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]
| Indian Army Corps of Signals | |
|---|---|
.jpg) The logo of the Corps of Signals | |
| Active | 1911 – Present |
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Army |
| Army Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Nickname(s) | The Corps of Signals |
| Motto(s) | "Teevra Chaukas" Swift and Secure |
| Engagements | First World War Second World War 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 Signals | Lt Gen HS Vandra |
History
editCorps of Signals is a combat support arm of the Indian Army responsible for military communications. From its inception on 15 Feb 1911,[citation needed] 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, including World War I, World War II, Operation in 1947, 1965 Operation Gibraltar in 1965, Operation Trident in 1971, Operation Pawan, and Operation VIJAY.[citation needed] It has contributed extensively towards Indian Army's success.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]
The motto of the Corps of Signals is "Teevra Chaukas", meaning "Swift and Secure",[citation needed] 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.
THE CORPS EMBLEM
edit- Conceptualised by Maj CFC Beresford, 2nd Div of Telegraph Bn (Royal Engrs) in 1884.
- Formally authorized in 1934.
- Selection of Present emblem in 1947.
- Mercurious
- Roman version of Greek God Hermes Born of Sky (Jupiter) and Plains (Maya)
- Magic Want (Caduceus)
- Presented to Hermes by Apollo (Sun God)
- Power of reconciling conflicting elements
- Winged Sandals (Talaria) Allow marvelous rapidity of motion
- Winged Cap "Petasus" and Wings on Top of "Caduceus" Further enhances motion of sandals.
- The figure of Mercury on a Globe supported by a Scrool, which bears our motto "Teevra Chaukas" and Twelve Laurel Leaves below. The whole Emblem with Mercury facing his right is surmounted by a detached Five Pointed Star The Star of India
Prior to 1911
edit- Adhoc Sig arngs
- Resp of comm with corps of Engrs
1911 to 1920
editRaising of separate entities for comns.
- 15 Feb 1911: 31, 32 Div Sig Coys Fatehgarh.
- 01 Mar 1911: 33, 34 Div Sig Coys - Ahmednagar. Nucleus of 41 Wrls Sqn Roorkee.
- Ten addi Sig Coys raised.
1920 to 1947
edit- Fmn & growth of Indian Sig Corps.
Post Independence
edit- Appt of 1st SO-in-C: Brig CHI Akehurst.
- 20 Feb 1965 Presentation of Regti Colours by President at No 1 STC, Jabalpur.
Role
editThe 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) 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 where robust communications networks and implementation of cyber defense measures are essential.
Adventure activities
editThe 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 M. P. Ganesh, Leslie Fernandez, 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", 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 Shergill 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.
Training and technology
edit
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.
References
edit- ^ Brett-James, Antony Report my Signals London Hennel Locke 1948 - personal account of a British officer attached to Indian Army in Egypt and Burma
- ^ "Corps Of Signals – Inaugural: Ceremony Centenary Year". Ministry of Defence. 15 February 2010.
- ^ Army gets hi-tech warfare system
- ^ DRDO Develops Mobile Electronic Warfare System
External links
edit- Stamp issued by India Post
- Corps of Signals at Indian Army website
- Corps of Signals at Bharat Rakshak website
- Corps of Signals at Global Security website