Signal Corps

Combat support branch of the U.S. Army whose mission is to manage all aspects of communications and information systems support. The primary competency of the Signal Corps is in the management and maintenance of communications and information systems from domestic Army bases to forward deployed combat areas.

The Signal Corps was officially established as a branch of the U.S. Army in March 1863. The evolution of the Signal Corps' mission and methods to carry out that mission has reflected the advance of technology in the United States. At its inception during the Civil War era, the Signal Corps used semaphore—a flag signaling system. By the end of the Civil War, however, the corps was using the telegraph to communicate from coast to coast.

By the late 19th century, the Signal Corps was employing the telephone, heliograph, and observation balloons in wartime. Because of its expertise in ballooning, the Signal Corps was tasked with control of early aviation technology and the development of military aircraft, including the first procurement of an army aircraft purchased from the Wright brothers in 1908. The Signal Corps relinquished control of aviation in 1914 when the Air Corps was established as a separate branch of the military.

During World War I and World War II, the Signal Corps was responsible for implementing and designing radio technology in support of the war effort. In subsequent years, the Signal Corps continued to develop radio, radar, and sonar technology to enhance its communications ability.

The contemporary mission of the Signal Corps includes the management of all modern telecommunications and information systems. This includes the maintenance and management of computer systems, Internet and local area networks, and voice and data communications. In the modern age of technological warfare, the Signal Corps continues to play a central role in defending and promoting U.S. national security.