Signal Operations in The Corps and Army: Department Field Manual WAR
Signal Operations in The Corps and Army: Department Field Manual WAR
Signal Operations in The Corps and Army: Department Field Manual WAR
Copy 3
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WAR DEPARTMENT FIELD MANUAL
SIGNAL OPERATIONS
IN THE
CORPS AND ARMY
his ,anual. together ,7ith FIi 11-21 (whll published); slpersedes FJI
11.20, Organisations anld Opratliosll inl th Corps, Army, Theatcr of
Opcratlons, ald GCiQ, II oe,elber 1940, inlldillg Cl, 12 JuYIIne 1941.
SIGNAL OPERATIONS
IN THE
CORPS AND ARMY
BIY ORIIR
ERF01 TIIE SECREIARY OF WAR:
OFFICIAL:
J. A. ULIO G. C. MARSHALL
,lajor Gcncral Chief of Staff
lTheAdjulant Gcncral
I) SrRIUTirON:
ii
CONTENTS
P-4aOraPhlPa.e
SECTIC IN I. GENERAL .............. ................... ..
I-4
INDEX ............................................................................ 66
MI
This manual, together with FM. 11-21 (when published), super-
sedes FM 11-20, Organizations and Operations in the Corps,
Army, Theater of Operations, and GHQ, 11 November 1940,
including C1, 12 Juhc 1941.
SECTION I
GENERAL
I. Purpose
The purpose of this manual is to outline briefly the
organization of the corps and army, the organization
and operation of assigned signal corps units, and the
apl)lication of signal corps activities to tactical opera-
tions. This manual is based upon Field Service Regu-
lations, FM 100-5, 100-10, and 100-15, and assumes
an undlerstanding of the fundamental doctrines of
signal corps activities as set forth in FM 24-5, 24-18,
24-20, and 11-5.
2. Organization
The organizations of corps and army headquarters
have been covered in general terl'ls only, as have the
signal sections of these two headquarters. Organiza-
tion of the signal sections is such as to be adeq(uate
undelr most situations. However, for best results all
available personnel and equipment should be organ-
ized hito teams and subsections to meet the needs of
the situation. The composition of these various teams
has been outlined to provide a guide to such organiza-
tion for training and for operation.
3. Equipment, Supplies arid Transportation
T/E 21, Table of Clothing and Individual Equip-
menlt serves as a basis for determining the allowances
of- clothing and items of quartermaster individual
equipment for all personnel. The issue of training
equipment is governed by Tables of Allowances, War
Department Circulars, and Army Regulations. Organ-
izational equipment, supplies, and transportation, in
sufficient quantities to permit the effective functioning
of each unit, are prescribed by Tables of Organization
alnd Equipment, or by Tables of Equipment that are
tnumbered to agree with the unit's T/O. AR 310-60
contains a detailed explanation of the foregoing tables.
In certain situations, specialized equipment and bulky
materials may be carried in stock at higher echelon
depots in a theater of operations for issue to units as
required. Equipment and supplies peculiar to each
unit are mentioned to the extent necessary to explain
the operation of that unit, since the successful and ef-
fective operation of tactical units in the field depends
to a large extent upon efficient training in the use, care,
and maintenance of organizational equipment. Unit
commanders must keep up their full authorized allow-
ances of organizational equipment and supplies at all
times.
5. Organization
The organic elements of the corps consist essentially
of a headquarters and headquarters company; a signal
battalion; a headquarters and headquarters battery,
corps artillery; and a field artillery observation bat-
talion. Normally the corps will be composed of two
or more divisions, and may be reinforced by-
a. Field artillery units.
b. Antiaircraft artillery units.
c. Armored units.
d. Tank destroyer units.
e. Engineer units.
f. Air force units.
g. Chemical units.
h. Cavalry reconnaissance units.
i. Service organizations.
6. Employment
a. The corps is primarily a tactical unit of execution
and maneuver organized for flexibility. In operations
of long duration the divisions in the line may be re-
lieved by fresh divisions, but the corps usually remains
until a decision is reached or the strategical plan is
changed.
b. When it is part of an army, the corps performs
3
administrative and supply functions for corps troops
only, unless the army commander delegates such func-
tions to it for all of its components and subordinate
units. An exception to this exists in the case of am-
munition supply, wherein corps normally handles sub-
allocation of credits to divisions under its control.
c. When the corps is operating independently, it is
responsible for the administration and supply of corps
troops, divisions, and all other assigned or attached
units.
d. With suitable reinforcements, a corps may carry
on sustained independent operations, functioning essen-
tially as a task force. The composition of a reinforced
corps is not prescribed, since it depends on the as-
signed mission. The general principles of operation
and administration governing the operations of an
army (FM 100-5, 100-10 and 100-15) are applicable
also to a corps, particularly to a reinforced corps op-
erating independently.
e. For details of signal activities in the corps see
section V.
