# Indian Army Corps of Signals

Indian Army Corps of Signals is a corps and a combat support arm of the Indian Army, which handles its military communications. It was formed on 15 February 1911 as a separate entity under Lieutenant Colonel S H Powell and went on to make important contributions to World War I and World War II. The corps celebrated its 100th anniversary of raising on 15 February 2010.

## History

Corps of Signals is a combat support arm of the Indian Army responsible for military communications. From its inception on 15 Feb 1911, the Corps has evolved significantly, adapting to the changing technological landscape to ensure seamless and secure communications within the armed forces. The Corps has participated in all wars as part of the Indian Army, including World War I, World War II, Operation in 1947, 1965 Operation Gibraltar in 1965, Operation Trident in 1971, Operation Pawan, and Operation VIJAY. It has contributed extensively towards Indian Army's success. It has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies with military strategy ensuring the Indian Army's agility and responsiveness in all combat and non-combat scenarios.
The motto of the Corps of Signals is "Teevra Chaukas", meaning "Swift and Secure", reflecting their commitment to providing reliable and rapid communication services. This commitment towards speed and reliability is mirrored in their emblem, which features the Mercury, symbolizing speed, communication and agility.

### The Corps Emblem

** Conceptualised by Major CFC Beresford, 2nd Division of Telegraph Battalion (Royal Engineers) in 1884.
** Formally authorized in 1934.
** Selection of present emblem in 1947.
* Mercurius
** Roman version of Greek God Hermes Born of Sky (Jupiter) and Plains (Maya)
* Magic Want (Caduceus)
** Presented to Hermes by Apollo (Sun God)
** Power of reconciling conflicting elements
* Winged Sandals (Talaria) Allow marvellous rapidity of motion
* Winged Cap "Petasus" and Wings on Top of "Caduceus" Further enhance the motion of the sandals.
* The figure of Mercury on a Globe supported by a School, which bears our motto "Teevra Chaukas" and Twelve Laurel Leaves below. The whole Emblem with Mercury facing his right is surmounted by a detached Five Pointed Star The Star of India

### Before 1911

* Adhoc Sig arrangements
* Responsibility for communications with the Corps of Engineers

### 1911 to 1920

Raising of separate entities for communications.
* 15 Feb 1911: 31, 32 Division Signal Companies Fatehgarh.
* 01 Mar 1911: 33, 34 Division Signal Companies - Ahmednagar. Nucleus of 41 Wireless Squadron Roorkee.
* Ten additional Signal Companies were raised.

### 1920 to 1947

* Formation & growth of Indian Signal Corps.

### Post Independence

* Appointment of 1st Signals Officer-in-Chief: Brigadier CHI Akehurst.
* 20 Feb 1965 Presentation of Regimental Colours by President at No 1 STC, Jabalpur.

## Role

The primary role of the Corps of Signals is to develop, manage and operate the communication networks of the Indian Army. It has evolved over the years from rudimentary semaphores, signal flags, radio and telegraph systems to advanced satellite communications, cyber operations and electronic warfare. The Corps's evolution has enabled the Indian Army to maintain secure and efficient communications across diverse terrains and operational areas. The Corps ensures that commanders at all levels can communicate effectively, which is crucial for operational success.
The troops of the Corps of Signals are trained in all aspects of soldiering and also in Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering in premier Institutions like the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) and Signal Training Centres (STCs). This specialized training equips them to handle complex operational duties and communication systems.
The Corps of Signals also contributes to various non combat operations like setting up communication networks to provide communication during natural disasters facilitating coordination amongst relief agencies. Their expertise is also critical during United Nations Peacekeeping Missions where robust communications networks and implementation of cyber defense measures are essential.

## Adventure activities

The Corps is renowned for its esprit-de-corps and military discipline. It has been an integral part of Indian Army at important National and International fora. In the sports field too, the Corps has an excellent record. It has produced veterans like M. P. Ganesh, Leslie Fernandez, SR Pawar, Gulzar Singh, S Jayaram, Achinta Sheuli, and Narender to name a few. MP Ganesh took part in the World Cup Hockey in Barcelona and the Munich Olympics. It was a red-lettered day in the history of the Corps when MP Ganesh captained the National side for the World Cup in Amsterdam. He was honoured with Arjuna Award in 1973 and the Padma Shri in 2020. Boxer S Jayaram was awarded the Arjuna Award for Boxing in 1989. The Corps continues to encourage individuals to participate in sports and is second to none in its pursuit of excellence.
The Dispatch Rider team of the Corps, popularly known as "The Dare Devils", is renowned for brilliant displays which have thrilled spectators on various important occasions including Republic Day Parades. The Dare Devils team has numerous Guinness World Records and Limca Book of records to its credit. The marching contingent led by Capt Tania Shergill was adjudged the best marching contingent during Republic Day Parade 2020.
As the Indian army forges ahead towards technological absorption, the Corps of Signals will be at the forefront of this effort with its technical prowess and continues to stand as a testament to the indispensable role of Information and Communication technologies in modern military operations.

## Training and technology

The Corps works closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop command and control software, notably the Samyukta Electronic Warfare System, a mobile integrated electronic warfare system, developed along with Bharat Electronics Limited.
The Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow is a premier training institute of the Corps of Signals. Its war museum is situated at Jabalpur, where 1 Signals Training Centre is based.