Florida Air National Guardsmen from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron (JCSS) showcased their expeditionary capabilities during Contingency Response Force validations held at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria from May 3-7, 2025. The exercise tested the Airmen’s ability to quickly execute a communications mission over 4,000 miles away from their base.
“The validation consisted of two parts as personnel were split into teams to establish a communications network with specified requirements from a simulated entity requesting our support,” explained Staff Sgt. Dylan Roosa, a communicator with the 290th JCSS. “Exercises like these are important for the simple fact that it shows we can mobilize right away and get out the door quickly regardless of the location.”
The unit is one of only two tactical mobile communications units in the Department of Defense capable of deploying within 72 hours with full capabilities. This readiness allows them to support both state and active duty components effectively.
“The opportunities you get in this unit are unlike anywhere else,” Roosa added. “We have such a unique skill and tasking for not just state disaster responses but through the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) as well.”
The 290th JCSS plays a vital role in providing communication support to joint forces by rapidly deploying worldwide to establish and maintain critical communication infrastructure for Joint Task Forces and Combatant Commanders. Their focus on flexibility, scalability, interoperability, and security ensures effective communication and coordination in any environment.
“The 290th JCSS is uniquely positioned to excel in both domestic and national security objectives,” stated Senior Master Sgt. Gabriel Peterson, operations superintendent with the unit. “As a highly skilled unit constantly striving for readiness, we directly support the Florida National Guard by enabling Joint Force Commanders to effectively accomplish their missions, particularly in challenging and communication-deprived environments.”
The Florida Air National Guard continues its commitment to operational excellence through ongoing validations and training exercises. The Airmen often find themselves contributing significantly beyond what they expected when joining a non-active duty component.
“My favorite part about being a part of this unit is our high operational tempo,” said Staff Sgt. Kennedi Wade, another communicator with the 290th JCSS. “We are constantly out on missions, deployments, and rotations more often than any other units that I have seen. The opportunities are very expansive and I would have never imagined that our impact goes so far as we are constantly being requested by other components everywhere.”
