MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS -- While BCOC 1-15 is not the first to produce communications officers, it was the first to graduate communications officers under the command of CTB.

For nearly 60 years, the training of commissioned and enlisted communications Marines was conducted in separate locations. Officers were trained at the Communications School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., and enlisted Marines were trained at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School here, aboard the Combat Center.

“In order to be proficient communications officers, you need to understand the mission of the unit that you’re in so that you can better support their communications needs,” said Col. Michael D. Robinson, director, Tactical Training Exercise Control Group. “[These officers] will be the driving force between communications training and their unit.”

The Communications School, formerly located in Edson Hall aboard MCB Quantico, Va., was deactivated June 19, 2014, and CTB was activated aboard the Combat Center March 12, combining the training mission of commissioned and enlisted Marines.

BCOC 1-15 was comprised of 77 officers, including four international officers. During the ceremony the guest speaker, Robinson, congratulated the students, gave them advice for the future, recognized the honor graduates, and presented diplomas and awards.

“I talked to the lieutenants when they got here about how important endurance would be during a 21-week course,” said Lt. Col. Speros C. Koumparakis, commanding officer, CTB. “They have proven their endurance and that they are ready for the marathon of heading out to the Fleet Marine Force.”

The intent of the course was to graduate officers who are proficient in the employment of tactical communications systems and prepared to fulfill responsibilities of entry-level communications billets.

“I wish them good luck,” Robinson said. “There is a lot of adventure that awaits these communications officers and I’m sure they will be successful no matter where they go.”