Of Sparrows and Straws: Innovative ideas or agreeing with the boss?

Army led by deer or lion?
by Ajai Shukla Business Standard, 17th Apr 12
On Sunday the army chief, General V K Singh, raised an intriguing question while talking to schoolchildren in Jaipur. “An army of deer led by a lion is to be feared more than [an] army of lions led by a deer,” said the general.
My first thought as I mulled over this profundity was: can a deer that has served all his life in an army full of deer suddenly transform into a lion at the top? Alternatively, could a lion serving in an army full of deer be promoted somehow to the top slot?
Common sense would rule out both eventualities. An army full of deer would only promote a deer to the top, just as an army of lions would always have a lion in command. But the Indian Army presents a paradoxical third alternative. The numerous lions in this excellent army serve up to a certain rank. Then, around the time they become colonels or brigadiers, something strange happens: the lions start turning into deer!
The General V K Singh affair illuminates the generals in a harsh and unforgiving light. The generals emerge as riven with infighting; they undermine meritocracy by promoting loyalists; and, perhaps most worryingly, they compromise the army’s readiness for war by meekly acquiescing in crippling shortfalls of equipment and ammunition.
Over a drink, ask any junior or mid-ranking officer, and you will find disillusionment with senior commanders and with a working environment that rewards the safe and predictable rather than the bold and unexpected. Recent controversies have exacerbated murmurs that generals only think about themselves. Talk to the generals, on the other hand, and they express disappointment over the “poor quality” of young officers. There is a clear disconnect between the two ends of the rank pyramid, between the lions and the deer.
This observation is fraught with personal danger, since my army batch-mates have just been evaluated, and many of them cleared, for promotion to major general! Knowing these gentlemen as intimately as a course-mate, comrade and friend of many years does, I acknowledge with some satisfaction that the army has homed in on the high achievers. But identifying good lions is of little use if they begin turning into deer.
At a time when many soldiers – serving and retired – bitterly regard themselves as under attack from the defence ministry, the media, and even the judiciary, it is time for India’s finest and most resilient institution to look within rather than without. What are the systemic flaws in the army structure that disempowers its leaders and binds them in mental shackles?
The first is a growing culture of conformity: an intolerance of alternative viewpoints that is the natural attribute of under-confident commanders. This causes the boss’ viewpoint (itself springing from what he thinks his boss’ viewpoint might be) to become the viewpoint of everyone down the chain — effectively killing any prospect of internal reform. The system cannot be challenged from within, since any discussion about alternative leadership models presupposes that the existing model might be less than perfect.
It is nobody’s case that the army should encourage dissent; no military does. But great armies tolerate, and actively encourage, non-conformism. This is essential, not just for operational innovativeness that would keep the enemy guessing in war, but also for throwing up essential bottom-up challenges to the status quo. Totalitarian Conformism, as today’s army leadership style might be termed, reduces the landscape of professional and personal creativity to a dull wasteland where the fabled “dashing young officer” is marked not by flashes of innovative genius but by his quickness in agreeing with the boss.
Young officers allow themselves to be bound by these shackles because of the army’s insularity. Segregated from the world outside, and with little realisation of their actual worth, junior officers are reluctant to buck the system. Given the conviction that promotion is the only measure of success, they toe the line rather than risk professional hara-kiri by setting out to change the system. Their outlook can only change with exposure. Sending out junior officers on secondments and deputations – with academic institutions; successful government enterprises; media organisations; the police forces – will enrich the military’s bloodline with external leadership and decision-making cultures. It will also provide officers with the confidence that is required to challenge the status quo and to create a bottom-up dynamic that forces the generals to respond like lions rather than continue like deer.
Will the generals permit such a change? Most probably not since empowering junior officers and encouraging non-conformism are threatening prospects. Good reasons are ready at hand to shoot down such “unworkable” and “impractical” ideas: a shortage of officers; inter-se seniority issues during secondment; and so on. It would, therefore, be necessary for the government to intervene. We’re waiting for Godot.
Tailpiece
The phrase “lions led by donkeys” was used by the Germans to describe the British army during World War I. It encapsulated their impression of incompetent generals letting down the brave and dedicated British soldier.
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Remembering Lt Gen Balaram: Scarcely one sees a Signal of officer of his calibre

