Enterprise Multimedia Center offers reimbursable graphic services, fosters unit pride

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Unit symbols have long been a central part of a unit's identity. From the Romans marching into battle behind the golden aquila of their legion, to regimental standard bearers carrying colors into the fray during the Civil War and beyond, unit insignia have served as a source of pride and inspiration for military organizations.

Today, that tradition in Europe continues thanks in large part to the Installation Management Command-Europe's Enterprise Multimedia Center-Europe, or EMC.

Tucked away in a secluded corner of Kleber Kaserne here, the EMC produces many of the large unit crests and symbols that decorate Army units across Europe. If you've seen a 3-D unit crest with a mascot bursting from the background, chances are you've seen the EMC's handiwork.

"We are the premier multimedia support for all of Europe, some of Africa and occasionally some of Asia as well," said Jarod Hodge, acting EMC shop chief. "And by premier, I mean we are above-baseline support. We do the things most people cannot do."

Having that support on hand for Army units across Europe does come at a cost…literally. Because EMC's services are considered "above baseline" compared with other visual information shops in Europe, units must reimburse EMC for both services and materials.

Still, Hodge said the benefit is clear.

"Having us spend two or three hours on a project for your detachment or department means you don't need to hire a full-time Audiovisual or Visual information specialist," he said. "You just pay a small fee for a few hours, and you still get the same level of service as if you had a full-time GS professional on staff."

Bringing the EMC in is also cheaper than going off post, Hodge said.

"It's a fraction of the cost you would actually pay if you went out in town," he said. "At the end of the day, it's a huge financial benefit to all the garrisons and departments here in Europe."

The EMC's capabilities extend beyond unit crests. The team can design and fabricate a wide range of products, from ID badges for conferences to large banners like those used at the Army's annual TOPPERS awards show. They also provide photo and video support to major events, such as the IMCOM-E Best Warrior competition.

One event that showcased EMC's full graphics capabilities was the Conference of European Armies, held earlier this year at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden. During the event, land force commanders from NATO and other partner nations gathered to discuss strategic issues and hold key networking and bilateral meetings.

This year's conference took place in the ballroom of the Italian Grill restaurant on base. While the ballroom is a nice place to hold a conference, the decorative banners produced by the EMC "really made that ballroom look more professional," said Maj. Jacob Hovde, a U.S. Army Europe and Africa G3 Security Cooperation Division Pol-Mil planner for the event. "So when they walk in, it's like, 'All right. Let's get down to business. Let's collaborate. Let's talk.'"

One other product provided by the EMC was hard plastic ID badges designed specifically for the event.While some might see that as a small detail, Hodge said it makes a difference.

"If you go to an event and get a 'Hi, My Name Is' sticker, you already know the event's probably not as prestigious as it should be," he said.

Hovde agreed, noting the badges also played a major part in the security of the event. Badges were color coded to help ensure only those who needed access to certain events and areas had access.

The EMC even went so far as to bring the ability to print badges on site, something Hovde hailed as critical to a smooth event.

"It's a dynamic environment in that sometimes people show up to the conference that you weren't expecting," he said. "So having that print capability there to make badges on the spot was huge for us, and the EMC team made it happen."

As for cost, Hovde said there was no hesitation in hiring EMC.

"You get the professionalism, the reliability," he said. "You get a team that has hosted events like CEA and other major events. You get a team that's done it before, and they do it well. So, you get what you pay for."

For more information on the services EMC provides, those in theater can call DSN 544-6600 or commercial at 0611-143-544-6600.