Does anyone know what I will be doing in the 59th Signal Battalion? What can I expect from this unit?

2020-03-04T23:31:04-05:00

I know many people will say “the army/unit you are in is what you make of it” , I’m going to 59th signal battalion (Ft wainwright Alaska)... does anyone know what I will be doing here & if it is relaxed or not? I want to go to school while I am in the army and yes I understand army first but I just want to be able to do college online as well. Any information about this unit will be great thanks.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 4 at 2020 11:48 PM

2020-03-04T23:48:32-05:00

Steady!

Why not contact someone in the unit w/ firsthand knowledge?

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 5 at 2020 3:22 AM

2020-03-05T03:22:51-05:00

My first assignment was Garlstedt, Germany in 1984........while that sounds like beer and parties it was not much different than being stationed on the damn moon along with the unit's fetish for General Patton and General Patton worship.......you kind of felt like slapping the nearest PVT in the face in front of a reporter. Even so, there were items to learn and lessons to take away from that assignment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 10:55 AM

2020-03-05T10:55:16-05:00

I spent 3 years in Anchorage, what I can tell you is get ready for extreme cold. Also get a happy light for the winters, the lack of sun causes vitamin deficiencies which can cause depression. The will take care of you up there. Just somthing to think about ahead of time. 59th also runs the NEC for JBER and Wainwright.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 11:07 AM

2020-03-05T11:07:28-05:00

I'm currently up here and while I cannot speak to your unit specifically but throughout the installation there is a lot of field time from spring to fall (the nice weather months). Be mentally prepared for cold in the winter. -35 to -50 kinda cold. The Summers can hit upwards of 90 degrees. It is very much what you make of it so do your best to enjoy the scenery, get out and explore the wilderness, Denali National park and Anchorage which is a short 1 hour flight or 6 hour drive. If you like to hunt or fish, it want too learn to, this is the place for you. But as CSM suggested, you should reach out to your unit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2020 2:42 PM

2020-03-05T14:42:58-05:00

FWA was my last duty station. I was not in the 59th Sig BN, but I was the ASC S6 NCOIC and IMO and worked closely with the 59th on many projects.

The 59th SIG BN is actually down in JBER in Anchorage but they have a Company up in Wainwright you will be attached to.

The unit is primarily DA civilians at the NEC and Networking You, as a 25B, will either be working help desk at the NEC or at Networking. Either way, you will be one of few Soldiers in the unit.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 3:43 AM

2020-03-06T03:43:31-05:00

Alaska is an outstanding place to be stationed (cold aside); congrats! Enjoy.

You will have time to use TA for college if you have decent time management. I finished my MBA while at Fort Wainwright, and that was while I was filling in as a BN S3.

Like you said, your time in the Army is what you make of it.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Mar 7 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-03-07T16:28:01-05:00

I be never been there, but I seen Ytube of that base, check that out