A true Role Model for the youth of the Nation
Maj Gen Balaram succeeded Maj Gen Mohinder Singh as Commandant Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington in 1982 soon after we reported for the staff course. Maj Gen Mohinder Singh used to run DSSC with a firm hand. For mid career young officers it was a great achievement to be selected for the course and a feather in one's cap to be graded DS (Directing Staff) material. Gen Mohinder Singh's legacy was that officers must be taught to obey rules and regulations scrupulously and any deviation or slackness would invite adverse comment / negative marking. The introductory talk by the BGS to us was overawing. It was the jewel which crowned the very surgically precise joining instructions which we had received earlier. Constantly improved over years of feedback and experience, the DSSC joining instructions are a role-model of outstanding staff work and minor SDs. Everything in them is well thought out. Detailed instructions & guidelines are articulated in well formed centre headings, group and para headings, using words & language which leaves no room for doubt.
The list of Donts spelt out by the BGS in his welcoming speech was exhaustive. It made us white uniform walllahs sit up and re-think whether we were really going to enjoy a year's sabbatical from the navy. We had all dreamt of a welcome break from the tough navy life and a year of regular family life in the exotic surroundings of a beautiful, quaint old hill station in the Nilgiris where time is reported to stand still.
Soon we began to reminisce about our initial days at NDA and about taut army discipline once again You see, the naval service is quite informal in many respects. One does not have to stand to attention all the time while speaking to senior officers; passing salutes are generally exchanged only upto noon and when they are, it is not necessary that you have a cap on your head, and so on. The coastal climate does not encourage one to invest in three-piece suits or many silk Saree's for the spouse....We felt a wee bit stifled at regimented routine and the lack of creative freedom.
But our fears were short-lived. Maj Gen Balaram came on to the scene without a swagger and swatch. A quiet unassuming, studious looking senior officer, he quietly observed the daily life for a couple of days and then made an unforgettable speech which showed how humane and perceptive he was. We took our seats in the main auditorium well before the appointed time, decked in our Sunday best, dreading what was to come. Though young in service, we were well-aware that traditionally a new hand at the helm always meant an across-the board tightening-up in any service. There was an unusual silence as we awaited the customary pep talk and a pronouncement of a fresh list of dos & don ts by the new commandant.

But what he said that evening remains forever etched in my memory. He spoke in fatherly terms and advised us to make use of the opportunity to spend a year with our family in that wonderful place to renew bonds with family and make new friends. He advised us to study hard, think creatively, question the 'greens' (the staff solutions) and come up with better ones. In our spare times we should play hard and utilise the recreational facilities of the institution to the fullest. He told us that our Directing Staff were mature senior officers who knew how to recognise the potential in us and that we should not be too-conscious of our gradings by them. We should consider them our gurud who were there to guide us to develop skills and abilities to become assets as future staff officers in higher formations.

