India Post releases stamp on Corps of Signals

India post has released a stamp on Corps Of Signals. The Corps of Signals are more popularly known as the Information Warriors of the Indian Army Corps Of Signals (depicted on the stamp) have played an important role played by all ranks in enabling net centric warfare in the present information age. Raised on the 15 February 1911 as a separate entity under Lt Col S H Powell, the Indian Army Signal Corps contributed immensely during World War I and II. After Independence, Brig CHI Acehurst was the first head of the Corps of Signals. Major expansion of the corps took place after the 1965 and 1971 wars. The regimental colors were formally presented to the corps on 20 February 1965 and on 15 February 1981. The corps has a college of telecommunication and engineering at Mhow. The Corps of Signals has made rapid progress in establishing a world-class Information Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure and has also acquired capabilities to negate the same of our adversaries through effective use of electronic warfare and signal intelligence. The Corps of Signals has achieved a 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'.
India Post Released New Stamp on Corps of Signals

The Indian Army Signal Corps Motorcycle Expedition to Blandford Camp

Courtesy THE WIRE, DECEMBER 2010, Royal Corps of Signals
After a year of planning and last minute route changes, 10 members of the Indian Army Signal Corps Motorcycle Expedition 2010 finally completed their month long 3000 mile journey to Blandford Camp on Friday 17 Sep 10,2010. The team led by Lt Col Vks Tomar which included 2 female officers, Captains Ravinder Kaur and Tashi Thapilyal arrived at RHQ Royal Signals to be greeted by the fanfare trumpeters of the Corps Band and a reception party headed jointly by the SOinC(A), Brig Tim Watts OBE ADC and the Military Attache, Brig Anil Mehta from the Indian High Commission in London. After the team was introduced to the SOinC a special introduction was made to Maj (Retd) Tom Bewsey OBE (93 years of age) the last Chairman of the Indian Army Signal Corps Association. With only 3 members still living it was a particular privilege for the visiting riders that one of the surviving veterans who served in the Indian Army Signal Corps before partition in 1947 could also make the journey to Blandford. The motorcycle expedition was devised as a suitable way in which the Indian Army Signal Corps could reconnect with their heritage and visit the Home of the Royal Corps of Signals to make a small presentation in their Centenary celebration year. The Indian Army Signal Corps will officially reach its 100th birthday on 15 Feb 2011 when the major commemorative events including a reunion will take place at the Signal Training Centre at Jubbulpore. Following their epic journey and the formal arrival and presentation ceremony the riders were entertained to an evening of well deserved relaxation and reminiscing before once again mounting their 250cc Royal Enfield motorcycles in order to watch the White Helmets undertake their last performances for this display season at the Royal Berkshire Show. The expedition members have been on the road for almost a month and after completing a number of wreath laying and other ceremonies in Brighton, London and Camberley will return to India by air on 29 Sep 10, 2010.
THE INDIAN ARMY SIGNAL CORPS MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION 2010
Related Blog Report
Siver Stride Motorcycle Expedition

Oldest British Officer from Indian Signal Corps
Maj (Retd) Tom Bewsey OBE of Indian Signal Corps, talking on "Operation Overlord". Tom is known to a very large section of the local community where he he has been involved in many activities notably being a founder member of the Sidcup Symphony Orchestra, being a Governor of Harenc School, and three times President of this Society. War time experience in the Royal Corps of Signals led him to a peacetime career in maritime radar and marine engineering. The talk on " Operation Overlord" was a lucid and interesting account of Tom's involvement with the planning of the Royal Signals part in the D Day landing. He showed how extreme secrecy was maintained before the actual invasion. His Signals unit was stationed on the Isle of Wight where they were aware of the possibility of a German Paratroop landing which however did not occur. Occupying high ground on the Isle of Wight gave him a ring side view of "the greatest amphibious operation in history". Although the story of the Normandy landings is well known much of Tom Bewsey's talk was of the part played by Royal Signals in carrying out a meticulously planned deception campaign. This resulted in the retention by the Germans of 12 divisions in the Calais area and a further 12 divisions in Norway. Fictitious military units were set up in Scotland and in the South East of England with dummy tanks and trucks. This deception was planned by Jasper Maskelyne, the grandson of the famous Edwardian Illusionist. Not all the Signals activities involved 20th Century science. Carrier pigeons were used to convey messages from France and one particular bird received the Dickin Medal for Animal Bravery on account of several successful flights.

