About this Unit
The U.S. Army Signal Corps was established in 1860, just before the outbreak of the Civil War, to manage military communications. Throughout its history, the Signal Corps has pioneered advancements in communication technology, from wigwag flags and telegraphs during the Civil War to modern satellite systems. The Corps played crucial roles in both World Wars, developing radio, radar, and cryptographic systems that greatly enhanced battlefield coordination. Today, the Signal Corps continues to ensure secure and reliable communications for the Army, adapting to the challenges of cyber warfare and digital information dominance.
Historical Facts
•
Founded in 1860: The U.S. Army Signal Corps was established on June 21, 1860, with Major Albert J. Myer as its first chief. Myer developed the first visual signaling system, known as "wig-wag" or aerial telegraphy.
•
Civil War Innovation: The Signal Corps played a crucial role during the American Civil War, using flags, torches, and rockets to convey messages across battlefields, greatly improving battlefield communication.
•
Morse Code and Telegraph: The Corps introduced and operated the first military telegraph system, laying over 15,000 miles of telegraph wire during the Civil War.
•
Birthplace of Army Aviation: The Signal Corps purchased the Army’s first airplane from the Wright brothers in 1909, marking the beginning of military aviation in the U.S.
•
Role in World War I: The Corps managed the first wartime use of radio and telephone communications, as well as pigeon messengers—over 600 pigeons served in France during WWI.
•
Development of Radar: The Signal Corps was a pioneer in radar research and development; its scientists made the first radar contact with the Moon (Project Diana) in 1946.
•
Buffalo Soldiers: The famous all-African American 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments had Signal Corps detachments, highlighting the Corps' early integration efforts.
•
World War II Code Talkers: The Signal Corps worked with Native American soldiers, including the famous Navajo Code Talkers, to create unbreakable codes for secure battlefield communication.
•
Cold War Satellite Communications: The Corps was instrumental in launching the first military communications satellite, Courier 1B, in 1960, ushering in the era of satellite-based military communications.
•
Modern Cyber Operations: Today, the Signal Corps is at the forefront of Army cyber operations, supporting secure communications, electronic warfare, and information dominance on the digital battlefield.