He informed us that recognising that we were all fairly senior and mature officers, he had issued a specific directive to his staff earlier in the day. The staff were there to assist and guide us to develop our full potential. Henceforth, they were required to minimise the burden and routine chores of 'personal adm' from our shoulders so that we could devote our energies to the primary task of studying. He streamlined the requisitioning of transport to ferry the sick and the womenfolk from far off residential areas like Gorkha Hills and ensured easy access to medical facilities for the families so that we did not have to absent from class for these purposes. The doorstep supply of service rations and daily necessities from the market (Needs, near MRC) etc etc also became well organised and left the men-folk with more time and energy to think and turn in better solutions.
Above all (and this was a stunner) he said he had issued instructions that no one in the college had the power to say 'No' to the mature and responsible officers undergoing staff course. The buck for turning down a request for a sudden trip to Coimbatore to receive a family member, to take a couple of days leave to see an ailing parent, to requisition transport etc etc stopped at the Commandant's desk. If you got a No, it meant that it was his considered decison as head of our family and must be obeyed. All other officers of the DSSC had the power only to say YES and with that was implied their responsibility to ensure that students never faced problems - personal or professional.
It was a great thought. We worked hard and we played hard. Personally, I felt that the overall quality of our professional output notched up many times.
I practiced his philosophy about the power to say no in subsequent life and always had good results. It was a facet of leadership that he had passed on to us.
In the evening of his life sometimes I met Gen Balaram in a seminar or in the lawns of the Delhi Gymkhana Club. It was always an honour to re-introduce myself every time and to thank him for that unforgettable year in DSSC. Ever the courteous and caring senior officer, he never forgot to enquire about my well-being and about my family as if he knew them. Though in failing health himself, he always said that although he was not sure what he could do for me, I should feel free to call on my former commandant for a helping hand.
If memory serves me right, once after his retirement he was hand-picked by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to personally assess the ground truth and give her a factual account of what had happened in Orissa - I seem to recall that it was a case of starvation deaths or atrocities on dalits and that the administration was trying to cover it up. She probably trusted the General's sense of fairplay and his integrity to put in a true report of the reality as he saw it.
As a naval officer I salute my old commandant. I am fortunate that I got a chance to meet him. May his soul rest in peace and may his spirit guide us to develop our faculties for original and creative thinking. Perhaps I may yet invent a follow-on to the famous Balaram aerial!
Best regards,
Arun
(Cdr Arun Saigal)

Is there any Serving Signal Officer of his Calibre?
Lt General Balaram was only vice chancellor of the oldest university of Haryana who practised austerity and bridled the unbridled in the university whether in the teaching fraternity or in the categories of employees. He was the administrator who suspended an IAS Registrar Rajiv Arora and got his almirahs broke open in his absence where some important files were locked, just a few days before the expiry of his three year tenure. The Fauji Balaram was the VC who denied access to university auditorium to the then Prime Minister late Chander Shekhar who was to address a workers rally in the presence of the then Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala. Although the District Magistrate used his special powers and acquisited the auditorium. The hand-over and take-over was done by the junior officers of the university and the district administration. Unlike today's vice chancellors in the country, Lt. General Balaram made his way to Delhi to attend a meeting and did not bother even to receive the PM at the helipad in the university sports grounds itself.

Balaram used to walk to his office and back on Thursdays during the Iran-Iraq war to save petrol, a call given by the union ministry those days. He could venture sliding beneath his official car to repair it during the lunch break and then board it after stretching his safari suit which could be seen with torn stitches under the cockpits. He never availed any free medicines from the University Health centre , rather he was the VC who paid a cheque of five thousand rupees to the university in lieu of the reimbursement of medical bills despite the repeated requests to the contrary from the then SMO Dr Mrs S Maleyvar.

He was so popular amongst teaching fraternity and also amongst employees that on his retirement, a ceremonial departure was performed by pulling the ropes tied to his car and a send-off was given at the Oasis at Karnal after which his convoy was escorted upto Delhi by the representatives of teachers and employees. His last words of advice to the university people were : 'Save this prestigious university from unscrupulous people if you can, let it flourish to blossom fully
Lt Gen Balaram

Corps of Signals- 21st Century

Uploaded by IndiaDefence on May 1, 2011
In keeping with the 21st century vision of the Corps of Signals 'to achieve electronic and information superiority for effective functioning of the Indian Army', the Corps has embarked upon a multidimensional and challenging task of establishing a converged, robust, broad band and secure IT infrastructure, at peace and operational locations of the Indian Army.

A holistic approach has been adopted to develop the Communication and IT infrastructure in all its dimensions. ASCON Phase III, fully redundant and secure backbone network already implemented and presently project ASCON Phase IV is under implementation to cover voids. Also state of the art Zonal/Metro access networks have been established at a number of stations and at other locations these networks are under implementation. Simultaneously, access networks down to formation/unit level, especially in Northern, Eastern and Southern Commands, are being established based on OFC and UHF systems. Exclusive, satellite-based networks shall provide converged data and voice networks for different users which include use during aid to civil administration, especially during natural calamities.

