Communication systems are felt more not by their presence but by their absence. This vital aspect of communication to modern day battlefield is being done by the Corps of Signals. The spread of technology in this field has made the concept of turning earth into one ‘global village’, a dream-come-true. Signals have ushered in the latest communication technology to meet the challenges of a multidimensional warfare.

The changes in technology in the field of communication and Information Technology have been at a mind boggling scale—the obsolescence of technology being pegged to about three years!! In such times, when technological breakthroughs are taking place at a very rapid pace, the defence forces need to take on the challenge that the world of zeros and ones has to offer. True to the modernisation spirit, the Corps has shifted its focus from World War II Morse to millennium mouse. The striking changes that have taken place in the field of Army communication has given the Signals a place of pride wherein they have now set out with a single minded mission to change the way army communicates.

Voice communication is most dear to the users though the changes in this field are taking place steadily but perceptibly. Plain Old Telephone (POT) is now being replaced with a digital phone with the Value Added Services (VAS) needed for the hard pressed Commanders and staff. The connectivities of telephone will in future be provided with higher bandwidths. Video conferencing is a reality and data..... call it files, slides are moving seamlessly across the networks reducing the transit time from east to west of the country in a few seconds. A soldier today can talk from his bunker on LOC to his near and dear ones by using the satellite communication. The user feels the effectiveness of technology reaching the ‘grassroots’. The mechanics of reliable, responsive and value added communication is a complex and intricate task. Signals has made this possible through relentless hard work and ingenuity in engineering.

Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) has permeated to formations and has proved its capability beyond doubt. In the sphere of mobile communication, Army Radio Engineering Network (AREN), Combat Net Radio (CNR) backed by a most versatile satellite communication have made mobile warfare truly mobile.

Higher bandwidth demands are being met by laying Optical Fibre Cables (OFCs) in the most difficult terrains. Management of bandwidths and convergence are the two mantras which will propel us into the new world of multi-service platforms. Many projects are afoot to optimise
and secure bandwidths and simultaneously adopt or develop the application most suitable to Indian Army.

The adaptation of technology to the needs of Armed Forces has not been easy. Indian industry is dynamic and in the techno-savvy world, if one follows the beaten path and not explore the new dimension, extinction is not far away. Signals is marching ahead in providing state-of-the-art communication and informatics support not only to the Army but to some prestigious Tri-Services organisations too. Signallers undoubtedly today are known for professional soldiering and sincerity as well as for adapting the latest technology.

The presence of Signals is not felt but the absence is devastating. These warriors are the background processors for the front-end users, who work with same zeal during peace, exercises or war. There are no double standards in this great communication game. War or peace, day or night, Signals continue to provide the critical communication to the Army. Indeed they have already changed and are changing the way Army communicates.