THE SIGNAL CORPS REMAINS VITAL TO OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATION


By bblouin
Army Master Sgt. Daniel Swanson, information systems operator-analyst non-commissioned officer in charge and Spc. Chris Vinderslev, information systems operator-analyst with 134th Brigade Support Battalion Signal Corps, patch in a satellite link for the brigade commander's Minnesota Military Radio Hour interview at Camp Virginia, Kuwait, Nov. 13, 2011.

On the battlefield, as with any endeavor, communication is essential for success. The United States Army Signal Corps (USASC) is responsible for ensuring our nation’s Soldiers have clear comm lines that are secure and reliable during operations. While the Signal Corps has used many different means, including pictures, pigeons, and satellites, no matter the era, the mission of securing communication for the Army remains the same.

What Is Army Signal Corps?

The Signal Corps began in 1860 after Major Albert J. Myer created a way for Soldiers to better communicate with each other and manage information on the battlefield. There have been plenty of different uses for the USASC, which continues to evolve over time. This includes continued use on the battlefield. However, the Army Signal Corps also helps gather and manage intel. It also provides support for aviators, and even assists in forecasting the weather.

The History of the USASC

In 1856, Albert James Myer had an idea. Although he was serving as a medical officer in Texas, Myer proposed a visual communication system called aerial telegraphy, or "wig-wag." Fast forward to June 21, 1860, and the Army made his dream a reality by adopting the Signal Corps and designating Myer as the first Signal Officer. Myer first used wig-wag during the early 1860s Navajo expedition in New Mexico; however, its first combat testing came in the Civil War at Fort Wool to direct fire against Confederate positions. For almost three years, Myer relied on detailed personnel but envisioned a separate, trained signal service. On March 3, 1863, Congress authorized a regular Signal Corps for the war, providing around 2,900 total personnel who would serve in the Civil War Signal Corps, though not all at once. The US Army Signal Corps would have Myer providing the military with innovative communication ideas, including an unsuccessful balloon experiment at First Bull Run, an electric telegraph, and the Beardslee Telegraph. Initially, Myer used his office in Washington, D.C., as the Signal Corps School, but he ended up needing more space. So, he moved it to Fort Greble and then again to Fort Whipple on Arlington Heights. The school eventually became Fort Myer and remained at this location for more than two decades.

Modern Duties

Many conflicts following the Civil War would continue to rely on the USASC, including both World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. There were extensive operations during WWII, including the use of carrier pigeons and radar, by the Signal Corps. During the Cold War, the group expanded further into both military and military-adjacent operations, including their work on Project Diana, which helped lead to communications in space. In modern conflicts, the Signal Corps has operated throughout the Middle East, using state-of-the-art technology, and advanced satellites. It has been responsible for handling top-secret information vital to national security.

Do Signal Corps See Combat?

Soldiers who operate in the USASC have many responsibilities, but at the heart of the matter is making sure every system of communication is working for the Army. This includes the battlefield where the Signal Corps plans and executes the needs of the Army for each mission, while also managing and protecting information. It’s not that the USASC is necessarily the first to fight; however, these Soldiers remain trained for conflict and may see combat as the needs of the Army see fit.

What Did the Signal Corps Do in WWII?

During World War II, the Signal Corps' role greatly expanded from World War I. Communication became crucial for success in combat, with field radios allowing Commanders to stay in touch with their troops during fast-paced advances. By 1944, the Signal Corps had over 350,000 members. This is more than six times the number in World War I. It would even include personnel from the Women’s Army Corps. Radar, developed at Fort Monmouth, first proved effective in 1937. It began being used more widely, including the Battle of Britain and the Battle of the Atlantic. Signal Corps Laboratories designed a lot of the communication equipment used by the American Armed Forces, such as the first FM backpack radio, the SCR-510, and multichannel FM radio relay sets. Photography also leaped its use during WWII, which would create the Army Pictorial Service. They trained at the Signal Corps Photographic Center in Long Island. The training that these troops would undertake helped create extensive visual records of war like never before, including the creation of documentary films. However, some notable missions involving the USASC would utilize its homing pigeon program, where pigeons delivered messages in challenging areas like Pacific jungles.

Recognition of Hero Pigeons in the USASC

While those serving have many ways of being recognized, the animals sacrificing their lives don’t always get similar treatment. The committee behind the Animals in War and Peace Medal of Bravery aims to change this. In March 2025, another round of spectacular American animals who have worked in emergency services and the military, are being honored. So far, three U.S. Army Signal Corps Hero Pigeons have already received the award. The U.S. Army’s Signal Corps Pigeon program ran from 1919 until 1957. It played a major role in providing effective communication during World War II. Even in World War I, over 15,000 trained pigeons were a part of the American Expeditionary Forces through the USASC. One example is when a pigeon named Cher Ami (dear friend) flew while the Lost Battalion was stuck in the Argonne Forest without supplies. Facing both enemy and friendly fire, seven of the group’s eight pigeons were sent to request help; however, they were all killed. Cher Ami was the final Hero Pigeon. In 25 minutes, Cher Ami traveled 25 miles. He relayed the message to complete his mission, however, it came at a price. By the time he arrived, he was missing a leg and had a shattered breastbone. Because of his sacrifice and bravery, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Croix de Guerre were awarded to Cher Ami. Today, the Signal Corps continues to provide lifesaving, mission-critical communications in a constantly evolving world to ensure operations are successful. Suggested reads:


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