06/18/2026
United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command service members celebrated the Signal Corps birthday Thursday with an early morning physical training session at Bujalski Field on Fort Huachuca.
More than 100 Soldiers from NETCOM headquarters and directorates took part in the command's Gator Ball event, a hybrid of soccer and handball created to foster teamwork, cohesion and esprit de corps. The activity, combined preparatory drills, team play and recovery exercises led by SSG Beauregard with SPC Bishop conducting warmup and cool-down drills.
Teams split into squads and rotated through Gator Ball, a game that requires players to transition quickly between ground play, which follows soccer rules, and air possession, which allows hand passes and running. The shifting rules encouraged communication and trust, organizers said, forcing teammates to support one another on the field and develop shared tactics. Special scoring for kicked, thrown and headed goals added variety while referees enforced safety-focused rules to keep risk low.
Leaders praised the event for bringing people together as teammates and reinforcing the Signal Corps mission. NETCOM officials said the event strengthened unit bonds and morale while promoting readiness across the command.
