Detachment Communications Company, 14th Marine Regiment – Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis – Smartencyclopedia

Mission and Role

The Detachment Communications Company was tasked with ensuring robust, secure, and reliable communications for the 14th Marine Regiment. This capability was critical for the regiment’s operational readiness, particularly in coordinating artillery missions and command-and-control efforts during both training and combat operations.

Specific functions included:

Radio and Data Communications: Providing real-time tactical voice and data transmission for field operations.
Encryption and Signal Security: Ensuring secure transmission of sensitive communications.
Satellite Communications: Establishing long-range and high-capacity communication links.
Network Management: Maintaining operational integrity for local and wide-area military networks.

History

Formation and Operations

Fort Benjamin Harrison, a major U.S. Army installation before its closure in 1996, hosted various Marine Corps Reserve units, including the Detachment Communications Company. The unit played an integral role in supporting artillery and maneuver elements of the 14th Marine Regiment.

The Detachment Communications Company was instrumental during training exercises, ensuring all regimental elements could communicate effectively under diverse conditions. Its expertise in managing battlefield communication systems enabled precise coordination during artillery fire missions and other military operations.

Technological Integration

The detachment operated with the latest military communication technology of its time, including portable field radios, satellite communication terminals, and encryption devices. These capabilities ensured that the regiment maintained effective command-and-control functions during operations.

Role in the 14th Marine Regiment

As part of the 14th Marine Regiment, the detachment worked closely with artillery units such as 4th Battalion, 14th Marines, providing a communication backbone that was vital for operational success. Its contributions were critical during regimental and division-level exercises, particularly in synchronizing large-scale fire support and maneuver operations.

The 14th Marine Regiment, as part of the 4th Marine Division, relied on its communications detachments for seamless coordination, especially in remote and challenging environments.

Fort Benjamin Harrison and Closure

Fort Benjamin Harrison, named after the 23rd President of the United States, served as a hub for various military operations. The base provided the necessary facilities and infrastructure for the detachment’s operations.

Following the closure of Fort Benjamin Harrison in 1996 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative, the Detachment Communications Company was likely deactivated or reassigned. Its history, however, remains a testament to the vital role of Marine Corps Reserve units in supporting the broader mission of the United States Marine Corps.

Legacy

The Detachment Communications Company exemplified the Marine Corps’ commitment to operational readiness and innovation. It trained countless reservists who contributed to both military and civilian communications advancements.

References

“History of the 14th Marine Regiment,” United States Marine Corps.
Fort Benjamin Harrison Historical Society.
Marine Corps Reserve Training Command Archives.
U.S. Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure Reports, 1995-1996.
“Command and Control Systems in the USMC,” Marine Corps Association & Foundation.

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