Corps of Signals celebrates 98th Raising Day

Chandigarh, Feb 15 (UNI) The Corps of Signals, popularly known as the Information Warriors of the Indian Army, today celebrated their 98th Raising Day at HQ Western Command in Chandimandir.

On the occasion, Maj Gen Rajesh Pant, Chief Signal Officer (CSO), HQ Western Command addressed the officers and jawans in a special Sainik Sammelan.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen Pant emphasised upon the important role being played by all ranks of the Corps of Signals in enabling net centric warfare in the present day information age. He also emphasised on the KRAs (Key Result Areas) specified by the Western Army Commander, especially towards operational communication. Raised on February 15, 1911 as a separate entity under Lt Col SH Powell, the Indian Army Signal Corps contributed significantly in World War I and II. After independence, Brig CHI Acehurst, OBE was the first head of the Corps of Signals.

Major expansion of the Corps took place in the wake of the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. The regimental colours were formally presented to the Corps on February 20, 1965 and again on February 15, 1981.

The Corps has a hi-tech College of Telecommunication and Engineering Institute at Mhow (MP) to train the budding young and aspiring officers and other ranks.

The Corps of Signals has made rapid strides in establishing a world-class Information Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure and has also acquired capabilities to negate the same of adversaries through effective use of electronic warfare and signal intelligence.

The Corps of Signals has achieved a major milestone by launching strategic broadband satellite network, ASCON and AWAN. It has graduated from pigeons to latest technologies like micro cellular, Wimax, software defined radios and has been successful in integrating these networks and systems to deliver the army the 'Network of Networks'.

"Dharma Chakra Signallers" of Western Command have provided communication support in aid to civil authorities in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh.

UNI PS VN1451