A Centenary of Communications, Courage and Commitment

Commemoration Ceremony held at Manekshaw Centre on 17 February, New Delhi


To mark the culmination of the Centenary Year of Corps of Signals, a Commemoration Ceremony was held at Manekshaw Centre on 17 February in New Delhi. The Chief Guest of the function was Defence Minister A K Antony. Other dignitaries present as Guests of Honour were Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju, Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology Gurudas Kamat and General V K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen P Mohapatra, SO-in-C and Maj Gen RN Chakrabarty, ADGSS. The ceremony was attended by Senior Officers of Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoC&IT) and also a large number of serving officers of Integrated HQ of MoD (Army), DRDO and Veteran officers and personnel of the Corps of Signals. During the event a Commemoration Stamp and a Coffee Table Book were released.
The Centenary Year of the Corps was marked by conducting various Ceremonial, Welfare, Sports and Adventure activities pan India. Serving and retired personnel participated in such events with enthusiasm and pride. The 14th Reunion at 1 STC Jabalpur was the Grand Finale which witnessed three days of glamourous, memorable and solemn events.
Individual events of the 14th Reunion can be perused at will from the archive section commencing from 12 Feb 2011 in this Blog. There are over 500 Photographs and 8 Video clips for the viewing pleasure.
Read more Asia Defence News Report- click here
President's Speech- Inaugural Ceremony of Centenary Celebrations of the Corps of Signals

Corps of Signals Museum

1 STC Jabalpur

Dear Signallers,
If you haven't lately been to the Corps museum at Jabalpur, just join me and Laxi, for a trip inside.
Thanks
Brig Narinder Dhand (Veteran)

Anand Bakshi from 1 STC Jabalpur

Remembering Anand Bakshi ex Corps of Signals (21 July 1930- 30 March 2002)

Anand Bakshi joined the Corps of Signals soon after Independence in 1947, and was in 1 STC Jabalpur, before getting posted to Bombay, where he got into the filmworld, as a playback singer. But soon turned a lyricist and wrote some of the finest songs of our age.
His first published poem appeared in an Army publication, “Sainik Samachar”, and this boosted his morale and gave him confidence to try in Hindi films. Later on, in the late 90’s, he even wrote a special song for the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun. He also wrote a song for the Corps of Signals, on their invitation. After his death, the Corps of Signals established a “Bakshi Corner” in their Corps Museum to showcase his achievements.
It is his Signal mates who encouraged him to try his luck in Hindi films as an actor, writer or singer. He served in the Corps of Signals for four years until he left for Bombay on 12 April 1951. He has thereafter written over 4000 songs.

First Indian Signal Officer in Chief

Corps of Signals 1911- 2011, 100th Anniversary
Sitting L to R: Lt Col DC Saker, Brig AC Iyappa MBE, Maj SN Atal
Standing L to R: 2/Lt Satish Chandra, Lt RA Bhola, Lt KL Suri
At the turn of 20th century there was no organised signal service in existence in India. As far back as 1857, there is a record of a Signals service in India, though it was not until 1911, as a result of the recommendations of Headlam Committee in 1910, that Signals in India came into being on a separate establishment under the auspices of the Corps of Sappers and Miners. The Corps was raised with a signal company for each Division and a nucleus of a wireless company for the line of communication.
Based on the recommendation of various committees, 2 Divisional Signals Companies (31 & 32) under Northern Army, were raised on 15th Feburary 1911 at Fatehgarh, with Lieutenant Colonel S H Powell conferred Commandant Designate. Two more Signal Coy (33 & 34) under Southern Army at Ahmednagar and One Wireless Company (40) at Roorkee, were raised on 1st March 1911.
Composition of each Divisional Signal Company:
British Officer:5
Indian Officer:2
Soldier Rank(British):44
Soldier Rank(Indian):78
September 1935 saw the commissioning of the first Indian officer from the Indian Military Academy, 2/Lt AC Iyappa (later Director of Signals and Signal Officer-in-Chief) commissioned into the Corps. On India attaining independence in 1947, the Corps was completely Indianised and on 26 January 1950, on India attaining full sovereignity, the Indian Signal Corps was redesignated as the Corps of Signals.
Lt Gen Apparanda Aiyappa
As a captain he saw action in the Malyan campaign in 1942 against the Japanese in World War II. He was the first Indian Signal officer in chief. He became Master General of Ordnance in the rank of Lt Gen. He was the first Indian to be Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Signals. He was then deputed to Bharath Electronics Ltd (BEL) where he became chairman and held the post until 1972.
Photograph of 1949: Kind courtesy Col Rangaraj Jairam (Retd)

