Marine Corps Communication Electronics School

Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School
Logo of the Marine Corps Communications-Electronics School
Active	1932 - Present
Country	United States
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Marine Corps
Type	School
Part of	TRNGCMD
Garrison/HQ	Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
Motto(s)	"We Train C4 Warriors"
Decorations	American Campaign Streamer World War II Victory Streamer (4) National Defense Service Streamer (4) Meritorious Unit Commendation Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer
Commanders
Current commander	Col H. B. Eggers

Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School (MCCES) is the Marine Corps training ground for the majority of the communications and air/ground electronic maintenance Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). MCCES is based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California.

To train Marines in ground electronics maintenance, tactical communications, and air control/anti-air warfare operations and maintenance in order to ensure commanders at all levels within the Marine Corps have the ability to exercise command and control throughout the operational environment; and to participate in technical and logistical evaluations for new communication, electronic maintenance, air control, and anti-air warfare systems in support of fielding and training.

Tasks

MCCES began as the Pigeon and Flag Handler Platoon in 1932. On October 5, 1942, it was activated as the Signal School under the Signal Battalion in Quantico, VA. In 1943 they moved to Camp Lejeune, NC; remained there until the end of WWII and eventually offered 15 courses in the communications field. In August 1946, the school was relocated to Camp Del Mar on Camp Pendleton, CA. In December 1949, Signal School was re-designated as Signal and Tracked Vehicle School Battalion. In 1950, coinciding with the Korean War, the school was moved to MCRD San Diego, CA and was renamed to Signal School Battalion in September. During this time, the school added technician and repairmen training. In 1953, the school was re designated to Communication-Electronics School Battalion.

In 1963 the school began to move to Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms, CA with the move of C and E Companies. In February 1971 the school was redesignated as to it current title of Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School and A and D Companies moved to Twentynine Palms at this time. Also during this time an Officer Training course was developed for Air Defense Officer and the school trained over 5000 Marines Annually. In 1975, B Company moved from Camp Pendleton, completing the move of the school and establishing the largest formal school in the Marine Corps. In 2002 the MOS redesignation of Data Systems Marines from the 40 occupational fields into the 06 occupational field was completed. In 2003 D Company merged into B Company then D Company was dissolved. In 2005 The average student population was 1,240. The School conducts 44 separate courses producing 37 MOS's. 303 classes are scheduled annually varying from 2 to 54 weeks in duration. This represents upwards of 25,000 academic days. MCCES graduates nearly 6,500 personnel annually. C&E our local/colloquial term) has played a vital role in the Corps' combat- readiness; recognized as such in the form of unit awards to include; American Campaign Streamer, World War II Victory Streamer, National Defense Service Streamer w/3 Bronze Stars, Meritorious Unit Commendation w/3 Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer. MCCES currently consist of a Headquarters Company and 3 training companies/schools which are: Company A/CEMS (Communication-Electronics Maintenance School, Company B/TCTS (Tactical Communications Training School), Company C/Air School). 2006 The onboard average student population was 1042. The School conducted 56 separate courses producing 35 MOS's. 51 of these courses were conducted at the Formal Learning Center (FLC) and 5 by Mobile Training Teams. 2011 In August the Commanding Officer of MCCES officially became the reporting senior for; CO, Communication School, MCB, Quantico, Virginia; CO, Marine Detachment Fort Gordon, Georgia; CO, Low Altitude Air Defense School, Fort Bliss, Texas and Marine Corps Representative, Sheppard AFB, Texas. MCCES continues to carry out its primary mission to train personnel in the fields of operational communications, communications-electronics maintenance, and air control/anti-air warfare operations. On 5 April 2013 Air Control Training Squadron (ACTS) was activated under MCCES. The former Charlie Company has been redesignated as Detachment Bravo and the former Alpha Company has been designated as Detachment Alpha under the Air Control Training Squadron which is reportable to the Commanding Officer, MCCES.