FEBRUARY 26, 2025 — Where would Operation Southern Guard be without internet, phones, radios, or secure video teleconferencing? Probably relying on carrier pigeons, smoke signals, and an unhealthy number of sticky notes. None of which are ideal for running a joint task force.
“If communication fails, the mission fails,” said Army Master Sgt. George Hernandez, J6 noncommissioned officer in charge.
Luckily, the J6 communications cell ensures every message, order, and crucial piece of intel flows seamlessly, keeping the Joint Task Force Southern Guard, or JTF-SG, humming like a well-oiled machine.
Without the joint communications cell, coordination across the task force would be about as effective as a game of charades. Command, control, and execution all hinge on their ability to establish and maintain secure, reliable networks.
“Our job is to ensure seamless, secure connectivity,” Hernandez explained. “It doesn’t matter if it’s transmitting intelligence, coordinating logistics, or enabling real-time decision-making in the Joint Operations Center.”
When JTF-SG began deploying, J6 hit the ground running on Jan. 31, 2025, rapidly establishing the communications infrastructure needed for mission success.
“Providing steady comms over the past two weeks has been challenging, but we’ve worked tirelessly to make it happen,” Hernandez said.
His team oversees the help desk, network operations and Joint Communications Support Element, known as the JCSE, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical systems.
“We’re not just supporting the mission, we’re enabling it,” he emphasized. “Without J6, JTF-SG would be severely compromised, and that’s simply not an option.”
One of JCSE’s biggest challenges was expanding the existing infrastructure.
“The network wasn’t designed for this many users in our [Joint Operations Center],” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Zachary Stacy, JCSE team chief. “We had to increase its capacity. Without our equipment, only a handful of people would have internet. Now, the entire task force can operate effectively.”
The urgency was real. Stacy’s team was alerted on Feb. 6 and had less than 24 hours to deploy.
“We got the call around lunchtime and were on a plane before breakfast the next morning,” he said.
To meet mission demands, JCSE deployed a joint system providing both non-classified internet protocol router and secret internet protocol router capabilities. Their systems, including Star Shield, Hawkeye 4 and Joint Deployable System, ensure secure, stable communication anywhere in the world.
“Our job is to provide internet services,” Stacy explained. “We make sure the entire JTF watch floor has the connectivity they need to do their job.”
JCSE personnel bring a collaborative mindset, seamlessly integrating with all military branches.
“We come from a joint command, so working across services is second nature to us,” Stacy added.
Even the most advanced communication systems require constant monitoring and maintenance. That’s where the J6 help desk steps in.
“I troubleshoot network systems so everyone can do their jobs,” said Army Spc. Brannen Payne, a J6 help desk technician.
On average, Payne resolves network issues in just 15 minutes, minimizing disruptions across the JOC. Without a dedicated help desk, troubleshooting could take hours. This would significantly delay mission-critical decisions.
“If the network goes down, information stops flowing inside the JOC and to higher commands,” Payne emphasized.
For those outside the J6 world, communication networks might seem like magic. But there’s no “easy button” to make everything work.
“I think there’s a misconception about how the internet works,” Stacy said. “You don’t just flip a switch. A lot of work, dedication, and man-hours were logged to get everyone connected.”
J6’s work ensures that every system without interruption. Their impact often flies under the radar, but without them, the mission wouldn’t be possible.
“The less you see us, the better,” Payne said jokingly. “That means everything is working exactly as it should.”
By Staff Sgt. ShaTyra Reed-Cox