UNITED STATES PACIFIC COMMAND
MULTINATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS INTEROPERABILITY PROGRAM
PACIFIC ENDEAVOR 2015
EXECUTIVE REPORT
DECEMBER 2015

PACIFIC ENDEAVOR 2015 Executive Report
APPENDIX F
SATCOM ENDEAVOR
INTRODUCTION
Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Endeavor was held at the Dusit Thani
Hotel, Manila, Philippines, alongside PACIFIC ENDEAVOR 2015 (PE15) 31 August -11
September 2015. The goal of this year’s Information Sharing Module (ISM) was to
assist Multinational Communications Interoperability Program (MCIP) SATCOM
participants in obtaining Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) certification, “GVF510 Ed
2: Core Skills for VSAT Professionals.” Personnel from Global VSAT Forum (GVF), a
non-profit industry association, presented its worldwide standard SATCOM training
program.
Other SATCOM industry representatives also supported this year’s event.
SATCOM Endeavor provided a forum to develop core competencies in SATCOM
operations among Multinational Communications Interoperability Program (MCIP)
partners when operating in a multinational environment. Participants from military
and civilian organizations collaborated to analyze use of SATCOM in Humanitarian
Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. In total, 29 individuals from 21 MCIP
nations and other governmental, academic, and industry groups participated. The
chairman for this ISM was CPT Tholhath Hassan of Maldives, and MAJ Jason Haight
from USPACOM supported the course as a SATCOM expert.
Anil Kushwaha (GVF) guides CPT Carlito Mar Galvez IV and LT Allan Canilang
(Philippines) in the installation of an amplifier during SATCOM Endeavor
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PACIFIC ENDEAVOR 2015 Executive Report
MODULE TOPICS
The nine-day seminar began with orientation on core skills needed by VSAT
installers. The topics covered in the VSAT course included SATCOM fundamentals,
core skills for VSAT installers, polarization, antenna pointing, and cable construction.
Course work was conducted via a combination of self-paced online modules, hands-on
demonstration, and interactive presentation. Practical evaluation sessions were
conducted in groups of three on VSAT installation, cabling, antenna pointing and beam
balancing. Hands-on skills tests ensured that participants would have the knowledge to
set up a VSAT on their own.
On day 8th and 9th day of the ISM, briefs from industry partners and
academia on the technologies and advancements in satellite industry and products
were conducted. Representatives from Inmarsat, Iridium, Airbus Defense and Space,
O3B networks, One Commerce, and the Naval Postgraduate School provided
informative sessions combining oral briefs, video, and physical equipment display.
The event wrapped up with an open discussion forum led by the ISM chairman.
SATCOM Endeavor 2015 included classroom and hands-on sessions
Mr. Steve Birnbaum, GVF’s Chair of HADR Programs, and other industry
personnel facilitated the ISM sessions, presentations and provided guidance. They
shared information about their organizations and the current issues and challenges
impacting collaborative efforts between HADR stakeholders in industry, academia, and
government.
Participants. More than 21 MCIP nations/organizations and 29 individuals participated
in SATCOM Endeavor. PE15 SATCOM Endeavor attendees are listed in Table F-1 on
the following page.
SATCOM Endeavor F-2

PACIFIC ENDEAVOR 2015 Executive Report
Table F-1. SATCOM Endeavor Participants
Rank/Title Name Nation/Organization
WG CDR Munshi Moniruzzaman Bangladesh
Maj Khan Mao Cambodia
Cpl Walsea Vagasa Fiji
LTC Bambang Astono Indonesia
Capt Chichiro Fujishima Japan
Lt Col Mohamed Raudi Bin Othman Malaysia
Capt Tholhath Hassan Maldives
WO Ahmed Haleem Maldives
Maj Dorijjantsan Batbaatar Mongolia
LTC Bhimsen Adhikari Nepal
Cpl Rochelle Rowe New Zealand
WO Julias Turmoni Papua New Guinea
CPT Carlito Galvez Philippines
TSGT Columbus Agbulos Philippines
LCDR Leo Aspillaga Philippines
ENS Welky Saga Philippines
PSINSP Diosdado Cresencio Philippines
LT Allan Roy Canilang Philippines
Mr. John Paul Lobaton Philippines
CDR Cornelio Rodel Mago Philippines
Mr. Cristoper P Grajo Philippines
Constable Tavita Papalii Samoa
ME2 Lum Guang Ye Singapore
Lt Col KMG Bandaranayake Sri Lanka
WG CDR Chackawak Sa-Nguansat Thailand
SGT Sione Langi Tonga
Capt Trong Khanh Tung Vietnam
MAJ Jason Haight United States
Mr. Chris Campbell United States
HADR Collaboration. Mr. Steve Birnbaum, GVF’s Chair of HADR Programs, and other
industry personnel facilitated the ISM sessions, presentations, and provided guidance.
The GVF participants shared a bit about their organizations and the benefit of
collaborative efforts between HADR stakeholders in industry, academia, and
government. GVF first offered its coursework at PE12 in Singapore and then at PE14 in
Nepal. They came back to offer an intensive information and certification event to
increase the skills of military communicators. SATCOM has evolved to serve a vital role
in global business operations, humanitarian projects, and disaster recovery efforts. This
led the industry to implement a training program on VSAT installation and maintenance.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Of the 29 participants, all were able to pass the practical examination.
Additionally all of the participants were able to complete the GVF 510 (Core skills for
VSAT Professionals) online examinations. During both the practical exercises and the
online efforts, participants showed great teamwork and enthusiasm for the coursework.
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PACIFIC ENDEAVOR 2015 Executive Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
Technology briefings by various companies were helpful, informing the
participants of the latest technology in SATCOM. The success of this event is a credit to
the work of the industry and government personnel who assisted the students during
the online course and hands-on skill test. The combination of instructor-led hands-on
exercise and self-paced online training prior to hands-on skills testing was a departure
from previous SATCOM Endeavor ISMs. In the past individuals completed the self-
paced online modules and then completed hands-on testing to earn certification. The
blended training approach, combined with the effort and commitment of the participants,
were instrumental in achieving the pass rate this year. Subject to funding, it is highly
recommended by participants that this ISM be included in future PE events.
CONCLUSION
The Indo-Asia-Pacific militaries that participated in SATCOM Endeavor can
leverage the capabilities of their GVF-certified personnel during future disasters. With
the increase in number and capability of Ku- and Ka-band satellites on orbit and the
continued proliferation of small aperture ground terminals, it is imperative the military
and civilian responders understand the challenges associated with use of satellite
terminals in a disaster response situation.
Education in the proper installation and performance of very small aperture
terminals expedites timely employment and minimizes the likelihood of interference to
users. Conducting training in a cooperative environment with partner militaries, civilian
authorities, industry, academia, and volunteer organizations promotes the sharing of
ideas and perspectives to facilitate communication between individuals who may be
called upon to work together in response to the next major natural disaster or
humanitarian crisis.
SATCOM Endeavor 2015 participants