I will be going on a mobilization to Fort Hood, TX soon. Has anyone been mobilized there as a Signal OC/T recently? What is your advice?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 13:45:34 -0400

Response by CPL Mark Dudek made Jun 27 at 2017 3:19 PM

CPL Mark Dudek — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:19:40 -0400

never there as Signal OC/T but was stationed there for 4 1/2 yrs, bring sunscreen and don't go into Killeen at night.

Response by SPC Anthony Johnson made Jun 27 at 2017 11:12 PM

SPC Anthony Johnson — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 23:12:24 -0400

Haven't been there since late 80's early 90s' when I was with 2nd AD and then 49th AD TXARNG. Sunscreen, lots of it this time of year. And eye protection, it can get dusty on the tank trails. I was a tanker so we practically lived in the field back when training money was flowing.
Killeen was not that bad back then, had some decent places to eat and a few decent clubs/bars. It's probably changed a lot though :) If you get a chance head down to Austin, couple of hours drive, but it used to be a fun place to get away.
Have fun! :P

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jun 28 at 2017 2:50 AM

SGT James (Jimmy) Crone — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 02:50:59 -0400

I was stationed there but that was in 93 so I think it's changed since, but keep an eye out or at least when you do go out at night take a buddy I've seen in the news a couple soldiers were killed recently.

Response by SPC Floyd Glass made Jun 28 at 2017 5:44 PM

SPC Floyd Glass — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 17:44:55 -0400

I was there from 94-97. In the 3rd Signal BDE. It's hot as hell using the summer and can get down right cold in the winter. I lived in Coppers Cove off base. Wondering how that town has turned out? Never hear anything about it now just Killeen. Back in the day Harker Heights was where you weren't supposed to be.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 12:21 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 00:21:25 -0400

Depending on how soon you're actually talking, you will likely be the OC over my unit. We're a Signal Bn mobilizing at Fort Hood very shortly. I don't have any advice for being an Observer, but if you have questions about our unit you would like to ask beforehand feel free to connect and send me a message.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 5:09 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 05:09:44 -0400

Don't sit under trees (chiggers) and look out for fire ants

Response by SGM Joel Cook made Jun 30 at 2017 3:15 AM

SGM Joel Cook — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 03:15:24 -0400

Sir, I have been stationed at Fort Hood on three separate occasions and retired in Killeen 10 years ago. Hot and humid as hell this time of year until mid September. Chiggers are a real problem if you ever get out of your vehicle to do evaluations. Try to stay out of brush and high grass, chiggers cling to it and latch on to you as you walk threw it. Anywhere waist to ankle are most common bite sites. They are pretty bad this year. Best results for treatment is a Qtip soaked in bleach, rub it on bite until it stings, this is the only relief I get from the maddening itch. If you are allergic to poison ivy watch out for poison sumac, it grows on every tank trail shoulder on Fort Hood. I just had to look at it to break out. Rocky Mountain Spotted fever has been an issue on Fort Hood in the past. It comes from the Rocky Mountain Spotted Wood Tick. It is bad in years with wet springtimes, which was very wet this year. I suggest you google it for suggestions, symptoms, etc? I did Signal Evals for my Bn CDR on his request. He gave me a one time briefing on his expectations and repetitive problems being experienced and probable causes. Biggest issue was almost always power generation cables being laid directly on or under Signal cables. They should always have a minimum of two feet separation but three feet is better to get rid of hums. These cables touching or to close causes a humming sound over the phone or other Comms that can drive you crazy. True of almost any Communications configuration or type. You would be surprised by the number of senior operators and supervisors with little or no knowledge of this problem. It becomes twice the problem in rainy, wet weather. Any time My CDR heard a hum on the line he would find out which node controlled the line and send me over there for a no notice evaluation. He had me write up a simple, one page inspection sheet that he evaluated and approved so everyone got the same evaluation criteria. About 20 items. It also covered trash, clutter, trip hazards, cleanliness, and site security. Also, Like any other town of 300,000 Killeen and it's neighbor's have their problems. Stay out of the bars after 2200 hrs and don't go to the strip clubs at all. Some folks have been robbed going to the grocery stores or ATMs after 2400 hrs. Walker Village housing area on Fort Hood has a very high crime rate after dark, not sure why but it has been that way for over 20 years. Hope this give you a few helpful hints.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 2:48 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 14:48:46 -0400

Sir, I am currently with first army at Hood. Who are you mobilizing with 75th or 1st Army?

Response by MAJ Joey Ah Sam made Jul 12 at 2017 1:30 PM

MAJ Joey Ah Sam — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 13:30:36 -0400

Stock up on Pogey bait and comfort items. It is hot as hell in Ft Hood in the summer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2017 2:30 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 14:30:58 -0400

CPT Collins, I am currently the CA Training Officer for First Army HQ, and the primary CA OC/T for WFX for First Army. I am also a former Signal Officer. In regards to your question, Fort Hood, is one of the most develop post in todays Army. You will spend a lot of time supporting exercises out of North Fort Hood, and TDY supporting all your partner units. Definitely, bring your POV. Are you been house on post? or will you be securing your own apartment/house? Be technically and tactically proficient. Know and understand the capacities and capabilities of the various signal systems currently use within the Army. If you are supporting the 120th INF BDE, you will be providing OC/T support to all mobilizing and deploying units, plus Division and BDE exercises. I hope this gives you a better idea.