Adventure, Air Show, Martial Arts Demo and Dare Devils

Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
1 STC Jabalpur 14 Feb 2011



Adventure, Air Show, Martial Art Demo and Dare Devils
As part of the 14th Reunion of the Corps of Signals cum Celebrations of Signals Centenary - Glorious 100 Years - This ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES SHOW was organised at COBRA GROUND, JABALPUR on the 14TH Feb 2011. The show included "The Closing of the 6000 Kms Motor Cycle Epedition" successfully completed by our officers, JCOs and Jawans, Aviation and Sky Diving, Martial Arts Demo and The Famous Dare Devil Display by the Corps Despatch Riders on their wonder machines.
It was a breath taking experience most of the times, as you can witness for yourself in these two parts of my video.
Please come and Join me for the Show
Thanks for watching my humble attempt in making this video.
These videos and all the other videos on the subject up loaded for the
benefit of my friends who could not be there at Jabalpur.
Brig Narinder Dhand

Visit to Bhedaghat

Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
1 STC Jabalpur 12 Feb 2011


Visit to Bhedaghat
Bhedaghat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Jabalpur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated by the side of river Narmada and is approximately 20 km from Jabalpur city. Its most famous sights are the Duandhar Falls, Marble Rocks, and the Chausath Yogini temple.
The temple is one of the four major extant temples containing carvings of sixty four yogini, female yoga mystics. It was built in the 10th century under the Kalachuri empire. It commands a view of the whole area around and of the river flowing through the marble rocks.

Video Courtesy: Brig Narinder Dhand

Lt Col Satyendra Verma BASE Jumps as part of Centenary Celebrations

BASE jumping, also sometimes written as B.A.S.E jumping, is an activity that employs an initially packed parachute to jump from fixed objects. "B.A.S.E." is an acronym that stands for four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: buildings, antennae, spans (bridges), and earth (cliffs).

The acronym "B.A.S.E." was coined by filmmaker Carl Boenish, his wife Jean Boenish, Phil Smith, and Phil Mayfield. Carl was the real catalyst behind modern BASE jumping, and in 1978, he filmed the first BASE jumps to be made using ram-air parachutes and the freefall tracking technique (from El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park). While BASE jumps had been made prior to that time, the El Capitan activity was the effective birth of what is now called BASE jumping. BASE jumping is significantly more dangerous than similar sports such as skydiving from aircraft, and is currently regarded by many as a fringe extreme sport or stunt.

BASE numbers are awarded to those who have made at least one jump from each of the four categories (buildings, antennas, spans and earth). When Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield jumped together from a Houston skyscraper on 18 January 1981, they became the first to attain the exclusive BASE numbers (BASE #1 and #2, respectively), having already jumped from an antenna, spans, and earthen objects. Jean and Carl Boenish qualified for BASE numbers 3 and 4 soon after. A separate "award" was soon enacted for Night BASE jumping when Mayfield completed each category at night, becoming Night BASE #1, with Smith qualifying a few weeks later.

The Indian Army's sports sky diving team introduced the extreme adventure sport of base jumping to India as its captain Lt Col Satyendra Verma jumped off a TV tower in the national capital on Friday.

The country witnessed its first legal base jump as Lt Col Verma jumped from a height of 235 metre in Pitampura as part of the centenary year (February 2010-2011) celebrations of the Corps of Signals.

