1961 us army vietnam war infantry division signal battalion 82p

8/6/2019 1961 US Army Vietnam War Infantry Division Signal Battalion 82p

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- FM 11-10DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FIELD MANUALARCHIVES$\~ ((icr U: LEAVENWLO&TH KA' ,*js.S~((:. LEAVEN1Oa. - > . 4

JUL 18 1961I.SSION l

INFANTRY DIVISIONSIGNAL BATTALION

HEADOUARTERS. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMYJUNE 1961

AGO 6281B

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COM


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*FM 11-10FIELD MANUAL HEADQUARTERS,

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMYNo. 11-10 WASHINGTON 25, D. C., 7 June 1961INFANTRY DIVISION, SIGNAL BATTALION

Paragraph PageCHAPTER 1. GENERAL

Purpose and Scope____-- -_ - . ..____________ 1 4References___--------------____ ----_-_ _ 2 4Mission ______________........__________- 3 4

2. ORGANIZATIONSection I. Signal battalion

General ______________ -_-___-.-_____________ 4 6Components --_______----------------------- 5 6

II. Headquarters and headquarters companyMission -- _______________________-_________ 6 6Components .----_________________________ 7 7III. Command operations companyMission ____________8.______---________ . 10Components -_--.-..._____________.________ 9 11

IV. Forward communications companyMission . ..._____________. .____._________0 17Components- .----..__________ _-_________ 11 17

CHAPTER 3. DIVISION AREA COMMUNICATIONSYSTEMGeneral _____________________.____________ 12 22

Responsibility _________ - --_______________ 13 22Composition ___________________._________-- . 14 23Employment ___________________.__________- 15 23Signal Centers -__--- -___.-----_------------. 16 24Radio Relay___________________._____________ 17 25Division radio nets ____-_----_-- ________----- 18 26FM radio/wire integration __________________- 19 31Signal Messenger Service -__________________ 20 32

4. SIGNAL SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCESection I. General

Mission__________________________________ 21 34Responsibilities _______-____________-_-:___. 22 34

*This manual supersedes FM 11-10, 24 July 1957.TAGO 6281B--May 1



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. Paragrapb PageSection II. Organization and Operation

Supply operations _ -- --_______-_____________ 23 35Maintenance operations --____________________ 24 39

CHAPTER 5. DIVISION SIGNAL PHOTOGRAPHICSUPPORTGeneral - -_________________________________5 44

Mobile Photographic laboratories - -____________6 44Processing motion picture film __--________-___ 27 44Color photography --________________________ 28 44

6. TACTICAL APPLICATION OF SIGNALBATTALION'S COMMUNICATIONCAPABILITY

Communication in the concentration area______- 29 45Communication during marches and halts--______. 30 47Communication during development __-_______. 31 50Communication during attack_______________-32 51Communication during reorganization __.----.-. 33 53Communication during pursuit-________-___.. 34 54Communication during defense_--________-__- - 35 55Communication during retrograde movement ___ 36 56Communication during passage of lines ...---.. 37 58Communication during relief in place--__________ 38 58Airlanded and Air mobile operations -_----_ .. 39 60

7. COMMAND AND STAFF RELATIONSHIPSSection I. Division signal staff

General____--------------------------------- 40 61Division signal officer ___________-__________ 41 61Staff relationships - -________________________2 61Assistant division signal officer__--____________ 43 65Radio officer --- ----_______________________ 44 66Wire officer ___-___________________________- 45 66Signal supply and maintenance officer _________ 46 67Photographic officer --______________________. 47 67

II. Signal battalion staffGeneral --________________________________ 48 68Battalion commander______________________-49 68Executive officer -___________._____________0 68SI/Adjutant __._-______________________ 51 68Battalion S3 -. --______________ .__________ 52 69Battalion S4- --____________________________ 53 69Battalion motor officer ______________________ 54 69Battalion staff relationship with company 55 69commanders.

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Paragraph PageSection III. Signal communications control

General _____l__ - -_____-______.._______... 56 70Division systems control center_____________.. 57 71

CHAPTEr 8. BATTALION SUPPORT FUNCTIONSBattalion mess operations ___-_.. .-_______ 58 72Battalion supply operations ________5______ 59 73Battalion motor maintenance operations ..----. 60 73Battalion command post ---__-______________ 61 73

APPENDIX. REFERENCES -- _.----------_---------- -- __- 74

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CHAPTER 1GENERAL

1. Purpose and ScopeThis manual is a guide for the employment of personnel and theutilization of equipment in an infantry division, signal battalion.a. This manual contains information relative to the mission,organization, administration, logistics, and tactical employment ofa signal battalion as equipped under TOE 11-5( ). It presentsessential guidelines which, coupled with Experience, judgment,and foresight, enable the battalion commander, the company com-manders, and other key personnel of the infantry division, signalbattalion, to select courses of action which will insure effectivecommunications-electronics, signal logistic, and signal photo-graphic support to the infantry division.b. The material presented herein is applicable without modifica-tion to both nuclear and nonnuclear warfare.c. Communications-electronics as referred to in this manual isdefined as: The management and systematic employment of de-vices and techniques designed to acquire or transmit informationessential to the command control of friendly military forces, andto counteract the effectiveness of similar operations conducted bythe enemy.d. Users of this manual are encouraged to submit recommended

changes or comments to improve the manual. Comments should bekeyed to the specific page, paragraph, and line of the text in whichchange is recommended. Reasons should be provided for eachcomment to insure understanding and complete evaluation. Com-ments should be forwarded direct to Commandant, US ArmySignal School, Fort Monmouth, N. J.2. References

Publications and other reference materials pertaining to thesubjects within the scope of this manual are listed in appendix I.3. Mission

The mission of the Infantry Division, Signal Battalion, is to:a. Provide signal communications, to include communications tosubordinateunits, for the:4 AGO 6281B



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(1) Division headquarters and headquarters company, exclu-sive of staff vehicle radio sets.(2) Division trains headquarters and the headquarters andheadquarters detachment, infantry division trains and

infantry division band, exclusive of staff vehicle radios.(3) Division administration center and the infantry divisionadministration company, exclusive of staff vehicle radios.(4) Brigade headquarters, exclusive of staff vehicle radiosets.

b. Establish and operate a division area communication systemof signal centers, wire and radio trunk and local lines, and radio/wire integration stations to provide general and direct communi-cations support for units in the division area.c. Operate the division area ground messenger service.d. Perform photography (except aerial photography) for thedivision, and still picture laboratory service for all divisional units.e. Provide signal supply and field maintenance of signal equip-ment for the division.f. Fight as infantrymen when required.

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CHAPTER 2ORGANIZATION

Section I. SIGNAL BATTALION4. General

The infantry division, signal battalion, is organic to the infantrydivision. The signal battalion participates as part of the combinedarms team, providing command communications for the division.The signal battalion is capable of defending its installationsagainst hostile ground attack, each individual of the battalion istrained to fight as an infantryman. These latter capabilities, how-ever, may be limited by factors of extended dispersion of battalionelements, mobility of the tactical elements and the urgency ofrequirements for communications support.5. ComponentsThe infantry division, signal battalion (fig. 1) consists of aheadquarters and headquarters company, a command operationscompany referred to as company A, and a forward communicationscompany referred to as company B.

INF DIV

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FMII-JO-IFigure1. Organizationof infantry division, signal battalion.

Section II. HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY6. Mission

The mission of the headquarters and headquarters company isto:a. Direct and coordinate operations and training of the bat-

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talion, and to provide the headquarters facilities with which thebattalion commander exercises control.b. Provide the division signal officer (DSO) and his staff andstaff facilities.c. Provide consolidated personnel management and administra-tion, and supplemental supply and maintenance support for thebattalion.d. Perform field cable construction, and provide an augmenta-tion of radio relay terminal and repeater stations and telephonecarrier terminals for the battalion.e. Perform photography (except aerial photography) for the

division, and photographic still picture laboratory service for alldivisional units.f. Provide signal supply and field maintenance of signal equip-ment for the division.g. Fight as infantrymen when required.

