The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is continuing to bring 5G connectivity to military exchange bases to benefit both servicemen and women and their families. Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood’s exchange is the latest to benefit from this digital upgrade. Melissa Buckley of the Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office shared the good news via a U.S. Army publication.
Plans for the 5G upgrade for this Exchange have been in the works since 2022. The AAFES noted that the military has worked closely with telecom providers to bring the project to fruition.
“It started with site surveys, identification of network design needs and then seeking command approval. After that, the Directorate of Public Works issued the work orders,” stated Armando Moncayo-Pallares, Fort Leonard Wood’s Main Exchange store manager. “Everybody uses their cellular devices these days for work, school, entertainment — staying connected. Some people may have issues getting service in certain areas and inside some buildings. We want to improve the quality of life for our warfighters and their families where we can. It is about making things better and improving our infrastructure.”
AAFES public relations specialist, Travis Day, said that the overall goal was to boost connectivity, especially in congested areas. Day added that the new cell towers should become operational later this year after passing an inspection by the Defense Information Systems Agency.
“The ability to stay connected is a force multiplier,” said Day, “Allowing Soldiers and families to stay in touch and enjoy down time while also providing reliable access to emergency services and facilitating seamless conduct of daily business. This is especially important for installations in rural areas.”
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