Historical and Future Roles of the Tactical Signal Officer
Abstract
Signal Officers have played a significant role providing Army commanders support for command and control functions since the Civil War. Coordinating the integration of battlefield automated systems and communications systems, supporting command and control functions, has and continues to require a trained advisor, in communications and other information/signal support systems disciplines. The Signal Officer has been the officer providing combatant commanders timely advice and assistance in the use of their command, control and communications systems since the Civil War. This study gives the history behind the creation of the Signal Corps and the reasoning that led to the addition of Signal Officers to organizational structures of non-signal maneuver units. It also provides arguments for why there is a more pressing need in the near and mid-term for Signal Officers to be an integral part of tactical combatant unit organizations. Finally, this study will address the future role of the Signal Corps officer at the tactical level, and the potential impact of the Signal Officer's role as the Army progresses into the 21st century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA233611
Entities
People
- Thomas D. Dale
Organizations
- United States Army War College