provided with committed fire support (FS) assets (e.g., a direct support (DS) field artillery battalion)
while performing their missions. Therefore, the signal officer, FS coordinator, and site commander must
plan and coordinate fires for signal site security. It also implies that signal soldiers are trained in
planning, requesting, and adjusting indirect fire and understand rear operations doctrine, tactics,
techniques, and procedures.
Figure 1-2. Signal support principles
6.
Signal Support Principles. There are four operational principles of signal support. Figure 1-2
shows these principles and their supporting elements. These principles support the information flow
among all force elements regardless of function, service or nationality. Adhering to these principles
ensures systematic and consistent support network development. The networks promote effective C2
and support the warfighting elements.
a. Continuity is the uninterrupted availability of information paths for the effective performance
of C2 functions. In a combat environment, the commander and his staff must have the correct
information at all times. This allows him to exert his will, to mass available resources and to
synchronize dispersed supporting activities. Continuity is achieved by the following subordinate
elements:
(1) Survivability is the ability to continue to operate after incurring combat loss. To survive,
signal support ensures that the minimum signal support means are readily accessible. Network design,
physical and electronic protection, and procedural use standing operating procedure (SOP) achieve
survivability.
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