7. ComponentsHeadquarters and Headquarters Company (fig. 2) is organizedinto a battalion headquarters and a headquarters company.a. BattalionHeadquarters. The battalion headquarters includesthe battalion commanding officer (who is also the DSO) andsupervises the employment of the personnel and operation of theequipment of the companies organic to the signal battalion.b. HeadquartersCompany. This company contains the person-nel and equipment to operate the battalion staff sections and the

photographic section; to provide the division signal supply andmaintenance and motor maintenance capability and to augmentcertain communication capabilities. Each section is describedbelow:(1) Company headquarters. The company headquarters di-rects and coordinates the administrative and logisticalsupport for the company, battalion headquarters, and thedivision signal office.(2) Administration and supply section. This section con-tains the enlisted personnel and the equipment neces-sary to:

(a) Support the Battalion Staff Administration and Intel-ligence Operations.(b) Provide supply support (except Signal repair parts)for all elements of the battalion. This element operatesunder the supervision of the battalion S-4 and pre-AGO 6281B 7



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Figure2. Organization of headquartersand headquarterscompany,infantry division, signal battalion.

pares requisitions and supply reports, and receives,processes, stores, and delivers supplies as required.(3) Battalionpersonnel section. This section provides a per-sonnel warrant officer and the enlisted personnel andequipment necessary to provide a battalion consolidatedpersonnel section. This section operates under thesupervision of the Sl/adjutant. All personnel recordsand reports required by higher headquarters are main-

tained or prepared in the section. Information uponwhich these records and reports are based is obtainedfrom the companies on an informal or abbreviated basis.The section is normally located in the division administra-tive center at the division rear echelon, with personnelsections from all other divisional units.(4) Battalion motor maintenance section. This section op-

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erates under the supervision of the battalion motor officer.It provides motor maintenance fo r headquarters andheadquarters company, and armament maintenance andsupplemental second echelon motor maintenance for theoperating companies of the battalion. It also providesthe ordnance and engine generator repair parts for thebattalion. The maintenance section personnel prepareand submit through the battalion S-4 requisitions forrepair parts and maintain organizational maintenancerecords and files.

(5) Field cable installation section. This section installs,maintains, and recovers field cable in the division area,and assists the operating companies of the battalion, asrequired, in the installation and recovery of field wireand multiconductor cable. The section is organized tooperate in three eight-man teams. The section operatesaccording to the battalion standing operating procedure(SOP) and mission-type orders issued verbally or inwriting, as authorized by the division signal officer. Thesection will be employed as needed to assist the wireteams of the battalion's operating companies with initialinstallation. When the division wire/cable installationrequirement is beyond the capabilities of the battalionwire teams, assistance may be requested from corps.The battalion SOP should specify the use of this sectionin detail, including a clear delineation of the staff section,sections or officer under which it will operate when notspecifically attached to companies. This will assure aminimum of day-to-day orders and allow the section toplan and prepare for its employment.

(6) Radio terminaland carrier ection. This section operatesaccording to the battalion SOP and mission-type ordersin the same manner as the field cable section. It providesa pool of radio relay repeater and terminal stations and.telephone carrier terminals for use in the division areaas required to supplement capabilities organic to bat-talion operating companies. Although a total of fiveradio relay terminal and repeater stations and four sepa-rate carrier terminals have been included in the tableof organization and equipment (TOE), personnel havebeen provided for operation of only four stations (threemen per station). It is improbable that the need foradditional stations will exceed four at any one time. Agreater capacity may be achieved by reduced manning,by reinforcement from the operating companies to whichAGO 6281B 9



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attached, or by co-location of two stations, which onceinstalled can be operated by a single crew.(7) Division signal officer's section. This section provides theofficer and enlisted staff and the equipment for the divi-sion signal officer's staff. For detailed information on the

staff, see chapter 7.(8) Frequency utilization section. This section operates ac-cording to the battalion SOP and mission-type orders inthe same manner as the field cable installation and theradio terminal and carrier sections. Direction-findingsets are employed to determine general location andnature of communication and electronics interference, asreported by divisional units. Corrective action or recom-mendations to the commanding general for appropriatecorrective action are initiated by the DSO, depending onthe nature of the interference. The frequency utilizationsection also assists the cavalry squadron and the aviationcompany in locating or confirming the location of targetsat which electronic radiating devices are used.

(9) Division signal supply and maintenance section. Thissection provides the officer and enlisted staff and theequipment to support the signal battalion's signal logisticsmission to provide signal supply and field maintenance ofsignal equipment for the division. For details of the em-ployment and operation of this activity, see chapter 4.(10) Division photographicsection. This section provides theofficer and enlisted personnel and the equipment to sup-port the battalion's photographic mission. For informa-tion on the employment of the photographic section referto chapter 5 and FM 11-40.

Section Ili. COMMAND OPERATIONS COMPANY8. Mission

The mission of the command operations company is to:a. Provide signal communications for the echelons of divisionheadquarters, the brigade headquarters, the division trains head-quarters, the division administration center, and the division firesupport coordination center (FSCC).

b. Provide signal communications (except internal radio nets)for the division headquarters and headquarters company, the head-quarters and headquarters company detachment, infantry divisiontrains and infantry division band, exclusive of staff vehicle radios.10 AG O 6281B



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c. Provide area signal center support to units located in thevicinity of the division headquarters echelons and in the divisionrear area, supplemental to organic facilities.d. Establish and operate an assigned portion of the division

area communication system.e. Establish and operate facilities to connect division artilleryheadquarters into the division area communication system.f. Provide and operate net control and other stations as requiredin division and higher echelon radio nets, to include division andarmy air request nets and a division warning net.g. Fight as infantrymen when required.

9. ComponentsThe command operations company (fig. 3) is organized into acompany headquarters, rear echelon operations platoon, trains areaoperations platoon, brigade headquarters operations platoon, twocommand signal center platoon headquarters and a message centersection, a telephone section, a radio section, a radio terminal andcarrier section, an installation section, and an air support signalteam.a. Company Headquarters. Company headquarters providescommand control and coordination of the company operations.It also provides mess facilities and second echelon motor mainte-nance for the company.b. Rear Echelon OperationsPlatoon. This platoon establishesand operates a signal center at the division rear echelon. It pro-vides communications for that echelon, for the administration com-

pany, and for the administrative center. Radio relay, carrier andpatching facilities are not provided in the platoon. Field wire orfield cable is considered adequate for connection to the nearestarmy area signal center, or a division signal center if the rearechelon is located in the division area.(1) Platoon headquarters. Platoon headquarters providescommand control and coordination of platoon operations.The platoon leader serves as signal officer fo r the division

rear echelon, administrative center,' and administrationcompany.(2) Message center section. This section provides communi-cations center facilities for the division rear echelon ona 24-hour basis. This includes message center, crypto-graphic, teletypewriter, and limited motor messengerservice. It also operates the rear echelon signal center

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radio receiving station in the division, or army warningnet. The message center section is designed to operatein one echelon only.(3) Telephone section. This section is organized to installthe telephone system and to install and operate a single-position manual telephone switchboard on a 24-hour basisfor the division rear echelon, administrative center, andthe administration company. The section is equippedwith a second switchboard for use during periods ofoverload or for displacement.(4) Radio section. This section operates a radio-teletype-writer set in the division administrative/logistical net.