4
SECTION III
SIGNAL SECTION. CORPS
HEADQUARTERS
7. Organization
The signal section, corps headquarters, consists of
the corps signal officer, his executive officer, and a suf-
ficient number of commissioned assistants and enlisted
clerks and draftsmen to permit the section to function
properly. The signal section of the headquarters of a
reinforced corps is increased in strength so that it can
perform its prescribed duties for a greater number of
corps troops and subordinate units.
8. Duties
The principal duty of the signal section, corps head-
quarters, during operation, is to formulate a plan for
signal activities, and to insure the fulfillment of that
plan. This duty includes-
a. Advising the corps commander on all signal
activities.
b. Preparing signal operation instructions (SOI)
for approval.
c. Preparing standing signal instructions (SSI), if
necessary, to explain the use of any part of the SOI.
Id. Preparing signal plan, signal annex, paragraph 5
of the field order, and other signal orders.
e.- Preparing standing operating procedure (SOP)
for corps signal activities in coordination with inter-
S
ested-eneral and special staff sections, and in con-
formity with SOP for signal activities as issued by
higher headquarters concerned.
f. Checking the SOP for signal activities of the
various corps units and coordinating these with the
SOP of higher headquarters.
g. Supervision of signal supply and repair for corps
troops (and for divisions if the corps is operating
separately or if the army delegates supply functions to
the corps).
h. Maintenance of current status records of signal
communication facilities in use and available, both mili-
tary and civilian.
i. Submission of reports, as required, to the signal
section of higher headquarters concerning the operat-
ing condition and composition of the signal communica-
tion system in use by the corps.
j. Cooperation with the signal intelligence section of
army or the corresponding section of a higher head-
quarters, on all matters pertaining to radio intelligence,
cryptographic and signal security, and initiation of
necessary corrective action in case of violations.
I k. The procurement of codes and ciphers from the
superior headquarters or other source as directed, and
the accounting for and distribution of them to sub-
ordinate units and to corps troops.
I. Supervision and assignment of photographic mis-
sions to assigned or attached photographic units (FM
11-37).
m. Supervision and coordination of training for
corps signal troops, attached signal troops, and corps
communication personnel.
9. Signal Section, Headquarters, Reinforced Corps
The signal section of a reinforced corps resembles,
6
on a smaller scale, the signal section of an army
headquarters. It must perform the duties shown in
paragraph 8, and, in addition, may supervise supply,
repair, photographic, and intelligence functions. This
is due to the possibility of assigning personnel from
a signal radio intelligence company, a signal depot
company, a signal pigeon company, and additional
construction, operating, and messenger personnel to
the corps when reinforced. For organization and
duties of the army signal section see section VII.
10. Operations
a. The corps signal officer controls the technical
training and tactical employment of the signal battalion
and all other signal corps units assigned or attached
to the corps unless their control is retained by higher
headquarters as explained in paragraph 4. Routine
administration, disciplinary matters, and internal op-
erations are the responsibility of the unit commander
concerned. The corps signal officer maintains close
liaison with the other staff officers and staff sections
of his headquarters, with the signal officers of divi-
sions, assigned or attached to the corps, and with the
signal officer of army or other higher headquarters.
Transportation required for the signal section is pro-
vided by the corps headquarters company and the
corps transportation service.
b. Signal companies of component divisions are
organic to the divisions and as such are controlled
tactically, and trained technically, by the division signal
officers.
7
SECTION IV
SIGNAL BATTALION
II. Command
A signal battalion is an organic part of corps troops.
The battalion commander is responsible for the ad-
ministration, discipline, and internal operation of the
battalion, and for the execution of its training pro-
gram and tactical missions as directed by the corps
signal officer.
12. Duties
The signal battalion installs, operates, and maintains
the corps signal systems. It operates the corps signal
dump and performs third echelon maintenance on sig-
nal equipment for corps troops.
13. Organization
A signal battalion (T/O & E 11-15) is composed of a
headquarters and headquarters company, two signal
light construction companies, a signal field operation
company, and a medical detachment. Current Tables
of Organization show the detailed composition of the
various companies and of the medical detachment. The
medical detachment usually is attached to the head-
quarters and headquarters company for administra-
tion, supply, mess, and maintenance of its motor
vehicles.
8
14. General
The particular type of tactical organization used
will be governed by available equipment, groups or
teams of individuals, and transportation. The follow-
ing considerations should be taken into account: pro-
vision for continuous 24-hour operation, availability of
specialists where the likelihood of need is greatest,
availability of essential equipment where and when
needed, and transportation of all equipment and per-
sonnel with available vehicles. In order that each
relief of the various teams will include one of each
type specialist, the wire chief and his assistants must
be skilled in several specialties, and other enlisted
personnel must be trained in more than one specialty.
Training in multiple specialties increases team pro-
ficiency and provides for maximum operation and main-
tenance of all signal agencies. For additional infor-
mation see section V.
9
SECTION V
I 5. Reference
For all matters regarding basic general policies and
procedures in signal activities, see FM 11-5, 24-5,
24-18, and 24-20. For technical details and operating
characteristics of signal equipment, see the various
technical manuals listed in FM 21-6.
