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
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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!