c. Trains Area OperationsPlatoon. This platoon establishesand operates a signal center at the division trains headquarters.It provides communications for that headquarters and the trainsheadquarters detachment.(1) Platoon headquarters. Platoon headquarters providescommand control and coordination of platoon operations.The platoon leader functions as signal officer for thetrains headquarters and maintains close coordinationwith the communications officers and commanders of theunits served by the platoon.(2) Message center section. This section provides communi-cations center facilities, including message center, cryp-tographic, teletypewriter, and limited local area mes-senger service on a 24-hour basis for the division trainsheadquarters and for units in the division trains area(supplementary to the organic capabilities of these

units). The section operates the trains area signal centerradio receiving station in the division warning net. Thesection is manned and equipped to operate in one echelononly.(3) Telephone section. This section operates a single-posi-tion manual telephone switchboard in the trains areasignal center. The switchboard provides telephone serv-ice for the trains headquarters and for units in the divi-

sion trains area. It also provides trunk switching serv-ice in the division area communication system. A secondswitchboard is authorized for displacement and utilitypurposes. The section performs the communications con-trol function in the trains area signal center, to includepatching and termination of trunk lines, circuit testing,and maintenance. To carry out this mission, the tele-AGO 6281B 13



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phone section is authorized communications patchingpanels and circuit control operators.(4) Radio section. This section operates a radio-teletype-writer se t in the division administrative and logistics

net. It also operates the trains area signal center radio/wire integration station and a station, either in the trainsnet or division CG/command net as required.(5) Radio terminal and carrier section. This section installsand operates the trains area signal center terminals ofthe radio relay system and associated carrier equipmentin the division area communication system. The sectionis manned and equipped to operate radio relay terminalsets.(6) Installation section. This section consists of two four-man wire installation teams. The teams install and main-tain the wire system for trains headquarters, and thefield wire links from the trains area signal center tounits in the area. Each team is equipped with a 3/-tontruck and wire-laying equipment. A trailer is also pro-vided each team for transporting a small basic load offield wire and cable.

d. Brigade Headquarters Operations Platoon. This platoonestablishes and operates a signal center at brigade headquarters.(1) Platoon headquarters. Platoon headquarters providecommand control and coordination of platoon operations.The platoon leader functions as signal officer for brigadeheadquarters and maintains close coordination with thecommunications officers and commanders of the units inthe area served by the platoon.(2) Message center section. This section provides communi-cations center facilities for brigade headquarters and forunits in the area on a 24-hour basis. This includes mess-age center, cryptographic, teletypewriter, and limitedlocal area messenger service, which is supplemental to theorganic capabilities of the units in the area. The sectionoperates the brigade signal center radio receiver station

in the division warning net. The message center sectionoperates in one echelon only.(3) Radio section. This section operates a radio-teletype-writer set in the division command/operations net. Italso operates the brigade signal center radio/wire in-tegration station, and an FM station in the CG/commandnet. The SB-22 switchboard for the radio/wire integra-

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tion station can be found in the telephone section of thecommand operations company.(4) Telephone section. This section operates a single-posi-tion manual telephone switchboard on a 24-hour basis.A second single-position switchboard is provided fordisplacement. The section contains two three-man wireteams equipped with a 3/4-ton truck and trailer with wire-laying equipment.

e. Command Signal Center Platoons. Two command signalcenter platoon headquarters and teams from the separate sectionsare organized into functional groups as needed to establish andoperate a signal center at division main, and establish and operatea division advance signal center. The command signal center pla-toon headquarters are employed as the supervisory elements for thedivision main and advance signal centers. Each platoon leader isprovided with a vehicular radio set for operation in the signal bat-talion internal radio net. This radio may also be used as a relaystation in the division CG/command net as required.f. Message Center Section. This section provides communica-tions center facilities, including message center, cryptographic,and teletypewriter service and motor messenger service, on a 24-hour basis, for the division main and advance signal centers, andsupplements the organic capability of units located in the vicinityof these echelons. The section is equipped and manned to operatetwo mobile centers. Each center consists of a mobile teletypewriterand crytographic operation group, and a shelter for use as a com-bined message center and facsimile terminal at one echelon and a'message center at the other, since only sufficient facsimile for op-'eration at one echelon is provided. The division signal messenger

service is operated by the message center section. Air messengerservice is normally employed between dispersed signal centers.Aircraft are provided from the division aviation company basedon priorities established by the division commander. Motor mes-sengers are provided to support units in the vicinity of signalcenters, and to supplement aviation messengers when conditionsprohibit the use of aircraft. Normally, motor messengers operatein pairs (one as driver and one as guard) on all message runs.If the tactical situation dictates, messenger capability may be ex-panded by providing guards and vehicles from other sources.

g. Telephone Section. This section operates the telephonecentral offices at the division main and advance signal centers.It is capable of operating two mobile, two-position switchboardssimultaneously on a 24-hour basis. Portable switchboards are au-thorized for alternate operations as required. Normally, the two-AGO 6281B 15



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position switchboards will be located at the division main andadvance signal centers. The telephone section also performs thecircuit control function in the signal centers at which located, toinclude patching and termination of trunk lines, and circuit test-ing. To carry out this mission, the telephone section is authorizedthree circuit control operators and two truck-mounted communica-tions patching panels.h. Radio Section. This section operates the net control stations(NCS's) in division headquarters radio nets and subordinatestations at the echelons of division headquarters (other than rear).It also operates the radio/wire integration stations at divisionmain and advance signal centers. The SB-22 switchboard for this

purpose can be found in the telephone section (g above). The sec-tion is manned and equipped to operate the following sets simul-taneously on a full-time basis:(1) Three high-power tactical radio-teletypewriter stations(one equipped with ground-to-air radio equipment).(2) Four medium-power tactical radio-teletypewriter stations(two equipped with FM radio sets).(3) Two medium-power tactical voice/continuous-wave (cw)

radio sets (both equipped with one FM vehicluar radioset capable of providing retransmission, and one High-Frequency (HF) Receiver).i. Radio Terminal and CarrierSection. This section installsand operates the terminals of the radio relay system and associatedcarrier equipment at division main command post signal center,the advance signal center, (when established), division artilleryheadquarters and brigade headquarters.j. InstallationSection. The installation section installs intercon-necting cable between signal center components, wire and cable indivision echelon command post (CP) areas, and wire locals toother units in the vicinity of division echelon signal centers.

(1) The section is organized and equipped to make up twofour-man field wire teams, each equipped with a 3/%-tontruck and wire-laying equipment. Each team carries asmall basic load of wire and cable in the trailer provided.(2) During the period of installing interconnecting cable be-tween signal center components, the field wire teams ofthe installation section will require assistance from per-sonnel in other sections of the company. Installationteams from headquarters and headquarters company,augmented, if necessary, from other elements of the bat-talion, will be required to assist these installation sec-

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tions field wire teams in situations beyond their capabili-ties.k. Air Support Signal Team. The air support signal team pro-vides communications at the division FSCC. It installs and op-

erates the telephone switchboard at the fire support coordinationcenter (FSCC), provides message center and cryptographic faci-lities, operates the NCS in the division air request net, and operatesthe division radio station in the army air request net. It alsooperates a uhf receiver in the spot report receiver system for moni-toring uhf-equipped tactical air support aircraft operating in thedivision area. This radio equipment accompanies the G3 air to thedivision FSCC. An FM radio is provided for monitoring and/orentry into such command or fire nets of the division as may benecessary.