16. Tactical Function
The corps executes the major tactical missions of
the army and maintains the continuity of battle. A
corps headquarters and its organic and attached troops
constitute the framework for operations in a tactical
zone of action in which as many divisions are em-
ployed as the conditions of each situation require
(par. 6). A corps determines the employment of its
divisions, maintains signal communication with them
by which it exercises control, directs and coordinates
their tactical operations, and supports them with fire
of the corps artillery and with such other means as
may be available. The width and depth of a corps
zone of action are influenced by many factors, such as
the composition and number of corps troops, the
number and types of divisions under corps control,
and the maneuver space required both for the divi-
sions and for the full employment of the fire power
of organic and attached artillery.
.10
17. Plans and Orders
a. The orders of the corps commander are prepared
in a manner similar-to that outlined in FM 101-5.
The content and preparation of signal operation in-
structions, paragraphs 4 and 5 of corps field orders,
parts of corps administrative orders, intelligence an-
nex, if issued, and orders for corps signal units con-
form in general to those pertaining to the division as
described in FM 24-5. The content and preparation
of the signal portions of corps administrative orders
and of corps field orders, if any such portions are
required, conform to those pertaining to higher units
(FM 101-5).
b. Under combat conditions the control of signal
units is simplified greatly by a well-established, com-
prehensive standing operating procedure which needs
only to be modified and supplemented by such oral
orders as the tactical situation demands.
24. Messengers
Within the limitations of personnel and transporta-
tion available, messenger communication is employed in
the corps as follows:
a. Local messengers at the command post, rear
echelon, and advance message center(s). (Message
originating in one office for delivery to another office
in the same echelon are handled by the staff section in-
volved and not by local messengers). Where a message
is to be delivered to more than one unit the message
center should be furnished one copy for each such office
or person plus one file copy. The message center
personnel should never be expected to prepare copies
of a message.
b. Special messengers operate from each message
center when required.
c. Scheduled messengers between the command posts
of the corps, divisions, major units of corps troops, and
16
corps rear echelon. The corps railhead and miscellane-
ous units of corps troops may be included if located
conveniently, or if the volume of message traffic re-
quires this service.
d. Airplane messenger service will come from a
headquarters higher than corps and may be used be-
tween the corps command post, rear echelon and ad-
vanced message center. Drop and pick-up message
service may be furnished forward units.
25. Pigeons
a. For general information concerning the capabili-
ties, distribution, and use of pigeons, see FM 11-5,
11-80, and 24-5. See also discussion.on army signal
pigeon company in paragraph 55.
b. Pigeon communication is employed in the corps as
follows:
(1) Lofts and personnel attached to the corps by
higher headquarters usually are retained under corps
control. They may be attached to subordinate units
if the situation permits and time is available to estab-
lish lofts and settle pigeons.
(2) If the corps is operating independently, lofts
and pigeon personnel assigned to corps by higher head-
quarters may be retained under corps control or allotted
to subordinate units, depending upon the situation and
the time available to establish lofts and settle pigeons.
(3) When, in lieu of the attachment of lofts and
personnel, higher headquarters distributes pigeons to
the corps headquarters, further distribution to subordi-
nate units is made by the corps. Only in exceptional
circumstances are any retained for release by corps
headquarters.
17
26. Radio
a. GENERAL. Radio is the primary means of signal
communication with and within corps reconnaissance
elements, aviation units attached to the corps, and also
with and within moving motorized, mechanized, and
armored units. As soon as wire communication is
established between units, radio communication between
such units generally is restricted. Some of the radio
operators are employed to guard the assigned frequen-
cies while others are used for security monitoring.
Radio stations are kept in readiness to resume instant
operation when needed. It should be remembered con-
stantly that the enemy can prevent the employment of
radio communication by jamming. The importance of
corps radio nets.makes them a logical target for enemy
jamming. The plan of operation of radio nets should
include the necessary measures to get radio messages
through enemy interference by operating through jam-
ming, by using alternate frequencies or frequencies
retained by the corps signal officer for emergency use,
or by the use of another means of signal communica-
tion. The most important factor in obtaining reliable
radio communication is in maintaining strict radio
discipline and correct radio procedure. When several
radio sets are operated together at a distance from a
command post it may be desirable to establish a radio
control center (par. 36).
b. RADIO NETS OF HIGHER HEADQUARTERS. The-
corps establishes and operates a station at its command
post as a subordinate station in the army or other higher
headquarters command net. (See par. 70 for informa-
tion on army radio nets.)
C. CORPS RADIO NETS. (1) General. Certain radio
nets which may be established by a corps are shown
18
in TM 11-462. The radio nets illustrated are not to
be considered as the only nets which may be organized
or as including all the stations which may be placed
in the net shown. Whenever the situation demands,
provided suitable radio sets and frequencies are avail-
able, the corps commander reorganizes his existing nets,
or organizes additional nets to meet his special require-
ments for radio communication. The principal radio
nets employed by a corps are explained below.
