Expo for the Tech-Savvy Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA. --  The Barskdale Club recently hosted its first information technology exposition here Feb. 19.

The IT expo gave Team Barksdale the opportunity to view the industries latest in cutting edge technology for military and personal use.

"The expo is beneficial because it brings information straight to Barksdale and showcases what technology is available for military applications," said Chris Rondeau, Bossier Parish Community College program director of security. "By having different manufactures representatives or vendors at the expo, base personnel can put a face to a name. This way they know who they will be working with if they use that equipment."

More than 20 vendors showcased different types of technology including oscilloscopes, computer monitors, projectors, hearing devices and more. Events such as this help to improve the Barksdale mission by helping technology users understand the constantly evolving equipment that the Air Force uses to do the every day mission to fly, fight and win.

"The expo can help Barksdale gain a better understanding of current technologies and its military applications to today's Air Force," said Senior Airman Collin Bates, 2nd Communications Squadron cyber transport supervisor.

From communications, medical, maintenance and supply, technology is everywhere and with the IT Expo bringing the latest and greatest to the military, service members have to adapt to the changing cyber world.

"This event highlighted ways that could make our own network more efficient, robust and secure through improvements in physical security, problem diagnosis and increasing our operating capabilities," said Bates. "Almost every job in the Air Force uses technology in some way. Whether someone orders parts for a plane, diagnoses a sick patient, uses a technical order or comes on base, technology is everywhere and part of what we do daily."