Section IV. FORWARD COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY1 . Mission

The mission of the Forward Communications Company is to:a. Provide direct and general support signal center support tounits in the division forward area, supplemental to organic cap-abilities.

b. Establish and operate an assigned portion of the division areacommunication system.c. Connect battle group headquarters and other units in the areainto the division area communication system.d. Provide signal field maintenance support for units in the divi-

sion forward area to the maximum extent possible.e. Fight as infantrymen when required.11. Components

The forward communications company (fig. 4) is organized intoa company headquarters, a radio terminal and carrier section, andfive battle group area support platoons.a. Company Headquarters. Company headquarters provide con-trol and coordination of the company. It also provides mess fa-cilities and second echelon motor maintenance for the forwardcommunications company.b. Radio Terminal and CarrierSection. This section providesthe personnel and equipment to operate mobile multichannel radioterminal sets. The sets are used to establish the forward terminalsin the division area communication system. The section is also

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equipped with portable switchboards for establishing forwardswitches or terminating points on extension links from forwardsignal centers. The terminal sets normally will be positioned asclose to the patching panel as is consistent with security and dis-persion, to facilitate cable/wire laying to terminal sets. If feasible,terminals should be collocated to enable a minimum of personnelto operate efficiently and to reduce the number of wire routes tobe installed and maintained.c. Battle Group Area Support Platoon. These platoons are or-ganized along functional lines. Each is normally associated with,but not controlled by, a particular battle group. These platoonsare normally given the task of direct support of a battle group andgeneral support of other units in the vicinity. Each support pla-toon has a platoon headquarters and five operating sections:(1) Platoonheadquarters. The platoon headquarters providescontrol and coordination of platoon operations and limitedorganizational maintenance of platoon power units. Theplatoon leaders maintain close coordination with the com-munication officers and commanders of the units theysupport.(2) Message center sections. These sections provide com-munication center facilities, including message center,cryptographic, and teletypewriter service for units andunit elements located in the signal centers area of respon-sibility. This service is supplemental to the organic cap-ability of the supported units. The sections are not man-ned or equipped to provide messenger service. Supportedunits will pick up and deliver their messages as required.Each section contains a radio receiver with which it

monitors the division warning net. One mobile teletype-writer central office is provided to furnish three teletype-writer terminals, two with cryptographic facilities ateach center. The sections are manned and equipped tooperate in one echelon only.(3) Telephone sections. These sections operate a mobile man-ual telephone central office. Each section is equipped withtwo manual telephone central offices; the sections aremanned on the basis that only one central office will bein operation in each section at one time, with the otherbeing used for displacement or for establishing a forwardswitch for limited periods as required. The telephonecentral office equipment will handle both the local andtrunk line switching requirements placed on the center.The telephone sections are also responsible for the com-munciations control functions in their respective signal

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centers, to include patching and termination of trunklines, circuit testing, and maintenance. For this purpose,two communications patching panels are provided. Eachpanel is mounted in a trailer-one in operation, thesecond for displacement or for establishing a forwardswitch.(4) Radio sections. These sections operate FM radio setsusing remote control equipment as radio/wire integrationstations. Each radio section operates two FM radio sets,one set in the infantry band of frequencies and the otherset in the artillery band. The SB-22 switchboards re-quired for this purpose can be obtained from the radioterminal and carrier section of the forward communica-tions company.(5) Installation sections. These sections are organized asfive-man wire teams. Each team is equipped with one/-ton truck and a trailer.(a) Each section installs interconnecting cable for compo-nents of a forward signal center and is responsible forwire laying, maintenance, and furnishing telephone in-struments to supported units as required. Some of the

units which may require this assistance are:1. Platoons of the forward support company of the divi-sion ordnance battalion and company headquarters.2. Elements of the ambulance and clearing companies ofthe division medical battalion and the headquarters ofcompanies if located in the division forward area.S.Collection and evaluation section of the collection andevaluation platoon of the division quartermaster com-pany.4. Forward distribution points, if established by the divi-sion quartermaster company.5. Truck and/or carrier squads of the division transporta-tion battalion if located in the forward area.6. Traffic control points (TCP's), if established in theforward area by the division military police detach-ment.

7. General support platoon groups and associated landingfields established in the division forward area by thedivision aviation company.8. Companies or company elements of the division engi-neer battalion headquarters if so located.(b) Since these sections have many responsibilities and alimited number of personnel and equipment with whichto perform their missions, priority should be estab-20 AG O 6281B



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lished for connecting units into the system. Prioritieswill depend on the immediate situation and should becoordinated fully with the battle group staff. An SOPshould also be established to dictate the number of cir-cuits each unit will receive initially and the necessaryaugmentation at a later date if time and equipmentpermit.(6) Forwardrepairsections. These sections provide supple-mental organizational and field maintenance of signalequipment for the platoons, and field signal maintenancefor other elements of the division. Each section is equip-ped with a mobile shop. For further details, see chapter4.

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14. CompositionThe division area communication system consists of:a. Command signal centers and forward signal centers estab-lished by the division signal battalion and linked together by multi-channel, multi-axis communication facilities.b. A signal messenger service linking the echelons of divisionheadquarters with the division major subordinate commands.c. AM and FM point-to-point internal radio communicationsnets.d. Radio/wire integration stations capable of linking mobileFM radio stations with the telephone system at command and

forward signal centers.15. Employmenta. General. The many variations of the operational environmentin which the division signal battalion provides support to thedivision prevent a fixed employment of personnel and equipmentauthorized by TOE or a fixed pattern of operation. The systemwill vary in configuration, size, and composition, according to thefollowing factors:(1) Division mission and organization for combat.(2) Location and disposition of the division units.(3) Characteristics of the division area of operations.(4) Enemy capabilities.(5) Attachment of forces by higher headquarters.-~. Multichannel Systems. Two types of applications of themultichannel communication systems employed in the division areacommunication system are illustrated in figures 5 and 6. It would

be a rare case if either of the methods shown were completelysuitable to support a particular infantry division mission. Theywill, however, provide the DSO and his staff with a basis on whichto build a system tailored to support the division mission.c. Flexibility. The use of radio relay facilities and AM and FMradio nets facilitates the establishment of multichannel and singlechannel communications between the division headquarters and itsechelons and its subordinate units over extended distances. This

provides the signal centers operated by the division with alter-nate routes of adequate capacity, minimizes the system's vulner-ability, and provides flexibility in employment of the division areacommunication system.Figure5. Type Infantry division multichannelcommunication system

(Type I).(Located in the back of manual)

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Figure 6. Type infantry division multichannel communication system(Type II).

(Located in the back of manual)

d. Trunk Lines. The trunk lines in the division area communica-tion system provide a means of communication from the echelonsof division headquarters to immediate subordinate elements andbetween these elements. They also provide a means of commu-nication for the use of other divisional elements in lieu of, or tosupplement, the organic communications of these elements on acommon-user or sole-user basis as required.e. Common- and Sole-User Circuits. The division area com-

munication system is comprised mainly of common-user circuits.To meet special requirements, sole-user circuits may be provided.For maximum utilization of the area communication system, soleuser circuits should be held to a minimum. Sole-user circuits arethose that are allocated for full-time use to provide point-to-pointcommunication. Sole-user circuits are provided on a basis of trafficvolume or traffic precedence. In the first instance, traffic volumemust be great enough to keep the circuit continuously in use; thatis, the circuit must be required so much of the time that it wouldbe impracticable to attempt further use of the circuit for otherpurposes. In the second instance, the tactical urgency of certaintypes of traffic warrant sole-user service, as in fire direction, airtraffic regulation and identification and air request circuits whereeven short delays cannot be tolerated.16. Signal Centers

A signal center is a groupment of signal communications facili-ties installed, operated and maintained by Signal Corps units. Asignal center provides communications center, messenger service,telephone and teletypewriter switching, and circuit testing and re-routing facilities. Other facilities, such as facsimile and auto-matic data processing, may be provided when authorized. The twotypes of signal centers used in the infantry division are as follows:a. Command Signal Centers. The command signal centers areestablished by the command signal operations company of thedivision signal battalion. They provide signal center support forall echelons of division headquarters and for the brigade headquar-ters. In addition, these command signal centers provide signalsupport to units located in the immediate vicinity, supplementalto the units' organic capability.b. ForwardSignal Centers. Forward (area) signal centers areestablished by the forward communications company of the divi-

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Figure 7. Type ForwardSignal Center,blockdiagram.

sion signal battalion. Primarily, forward signal centers will belocated to tie the battle groups into the division area communica-tion system; at the same time, they will provide signal centersupport to units within their assigned geographical area of respon-sibility (fig. 7).17. Radio Relay

a. Radio relay is the primary means for trunk lines communica-tion in the division area communication system. It is also the pri-mary means for telephone service between the major headquartersin the division. Individual companies of the signal battalion areassigned areas of responsibility for installing terminals in thesystem.AGO 2slEB 25



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(1) The command operations company installs terminals forthe main and advance signal centers and for brigadeheadquarters, division trains headquarters and divisionartillery headquarters.(2) The forward communications company installs the ter-

minals at the five forward area signal centers.(3) Headquarters company maintains a pool of terminal andrepeater equipment for installation and/or augmentationas needed in the system.b. A type employment of the radio relay and wire carrier capa-bility of the battalion is shown in figures 5 and 6.c. Division terminal equipment and operating personnel for the

radio relay circuits in the corps/army communications systems areprovided by corps/army units.18. Division Radio Nets

a. General. Radio nets of division headquarters and divisionalunits are primarly for internal organizational communication be-tween major divisional units. Other radio equipment is providedfor air warning systems and communication with echelons abovedivision.(1) In some situations, such as emergencies or during move-ment, radio communications can be used to supplementa segment of the multichannel links connecting signalcenters.