(2) Corps command net. The corps command net
includes the forward echelon of corps headquarters and
the command posts of all assigned and attached divi-
sions, of corps artillery and corps antiaircraft artillery,
and of assigned or attached tank and tank destroyer
units. Other units, such as the corps reserves, also may
be included. The corps command net may be utilized
as the corps primary warning net to alert the command
to enemy air, mechanized, gas, airborne, or ground
attack. In case of heavy traffic, two command nets
may be established.
(3) Corps reconnaissancenet. A reconnaissance net
is established to provide communication between recon-
naissance elements and the corps command post, and to
provide for expeditious handling of enemy information
of vital interest to the assistant chief of staff, G-2.
(4) Corps administrative net.' An administrative net
with stations at the corps command post, and the corps
rear echelon may be established for emergency use or
use in the absence of adequate wire facilities. Rail-
heads, traffic control stations, prisoner of war in-
closures, administration and supply, and other installa-
tions may be included in this net in the absence of
wire communication or in other special circumstances.
(5) Corps artillery net. The corps artillery net is
19
employed to control and coordinate the organic and
attached field artillery. The net is auxiliary to the
artillery wire system.
(6) Corps antiaircraft artillery net. This net in-
cludes the command echelons of all corps antiaircraft
artillery, and is employed for command purposes.
(7) Tank destroyer net. This net may be established
for control and coordination of a tank destroyer group
or other tank destroyer units assigned or attached to
the corps. Headquarters of such tank destroyer units
would be included also in the corps command net and
might be included in a corps reconnaissance net.
(8) Tank unit net. This net is established for the
control and coordination of tank units assigned or at-
tached to the corps. The headquarters of such units
would be included in the corps command net.
(9) Special mission nets. These include nets organ-
ized to maintain signal communication with units on
special reconnaissance missions; command nets for
units on special tactical missions, such as a raid or a
reconnaissance in force; special warning nets for se-
curity against attacks on key positions; antiaircraft
artillery intelligence service net (AAAIS); and nets
for other similar tactical purposes.
27. Sound
Usually sound communication is employed in the
corps system only to give the alarm in event of gas,
air, airborne, or mechanized attack.
28. Visual
Panels and smoke, including colored smoke, are used
at the corps command post and also at the command
posts of corps artillery and other corps units for com-
20
munication with airplanes in flight. Pyrotechnic signals
may be used occasionally in conjunction with local
security measures to organize the defense of corps
installations. Signal lamps normally are not used for
corps signal communication.
29. Wire
Wire is the primary means of signal communication
for most units in the corps. The wire system includes
open wire, field wire, cable, switchboards, telephones.
manual telegraph, teletypewriter equipment and fac-
simile. For further details on employment of this
equipment see appropriate Field Manuals listed in FM
21-6. Full use should always be made of existing
commercial wire facilities in establishing the corps wire
system, especially for the longer trunk circuits, since
this conserves material and normally permits wire
communication to be established more quickly. How-
ever, it is not to be assumed that existing commercial
facilities will always be available without a great deal
of rehabilitation.
3 . Wire Traffic
Knowledge of the total traffic handled by the tele-
phone, teletypewriter, telegraph, and facsimile facili-
ties in the corps is essential in order to plan the efficient
utilization of available wire facilities and equipment and
to distribute the traffic load properly. This information
21
is obtained by keeping records of telephone traffic and
of the telegraphic messages transmitted between units
in the system. In the absence of these records, esti-
mates are made of the probable traffic loads and the
times-and duration of peak loads. Bases for these esti-
mates are the traffic loads in simulated tactical opera-
tions and actual maneuvers, and records of traffic lbads
of similar headquarters in past operations of our forces
or those of other nations.
32. Wire System
a. EXTENT AND COMPOSITION. The number of tele-
phones, local circuits,.trunk circuits, and telephone and
telegraph channels installed and operated in the corps
system depends upon the time available, the require-
ments of the situation, the existing wire facilities, the
orders of the commander, available equipment and sup-
plies, and the capabilities of the signal personnel. The
fundamental principle to be observed in determining
the extent and complexity of the wire system is to in-
stall no more than is absolutely necessary for adequate
control. Certain things must be considered in deter-
mining minimum requirements, the more important of
which include the type of action (fluid or stabilized),
the number and type of troops controlled, and the
traffic handling capacity of signal communication agen-
cies and means. A stabilized position usually warrants
a more elaborate installation than those occupied suc-
cessively during an advance, and an organized defensive
position justifies a more elaborate wire system than one
occupied for a relatively short time, such as during a
delaying action. Successive installations must not be so
extensive that signal troops are taxed to the point of
exhaustion.
b. LOCAL TELEPHONE REQUIREMENTS. In a complete
22
iffstallation for a stabilized location, wire communica-
tion may be provided as shown in the list following.
This is intended to serve as a guide only. Several of
the staff sections require more than one local circuit,
depending on the volume of traffic. During rapidly
moving tactical situations, the number of local circuits
installed would be reduced greatly and two or more
sections or'individuals would use the same telephone,
while some locals listed would not be installed.