Verma, an adventure enthusiast and expert in hand-gliding, paragliding, hot air ballooning, skydiving and base jumping, has been part of over 1,100 free fall jumps done by the army's sky diving team. He has participated in World Military Parachuting Championship in Russia in 2006 and has also performed base jump from KL Tower in Kuala Lampur.
Lt Col Verma jumped from a height of 235 metre in Pitampura as part of the centenary year (February 2010-2011) celebrations of the Corps of Signals

Hundred Glorious Years of Information Warriors

AK Anthony Raksha Mantri
I am really pleased to learn that the Corps of Signals is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On this momentous occasion, I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the officers and men of the Corps.
The Corps has assimilated fast-paced changes in Communication and Information Technology in providing able and efficient support to the Army and our Armed Forces. In the recent past, the Corps of Signals has embraced a large number of technology intensive communication projects. These projects will provide fresh impetus to the march of our Armed Forces in becoming a Network- Centric Force and also revitalise our indigenous telecommunication industry. Their invaluable contribution in extending aid to civilian authorities during times of natural calamities has also been widely appreciated.
I have no doubt that the Corps will continue to harness latest technology to provide the cutting edge communication in further strengthening the defence preparedness of our Nation.
I wish the Corps of Signals continued success in its future endeavours.
Message
On this historic occasion of the iOOth Anniversary of the Corps of Signals I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all personnel of the Corps of Signals.
The past decades have witnessed the Corps providing efficient and reliable communications to the Indian Army. With the ongoing revolution in Information and Communication Technology, the Corps of Signals has the onerous responsibility ci steering large communicatJon projects that will immensely aid in the Defence Forces becoming a networked force. Concurrently, its efforts in developing communication Infrastructure in under developed regions of our country is indeed pralee worthy.
Backed by rich traditions, diligent and innovative personnel and the camaraderie prevalent in their ranks, I am confident that the Corps will execute all assigned tasks with ease.
I wish the Corps of Signals continued success and glory in the years ahead.
AK Anthony
Defence Minister

General VK Singh
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC
Chief of Army Staff
The 100th Anniversary is a historic occasion for all ranks of the Corps of Signals, past and present Throughout their glorious history, the personnel of the Corps have always been known for their dedication, ingenuity, regimentation, ethos, indomitable will and determination to succeed against all odds. The Corps has always been at the forefront in providing infallible communication support to the Indian Army be It war, disaster relief, Counter insurgency or in peace time commitments, The Corps has, with a vision, imbibed and assimilated rapid changes in technologies to further the objectives of the Indian Army. The Corps has also played a pivotal role in creation of networks to promote fri-service synergy. It is today a key enabler in the Indian Army’s transformation towards a Net Centric Force.
It is my firm conviction that all personnel of the Corps will continue to strive to excel in every field in the best traditions and ethos of our glorious Army in times to come and do themselves and the Army proud.
On this historic occasion, I extend my best wishes to all ranks, Civilian Staff, Veterans and families and wish the Corps of Signals every success in all their endeavours.
Jai Hind.
VK Singh
General

1 STC Jabalpur Celebrates Corps of Signals Centenary

The reception Centre arranged by 1 Signals Training Centre to receive the guests including Veterans from all over India arriving by trains for the Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations on 12 Feb 2011.

The Corps of Signals Museum at Jabalpur, India is maintained by HQ 1 Signals training centre, It houses the history as to how the communications have grown over the years. The Corps was raised on 15th Feb 1911. The corps celebrated its Centenary on 15th Feb 2011.

The Corps of Signals War Memorial at 1 Signals Training centre at jabalpur (MP) India constructed in memory of Information Warriors who laid down their lives for our tomprrow. LONG LIVE INDIAN ARMY

Photographs and Captions by Brig Narinder Dhand

Pratibha Patil hails Corps of Signals, army's 'Information Warriors'

Published by DNA: Monday, Feb 15, 2010, 15:47 IST
Place: New Delhi | Agency: PTI
Pratibha Patil President Pratibha Patil today called the Corps of Signals as a "strong and vibrant force" which is playing a vital role in providing effective communication systems to the armed forces to make it truly networked and responsive.

Inaugurating the Centenary Celebrations of the Corps of Signals here, Patil said the 90,000-strong force was engaged in diverse activities including provision of communication, information technology, electronic warfare and signal intelligence.

The Corps of Signals was raised on February 15, 1911 at Fatehgarh as two Signal Companies. "Today, the Corps of Signals enters into 100th year of its odyssey, as communicators for our defence forces. It was on this historic day in 1911, that the first two Signal Companies were raised at Fatehgarh," Patil said. "It is now a 90,000 strong and vibrant force engaged in diverse activities,," she said.

Noting that communications have always played a vital role in the functioning of the armed forces, Patil said effective communication systems were essential to build a truly networked and a responsive force.

