MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- In the ever-evolving battlespace of modern communications, Staff Sgt. Trentin Dunn is helping ensure Marines remain one step ahead.
Based out of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, with the Tactical Communications and Electromagnetic Warfare (TCE) program office, Dunn traveled to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, recently to train II Marine Expeditionary Force’s Communication Strategy and Operations (COMMSTRAT) unit on the implementation of TCE’s latest 5G expeditionary transmission system.
Designed for tactical use, the system packs high-speed, low-latency connectivity into a compact Pelican case—providing Marines with the capability to send large data files, high-resolution imagery, and video in real-time from even the most remote operating environments.
The training focused on Master Sgt. Daniel Brown, a senior communicator with II MEF COMMSTRAT, who will now lead the charge in fielding and utilizing the 5G system across upcoming exercises and operational events.
“The Marines out there, they have to be expeditionary,” said Brown. “I’ve been able to be around two other legacy systems, and they were great for their time, but as technology advances and gets smaller it makes it easier to be able to do our job.”
The session covered system setup, network integration, troubleshooting, and real-world use cases tailored for forward-deployed communications teams. Unlike legacy setups, which often required bulkier infrastructure and limited bandwidth, the new 5G system enables fast and secure content delivery directly to the Marine.
“The best way to ensure you are giving the Marines what they want is to experience their challenges with them,” said Dunn. “Marines need the gear to accomplish their mission in any clime and place.”
This training is part of the broader Digital Frontline initiative, which showcases how cutting-edge acquisition efforts are directly empowering the Marines on the ground. With systems like the expeditionary 5G kit, TCE is working closely with operational units to close capability gaps and ensure Marines can shoot, move, and communicate, with speed and clarity.
As Brown and his Marines prepare for upcoming exercises with II MEF, the system will see real-world use that will help further refine its role across the force.