ARMY
37. Organization
An army consists of an army headquarters, two or
more corps, and certain army troops as required (FM
101-10). Other troops temporarily attached td an
army may be retained as army troops, or reallotted to its
corps in accordance with their needs. One or more of
the several types of divisions may be allotted to an
army. Service troops are allotted to an army as needed
and additional combat units may be similarly allotted
as warranted by the mission of the army. A type army
containing three corps and having a strength of about
185,000 is used for the purposes of this manual. For a
detailed discussion of armies see FM 100-15:
40. Evacuation
a. Battlefield recovery of signal equipment is a
function of divisions or other combat units in the for-
ward areas. These troops will be responsible for get-
ting the equipment to designated collecting points on
the axes of evacuation (or supply). Division or corps
signal officers will reclaim serviceable items for reissue
within their commands. Unserviceable items are trans-
ported from collecting points to railheads or signal
31
depots by units designated by the army. Evacuation
from railheads is normally by returning daily trains.
Signal depot companies will process assembled damaged
equipment and determine whether it should be repaired
and released or salvaged for parts.
b. Captured enemy signal equipment, if usable and
of known type, is repaired and placed in stock for issue.
If not of known type, it is returned through signal
supply channels to the theater signal officer for study,
identification, and forwarding to the zone of the in-
terior, or other designated locality.
32
SECTION VII
SIGNAL SECTION, ARMY
HEADQUARTERS
41. General
The signal section of army headquarters is the office
of the army signal officer. The army signal officer
controls the technical training and tactical employment
of all signal corps units assigned or attached to the
army. Subject to such other instructions as may be
issued by him, the operation of the several subsections
composing the signal section are as indicated in para-
graphs 44 to 50 inclusive. A general coverage of
training, supply, photography, signal intelligence, and
signal communication functions of the signal corps ap-
pears in FM 11-5. For further details see pertinent
manuals listed in FM 21-6. In addition to those con-
tacts maintained by officers in charge of the various
subsections, each officer maintains close contact with
commanders of appropriate signal units of the army,
with corps signal officers, with communication officers
of army troops, with communication officers of sup-
porting aviation, and with corresponding subdivisions
of the next higher signal service.
42. Transportation
Transportation required by the army signal section
is obtained from the army headquarters transportation
pool.
33
43. Organization
The signal section of army headquarters is not
divided into subsections in the Tables of Organization
(T/O & E 200-1). The duties of the various officers
and enlisted personnel are, however, indicated therein.
For a better understanding of the operation of the sig-
nal section the functional breakdown- into subsections
is used in the succeeding paragraphs (See fig. 1.)
lNAL SEOTCION
AYI
PAIT 0o 1/0 200 I
40
SECTION VIII
SIGNAL CORPS ORGANIZATIONS
IN THE ARMY
51. General
a. COMMIIAND. Unit commanders are responsible for
the internal administration and discipline of their units,
for the execution of training directives initiated by the
army commander, and for the development and use of
proper operating procedures and techniques to accom-
plish the missions assigned to their units.
b. DUTIES. The duties of each of these organizations
are stated in general terms in the following paragraphs.
Signal corps activities in the army are discussed in
section IX.
C. ORGANIZATION AND EQUIPMENT. Units in the
army are organized and equipped on the basis of perti-
nent T/O & E's to perform all duties for which they
are responsible. Applicable T/O & E's are indicated
in the following paragraphs.
48
SECTION IX
59. References
For basic doctrine of signal activities and procedures,
see FM 11-5, 24-5, 24-18 and 24-20. For technical
details and operating characteristics of signal equip-
ment employed in army signal systems, see appropriate
technical manuals listed in FM 216.
64. Activities
a. All signal activities are performed to some extent
by the various signal units.
b. Information pertaining to appropriate signal corps
units performing such activities is included in various
sections of this manual, and in FM 11-5, 24-5, 24-18
and 24-20. For information concerning signal supply
51
channels and procedures, see FM 100-10, TM 38-220,
38-403, and 38-205 and pertinent circulars issued pe-
riodically by the War Department or by the Office of
the Chief Signal Officer. For detailed information of
signal intelligence activities, see FM 11-35. Attention
is invited also to TM 11-450 on training of Signal
Corps personnel. For a complete list of available pub-
lications see FM 21-6.
68. Messengers
Within the limits of available personnel and trans-
portation, the following types of messengers are used
normally in an army to provide messenger communica-
tion:
a. Local and special messengers (par. 24a and b).
b. Scheduled messengers, operating between the
command posts of the army, corps, major units of army
troops, and the army rear echelon as required. Army
railheads, various depots, prisoner of war enclosures,
miscellaneous units of army troops, major regulating
stations, and similar important military establishments
within the army area may be served by scheduled
messenger service if conveniently located, or if the vol-
ume of message traffic warrants this service.
c. Airplane service, to be used in an emergency, or
if the time factor demands its use, for service to any
point required.