"Mandated to provide secure and reliable strategic, operational and tactical communications, the dedicated officers and men of the Corps of Signals, have performed their duties with excellence by providing vital communication support to the Armed Forces, through the years, both in times of peace and war," she said.
Pratibha Patil hails Corps of Signals, army's 'Information Warriors'

Memorial Service 15th Feb 2011

Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
1 STC Jabalpur, Memorial Service at War Memorial on 15th Feb 2011








Posted in YouTube by Brig Narinder Dhand

Corps of Signals War Memorial
To honour the sacred memory of those brave brethren who laid down their lives during World War I and II in service of the Corps and the country, a War Memorial was erected on the Parade Ground of 1 Military Training Regiment of 1 Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur. The Memorial was unveiled at a solemn ceremony on 13 February 1961 during the Golden Jubilee Reunion. This Memorial is a 305 cms high wall made of Katni stone and a matching base. The column mounts the original Corps Badge (Emblem) of the Indian Signal Corps in brass and Dedicatory Plaque with the inscription 'IN MEMORY OF THE THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE OF THE COUNTRY'.

As a matter of Corps custom, only white roses are grown and floral tributes of white roses only are paid. In Feb 1970, the current Emblem of the Corps was mounted beneath the old one. This memorial adorns the Parade Ground of 1 Military Training Regiment in Anderson Lines that has, since 1920, been watered by the sweat of the recruits who joined the Corps. It is on this Drill Square, in the shadow of this symbol of supreme sacrifice that they pledge their loyalty to the service and the nation on entering the Corps. There is no better backdrop than that of this parade ground to attest the recruits on their entry into the Corps as trained soldiers. The Regimental Attestation Parade has therefore, become an important ceremony, which is held in the shadow of the War memorial. For all these ceremonies, the Roll of Honour is brought ceremoniously and kept at the foot of the War Memorial to enliven the memory of our brethren who have given their lives in the service of the Corps and the Country.
Source: Official Webpage

What a Homecoming! Asha Uberoy

The Emotional Quotient
When I was initiated into the army, or, to be more exact, into the Corps of Signals more than 40 years ago, the atmosphere was all very correct and proper. The functions, the priorities even the vocabulary was different. In some ways it was more formal and emotionless. We never had official instances where God was invoked or patriotism was stroked. It must be the colonial influence. After all, the Britishers were not supposed to have great patriotic feelings or love for the country. Nor could they promote the same among the soldiers.
After my husband's retirement our contact with day to day army life had became a long lost dream. But an invitation to the Signals corps 100th anniversary celebrations at STC Jabalpur was a return to that dream. And what a homecoming!

The three day celebrations were magnificient!. Everything was well planned and executed. The programmes were stupendous. The speeches stirring! The time capsule was one great leap into the future The museum dripped with stirring history. The passing out parade was superb! Kadam kadam badaye ja brought tears to our eyes. The band display and the musicals were meticulously planned and executed.

The mountain eagles enthralled us with their heroics. If they can be so brave in peace, imagine what their potential can be during war. The dare devils on their motorbikes were, as always, simply awesome. The adventure sports thrilling .The display of martial arts and kalaripayattu was impressive. The band concert was soul touching. The commemoration ceremony and the girls hostel inauguration were pride inspiring. The cultural programme brought in glamour and entertainment. The AWWA function was one of the best we have seen. Talents overflowed in all directions leaving us all feeling warm hearted and proud to be part of such a great institution.

But what struck me most was the essentials of patriotic feeling that prevailed upon the whole atmosphere. This was a new thing for us old timers. Every speech, every action was full of it. In a situation where the past, present and future were meeting sentiments were bound to run high but here love for our country was a predominant feature. There was nostalgia, on one hand combined with a very high content of pride and inspiration. Braving old age problems with a high sense of bravado and spirit, the old timers held up their side of the fort. Talking to them was fascinating. They were steeped in recollections and every story was rich in content. In fact everyone was a history book in himself. But there was also the additional fire of loyalty and pride which was unabashed. It made everyone feel young and transported back in time.! Matangi Gowrishanker who accompanied her mother Mrs Gowrishanker said she felt like a six year old! What else can describe the euphoria better?

Actually, talking to the youngsters was like opening a fresh page in life. What a wonderful exposure for them and how inspiring. One could see the dreams in their eyes. We all knew that if we can look back with pride we can look forward with hope.

