Signal Communication - FM 24-5 War Department Field Manual

■ 1. Functions. — Signal communication enables a commander to send and receive information and orders. ■ 2. Object. — The object of this manual is to furnish basic information governing signal communication essential to officers and enlisted men of all arms engaged in communication activities, ■ 3, Scope, — The scope of this manual includes the methods and technique relating to the installation, operation, maintenance of, and planning for signal communication with special emphasis on sueh systems employed within the division and smaller units. ■ 4. References. — a. Training publications. — For a complete list of War Department training publications, see FM 21-6. See appendix II for a reference list for Signal Corps equipment and activities. b. Miscellaneous. — (1) Army Regulations. — Instructions relating to signal communication and Signal Corps activities are found in the AR 1 OS-series. (2) Tables of Organization. — Tables of Organization prescribe the organization of signal and communication units and personnel and show the authorized items of transportation and weapons. (3) Tables of Basic Allowances. — Tables of Basic Allowances list items of signal equipment authorized for signal or communication units with the basis of issue. (4) Signal Carps General Catalog. — The Signal Corps General Catalog includes a descriptive section, a stoete section, and several appendixes. This catalog is essential to all signal property and supply officers. (5) Circulars issued by the Chief Signal Officer. ■ 5. Definttioms. — a. Message. — The term "message" as used herein includes all instructions, reports, orders, documents, photographs, maps, or other intelligence, in plain language or code, transmitted by a means of signal communication (see c below). b. Agency of sig?ial communication. — The term "agency of signal communication" embraces the personnel and equipment necessary to operate message centers, signal intelligence, signal supply, signal repair, and messenger, pigeon, radio, visual, sound, and wire communication. e. Means of signal communication. — A "means of signal communication" is an agency of signal communication capable of transmitting messages, The following agencies are means of signal communication: messenger, pigeon, radio, visual, sound, and Wire. d. Command post. — The command post is the location of the forward echelon of a headquarters during combat from which tactical control is normally exercised and to which tactical information from subordinate units is sent. When the commander leaves his command post for any purpose. he maintains constant communication with it through the speediest and most reliable means of signal communication available to him. Only by such means can his effectiveness as a tactical commander be constantly maintained. e. Axis of signal communication. — To secure continuity of command and signal communication in combat when the movement of command posts either forward or backward is contemplated, the probable successive command posts should be selected in advance. The "axis of signal communication" is designated by naming these probable successive locations in the direction of movement. These points may not actually be occupied by the command post, but the command post will move along the route indicated by the points named. ■ 6. Signal and Communication Units. — Specially trained personnel and technical equipment required for the operation of signal communication are provided by Tables of Organization and Tables of Basic Allowances for signal communication units to serve each battalion and higher headquarters.

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