69. Pigeons
For tactical considerations governing the use of
pigeons see FM 11-5. Pigeons are used to provide
communication for various elements of subordinate
53
units of the army,.but they are seldom used in the army
signal communication system. See paragraph 55 for an
explanation of the operations of a signal pigeon com-
pany to provide pigeon communication for lower units.
(See also FM 11-80..)
70. Radio
a. GENERAL. (1) The use of radio in the army, with
the exception of the following, is essentially an auxil-
iary means of signal communication:
(a) With supporting aviation,
(b) With attached cavalry,
(c) With attached armored units.
(2) Since it is the only means usually available with
and between the excepted forces, it is their primary
means. In all other units, radio communication is used
pending the establishment of other means, to supple-
ment other means, or to supplant-them in case of fail-
ure. As soon as wire communication can be estab-
lished between units, radio communication, if not re-
quired to supplement it, is restricted. When radio is
restricted the assigned frequencies are still guarded
and the radio sets are kept in readiness to resume
operation when necessary.
b. SPECIAL SERVICES RADIO STATIONS. The army
may decide, or may be required, to operate one or
more special services radio stations for the transmis-
sion of time signals, press reports, propaganda, counter-
propaganda, and may be directed to control or take over
the operation of commercial and private radio stations
in its area. For information concerning the operation
of such stations, see FM 11-5.
c. NE+s. A diagram showing the nets which may be
established in an army system is included in TM 11-462.
54
The diagram is not to be regarded as limiting the nets
which may be organized, or as prescribing the radio
stations.which may be included in any net. Whenever
the situation demands, and when suitable sets and fre-
quencies are available, the army commander reorganizes
his existing nets or organizes new nets to meet his re-
quirements for tactical radio communication. Radio
sets and operating personnel not required for regularly
established nets may be organized into special mission
nets for various purposes within their capabilities, or
may be employed in monitoring and intercept work to
aid the signal security and signal intelligence efforts,
respectively. The radio nets within units of the army
troops are normal and do not differ from those of
similar units employed elsewhere.
71. Sound
Sound communication is normally used in an army
signal system only to give the alarm of gas, mechan-
ized, air, or airborne attack. Prearranged sound sig-
nals may be used also to alert the defenses of vital army
establishments within limited areas, particularly against
air and airborne attack.
72. Visual
Panels, smoke, including colored smoke, and other
pyrotechnics, are the visual means 'normally used in
an army signal system. These visual signals are em-
ployed at the army command post, at the command
posts of army artillery units, and by various other
army troops for ground-air communication. Pyrotech-
nic signals may be used in conjunction with prearranged
security measures to alert and organize the local de-
fenses of critical army installations.
55
73. Wire
Wire is the primary means of signal communication
in an army signal system. In addition to the normal
wire system for command and administrative pur-
poses, the army may install and operate wire systems
for its own warning purposes, and it may be required to
install or to assist in the installation of an extensive wire
system for the antiaircraft artillery intelligence service.
It also may be required to serve, with its wire system,
various other special organizations which operate in the
army area, or which may be attached to the army by
theater headquarters, or by an army group commander.
60
I Truhk or long
Unit to which connected local channels
From rear echelon
Army group, THQ ...............- - ..- 6.
Medical group .................... 2.
Regulating station..... ...... 2.
Replacement depot ...... 1.
Ammunition battalions (1 to each
of 2 battalions) .......... 2.
Ordnance maintenance and suppl
battalion .......................... 1.
Gasoline depots .. ........................ 1 to each.
Ordnance heavy maintenance bat-
talion ............................ 1.
Signal repair and photographic
companies (1 to each)............. 2.
Communications zone ...... 6.
Medical supply depot.................... 2.
Ammunition supply points 1 each.
Depots and depot companies:
Chemical depot.................. 1.
Ordnance depot..................------ :. 2.
Quartermaster depot........ 2.
Signal depot . . 1.
Hospitals (4 surgical, 10 evacua-
tion, 1 convalescent) .. 1 each.
Chemical maintenance company.... 1.
Railheads ................... 1 each.
Prisoner of war inclosures..... Variable.
Railroads, stations, yards, offices... 1 each.
Commercial telephone systems. 4.
Landing fields ......... Variable.
Miscellaneous (see note following) As required.
Veterinary company ...................... 1.
M edical laboratory............................ 1.
61
Note: Trunk channels or long local circuits also must be
provided for each engineer, quartermaster, or medical battalion
not included in a group, and for various small units of army
troops (such as chemical maintenance company, ordnance
medium maintenance and heavy maintenance companies, en-
gineer dump truck and shop companies, quartermaster car
company, etc.) from either the command post or the rear
echelon, depending on their accessibility to the wire system and
their locations and tactical employment in the army area.
Such additional units as are from time to time attached or
assigned to an army to enable it to perform its mission also
are served by the wire system whenever practicable,
63
lowing table is to be considered only as a guide to the
number of trunk channels which may be required by
an army.
Teletypewriter
Unit to which connected trunk channels
trunk channels
From command post
Army group, THQ .......................... 3.