Signals are essentially the NERVES of the Army. The nerves in our body connect the brain to the sensory organs and also to the limbs. It is through the nerves that the brain receives inputs from the various sensory organs. The processing of these inputs results in a set of commands being issued to the various limbs which execute them to provide the response that our body makes to the external stimulus. In the same manner, the Generals, being the brains of the Army, receive inputs from the troops in contact and from other sources through the Signals. These inputs are processed at the Headquarters and converted into action plans. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Signals to convey these operational plans to the troops who execute them. Therefore, it is obvious that the Signals are intimately intertwined in all aspects of the functioning of the Army both in war and in peace. Signals are present at all levels and at all places, just as we have nerves in all parts of our body.

The vision of Signals Corps is to attain and maintain informatic ascendancy by developing infostructure to cater for Network Centric Warfare in a digitized battlefield of tomorrow. The aim and objective of Signals Corps is to make the Indian Army Network Enabled Force by 2012 and Network Centric Force by 2017. This will entail consolidation of all networks so as to provide the Indian Army with an optimal, secure, reliable and robust infostructure that can meet both operational and peacetime requirements and one that is capable of withstanding technical and physical degradation. The Corps remains the lead agency and nodal centre for information and cyber security both within the Defence Services and at the National level.

The offrs at all levels are aware of the strategic, operational and tactical dimensions to enable a pragmatic application of technology in support of combat ops. Training centres are developing directives and processes that can prepare all ranks to acquire a high level of multiple skills needed in the diverse terrain, technological and op environment of our army in gen and Signals in particular. The training centres are designed to facilitate the pursuit of a continuous trg philosophy at unit level through on-the-job trg and by harnessing e-learning, thereby reducing the gap between the "haves" and the "have-nots".

The momentous strides made by the Corps in the last few decades have truly been stupendous and without parallel. It has transited to a network enabled force, propelled by the intellect, sustained hard work and the inherent urge to excel which have been so vividly displayed by all officers and men. The domain of enhancing communication in the Tactical Battle Area and the facilitation of synergy of C4I2 elements are going to be the major thrust areas for the future. The Corps is forward looking, with finely honed procedures and exacting standards for execution of tasks. The Corps has always had an abiding and strong ethical foundation. With character comes reputation, and the esteem that the Corps enjoys today stems from the value system and ethos which need to be continually preserved and nurtured. The Corps has also evolved drills and procedures that ensure the provision of reliable and responsive communications to the Army under harsh terrain and tough battle field conditions and is living up to the motto of the Corps - "TEEVRA CHAUKAS" or "Swift and Secure".
India Defence Channel

Coffee Table Book

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book Feb 17, 2011

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Home Affairs, Shri Gurdas Kamat, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. V.S. Tonk and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen.
What is a Coffee Table Book?
A coffee table book is a hardcover book that is intended to sit on a coffee table or similar surface in an area where guests sit and are entertained, thus inspiring conversation or alleviating boredom. They tend to be oversized and of heavy construction, since there is no pressing need for portability. Subject matter is generally confined to non-fiction, and is usually visually-oriented. Pages consist mainly of photographs and illustrations, accompanied by captions and small blocks of text, as opposed to long prose. Since they are aimed at anyone who might pick the book up for a light read, the analysis inside is often more basic and with less jargon than other books on the subject. Because of this, the term "coffee table book" can be used pejoratively to indicate a superficial approach to the subject.
History
David R Brower is sometimes credited with inventing the "modern coffee table book". While serving as executive director of the Sierra Club, he had the idea for a series of books that combined nature photography and writings on nature, with, as he put it, "a page size big enough to carry a given image’s dynamic. The eye must be required to move about within the boundaries of the image, not encompass it all in one glance." The first such book, "This is the American Earth", with photographs by Ansel Adams and others and text by Nancy Newhall, was published in 1960; the series became known as the "Exhibit Format" series, with 20 titles eventually published.

