CHAPTER 9
SIGNAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

  1. REFERENCES.--For methods of installing, operating, and maintaining the means of signal communication, see FM 24-5. For details of signal communication methods within the infantry regiment, see FM 7-25.

  2. PERSONNEL.--

    1. The first sergeant, communication sergeant, bugler, orderly, and messengers have duties pertaining to signal communication. For duties of personnel, see paragraph 8.

    2. Messengers are assigned to company headquarters, the weapons platoon, and to each rifle platoon.

    3. The bugler is included in communication personnel because of his employment in the air-antitank warning system.

  3. EQUIPMENT.--

    1. The following equipment is furnished for communication purposes:

      1. Wire-sets of reel equipment CE-11 (sound-powered telephone handset).

      2. Ground signal projectors and Very pistols.

      3. Flag sets. (Orange-colored flags mounted on staffs.)

      4. Flashlights.

      5. Marking panels, black and white.

      6. Whistles and bugles.

      For allotments of these items, see current Table of Basic Allowances and Tables of Organization.

    2. One set of reel equipment CE-11 consists of one sound-powered telephone handset and one breast reel containing ¼ mile of light wire. In order to establish communication between two points it is necessary to use two sets of reel equipment CE-11. As much wire as is needed, using either or both reels, is installed between the two points and a telephone handset is clipped on each end of the line. Thus, two sets are required to provide one channel of communication over a maximum distance of ½ mile. A set of tool equipment TE-33 is a companion set for use with reel equipment C-11 and is obtained by requisition.

--199--

  1. EMPLOYMENT OF MEANS OF SIGNAL COMMUNICATION.--

    1. Two sound-powered telephone sets (one channel) may be employed to provide communication between--

      1. The company and battalion command posts, when directed by the battalion commander.

      2. The company command and observation posts.

      3. The company commander and--

        1. A platoon leader.

        2. The light machine-gun section.

        3. The mortar section.

        4. A close-in reconnaissance or security detachment.

        5. The company transport.

      4. Any two elements of the company.

    2. Messengers are used for communication within the company and with the headquarters of battalion and other units when a more rapid means is not available. One messenger is sent to the battalion command post by the company, and one messenger is sent by each platoon to the company command post when the company takes up a deployed formation. These messengers should be relieved frequently by others in order that the messenger on duty may be familiar with the location of his unit. Messengers should be trained to take brief notes when receiving oral messages and to deliver them promptly and correctly. Ordinarily only one simple oral message should be given to a messenger at one time.

      1. The principal means of visual signaling in the rifle company are arm-and-hand signals. These are employed as described in FM 22-5.

      2. Flashlights, flags, and pyrotechnics are used to send only the simplest kinds of prearranged messages. Pyrotechnics, fired by ground signal projectors and Very pistols, are used in accordance with the instructions of the battalion commander which in turn are based on signal operation instructions of higher headquarters. The principal use of pyrotechnic signals by front-line units (platoons or companies) is to call for prearranged supporting fires, to signal for these fires to cease or shift, or to signal arrival at a certain point. They are also valuable to give warning of enemy approach.

--200--

      1. Marking panels, issued to rifle squads are displayed by front-line units on signal from the infantry liaison airplane in order that the progress and location of leading infantry units may be reported to higher headquarters. Marking panels are most readily visible to aircraft when moved or waved during display. The white panels are normally used; the black panels are used when snow is on the ground.

    1. Sound signals are employed primarily to give warning of hostile air or mechanized attack. (See par. 9.) They are also employed to give gas alarms. (See FM 21-40.) The whistle is used by leaders to fix the attention of their units preparatory to giving commands or signals.

  1. ORDERS RELATIVE TO SIGNAL COMMUNICATION.--Each field order issued by the company commander contains instructions for signal communication. Frequently such instructions consist only of the location of the commander or his command post. Other instructions relative to signal communication may be issued in fragmentary form and may include the use of pyrotechnic signals (in conformity with instructions of higher headquarters) or the allotment or use of any of the signal communication means available to the company.

  2. RELATION OF BATTALION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.--

    1. In attack, communication between the battalion command post and the rifle companies is by messenger. When sufficient means are available, the battalion commander may allot sound-powered telephone equipment or portable radio-telephones to front-line companies for communication with the battalion command post.

    2. In the defense whenever practicable telephone communication is established between the battalion command post and rifle companies.

    3. When the rifle company or elements thereof are employed on distant security or reconnaissance missions (e. g., patrols, outposts, and flank detachments) light, portable radiotelephones are employed, when practicable, for communication between such detachment and the commander who sends it out. Radio equipment for units on these missions is provided by the battalion communication section.

--201--

Table of Contents ** Previous Chapter (8) * Next Chapter (Appendix I)



Transcribed and formatted for HTML by Jerry Holden for the HyperWar Foundation