Unlocking the Future of Signal Education and Training: A Journey to the Pacific

By Brigadier General Paul D. Howard, 42nd Chief of Signal and U.S. Army Signal School Commandant

Article published on: April 1, 2024 in the Army Communicator Spring 2024 Edition

Read Time: < 3 mins

Brigadier General Paul D. Howard, Chief of Signal and U.S. Army Signal School Commandant

Brigadier General Paul D. Howard, Chief of Signal and U.S. Army Signal School Commandant

Team Signal,

Embarking on a journey to the Pacific, one anticipates the tranquil waves of Hawaii. However, my recent trip was not a leisurely escape; it was a voyage into the heart of technological advancement and military preparedness. Having not been to Korea since 1995, the changes were stark, especially at Camp Humphreys, Korea.

Amidst the stunning new camp infrastructure, I had the privilege of witnessing Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians executing missions using signal skills they learned here at the Signal School and applying field craft taught by great NCOs. In the field, our young officers, warrants, and NCOs are upskilling our signal personnel. It was evident that these individuals were not just learning; they were evolving, embracing the technologies of the future that will undoubtedly become core competencies in the modern battlefield.

As I reflected on the experience, it became clear that our approach to Soldier and Department of the Army civilian education and training must continue to evolve alongside the technology itself. We must shift our focus from mere proficiency in end-user devices to a deeper understanding of the underlying technological principles. This is especially crucial for our senior NCOs, officers, and civilian partners, who must lead with not just technical prowess but strategic insight to solve problems for commanders and grow our next generation of experts and leaders. The investment in intellectual capital is just as vital as the investment in physical infrastructure. Furthermore, as we transition to cloud-based capabilities, our education must be vendor agnostic. The ability to adapt and utilize diverse cloud platforms is essential in a dynamic operational environment. Our personnel must be equipped with the skills to navigate this complex landscape with ease and efficiency. This requires a comprehensive understanding of cloud architecture, security protocols, and interoperability standards.

As we navigate this ever-changing landscape, let us embrace innovation, empower our Soldiers and Depart-ment of the Army civilians with the knowledge and skills they need to excel, and ensure that our interactions evolve in tandem with the advancements of the digital age. This cannot only be done physically at the Signal School.

We are building a new concept currently referred to as Signal-Mobile Advanced Readiness Training (S-MART). This aspires to be a mobile team delivering agile training capacity at the timing and tempo of the operational unit. Most importantly, it is delivered in a “train the trainer” methodology which empowers our mid-tier signal experts to train their own junior Soldiers. This will be imperative as units will not all be standardized due to the speed of technological change and unit innovation.

“Dedicated, competent, highly spirited Signal Corps Soldiers and civilians always will be more important to our success than technology.”

— Maj. Gen. Leo M. Childs, 25th Chief of Signal

Pro Patria Vigilans! Watchful for the Country!

The U.S. Army logo with its gold star, followed by three emblems of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, from the from left to right: A torch and two crossed signal flags. A gold eagle with the Latin phrase Pro Patria Vigilans. A shield with flags, torch, and lightning bolts.