1. Signal Annex Format. The format for the signal annex (Figure 3-1) follows the standard five-
paragraph format prescribed for an OPLAN or OPORD. The following is a brief description of each of
the five paragraphs.
a. Paragraph 1 - Situation. This paragraph contains information on enemy forces, friendly
forces and any attachments to the unit. Information on enemy forces is normally obtained from the
intelligence annex prepared by the division G2. The signal officer notes any jamming or
communications-electronics systems that may impact on the signal support provided to the unit. Under
friendly forces, signal units from higher headquarters are annotated (such as elements of the division
signal battalion providing Mobile Subscriber Equipment (MSE) access to the combat service support
(CSS) units).
b. Paragraph 2 - Mission. This is a clear, concise statement of signal support to be provided to
support the commander's concept of operation for the unit.
c. Paragraph 3 - Execution. In this paragraph, all radio nets to be established to support the
unit's mission (to include both internal and external radio nets) are identified. Messenger service
(schedules/routes) and telephone procedures should also be included. Diagrams, map overlays, main
supply routes (MSR), and telephone directories may be included as an appendix to tie signal support
annex to clarify or illustrate the types of signal support available during the conduct of the unit's
mission.
d. Paragraph 4 - Service support. This paragraph contains information about direct support
maintenance of signal and communications security (COMSEC) equipment. Information about direct
support maintenance is normally found in the service support annex of the division's OPORD.
e. Paragraph 5 - Command and signal. This paragraph contains, as a minimum, the location of
the command post (CP), the index, and the issue number of the signal operation instructions (SOI) in
effect. In addition, any special instructions relating to communications operations, such as instructions
on radio silence and operating under conditions of jamming, should be included in this paragraph.
2. Signal Support Planning Considerations. Single-channel radio is the primary communications means
used by CSS units to provide internal command and control of the unit. Wire communications is also
used to supplement single-channel radio and to interconnect the headquarters elements located at the
battalion tactical operations center (TOC) location. Multichannel communications provided by the
division signal battalion enables CSS units to communicate with elements at the maneuver brigades,
division headquarters, and higher headquarters (corps/army/theater).
To ensure adequate
communications are provided, the signal officer must understand the general planning considerations for
single-channel radio, wire, and multichannel communications.
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