Corps of Signals History- Challenges

Corps History Committee
Though no history of the Corps was published during the period 1947-72, most of the work including the writing of the script of Volume I covering the period 1911-39 was completed during this time. The story of the ups and downs connected with the publication of the book has been covered in ‘History of the History’ which forms Appendix 1 of Volume II. However, the deliberations of the Corps Committee concerning the history of the Corps and other subjects within the purview of the Corps History Committee which are relatively unknown will be covered here.

The Corps Committee, in its very first meeting held in September 1946, ‘agreed that it was most desirable that the history of the Indian Signal Corps should be compiled’. However, nothing much seems to have been done during the next few years except a visit to the Historical Section in Simla by the Deputy Director Signals in early 1953 and the initiation of a case for a lieutenant colonel to write the Corps history. The lieutenant colonel and his staff were sanctioned, but due to acute shortage of officers in the Corps, no officer could be provided for this task. 69

Fortunately, Colonel T Barreto was posted as Deputy Director of Signals from 1953-56. Without any mandate from the Corps Committee, he had begun collecting material in 1951, when he was at the Staff College, and continued his efforts during his tenure at Delhi. This naturally came to the knowledge of Brigadier Akehurst and Brigadier Iyappa, who succeeded him in 1954. In 1957, the Corps Committee agreed that the compilation of the history of the Corps is a long outstanding necessity. They appreciated the effort already put in by Brigadier Barreto and requested him to accept the responsibility to complete the Corps history, sanctioning a sum of Rs. 1000/- for expenses.

By this time Brigadier Barreto had moved to Poona as CSO Southern Command. He was nominated Chairman of the Corps History Committee, an appointment he held until his retirement in 1965. During his tenures at Poona (1956-60); Simla (1960-63) and Mhow (1963-65), he continued to work assiduously on the project. He presented the first report of the Corps History Committee during the 11th Corps Committee Meeting in 1958. Thereafter, he presented progress reports in every meeting of the Corps Committee up to 1965, which was the last meeting he attended. During this meeting, he informed the Committee that the manuscript of Volume I of the History of the Indian Signal Corps was almost ready. In the absence of the Chairman, Lieutenant General Iyappa, the meeting was chaired by the Co-Chairman, Major General Batra, who stated that he had discussed the matter with the Senior Colonel Commandant. As the printing of the Volume would require last minute coordination with the printers, it would be printed in India. It had been decided that the services of Lieutenant Colonel Proudfoot be engaged for technical vetting of the manuscript and processing till its final publication.

The decision to engage Lieutenant Colonel Proudfoot could not have been taken kindly by Brigadier Barreto. It indicated a lack of confidence in his abilities which was totally unjustified. That this was done without consulting him was even more galling. Due to various reasons, he put in his papers and retired prematurely in June 1965, when he was the Commandant of the School of Signals. Before he retired, he was asked to hand over the manuscript and all the material collected by him painstakingly over the previous 10-15 years.

Though the manuscript had been completed by Brigadier Barreto before he retired, the project went into limbo after his departure, with the Corps not being able to find a suitable replacement to head the Corps History Committee. The next meeting of the Corps Committee records:
Since the retirement of Brig T BARRETO a new Chairman of the Corps History Committee has not yet been appointed in his place. No report has, therefore, been prepared for discussion. CSO Central Command stated that the present system of collecting data for the compilation of Corps History entailed delay and therefore the system should be revised and the responsibility entrusted to a training establishment to whom copies of war diaries and other materials of historical value to the Corps should be made available. He also stated that it may be advantageous to employ a retired officer who may progressively compile the History and keep it up-to-date.

In 1967 the Corps Committee was informed that the only nomination received so far for ‘writing’ the Corps history was that of Lieutenant Colonel A Asirvadam of the School of Signals. Brigadier KD Bhasin stated that he had informally contacted Brigadier Barreto who had declined to undertake the task. The Chairman, Lieutenant General Iyappa, asked the SO-in-C, Major General ID Verma to discuss this issue with Brigadier Barreto during his next visit to Jabalpur. Meanwhile, all the material still held with Brigadier Barreto was to be taken over from him and properly compiled to facilitate further work. Major GY Sowani of 1 STC was to carry out processing of Volume I and start writing the draft for Volume II. The draft written Major Sowani was to be passed on to Colonel SN Mehta for vetting and finalisation.

