Photo Information

1st Lt. Julian D’orsaneo (rear center) begins his class on in-depth communications planning. Communications Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force held a two-day military-to-military training exercise Nov. 12-13 in Constanta, Romania with members of the Romanian Armed Forces to discuss communication tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Young

Marines, Romanians refine communication skills as deterrence against potential threat

17 Nov 2014 | Lance Cpl. Ryan Young The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

The need for reinforcing partnerships among allies is becoming more prevalent on the global stage, more specifically due to the lack of de-escalation of Russian aggression in the region. One allied military exercise addressing this topic is a current bi-lateral training event between Marines and Romanian forces. The exercise is built upon the current Romanian Naval Infantry’s basic understanding of tactical communications.

Throughout the two day course we showed the Romanian officers how we set up communications during field exercises as well as amphibious operations. They were extremely receptive as well as generous in letting us learn more about their communications operations, said Cpl. William O'Keeffe, cyber network operator with Black Sea Rotational Force.

“This helps with us working in multinational environments, increasing confidence among participants, working with new updated procedures, learning new techniques and sharing a lot of experience between military personnel from other nations,” said Lt. Col. Catalin Cracea, Public Affairs Officer for the Romanian Armed Forces. “It helps us by improving our cooperation. It is very important for a multinational force to act as a whole body. It is very important to rely on the skills of militaries from other nations.”

The exercise included familiarization of Marine Corps doctrine, how Marines do business and tactical training procedures. Aligning required skill sets between both countries ensures proper use of equipment which is of high importance. 

“It is important for us to be able to use the equipment of other countries. During the exercise we used infantry weapons and the Americans used our weapons to become accustomed to them,” said Cracea. “During a battle you have to rely on equipment and weapons that remain on the battlefield in the moment available. “

As the exercise wraps up, one aspect that will remain long after is the strengthening of bonds between the Romanian soldiers and Marines. 

“I know that all the equipment is standardized, in terms of communication. It doesn’t matter what the name of the radio is that someone uses, but that they use the same procedures and frequencies,” said Cracea. “Using the same procedures prevent someone hearing or understanding what you sent to your units or partner units.”

Combating aggression with the recent collapse of relations between Ukraine and Russia, joint communication exercises like this strengthen partnerships and reaffirm commitment to NATO and ally nations.