(2) FM and AM radios normally are used to establish initialcommunication between headquarters, particularly whenother means, such as wire or radio relay, are unavailableor unsuitable. As other means become available, radiostations operating in nets, that can adequately be coveredby other means, should revert to standby or listeningsilence.

(3) A typical arrangement of nets in which radio stationsoperate for division headquarters is shown in figure 8.Figure 8. Typical infantry division radio nets.

(Located in the back of manual)(4) Although radio nets are designated functionally (com-mand, intelligence, etc.), traffic and other considerationswill frequently dictate that the nets be combined and usedfor more than one type of traffic.

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b. Internal Radio Nets. The division's internal radio nets aredescribed below:(1) Division CG/command net fm-voice. This net providesa direct channel of communication between the division

commander and the commanders of all units operatingdirectly under division control. The use of this net isrestricted because of its large number of stations, butstaff officers and subordinate unit commanders may mon-itor or operate in it if necessary. In addition, liaisonofficers of the division, when operating with adjacent orhigher headquarters, may operate in this net to facili-tate close coordination between units. The division sig-nal battalion furnishes on a full-time operating basis, thenet control station at division main. The signal battalionis equipped to establish relay stations in the net, eitherwith the radio sets provided for this purpose or with theradio/wire integration station facilities. Airborne relaystations, when required, are established by coordinationwith the division aviation company. Other headquartersrepresented by stations in this net are division advance,brigade, division artillery, each of the five battle groups,the armor battalion, cavalry squadron, signal battalion,military police detachment, aviation company, divisiontrains, engineer battalion, ordnance battalion, medicalbattalion, transportation battalion, quartermaster com-pany, and attached units directly under division control.

(2) Division command/operations net. This net is used forthe operational command and control of the division. TheNCS is located at division main headquarters. The NCSand its operating personnel are furnished by the signalbattalion. Other stations normally operating in the com-mand/operations net are brigade headquarters, divisionadvance, division artillery, division aviation commander,engineer battalion, each of the five battle groups, armorbattalion, and the cavalry squadron. Division trains mayenter the net as required by switching set from anothernet.

(3) Division intelligence net. This net is used for transmis-sion of information and intelligence of the enemy. TheNCS is located at division main and serves primarily asa means of communication for G2 message traffic. Itmay also pass command or logistical message traffic, ifthe command or logistical nets are either inoperative oroverloaded. Other stations normally operating in the in-AGO 6281B 27



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telligence net are division advance, division artillery, eachof the five battle groups, cavalry squadron and aviationcompany.(4) Division administrative/logisticsnet. This net is used

for transmission of administrative and logistical messagetraffic. The NCS is located at division main and servesprimarily as a means of communication for G1 and G4message traffic. The NCS and its operating personnelare furnished by the signal battalion. Other stationsnormally operating in the administrative/logistics netare division rear, division artillery, each of the five battlegroups, armor battalion, cavalry squadron, aviation com-pany, division trains, engineer battalion, ordnance bat-talion, medical battalion, transportation battalion, andquartermaster company.(5) Division air-requestnet. This net is used to forward re-quest for immediate tactical air support directly to thedivision FSCC and for disseminating information and in-structions to units on all types of airstrikes that mayaffect the command. The NCS is operated by personnelof the signal battalion at the division FSCC, where it is

located with G3/air. Other stations in the net are thefive battle groups, the armor battalion, and cavalry squad-ron. The radio sets used in this net have secondary roles,such as the transmission of information in the divisionwarning/broadcast net.(6) Division warning/broadcastnet. This net is used tobroadcast air alerts, chemical, biological, and radiologicalwarfare (CBR) attack warning, fallout warning, rad-

safe-data*, nuclear strike warnings, and similar informa-tion of an urgent operational nature. This informationis required by all divisional units, and the requirementfor timeliness prohibits handling through command chan-nels. The NCS operates at division main with personneland equipment furnished by the signal battalion. Radioreceiving sets are provided throughout the division formonitoring this net. Each battalion and separate com-pany, and, in some instances, subordinate elements ofthese units, are equipped with a radio receiver to monitorbroadcasts over this net. Certain organizations mayswitch radio equipment from other nets to transmit inthis net. These are division advance, each of the fivebattle groups, the armor battalion, and cavalry squadron.Division artillery usually broadcasts all air alerts; theData transmitted relative to the amount of radioactivity in a specified area.

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cavalry squadron usually broadcasts urgent reconnais-sance information of immediate interest to elements ofthe division.c. External Radio Nets. The external radio nets in which the

infantry division is a transmitting station are described below:(1) Corps command net. This net is used by the corps com-mander for the command and operational control of hismajor subordinate units. The division station, which isfurnished by the division signal battalion, operates inconjunction with the signal center at the division maincommand post. The station employs AM radio-teletype-writer equipment that is additionally capable of operatingon voice or cw.(2) Army logistics net. The division signal battalion alsofurnishes the radio-teletypewriter station that operatesin this net. The net is used for administrative and logis-tical traffic between the division and army headquarters.The equipment used in this net is also used, as required,in a secondary role to support the displacement of otherradio-teletypewriter stations in the division. Since othermeans of communication with logistical support agenciesare normally available, this station is used to a greatextent in its secondary role. Location of the radio setoperating in the Army Logistical net depends upon themode of logistical operation adopted by the supportedinfantry division. In some divisions the situation maydictate location of the set at the division trains headquar-ters, while in others the set may operate in the vicinity ofthe ACofS G4, at division headquarters.(3) Army air-requestnet. This net is used to obtain air sup-port for the division. A radio set is used in this net toprovide communication between the division G2 Air andG3 Air at the division fire support coordination center(FSCC) and the field army tactical operations center(FATOC). The radio set is also furnished by the divisionsignal battalion.

(4) Spot report receiver system, uhf-voice. The signal bat-talion is equipped to operate a uhf-voice radio station inthe spot report receiver system for monitoring Air Forceclose support missions flown for the division. The sta-tion is mounted in the same vehicle as the division sta-tion in the army air-request net. The station may be usedto monitor Air Force reconnaissance missions flown forAGO 6281B 29



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Figure 10. Type utilization of radio/wire integration,infantry division.the division. A separate set for G2 is provided in thedivision headquarters TOE for this purpose.

d. Signal BattalionInternal Radio Net. The primary purpose ofthe net is to enable the Bn Co/DSO to maintain direct contact withall elements of the signal battalion (fig. 9).19. FM Radio/Wire Integration

a. Radio/wire integration stations (fig. 10) form an importantpart of the division area communication systein.b. At division level, an FM-voice radio/wire integration stationis operated at each signal center (except at division rear) to con-

nect FM radio stations into the division area communication sys-tem on a push-to-talk basis. The interconnection between the radioset at a division radio/wire integration station and an area com-munication system switchboard is made through a remote controlunit and an SB-22/PT switchboard in the integration statibn ve-hicle. The operation of radio wire integration systems is stand-ardized throughout the division by SOP's for radio operators,radio/wire integration station operators, and switchboard oper-ators; it is standardized for users by division standing signal in-AGO 8/281B/ 31