For the next four years literally nothing was done with regard to the Corps history. The subject was also not discussed by the Corps Committee during the meetings held in 1968, 1969 and 1970. In 1971 Commandant 1 STC placed before the Corps Committee the list of items which had been collected from Brigadier Barreto and kept in the Corps Museum. The Chairman, Lieutenant General Iyappa then suggested that it is time we take some concrete action to publish the Corps history. CSO Southern Command stated that Lieutenant Colonel GY Sowani had volunteered to do the work. (This had been approved by the Committee four years earlier). Initially he should be moved to Jabalpur on temporary duty to make an assessment of the volume of work involved and later he may be posted to Jabalpur if necessary.

In the event, after Colonel GY Sowani also begged off, various other writers approached, including Lieutenant Colonel CL Proudfoot, Colonel Pyara Lal Colonel V Anantahraman, Major KS Kapur Brigadier KD Bharagava and Lieutenant Colonel JC Dhamija. Volume I of the Corps History was finally published in 1975, ten years later after its completion by Brigadier Barreto. The book was a verbatim reproduction of the original draft except for a change in the title. The preface written by Brigadier Barreto was omitted and so was his name as the author. One can only wonder at the lackadaisical manner in which the Corps history project was addressed by the Corps Committee and the callous manner in which it treated one of its most distinguished members. Brigadier Barreto had been the longest serving member of the Corps Committee, except for General Iyappa. 6/7/2010
Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd)
Comment: Wonderful insight into the ordeals and challenges confronted in getting the Corps History Published. Brig Barreto and Maj Gen VK Singh are the true time keepers of Corps of Signals for perpetuity.

Corps of Signals War Memorial

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



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.
Corps of signals War Memorial

Souvenirs and Memorabilia

14th Reunion at 1STC Jabalpur

Similar to souvenirs, memorabilia (Latin for memorable things, plural of memorābile) are objects treasured for their memories; however, unlike souvenirs, memorabilia are valued for a connection to an event. Examples include Reunions, sporting events, historical events, culture and entertainment. Such items include playing cards, carry bags, publicity photographs, posters, caps, cups, clocks and such other collectables.
14th Reunion had an array of such items:
1. Corps tie
2. Corps scarf
3. Reunion folder with brochures and posters
4. Wall clocks and wrist watches
5. Hand Bag
6. Cups
7. Ladies Handkerchief
8. Caps

The Modernisation Process and the Poineers

Supreme Commander Inaugurating 100th Anniversary

The Modernisation Process
The Corps of Signals is well poised to exploit the state-of-art modern communication techniques for meeting the requirements of the Indian Army of the 21st Century. The ASTROIDS (Army Strategic Operational Information Dissemination System) and the DCN (Defence Communication Network) are other networks which have been visualised to cover communication requirements of all three services at the strategic level. Some of the areas where the Corps is already in the process of exploiting are the cellular radios - in both GSM (Global Satellite for Mobile Communications) & CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) modes, WLL (Wireless Local Loop), OFC (Optical Fibre Cable), mobile trunk radios, mobile satellite systems, etc. Advanced data transmission methods such as SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) and PDH (Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy) are also being used.
Personnel of the Corps are regularly sent abroad to expand their knowledge in numerous areas of telecommunications, information technology and electronic warfare including attending conferences such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to keep abreast with the latest in communications technology. The Corps also fielded communication task forces for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Sierra Leone. Signals personnel have also attended the Indian Army's training teams at Botswana and Mauritius.
Poineers in computerisation
To start the computerisation process, a middle level officer of the Corps of Signals, Maj OA Pereira was deputed to undergo a one year computer course at the statistical institute, Calcutta. On his return, the nucleus of a computer cell was formed at the AHQ. Around the same time, a training facility was organised by the Government at Delhi based on a Honeywell mainframe computer system. The scope of such training was, however, limited to fundamentals of computer technology and programming in COBOL with an exposure of FORTRAN. Simultaneously, officers were also sent to US Army School at Fort Monmonth, New Jersey for regular computer courses. Notable amongst these trainees were Lt Col MS Sodhi and Lt Col Harbhajan Singh, later both of them rose to the rank of Lt Gen's as SO in C. Prominent amongst the early computer poineers were Lt Col (Maj Gen) BS Paintal and Maj (Brig) VM Sundaram. They played a leading role in educating and spreading compuer awareness. Subsequently Maj Gen Gopal Das and Maj Gen Ganga Prasad made significant contribution for the planning and organisation of computer education and training. Brig SVS Chowdhry was closely associated with the computer education activity, first as a faculty member at MCTE, Mhow and later on in the planning and coordination of computer training during his two tenures at the Army Headquarters.

