Indian Army Corps of Signals

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Indian Army Corps of Signals
IACoS.jpg
The logo of the Corps of Signals
Active1911 – Present
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
BranchFlag of Indian Army.svg  Indian Army
Army Headquarters New Delhi, India
Nickname(s)The Corps of Signals
Motto(s)"Teevra Chaukas"
Swift and Alert
Engagements First World War
Second World War

Sino-Indian War of 1962

Indo-Pakistani War of 1947
Indo-Pakistani War of 1965
Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Indo-Pakistani War of 1999
Commanders
Colonel Commandant of the Corps of SignalsLt Gen KV KUMAR

Indian Army Corps of Signals is a corps and a combat support arm of the Indian Army, which handles its military communications. It was formed on 15 February 1911 as a separate entity under Lieutenant Colonel S H Powell, and went on to make important contributions to World War I and World War II. [1] The corps celebrated its 100-year anniversary of its raising on 15 February 2010. [2]

Contents

History

Corps of Signals is a combat support arm of the Indian Army responsible for military communications. From its inception on 15 Feb 1911, the Corps has evolved significantly, adopting to the changing technological landscape to ensure seamless and secure communications within the armed forces. The Corps has participated in all wars as part of the Indian Army viz World War I, World War II (1), Operation in 1947, 1965 (2) & 1971 (3), Operation PAWAN (4), Operation VIJAY amongst others and has contributed extensively towards Indian Army's success. It has been at the forefront of integrating cutting edge technologies with military strategy ensuring Indian Army's agility and responsiveness in all combat and non combat scenarios.

The motto of the Corps of Signals is 'Teevra Chaukas (5)' meaning Swift and Secure, reflecting their commitment to providing reliable and rapid communication services. This commitment towards speed and reliability is mirrored in their emblem, which features the Mercury, symbolizing speed, communication and agility.

Role

The primary role of the Corps of Signals is to develop, manage and operate the communication networks of the Indian Army. It has evolved over the years from rudimentary semaphores, signal flags, radio and telegraph systems to advanced satellite communications, cyber operations and electronic warfare. The Corps's evolution has enabled the Indian Army to maintain secure and efficient communications across diverse terrains and operational areas. The Corps ensures that commanders at all levels can communicate effectively, which is crucial for operational success.

The troops of the Corps of Signals are trained in all aspects of soldiering and also in Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering in premier Institutions like the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE)(6) and Signal Training Centres (STCs). This specialized training equips them to handle complex operational duties and communication systems.

The Corps of Signals also contributes to various non combat operations like setting up communication networks to provide communication during natural disasters facilitating coordination amongst relief agencies. Their expertise is also critical during United Nations Peacekeeping Missions (7) where robust communications networks and implementation of cyber defense measures are essential.

Adventure Activities

The Corps is renowned for its esprit-de-corps and military discipline. It has been an integral part of Indian Army at important National and International fora. In the sports field too, the Corps has an excellent record. It has produced veterans like MP Ganesh (8), Leslie Fernandes (9), SR Pawar, Gulzar Singh, S Jayaram, Achinta Sheuli, and Narender to name a few. MP Ganesh took part in the World Cup Hockey in Barcelona and Munich Olympics. It was a red lettered day in the history of the Corps when MP Ganesh captained the National side for World Cup at Amsterdam. He was honoured with Arjuna Award in 1973 and the Padma Shri in 2020. Boxer S Jayaram was awarded the Arjuna Award for Boxing in 1989. The Corps continues to encourage individuals to participate in sports and is second to none in its pursuit for excellence.

The Dispatch Rider team of the Corps, popularly known as 'The Dare Devils'(10) is renowned for brilliant displays which have thrilled spectators on various important occasions including Republic Day Parades. The Dare Devils team has numerous Guinness World Records and Limca Book of records to its credit. The marching contingent led by Capt Tania Sher Gill(11) was adjudged the best marching contingent during Republic Day Parade 2020.

As the Indian army forges ahead towards technological absorption, the Corps of Signals will be at the forefront of this effort with its technical prowess and continues to stand as a testament to the indispensable role of Information and Communication technologies in modern military operations (12).

Training and technology

The Corps of Signals marching contingents passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 67th Republic Day Parade 2016 The Corps of Signals marching contingents passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 67th Republic Day Parade 2016, in New Delhi on January 26, 2016.jpg
The Corps of Signals marching contingents passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 67th Republic Day Parade 2016
Mobile Base Transceiver Station of the Corps of Signals Mobile Base Transceiver Station passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg
Mobile Base Transceiver Station of the Corps of Signals
Transportable Satellite Terminal of the Corps of Signals Transportable Satellite Terminal passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg
Transportable Satellite Terminal of the Corps of Signals
Corps of Signals Centenary postage stamp issued in 2011 Stamp of India - 2011 - Colnect 259242 - Corps of Signals.jpeg
Corps of Signals Centenary postage stamp issued in 2011

The Corps works closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop command and control software, notably the Samyukta Electronic Warfare System, a mobile integrated electronic warfare system, developed along with Bharat Electronics Limited. [3] [4]

The Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow is a premiere training institute of the Corps of Signals. Its war museum is situated at Jabalpur, where 1 Signals Training Centre is based.

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References

  1. Brett-James, Antony Report my Signals London Hennel Locke 1948 - personal account of a British officer attached to Indian Army in Egypt and Burma
  2. "Corps Of Signals – Inaugural: Ceremony Centenary Year". Ministry of Defence. 15 February 2010.
  3. Army gets hi-tech warfare system
  4. DRDO Develops Mobile Electronic Warfare System