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structions (SSI). The signal operation instructions (SOI) referto controls, such as radio station call signs and telephone directorynames. The radio wire integration system is provided to the com-manding general, division staff, and other designated.key person-nel in the division to contact division elements connected to thedivision area communication system. Whenever circumstances dic-tate it may also be used:

(1) To establish emergency communication between mobileFM radio stations and elements connected to the divisionarea telephone system by telephone.(2) To establish communication between FM radio stationsseparated by distances that are beyond the direct oper-ating range of their FM radio sets.(3) For initial establishment (until wire links can be in-stalled) of telephone service from the division area com-munication system to using units.(4) For voice communication between mobile combat elementsin the division forward area and supporting division logis-tic elements in the rear area.(5) For communications between low-flying army aircraftoperating in distant parts of the division area and air-strips of flight control elements connected to the divisionarea communication system, when direct FM radio con-tact cannot be maintained.(6) For communication between forward air controllers andthe air liaison officers' communication facilities, normallyat the division FSCC, when these facilities are connectedwith the division area communication system.(7) To keep commanders and staffs in contact with subordi-nate and higher headquarters, as required, during thedisplacement of command posts.(8) To connect two switchboards and to span a break in awire line between units.(9) For communication in river crossings.

20. Signal Messenger ServiceThe division signal messenger service is also an important partof the division area communication system. It consists of sched-uled and special messenger motor and air runs. The motor mes-senger teams are organic to the division signal battalion. The

air messenger service is provided by the division aviation company.Messenger service is normally provided from higher headquartersto subordinate units. However, special messengers may be dis-32 AGO 6281B



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patched from lower to higher echelons when the situation war-rants. Special messengers are reserved for delivery of high prece-dence message traffic. Due to the limited number of messengerteams available the battalion SOP should clearly indicate thosesituations in which special messengers will be used. Whenever thetactical situation permits, messengers operating the division signalmessenger service make deliveries directly to the headquarters mes-sage centers of the battle groups and to other major divisionalelements, as well as to forward signal centers operated by the sig-nal battalion. The forward signal centers serve only as messen-ger pickup and delivery points for the miscellaneous divisionalunit elements in their respective areas. The division signal mes-senger service is normally provided by motor messengers operat-ing in pairs for optimum security and by aviators provided by thedivision aviation company. If additional messenger service isrequired, messengers may be required to operate separately, pro-vided additional motor vehicles can be obtained. In this case, mis-cellaneous personnel should be assigned to each messenger as asecurity guard.

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CHAPTER 4SIGNAL SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE

Section I. GENERAL21. Mission

The mission of the infantry division, signal battalion, with re-spect to signal supply and maintenance, is as follows:a. To furnish signal supply support to the infantry division.

b. To furnish field maintenance of signal equipment to theinfantry division.22. Responsibilities

Responsibilities for the supply and maintenance mission aredischarged by the supply and maintenance section of headquartersand headquarters company, and the forward repair sections of thebattle group area support platoons of the forward communicationscompany.

a. The supply and maintenance section of headquarters andheadquarters company, composed of supply and maintenance per-sonnel, has primary responsibility for supporting divisional unitsand organizations.

(1) The supply unit supports the division for all signal sup-ply, to include the following:(a) Maintains all supply records necessary for operation,such as quantity, demand data location, due-out, anddue-in.(b) Receives, stores, and issues supplies.(c) Submits stock status reports and recommendations forchanges of authorized stockage list as required.

(2) The maintenance unit will furnish the mobile third eche-lon maintenance required by divisional units, and sup-port the forward repair sections as required.b. The forward repair sections furnish mobile third echelonmaintenance and signal repair parts support to all units withinthe battle group areas.c. Responsibilities are also assigned to appropriate personnelfor the followi. -reas:

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(1) Command maintenance inspection teams.(2) Technical assistance.(3) Training of unit personnel.(4) Liaison.

'Section II. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION23. Supply Operations

a. General. The ideal supply system would be one capable offurnishing any item demanded by supported units, in any amountthey need, whenever and wherever they need it. This would requirea stock of unlimited quantities of all items authorized for issue,and a large force to receive stock, and issue them. Sufficient per-sonnel and shipping space to keep such a system operating wouldnot be available in modern warfare. The division supply systemis, therefore, based on the principle of stockage of only fast-movingitems. Slower moving items are requisitioned only as requiredand are kept in the communications zone or the rear of the fieldarmy service area. Items rendered excess will be returned to thecommunications zone or disposed of through appropriate channels(particular attention will be paid to special procedures peculiar todisposition of communication security or radioactive items). Thequantity of each item stocked at direct support level is in accord-ance with AR 711-16 and AR 711-25.b. Army Field Stock Control System. This system will governdivision signal supply operations.

(1) Composition. The Army Field Stock Control Systemstandardizes the distribution of signal repair partsthroughout the army and is composed of three basicelements.(a) Selected stockage plan. This plan encompasses theselection of those repair parts which must be stockedin each supply category in order to give the greatestmaintenance return within the limitations and capa-bilities of the corresponding maintenance echelon.(b) Stock records. This element of stock control is essentialto insure that the operating control of accounting willbe performed accurately, reliably, and efficiently.Emphasis has been placed on the stock control function,because it is the key to any effective supply operation.Stock records must be simple, uniform, effective, easilyoperated and managed, and must insure that a per-petual inventory of supplies is available. This inventory

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must be based upon demands, thereby eliminatingstocks of inactive or unneeded items.(c) Demand data. The stock control system provides asimple method of gathering basic demand data as abyproduct of the individual stock control operation atthe supply activity. It also provides for the computa-tion of valuable, reliable demand rates.

(2) Parts-maintenancerelationship. A relatively small per-centage of the total parts comprising a piece of equip-ment accounts for a large percentage of the maintenancerequirements for the equipment. Once this parts-mainte-nance relationship is known, the problem becomes one ofconcentrating on supplying these active parts. The active,high demand parts list will vary from situation to situ-ation as a result of such factors as climate, terrain, theenemy situation and intensity of combat operations. Theunpredictable failures inherent in electronic equipmentwill often result in a skewed pattern of demands.

(3) Stock records.(a) Stock records were developed as an integral part ofthe field stock control system to furnish supply per-sonnel with an efficient, uniform, effective, perpetualinventory of parts, based on the recurring demandsfor these parts, and placing emphasis on the stockcontrol function. The basic stock record consists ofthe stock accounting record, title insert, demand datacard, and due-in and due-out cards for an individualitem. It incorporates such additional features as:1. Preprinting of item identification for accuracy, speedand uniformity of changes in item identification.2. Visible margining, indexing, and signaling of individ-ual item status for ease of control.3. Grouping of all stock control information on one formto simplify and standardize computation of levels andfor determination of requirements or excesses.(b) The stock records for each item are filed in one visiblyindexed pocket. These pockets are filed in slides ofstock record cabinets.

(c) By glancing at a tray of stock records, the supply statusof a group of items can be seen in graphic form. Thesliding signals reflect relationships between balance onhand and control level. Excesses are signaled by slidingthe signal completely to the right; in zero balances,signals are moved to the left. Active dues-out andemergency dues-in are signaled with colored inserts.36 AGO 6281B



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(4) Determinationof requisitioningobjectives.(a) The most important element of stock control is thedetermination of realistic requisitioning objectives.Prior to submission of replenishment requisitions, com-manders will review and analyze stock records to

determine the propriety of established requisitionlevels and direct upward or downward revision, asrequired.(b) Recurring demand experience during the previous 90days or a comparable period in the case of items de-manded only during certain seasons, will be used as abasis for determination of average replacement factorsand to reconstruct recurring demands. When a sub-stitute has been issued in lieu of an authorized item,traffic on the substitute must be reflected in the totaldemand for the authorized item.