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
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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

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'

Hundred Years Of Honour And Glory

Corps of Signals Centenary Celebration
President Pratibha Patil, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, launched the Centenary Celebration of the Corps of Signals, marking hundred years of honour and glory, reports Asia Defence News.

On 15 February 2010 the Corps of Signals entered 100th year of its odyssey in its role as Communicators for the Defence Forces. It was the historic event of raising of 31st and the 32nd Divisional Signal Companies, the first Signal units, at Fatehgarh on February 15, 1911 that marked the raising of Corps of Signals. The motto of the Corps “Teevra Chaukas” i.e. “Swift and Secure” and its emblem depict the figure of “Mercury” the Roman version of “Hermes”, the messenger of Gods in Greek mythology.
The Corps of Signals is responsible to provide secure, reliable and responsive strategic, operational and tactical communications and spearheads the information technology revolution in the Indian Army. Given its onerous tasks, the Corps of Signals, has excelled in providing robust, resilient, ubiquitous, pan-India as well as area-specific defence communication networks which constitute a great national asset. The Corps has the honour of being presented the Regimental Colours by the then President, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan on February 20, 1965.
Some of its noteworthy communication projects like Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) was dedicated to the nation by the then Prime Minister Mr PV Narsimha Rao in August 1995 while in February 2006 the Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) was similarly dedicated to the nation by the then President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
In the field of sports, the Corps has an excellent record. It has produced many a world class/Olympian sportsmen like MP Ganesh (Hockey), Leslie Fernandes (Hockey), S Jayaram (Boxing) and Ramanand (Boxing) to name a few. Hav KC Ramu was the first Indian who represented and won the International Marathon in 2005. Jayaram and Ganesh are the proud recipients of the Arjuna Award. The “Dare Devils” motorcycle trick-riders of Corps of Signals have won accolades for their display all over the country including the Republic Day Celebrations and have several Guinness and Limca Book of World Records to their credit. The Corps has pioneered microlight and Power Hang Gliding in the country.
Source: Harnessing Communication Revolution
Interview of the Month: He Commands Network Of Networks: Asia Defence News-February 15, 2011

100 Glorious Years

Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations
The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony addressing the gathering on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen. Photo no.CNR - 36762
The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the commemorative stamp on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Home Affairs, Shri Gurdas Kamat, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen. Photo no.CNR - 36761
The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Home Affairs, Shri Gurdas Kamat, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. V.S. Tonk and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen. Photo no.CNR - 36763
Source: PIB Photograph Gallery Friday, February 25, 2011

Reunion Photo Quiz

1 STC, Jabalpur 12th to 15th feb 2011
Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations



Who is Who?