Corps ............................................... 2 or more to each.
Army reserve.................................... 1.
Rear echelon...., 2 or more.
.............................
Supporting air force units (pro-
vided by supporting unit). 2.
Adjacent armies ................................ 2 or more to each
flank.
Cavalry ........................................ 2.
Commercial system............................ 2.
Radio intelligence company..........:. 1.
From rear echelon
Army group, THQ......................... 3.
Communications zone ...................... 3.
Commercial system........................... 2.
65
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Activities, signal:
Army:
Communication ........................... 48, 65 37, 52
Intelligence ................................. 49, 64 38, 51
Photographic ................................ 50, 52 40, 41
Supply ........................................ 39, 47, 64 31, 36, 51
Training ........................................ 44,62 34, 50
Corps:
Intelligence .................................... 22 15
Photographic ...................... 21 14
Supply ........................................ 20 13
Activities, signal, corps................................ 15-36 10
Administrative and personnel subsec-
tion, army signal section........................ 45 35
Airplane messengers .................................... 24,68 16, 53
Antiaircraft artillery intelligence service 26 18
Army:
Organization .......................................... 37 30
Signal section, army headquarters.. 41,43-50 33, 34
Assignment units ........................................ 54 42
Attached organizations ............................ 4 2
Capabilities, signal radio intelligence
company .............................. .......... 56 45
Carrier systems:
Army ............................ : ........... 79 65
Corps .. ...................................... 34 28
Centrals, telephone. See Telephone.
Circuit diagrams of wire systems:
Army ...... .................................. 80 65
Corps ............................ : ........... 35 29
Command:
Of attached units, general................ 4 2
Signal battalion .................................... 11 8
Signal depot company ........................ 57 46
Signal light construction battalion.... 53 42
66
Pa.rarao h P.pe
Signal operation battalion ................ 52 41
Signal photographic company ........ 54 42
Signal pigeon company ............ 55 44
Signal radio intelligence company.... 56 45
Signal repair company ........................ 58 47
Command posts, location of:
Arm y ........................... ................. 63 51
Corps ...................... ......... 19 12
Corps troops ..................................... 19 12
Division ....................................... 19 12
General ................... ................ 19, 63 12, 51
Communication. See Signal communli-
cation.
Communication subsection, army signal
section ...........--............................. 48 37
Construction:
Battalion, signal light .................. 53 412
Center ........................................ 30, 74 21, 56
Company, signal light 13
.................... 8
Corps:
Employment ........................................ 6 3
Organization .............................. 5 3
Duties ......... ....... ........ 8 5
Radio nets ..................... 26 18
Reinforced corps ................. ... 6 3
Signal section, corps headquarters,
organization .................................. 7 5
Tactical function ................ 16 10
Troops ......................... ........ 11 8
Wire system ............................. 32 22
Cryptanalysis .......... .......... . 49 38
Direction-finding stations, signal radio
intelligence company ............................. 56 45
Duties:
Administrative and personnel sub-
section, army signal section ........ 45 35
Communication subsection, army
signal section .................................... 48 37
Headquarters subsection, army sig-
nal section ........................................ 44 34
67
P.ra.rap. Page
Signal battalion ............................ 12 8
Signal light construction battalion.. 53 42
Signal depot company .........- ............. 57 46
Signal intelligence subsection, army
signal section .................................... 49 38
Signal operation battalion ................ 52 41
Signal photographic company ........ 54 42
Signal pigeon company .................... 55 44
Signal radio intelligence company.. 56 45
Signal repair company ...-.................. 58 47
Signal section, corps headquarters.. 8 5
Supply subsection, army signal sec-
tion ............................................. 47 36
Training subsection, army signal
section ........................................ 46 35
Employment, corps .................................... 6 3
Equipment and supplies, general ........ 3 2
Evacuation ........................................ 40 31
Facsimile ..: .................................... 78 65
Headquarters and Headquarters com-
pany:
Signal battalion .................................... 13 8
Signal light construction battalion.. 53 42
Signal operation battalion ................ 52 41
Headquarters platoon:
Signal depot company ...................... 57 46
Signal photographic company ........ 54 42
Signal pigeon company ................. 55 44
Signal radio intelligence company.. 56 45
Signal repair company ...................... 58 47
Headquarters subsection, army signal
section ........................................ 44 34
Identification units .................................. 54 42
Intercept platoon, signal radio intelli-
gence company ........................................ 56 45
Laboratory unit, signal photographic
company ....................................... 54 42
Local messenger ........................................ 24, 68 16, 53
68
Paraoraph Page
Local telephone installations:
Army ........................................ 76 56
Corps ........................................ 32 22
Location:
Command posts. See Command posts.
Construction center ............................ 30 21
Means, signal communication:
Army:
Messengers ......... ............ 68 53
Pigeons ..................................... 69 53
Radio ...................................... 70 54
Sound ...................................... 71 55
Visual ........................................ 72 55
Wire ...................................... 73 56
Corps:
Messengers ............... . ........ 24 16
Pigeons .......................... .............