(5) Demand data. Involved here is a simple, uniform, andeffective method of accumulating, reporting, and analyz-ing demand data directly from the source. Furthermore,these data are available as a byproduct of the normalstock control function in an operating supply unit.Entered on the demand data card are two of the threebasic factors required to compute a realistic demandrate: the actual recurring demands for an item; and theperiod of time over which these demands were made.Demands are annotated on these cards at the end of eachrequisitioning period. When these cards are completed,they are returned in accordance with the schedule to theagency prescribed in AR 711-16. The third basic factor,the density of signal equipment supported, must be ob-tained from other sources of information and submittedwith the completed set of demand data cards.

(6) Demand rates. National procurement and distribution ofrepair parts is dependent on the rate at which these itemsare required throughout the world. Initial procurementand distribution of repair parts for a new item is esti-mated, based on demand data and parts mortality ofsimilar items. In addition, a factor is included for thesupply pipeline to assure continuity of supply. It isuniversally recognized that once a new signal item hasbeen used in the field for a period of time, the partsdemand rate may differ considerably from the estimatedmortality rates. To determine these changing replenish-ment repair parts demand rates so that procurement anddistribution may be more closely and rapidly geared to

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actual field requirements has long been a problem. Auto-matic resupply will be instated during tactical operationswherever feasible. Under the army field stock controlsystem, the data are gathered from the point closest tothe source of the demand. These demand data are for-warded as prescribed in AR 711-16.c. Importance of Supervision and Training. In standardizingthe distribution system for signal repair parts throughout thearmy, the army field stock control system plays an effective partin furthering the objective of the field army signal distributionsystem. Every effort will be made to maintain a high state oftraining among personnel employed in the system. Experience hasshown that the system, designed as it is to accomplish a great

number of operations speedily, will also reproduce any errors justas rapidly. The army field stock control system is a tool of man-agement. Its efficient use will help assure good supply service tousing units.d. Request Flow.(1) Request for all signal supplies other than repair partswill be submitted by organizations directly to the signalsupply and maintenance point.

(2) The request will normally be formal, on a request forissue or turn-in form, or in the format of such form ifteletypewriter is used as a communication means.(3) Requests for repair parts, from organizations other thanbattle groups, will be submitted directly to the supplyand maintenance point, in the same manner as for non-repair parts.(4) Requests for repair parts from the battle groups will besubmitted by the battle group to the supporting forwardrepair section. This establishes the maintenance channelas the source of repair parts supply for battle groupelements.(5) The forward repair sections submit requests for repairparts directly to the division signal supply and mainte-nance point. These requests include third echelon repair

parts for use by the forward repair sections, and organi-zational repair parts distributed by the forward repairsections to the battle group.(6) Requests for repair parts from the battle group com-munications platoons and the forward repair sectionsmay be either formal or informal. The method usedshould include provisions for informal brief records con-

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taining necessary information on spare parts. The mini-mum information would be that pertaining to a stockagelist and demand data. If practicable, these records maybe maintained at the supply and maintenance point, torelieve the forward repair sections of administrativedetails.(7) Since the supply and maintenance point will stock pri-marily fast-moving repair parts, requests for suppliesmust be handled by different methods for stocked (nor-mally stocked by supply and maintenance point due todemand) and nonstocked (not usually stocked by supplyand maintenance point due to lack of demand) items.(a) A request for a stocked item which is on hand will befilled immediately under established procedures.(b) A request for a stocked item which is not in stock willrequire establishment of a due-out. Although an im-mediate request will not normally be forwarded tothe next higher supply echelon since the item shouldbe on order, at the time an item is placed on due-out,it will first be matched against open due-in requisi-tions, to assure that the item is in fact on order andin sufficient quantity. The request would then be filledupon arrival of the replenishment supply at the supplyand maintenance point due to lack of demand) items.(c) A request for a nonstocked (fringe) item will be for-warded immediately to the next higher supply agency,without consolidation. The requisition will specifythat shipment be addressed to the using organization.Shipment will be made directly to the using organiza-

tion or through the signal supply and maintenancepoint whichever is appropriate. The requisition willalso specify that for direct-to-user shipments, a copyof the shipping document will be furnished to the signalsupply and maintenance point. A due-out will be estab-lished and follow up effected as appropriate to assureproper supply action.(8) Direct exchange of signal items will be utilized in ac-cordance with applicable regulations.

24. Maintenance Operationsa. General. The maintenance support to organizations in thedivision is third echelon mobile maintenance. Repair by replace-ment through the use of maintenance float, is the normal method ofsupport. Third echelon maintenance will include replacement ofindividual parts, alinement, adjustment, testing and inspection.AG O 6281B . 39



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b. Signal Maintenance Float. The signal maintenance float(not applicable when in CONUS garrison) in possession of theforward repair sections is actually the property of the supplyand maintenance point and is carried on the supply and mainte-nance point records as being allocated to the forward repairsection. Such allocation is based upon the demand or need of theorganization(s) being supported by the forward repair section.The total signal maintenance float authorized the division signalsupply and maintenance point is initially a figure equal to 3 per-cent-of the major signal end items authorized the infantry divisionor a quantity of 30, whichever is smaller. A larger maintenancefloat may be established if authorized by the division G4. Thedivision signal supply officer (DSSO) normally will retain part ofthis quantity at the supply and maintenance point and allocatequantities to the forward repair sections. The maintenance floatin support of avionics equipment is established at 20 percent ofthe major items supported. The maintenance float in supportof radiac equipment 'is established at 25 percent of the signalitems supported. In each instance Signal Corps approval will beobtained for the establishment of floats for regulated items oritems in short supply.

c. Operation of ForwardRepairSection.(1) The forward repair section, as an organic element of thebattle group area support platoon, operates in the battlegroup area. Its mission of support extends to all unitslocated in the battle group area, and includes third eche-lon maintenance support and supply of signal repairparts for organizational maintenance.(2) Second echelon maintenance support of the battle grouparea support platoon is performed for the signal bat-talion by the forward repair section. Time and distancefactors render this support by the other battalion ele-ments impracticable, if not impossible.(3) During normal operation, the forward repair sectionwill replace unserviceable equipment with serviceableitems from maintenance float. As time, circumstances,and capability permit, these unserviceable items will berepaired and returned to the section's maintenance float.The items of maintenance float carried by the sectionmay consist of end items, assemblies, subassemblies, ormajor components of end items.(4) Unserviceable equipment which cannot be repaired bythe forward repair section will be evacuated to the supplyand maintenance point.

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(5) Items of maintenance float that have been utilized innormal operations, and that cannot be replaced by repairof unserviceable equipment, will be replaced by the supplyand maintenance point upon request and in accordancewith local SOP.d. Operationof Supply andMaintenancePoint.(1) The supply and maintenance point will normally be cen-trally located with respect to troop units it supports.This point has maintenance float used to support theconcept of repair by replacement.

(2) Maintenance personnel in headquarters and headquarterscompany are not assigned to teams by TOE; they areassigned only to the supply and maintenance section.This situation permits complete flexibility in the use ofpersonnel to accomplish specific tasks. Teams may betailored to include any desired or required skills neededfor the accomplishment of a maintenance mission.(3) For units having a fully mobile capability two differentmethods are available for effecting signal maintenanceoperations. Each of the two methods has its advantagesand disadvantages. The selection of the method to beemployed by each unit can only be made after carefullyweighing all factors pertinent to each situation.

