then tested the capability of the State Military ability to communicate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, State Agencies as well as local authorities. The exercise was organized and led by Sergeant Charles Curtin of the 4th CSSB.

The State of Ohio Defense Forces have numerous individuals with decades of training in their field.

One who stands out is SGT(OH)Charles Curtin, the communications NCOIC for The Ohio Military Reserve 4th CSSB.

Curtin recently organized and led the fifth annual Black Swan communication exercise involving multiple government and non-government entities operating with a simulated loss of communication infrastructure, such as internet, phone, and satellite service.

The exercise is sponsored by the 4th CSSB of The Ohio Military

Reserve. For the week-long exercise starting in late September 2021, participants were evaluated on multiple objectives, highlighting strengths, and showing areas to improve. This event is a culmination of a year-long cycle of training in emergency communication.

“Over the last five years we have built up significant capabilities and

resilience in our communication infrastructure with state and federal

agencies. We are looking forward to future exercises incorporating local

agencies that request support from the state and our ability to provide

communication infrastructure when regular communications are

unavailable,” Curtin said.

He added, “The Black Swan series of exercises has achieved several important firsts in emergency radio communication. We used 5 MHz interoperability channels to coordinate governments emergency and amateur radio stations. We also, for the first time, were able to relay critical messages from FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to local destinations entirely by radio.”

Curtin has been recognized with several citations and awards, most recently the Ohio Medal of Merit, for radio communication training and performance in radio communication exercises and real-world events.

Photos-

SGT (OH) Charles Curtin works with WO1 (OH) Joseph Ginnane as they set up an antenna for the Black Swan exercise in October in Columbus, OH.-Photos by 1LT (OH) David Spisak

-By 1LT(OH)Matt Spisak

OHMR Public Affairs