: 25 17
Radio .................................... 26 18
Sound .......... ........................ 27 20
Visual -............. ......... 28 20
W ire .......................... ................... 29 21
Message centers:
Army ....................... ....... 66 52
Corps ............................... ......... 23 16
Mlessengers, communication by use of:
Army .......................-......- .... .. 68 53
Corps ................... ..................... 24 16
Nets. See Radio nets.
Operations, signal section, corps head-
quarters .... .................................... 10 6
Organization ....................................... 2 1
Army ................................. ....... 37 30
Army signal service .......................... 46 35
-------
Corps ..............................------------------------- ---......
--.. 5 3
Signal battalion ................................ 13 8
Signal light construction battalion. 53 42
Signal depot company ........................ 57 46,
Signal operation battalion ...-....... .... 52 41
Signal photographic company ........ 54 42
69
Paragraph Page
Signal pigeon company ...................... 55 44
Signal radio intelligence company. 56 45
Signal repair company ................... 58
3... 47
Signal section, army headquarters.. 43 34
Signal section, corps headquarters.. 7 5
Signal service, army .......................... 38 30
Photographic activities ......................... 21,64 14, 51
Pigeons, communication by use of:
Army ........- ............. . 69 . .........
69--........ 33
Corps ................................................... 25 17
Plans and .rders:
Army ..................................................... 61 50
Corps ...................................................... 17 11I
Power supply, signal equipment ............ 36 29
Priority of installation, local telephones
Army ..................................... 76 56
Corps ...................................................... 32 22
Procedure, standing operating. - e
Standing operating procedure.
Radio, communication by use of:
Army ........................ ................ 70 54
Corps ............................................... 26 18
Radio nets:
Army ...................................................... 26, 70 18, 54
Corps .................................................... 26 18
Special mission .................................... 26 18
Radio stations, speciail services .............. 70 54
Reinforced corps ........................................ 6 3
Scheduled messengers ................................ 24,68 16, 53
Signal activities. See Activities.
Signal battalion:
Duties ................................................. 12 8
Organization ..................................... 13 8
Signal centers ............................................ 67 53
Signal depot company ...............................:47.57 36, 40
Signal intelligence company .................... 49, 56 38, 45
Signal light construction battalion ........ 48, 53 37, 42
Signal intelligence ................... 22,49.
2.................
56 15, 38, 45
Signal operation battalion ........................ 52 41
70
'ar.aatlh I'*ae
Signal operation company ..................... 52 41
Signal operation instructions, prepara-
tion:
Army .................. ...................... 46, 48,62 35, 37, 50
Corps ........................... 8 5
Signal photographic company ......... 50, 54 40, 42
Signal pigeon company .......................... 48, 5 37, 44
Signal radio intelligence company ..... 49,56 38, 45
Signal repair company .................:.............. 47, 58 36, 47
Signal section:
Army ........................................ 41,43 33, 34-
Corps .. ............................ 7 5
Headquarters, reinforced corps 9.... 6
Signal security .................................... 22, 49 15, 38
Signal supply:
Army ........................................ 39 31
Corps .......... .................. 20 13
Sound, communication by use of:
Army ......................-........ 71 55
Corps ...... ........................ 28 20
Special messengers ..................................... 24,68 16, 53
Special services radio stations ....... 70 54
Standing operating procedure:
Army .-- ........................... 46,48, 62 35, 37, 50
Corps .......... ................. ........ 8 5
Signal battalion ............................... 18 11
Storage and issue section, signal depot
company ........................................ 57 46
Supplies .............. ............... 3 2
Supply subsection, army signal section 47 36
Tables-
Of allowances ...... 3 22...................
Of basic allowances .................. 3' 2
Of clothing andl individual equip-
ment .................... ...... 3 2
Of equipment ........ -.... ... 3 2
Of organization ............................. 3 2
Tactical function:
Army .. ...... ........ 60 49
Corps ..........----- ----------------- 16 10
71
Paragraph P.a
Telegraph printer. Sece Teletypewtvritcr.
Telegraph requirements:
Army ..................................... 77 6
Corps ..... .................... ...... 33 2
Telephone:
Army .................................. 76 5
Corps - ............ ................. 32 22
Teletypewriter:
Army .............................. 77 6.
Corps ........................................ 33 2(
Traffic, wire. See Wire traffic.
Training subsection, army signal section 46 35
Transportation:
General ....................................... 3
Signal section, army headquarters. 42 33
Signal section, corps headqularters. 10 6
Visual, communication by use of.
Army ................. ...... ...... 72 55
Corps ..............................L ..... 27 20
Wire, communication by use of:
Army ........................................ 73 56
Corps ..................... ........ 2 21
Wire system:
Army ----------- ................ 76T7),79,0 56, 65
Corps ............................ 32, 34, 35 22, 28, 29
Wire traffic:
Army ......... ............. 75 56
Corps ........................................ 31 21
U. S.
S. Governen Printing Office: 1945-625171
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