AFCEA hosts Technology Expo for Combat Center at Officers' Club

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- The Armed Forces Communication Electronics Association, Twentynine Palms Chapter, hosted the Technology Expo at the Officers' Club aboard the Combat Center, March 25, 2014.

The event featured several companies that offer everything from equipment for training to classes that Marines can take to educate themselves on future technology, programs, forms of communication and training simulators.

“These events are not only for Marines but also for our civilian counterparts who work with us," Said Capt. Marc Shelton, chapter president, AFCEA Twentynine Palms Chapter. “The ultimate goal for giving Marines expos like this one is that by doing so, we make a smarter corps. We facilitate the communication of information so a dialogue can be started and Marines can attend classes or even find something that can help their command with training down the road.”

The Twentynine Palms Chapter of the AFCEA was erected last year and strives to make their network bigger. Combat Center Marines and Department of Defense employees can benefit from the information that can be attained through the different companies.

“What we offer and bring each time is member driven,” Shelton said. “If you want to know more about a certain piece of equipment or register for a new class, we can provide that at the next event.”

Equipment like graphic simulators, simulated Improvised Explosive Devices, and durable power supply units for electronics were on full display for participants to observe. This added to each company station by showing people what they were reading and listening about. Vendors see the expo as a way to see who they want to reach, and have direct communication with them.

“Events like this put me in face-to face contact with people who have a need for the equipment that I offer,” said Dean Preston, president, Explotrain. “It puts me in a position to begin a conversation with the people who are interested and I want to offer something that can be relied upon, but more importantly, better equip service members for what they may encounter on the battlefield.”

People of all jobs and ranks continuously learn. The need to improve and know what technology is coming next is important in order to stay effective.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this chapter grow and have more companies participate with the Marines and units on base to offer equipment and education,” Shelton said. “It doesn’t matter if your a grunt or a communicator the education and information offered at these events are beneficial for everyone. The bigger we become, the more of it we want to offer.”