(a) Signal equipment requiring maintenance may bebrought to the signal supply and maintenance point.Conducting maintenance operations at this point en-ables production line methods and procedures to beemployed even though on a limited scale. Direct super-vision of operations by better qualified signal main-tenance personnel, is also possible when this methodis used.(b) On-site maintenance methods may be employed whereradar sets, switchboards, or other heavy or semi-fixeditems of equipment are involved, making their move-ment to the maintenance point impractical. In thismethod, the advantage of mobility and flexibility areutilized to the maximum extent.(4) Special maintenance problems exist within the divisionwhich are most readily solved by the attachment of signalmaintenance personnel or teams to other units requiringtheir services. Attachment of signal maintenance per-sonnel to other units has the disadvantage of reducingcontrol and supervision. Precautions must be taken toavoid misuse of these signal maintenance personnel on

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detached service and their assignment to duties otherthan signal equipment repair.(a) Four repairmen, whose primary skill deals with avia-tion electronic equipment, (avionics), are presentlyassigned to the supply and maintenance section. Formaximum utilization of their capability, these fourrepairmen should be organized into an avionics teamlocated with the division aviation company at the di-vision base airfield together with avionics maintenancefloat equipments. This arrangement offers maximumworking time on equipment, the elimination of trans-portation for unserviceable equipment, and in someinstances, the maintenance of equipment without re-moval from the aircraft.

(b) Location of personnel with installations, such as theordnance maintenance point, is also desirable. Vehicledeadline time can be minimized when vehicle and sig-nal repair are performed concurrently. Since mosttrack laying vehicles and many wheeled vehicles haveradio equipment installed, a signal repair team at-tached to the ordnance point offers considerable econ-omy of operation.(c) Cryptographic repairmen will be attached to the signalcenters and a photographic repairman will be attachedto the photo section as required.e. Inspections.

(1) The inspections with which the signal battalion will be-come involved include spot check inspections, organiza-tional (command) inspections, command maintenanceinspections, and signal technical inspections. The signalbattalion will perform technical inspections on signalmateriel, and will be required to provide personnel forthe conduct of signal spot check and command mainte-nance inspections in divisional units. The DSO is respon-sible to the division commander for the conduct ofcommand maintenance and spot check inspections ofsignal equipment organic to units of the division, andnormally delegates scheduling and coordinating to theDSSO.

(2) The basic documents authorizing and prescribing in-spections of signal supplies and equipment are AR750-5, AR 750-8, AR 750-610, and AR 750-625. Theseregulations also list the forms and reports to be used,specify the frequency and scope of inspections, and give42 AGO 6281B



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information relative to the determination of deficienciesand the methods of rating inspections. The SB 11-100series prescribes the serviceability standards to be usedin conducting inspections of signal materiel in the handsof a using organization. Detailed technical informationregarding the inspections of any particular item is con-tained in pertinent technical publications for the item.

(3) The inspection workload is borne by the division signalsupply and maintenance section, because it provides per-sonnel for the conduct of signal inspections throughoutthe division. Technical inspections, as noted above, de-note the initial and final inspections performed on anitem of materiel prior to its entry into a maintenanceshop, and after repairs have been made in the shop.Technical inspections are performed by the division sig-nal supply and maintenance section and forward repairsection as part of their normal maintenance functions.(4) While the division commander delegates responsibilityto the signal officer for command maintenance and spotcheck inspections, preventive maintenance inspectionsremain the responsibility of the unit commanders.

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CHAPTER 5DIVISION SIGNAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SUPPORT

25. GeneralDivision signal photographic services are provided by the photo-graphic section of headquarters and headquarters company. Theseservices include still and motion picture photography (except

aerial photography) for the division, and air and ground stillphotographic laboratory service for all divisional units. Theprimary mission of the photographic section is to perform tacticalground photography. It will also be required to support divisioninformation officer (IO) activities. Aerial photography may beperformed by the photographic section's use of ground-typecameras when aerial cameras are not essential or available. Thismission, however, normally will be performed by U.S. ArmyAviation or Air Force aircraft, properly equipped with air-typecameras.26. Mobile Photographic Laboratories

Two mobile photographic laboratories are provided for theprocessing of still pictures. These laboratories will be employedto process coverage by photographers of the photographic section,aerial photographic coverage by the division aviation company,and coverage 'by other photographers operating in the divisionarea. One of these laboratories will normally be located at adesignated division airstrip, and the other will usually be locatedat the signal battalion CP.27. Processing Motion Picture Film

The photographic section is equipped to record but not processmotion pictures. The processing of motion picture film is per-formed at theater army level. The division photographic sectionis not equipped to process U.S. Air Force aerial photographyutilized by the division.28. Color Photography

Color photography may be performed by the photographic sec-tion when materials are available. Exposed color film will besent to the nearest color processing facility.44 AG O 6281B



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CHAPTER 6TACTICAL APPLICATION OF SIGNAL BATTALION'SCOMMUNICATION CAPABILITY

29. Communication in Concentration Areaa. General. A tactical concentration is the assembly of forces ina selected area from which impending operations can be launched.

Effective control of the concentration depends on the promptestablishment of the command post and signal communication.b.,Planning Communication for Concentration. During thepreparation for the concentration, the division signal officer andhis staff-

(1) Conduct a reconnaissance of the concentration area toobtain detailed information concerning the location ofcommand post sites, messenger routes, and all existingmilitary and civilian signal facilities.(2) Prepare a signal plan for communication during themovement of the division into the concentration area.(3) Coordinate the installation of all signal systems withinthe concentration area. This insures an integrated systemfor the division as a whole.(4) Provide communication security during the movementinto, and occupation of, the concentration area.

c. CommunicationActivities DuringConcentration. During theconcentration, the signal officer and all personnel of the divisionsignal battalion are engaged in training and in performing signalsupply and other signal activities. The extent to which theseactivities are carried on depends on the state of training, theadequacy of equipment, the number and capabilities of personneland other factors peculiar to the contemplated operation. Themore important signal activities include-(1) Revising the SOP or preparing a new one to meet therequirements of anticipated operations.(2) Training personnel in the installation, operation, andmaintenance of new or special equipment provided forthe operation. This includes training in modified or newoperating techniques.

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(3) Studying enemy characteristics and adopting special pre-cautions required by the planned operation to insure thesuccessful performance of missions.(4) Formulating specific communication security measuresfor the anticipated operation. These are in addition to allnormal security measures.(5) Insuring technical inspection of all signal equipment inthe division to determine its operating condition andadequacy.(6) Replenishing shortages and replacing unserviceableitems.(7) Establishing and maintaining a signal supply point forthe division.(8) Installing, operating and maintaining the division areacommunication system.(9) Preparing SOI and SSI.

(10) Making a detailed reconnaissance for the purpose ofestablishing an area communication system capable ofmeeting foreseeable future requirements.(11) Drafting tentative plans for future operations and mak-

ing preliminary provisions for their execution.d. Application of Communication. Signal communication nor-mally is required from the command post in the concentration areato landing zones and debarking, detraining, and detrucking points;division security and reconnaissance forces; division trains andrear echelons; the headquarters of division units; and divisionsupply and evacuation installations within the area.(1) Communication centers. Communication centers are

operated at each echelon of division headquarters, andothers may be located at sites such as entraining anddetraining points.(2) Messengers. Messengers are employed at each establishedcommunication center. The signal officer determineswhether the volume of message traffic and the location ofcommunication centers serving the division and its ele-ment warrant the establishment of scheduled messenger

service.(3) Radio communication. Radios in the concentration areaare silenced when secrecy and surprise are essential tothe success of the concentration, except as needed tobroadcast warnings and as needed by reconnaissanceforces in contact with the enemy.(4) Wire communication. The installation of wire in a con-

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centration area should be limited, but should suffice forconcentration operations and provide for future use ofthe area.(5) Radio relay. Radio relay teams are deployed, but remain

on listening silence to ensure secrecy during the concen-tration. As soon as the tactical situation permits, listen-ing silence will be lifted.30. Communication During Marches and Halts

a. General. Marches by an infantry division may be made inone or more stages, in one or more columns, and on one or moreroutes. They may be motor marches or combined foot and motormarches. In either case, minimum essential communication mustbe provided for control of the moving columns. The signal officeris given information of the march plan in time for the signalbattalion to provide the required communication facilities.

b. Communication While Colum

1961 us army vietnam war infantry division signal battalion 82p

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