The whole experience was rich and wonderful. It made me realize what makes a good soldier, what makes a great technical corp, what makes a great army and what makes a great country.
JAI HIND
On a lighter note:
We travelled by train to and fro which brought back other memories. Also a recall of a joke about the time (1909) when there were no toilets in trains. A traveller wrote in the complaint book:
"Just as I was doing the nuisance, that guard making whistle blow for train to go off and I am running with lotah in one hand and dhoti in the other when I fall over and expose all my shocking to man and woman on the platform..."
Mrs Asha Uberoy
Former Senior Social Scientist CSIR, wife of Brig DK Uberoy

Reflections and Recollections of 14th Reunion

Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
1 STC Jabalpur 13th to 15th Feb 2011

Corps of Signals Reunions at 1 STC are always very special events, but the one marking the 100th anniversary, without question, is a landmark event. This was my first and the most fabulous Reunion. What grand turnout of Signal Veterans. Congratulations to all who made it happen.

It's been 15 years since I retired in 1996. Over quarter century of association with the Corps of Signals. But, in fact, you need to add the training years of your cadetship to that quarter century. So, if you are like me, sometimes it seems like just yesterday that we were in IMA, fell into ranks at the last drawn-out sound of the bugle, marched or cycled to class, cheered for our Battalions, dyked-out and paraded in view of the Barracks and passed out of the famous Chetwode Hall. This little fact demonstrates one truth: change is constant. Over the past half century, Military has changed in many aspects, but it remains the same in spirit and purpose and that is what counts the most. We continue to maintain traditions and focus on fundamentals even in our twilight years.

What a record we have achieved since those dramatic cadet days. One simply needs to traverse the memory lane to recollect the accomplishments of members of our course. This 14th Reunion truly did say it all. So many had risen in the Military Career to Generals and thereafter have excelled in Civil life as well- as CEOs, VPs, Managers, Consultants and so forth. The Organisers and Committee of 14th Reunion have kindled the spirit of Brotherhood amongst all Signallers.

But let us not spend our entire time just looking back. Reunion is also a time to reconnect with today's Corps. This means learning about where the Corps is today and where it is heading. We are especially proud of new levels of excellence and milestones the Corps has achieved. The mandate and responsibilities has significantly changed. In the digital environment, fielding combat communications for the future battle space is truly a challenge for the Information Warriors. This as we see is met by constant upgradation in training, innovation and inspiring leadership.

Change therefore is a constant. But some things do not change and will not change: the Corps Spirit "Teevra Chaukas", the guiding strength of its traditions, its devotion to honour and service, its focus on producing educated and honourable leaders, and its focus on producing "Citizen Signallers" of the highest calibre.
Three cheers to the Corps of Signals.

Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)
32 Tech Nov 1971 (Parallel with 48 Regular)

Corps of Signals Mandate and Milestones

Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
1 STC Jabalpur 15th Feb 2011


Events: Commemoration Ceremony, Time Capsule Corps Museum, Barakhana, Memorial Service and Mercury Nite

Transcript of Interview of Asia Defence News Editor-in-Chief Col P N Khera with Lieutenant General Partha Mohapatra Signal Officer-in-Chief.

New Parameters to Corps Mandate
PNK: What new parameters have been added to the mandate of the Signals Corps by the new military doctrine?
SO-in-C: Achieving net centricity for the futuristic digitized battlefield has been emphasized in our doctrine. The Corps is ensuring that our communication networks both static and mobile are able to meet the requirements of the future battlefield. Emphasis on Cyber Security has also been laid in the new doctrine which is being given due emphasis. We have established a dedicated Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Army for Cyber Security. Adequate cryptographic controls have been incorporated within the ambit of a Cyber Security compliance framework. Our captive networks have been secured and isolated from public networks and emphasis is on increasing awareness through enhanced training initiatives across the entire Indian Army.
Milestones and Achievements
PNK: Looking back, can you recall some milestones in the 100 years of the
Corps, its achievements which have strengthened synergy between the three
forces?
SO-in-C: The idea of mobile communication systems was first conceptualized in India through Army Radio Engineered Network (AREN). Thereafter Pan India ASCON network, mobile cellular communication, Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) and satellite communication were the other major
milestones. The Corps of Signals is today steering a large number of inter-service projects like Defence Communication Network (DCN) to bring in greater synergy among the three Services.
Source: Interview transcript- Asia Defence News
Photographs: Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)