Everybody misses the point whenever the notion of a “Signal Regiment” is brought out. People immediately suspects that the Signal Corps only wants to claim the 4.4% share of the star rank position in the Army, as stipulated in the Army regulations on AFPOS ceiling. Yes, it is partly true but the main motivation should be the establishment of a unit that would absorb and assume all the responsibilities on emerging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and acquisition of modern equipment by the Army, such as the C4I/GIS (by G3), AMCRS (by G7), GPS and NVG (by G4) – to mention a few. A Signal Regiment that would be mandated to use computers and internet connectivity as tools for Combat Support and Cyber Warfare, augmenting radios and telephone systems at any level (Actually, almost all officers and units, at their own initiative, are already connected to the internet. We have to tap this potential and let a Signal Regiment lead). In the end, we could have a well-informed Philippine Army troop!

On the other hand, we can remain and be contented to have an AMIC as Service Support unit that dictates computer specifications and offers PANET at the division-level; and a Signal Group as Combat Support unit serving generally the Army Headquarters. Then, it is tasked only to issue/install radios, telephones, antennae and loud speakers. With the same job specification, the Signal Battalions in the Infantry Divisions functions autonomously within their respective areas. There is no unity in plan, budget and admin; but finally, all these separate units continue to give us a well-equipped Philippine Army troop!

Therefore, transforming the Signal Group into a Signal Regiment is a matter of choice! Do we wish to innovate or stagnate? Remember, the success (or failure) of combat units depend on the Signal Corps . . .