Former SO-in-Cs

Former MCTE Commandants

Veteran Signal Officer from Australia

Founder RMS Forum

Ex Corps Hockey Team Captain

Ex Corps Football Team Captain- Avid Golfer

Ace Golfer

First Indian Signal Officer posted to Tribal area of Pakistan

First Indian Officer to Base Jump- Adventure Hero

First Signal Officer who participated in the Antartica Expedition

Comdt 1 STC

Former Colonel Commandants

2TTR/ 5TTR Commanders

Ex 17 MDSR Officers- Radio Communication Experts

Ex 11 COSR Commanders

Col Comdt Corps of Signals

Mrs Gowrishankar

Corps History- Author and Historian

Approved Lt Gens

Prime Mover- Corps of Signals Centenary Reunion

Troposcatter Specialist

Note: Allow pop ups. Click for slideshow navigation buttons. Double click for enlarged Photographs
Photographs: Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)

1 STC, Jabalpur sets simply superb standards

Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
Dear Signallers,
As you all know the Corps Centenary Celebrations were held at No 1 Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur, from 13 to 15 Feb 10.
The Three Man Army of "REPORT MY SIGNAL", led by Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, was at Jabalpur in full strength.
The standard of functions at No 1 STC were of such high standard that "REPORT MY SIGNAL" with any amount of publishing of articles and displaying of photographs cannot convey to you the real show that we saw and heard at Jabalpur. It is beyond description – simply superb.
Therefore, we need help from all of you, who attended the functions at Jabalpur, to send us the photographs and articles in praise of Corps of Signals and 1 STC.
Those of you attended Corps Celecbrations at other than Jabalpur are also welcome to send articles and photographs for circulation on "Report My Signal". “Few liners” and long articles – all are welcome.
Send us only those photographs, which you feel are unique in some way as the Report My Signal team has also taken lot of photogrphs at Jabalpur.
Group Photographs of members of any unit or HQ or course will also be welcome; those are not available with us.
Please do name the photograph files suitably so that we know what it is about and help us in sorting them into suitable groups. It will take us another few days to sort out the material available with us.
As the size of the material to be circulated to you all, is going to be a few GB, it may take us almost a fortnight to send it all to you– distributed over many dozens of emails.
All the material being sent by emails will also be available on "Report My Signal" Blogs. Over 400 Photographs have already been embedded in the "14th Reunion Blog", event wise. For easy access click here
Teevra Chaukas.
In Service of The Corps of Signals
Brig CS Kamboj, VSM

Corps of Signals observes raising day at Southern Command

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 AT 11:19 AM (IST)
PUNE: The Corps of Signals celebrated its raising day completing its centenary in its role as information warriors for the Indian Army.
 General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Southern Command, Lt Gen P Khanna and Chief of Staff (CoS) Lt Gen R K Swamy with their respective spouses graced the occasion.
Since its raising on February 15, 1911, the Corps has valiantly mastered the waves of technological breakthroughs.  From the era of flag signaling to wireless and line communications of the forties, the Corps has adapted itself to the rapidly changing technological barriers, successfully revolutionised and provided communications, information technology and electronic warfare for the Indian Armed Forces spread over vast geographical areas and through rugged inhospitable terrain.
Besides providing infallible communication during wars, Counter Insurgency Operations and peace, Signallers have stood by the Nation during hours of crisis and are amongst the first to reach and establish communications from disaster sites
On this day last year, the Corps of Signal had kicked off year long event of Centenary Celebrations and re-dedication of the Corps of Signals to its commitment of 'Teevra-Chaukas' method of communication. The events included technical seminars, conferences, Adventure activities and many more, informed a Southern Command communique.
Corps of Signals observes raising day at Southern Command

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book

APN NEWS Feb 17, 2011
The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Home Affairs, Shri Gurdas Kamat, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. V.S. Tonk and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen.
Release of Corps of Signals coffee table book

Corps of Signals Centenary Celebration in USA

                                       
                                        

There were only three Signals Officers available in NY- New Jersey on 14th Feb 2011. They all had retired in the eighties of last millennium. But their "Esprit De Corps did not retire with them. The three found each other and decided to drink a toast to the Corps on the eve of the Corps Centenary. It was a micro- gathering of our Mega Corps but it imparted a Global dimension to the centenary celebrations, Col SK Behl was gracious enough to host the occasion at his home in New Jersey. Seen in the Photographs (L to R) Cols KV Suri, SK Behl and SK Paranjape and their ladies.
Col SK Paranjape (Retd)