Switchboard operators still exist. They're used in the field in infantry units and they're part of the communication platoon in a Marine Corps infantry batallion's H&Q company, MOS 0612: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0612.htm

In a combat situation, wires from fox holes that go to HQ or artillery are super important. These guys have to run over to fox holes laying or repairing wire from the switchboard during enemy fire. This type of communication cannot be jammed or intercepted remotely. At the switchboard they're doing exactly what you see in that picture, connecting lines to another manually, with like a SB-22:

http://www.prc68.com/I/SB22.shtml

Although there are more modern switchboards now, they aren't used by infantry. These things are sturdy and very simple to repair.