NS55 – Evolution of Our Signals Equipment (Tactical Communications and Info-Communication Systems)

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NS55 – Evolution of Our Signals Equipment (Tactical Communications and Info-Communication Systems)

For our 55th Anniversary of National Service (NS55) feature this week, let’s see how our Signals Equipment, specifically the Tactical Communications equipment, have evolved throughout the years. Since the 1960s, our Signals equipment has leveraged on technological improvements and undergone many changes to cater to the needs of our Army today. 
We spoke to someone who has had a significant amount of experience with our signals equipment, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), 1st Signal Battalion (1 Sig), Second Warrant Officer (2WO) Jocelin. Over the years, she had held several different appointments, most notably as Doctrine Development Warrant Officer, Headquarters Signals & Command Systems and Chief Trainer (SATCOM) at the Signal Institute. We held a short conversation with her, as she shared more about one of the more well-known signals equipment, the Tactical Communications Equipment, and how it has improved since the 1960s. 


Oldest Generation of Soldier Radios

One of the earliest form of Soldier Radios used by our Army

Key Features:
1.    Ability to be Handheld
For our soldier outfield suiting their operational requirements, the Soldier Radio provided only voice communications. It was used by multiple formations and provided a means of communication for our soldiers outfield. 

2.    Flexibility and Range 
They provided soldiers with the flexibility and range required for effective command and control of our fighting forces. However, the size and weight of these radios were the tradeoffs as technology and material science were not so advanced back then. 

 

Oldest Generation of Manpack Radios

One of the earliest portable radio transceivers

Key Features:
1.    Voice Communications on the Field
One of the earliest portable radio transceivers that our soldiers worked with, it was effective in providing soldiers with voice communications necessary for effective command and control on the battlefield. 

2.    Able to be Man-Packed 
It was built to be rugged and durable to keep up with operational demands of the environment while fighting. The radio unit is quite bulky and soldiers carry this on their man packs during route marches. However, the older radios were heavier in size and thus heavier to carry around, which increased the load of soldiers carrying it. 


Newest Generation of Soldier Radios

The newest model of Handheld Radios, which is capable of both voice communications and data transmission

Key Features:
1.    Lightweight and Compact
The older Handheld Radios were bigger in size and heavier to carry around. As technology evolved and materials became lighter and more durable, we were able to design a radio which was much more ergonomic yet more capable. This took some load off the soldier and equipped them with enhanced capabilities for increased situational awareness on the battlefield. 

2.    Voice and Data Transmission
As warfare evolved, we sought out new technologies which were able to support, not only voice communications, but data transmission as well. Improving from the first generation of Soldier Radios which only allowed for voice communications, the newest generation of Soldier Radios enables both voice communications and data transmission. Radios will be programmed, allowing communications at a range of frequencies when our soldiers are on the field.

 

Newest Generation of Manpack Radios

The newest model of Radio Transceiver, able to provide communications across long distances

Key Features:
1.    Extended Range of Communications
Improving from its predecessors, the newest model of  Radio Transceiver comes with a long whip antenna which provides it with a much greater range, which can be easily extended by using a long whip antenna. This provides it with a much longer range for ease of communications across long distances.  

2.    Lightweight and Durable
The older radios were bigger in size and heavier to carry around. The key consideration was to develop a compact radio that is able to meet the operational demands. It had to be ergonomically designed, in order for soldiers to carry it around comfortably. This allowed the newest model of Radio Transceiver to be both lightweight and durable in the field. Lastly, with a headset and speaker, communication has become much easier and more convenient for our soldiers on the ground. 


Oldest Generation of our Info-communication Systems

The Oldest Generation of our Info-Communication Systems

Key Features:
1.    Battlefield Monitoring
In the early days of our Army, this portable unit functioned like a computer out in the field. It is able to perform various functions such as Battlefield Monitoring.

 

Newest Generation of our Info-Communication Systems

Our soldiers working with the Newest Generation of our Info-Communication Systems

Key Features:
1.    Usage of artificial intelligence and data analytics
A software engine used by the newest generation of the system, also known as Command and Control Information System (CCIS), can recommend solutions to the changing battlefield scenarios, with algorithms that propose the best matches of weapons to targets. The primary interface of the CCIS is an electronic map of a battlefield that flashes an alert when a potential enemy is detected. Upon detection, the software can recommend options that can possibly eliminate it if the commander clicks on the target detected.

2.    Ability to Recommend Optimal War-Fighting Solutions
The newest generation of the CCIS is able to recommend optimal war-fighting solutions to new threats, such as paring the most suitable strike assets to eliminate specific types of targets. These solutions are rated based on five parameters, they are: Mission Success, Impact to Other Missions, Survivability, Timeliness and Resource Optimisation. 

In celebration of NS55, we thank our fellow Signallers, both past and present, for their contributions to Our Army. We would also like to thank those who have been involved in developing and improving our Signals equipment, such as the latest CCIS, throughout the years, such that our Army can effectively utilise such technology to achieve effective communication. Speed Through Skill, Signals!
 

Check out our Signals video feature below here!

✍️ : PTE Teo Ze Xuan (Army News)
💻 : PTE Samuel Tan (Army News)
📷 : LCP Isaac Wong (Army News)