Deep in the
Heart 748th MI Battalion activates Medina Regional Technical Control and Analysis Element to provide direct support to warfighters By Command Sgt. Maj. (Retired) Art Johnson and Capt. Karen Pujals You cant visit San Antonio, Texas, without seeing the Alamo, which stands in the middle of the city. On your first visit, you are struck by its simplicity; there ought to be more to it, this place which became the battle cry of every American. A few minutes down the road, theres another structure built for utility. While simple in design, it is home to military intelligence professionals who have proudly served the unit for almost 54 years. The 748th MI Battalion, 702d MI Group, makes its home at Lackland Training Annex, Medina, Texas. The 748th MI Battalion provides personnel and other resources to support the Medina Regional SIGINT Operations Center. The Medina Regional SIGINT Operations Center is supported by all four services providing signal intelligence support to the warfighter and national level requirements. The 748th MI Battalion recently activated the Medina Regional Technical Control and Analysis Element, which provides direct signal intelligence support to the warfighter through a seamless automation capability. This automation capability allows push/pull intelligence directly to the Corps G2s and MI Battalion S2s through the use of compatible automation systems. The Medina Regional Technical Control and Analysis Element is manned predominantly by soldiers from two INSCOM battalions: the 748th MI Battalion, 702d MI Group and the 201st MI Battalion, 513th MI Brigade. Both battalions soldiers are integrated into the Medina Regional SIGINT Operations Center joint operations staff, which satisfies warfighter primary intelligence requirements while assisting with Center requirements. The activation of the Medina Regional Technical Control and Analysis Element proved a challenge from the beginning. Leaders needed to ensure successful operation by installing needed equipment and filling positions with the correct personnel. Leaders also fulfilled the intents of both the deputy chief of staff for intelligence and the INSCOM commander. The Medina Regional Technical Control and Analysis Element is fully integrated into the Medina Regional SIGINT Operations Center, providing direct support to warfighters on a daily basis. In the near future, command and control of the Element will transition to the 201st MI Battalion, 513th MI Brigade. In addition to providing support to the Center, the 748th MI Battalion soldiers participate in traditional Army events, such as the Confidence Course and Leadership Reaction Course. Many battalion soldiers choose to "Remember the Alamo" during their tour of duty with the 748th MI Battalion by conducting an Army tradition in front of the Alamo: they re-enlist. Command Sgt. Maj. (Retired) Art Johnson and Capt. Karen Pujals are assigned to the 748th MI Battalion, 702d MI Group, INSCOM.
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Last Updated: April 30, 1997