Building Upon a Legacy Through Unprecendented Transformation
By Col. Julia M. Donley, 43rd Chief of Signal and U.S. Army Signal School
Communication
Article published on:
in the Spring 2026
Edition of Army Communicator
Read Time:
< 3 mins
Team,
This quarter’s theme, "Expectations vs. Reality," captures the challenges
of today’s dynamic environment. As we continue to drive the most
significant transformation in the Signal Regiment’s recent history, it is
crucial that we candidly assess the friction between our strategic vision
and the practical realities of implementation. It is in this space between
expectation and reality that our most valuable learning occurs. Nowhere is
this more evident than with the rollout of Next Generation Command and
Control (NGC2).
I recently visited the 4th Infantry Division and saw firsthand the
challenges and triumphs of putting these new capabilities into the hands
of Soldiers. The "Ivy" Division is on the front lines of this
transformation, and their experience provides an invaluable, real-world
perspective that theories and concepts alone cannot. The lessons they are
learning about integrating new equipment, adapting tactics, and training
their formations are not just for them; they are paving the way for the
entire Army. Their feedback is essential as we refine our approach and
ensure a smoother transformation for the divisions that will follow.
The complexity of NGC2 at all echelons reinforces why we are fundamentally
reshaping our approach to both home station and institutional training. We
are using the new Basic Communicator Module to level-set all Signaleers
graduating from Advanced Individual Training (AIT) with the foundational
knowledge necessary to adapt to the complex realities of any system they
encounter. Signal-Mobile Advanced Readiness Training (S-MART) will provide
the unit-specific updated technical skills required in this constantly
evolving environ-ment. We are also piloting a new Signal-Digital Master
Gunner Course (S-DMG), intended to empower mid-grade NCOs with both the
technical skills and training management techniques needed to develop
modernized training plans for their units. We are equipping leaders across
the Signal Regiment not just to operate what they have today, but to
understand the principles required to master what comes next.
As we navigate this change and empower the leaders of tomorrow,
recognizing those who came before is more important than ever. To that
end, nominations are open for the Distinguished Member of the Regiment
(DMR) through April 30, 2026. I encourage you to take the time to
recognize and nominate those individuals whose contributions have had a
lasting impact on our Regiment. We honor the trailblazers who build the
foundation upon which we stand.
The articles in this issue reflect the honest and vital work being done
across our force. I want to thank each of the authors for sharing their
own stories of "Expectations vs. Reality." Your willingness to share
challenges and successes is what allows us to learn, adapt, and succeed
together.
Thank you for everything you do to “Get the Message Through!”
Pro Patria Vigilans! Watchful for the Country!