This includes practical experience in Signal activities and missions and in tactics and combined arms operations. Captains Most Signal captains return to Fort Gordon for the branch-training phase of the Signal Captains Career Course. For branch qualification, a Signal captain must successfully complete both branch training and serve at least 12 months as a company, detachment or rear detachment commander. Captains should continue to gain an in-depth understanding of combined arms operations and become proficient in both Signal branch and common core tasks. These tasks provide the knowledge foundation required to effectively serve in the branch as a leader at company and battalion level in all aspects of Signal operations and in leading Signal soldiers.
Most captains undergo functional area designation between their fifth and sixth years of service.
The formal designation of functional area is based upon the Army's needs, the officer's preference, his or her military experience and his or her civilian schooling. All promotable captains will undergo a career field designation board upon selection for major. This board of senior officers will decide in which career field each officer is best suited to serve. After promotion to major, officers will develop in and compete for promotion only within their designated career field. Officers can expect to spend up to three years on station and should strive to serve 18 months in one or more of the critical branch-qualifying positions.