1 UK Signal Brigade
Capt Holly Powell
32 and 39( a reservist regt) Sig Regt have been tasked with providing Tactical CIS( TacCIS) Points of Presence( PoP) to enable an emergency High Frequency( HF) network for ARRC staff, operating from Command Posts( CPs) based in the UK and Germany on Exercise Avenger Triad 25.
Members of 32 and 39 Signal Regiments have recently returned from a successful deployment to the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Germany.
The initial deployment formed part of the first phase of the exercise, during which the team was responsible for the build phase, therefore establishing and maintaining vital long-range HF communications links between multinational headquarters and deployed elements. The detachment, made up of experienced signallers from across both regiments, worked tirelessly to ensure reliable and secure HF connectivity, which is a key capability that allows command and control when other communication systems are unavailable.
From the outset, the team focused on only delivering operational capability but also expanding their technical understanding of HF, systems, antennas and propagation. They constructed a range of antenna systems to trial different configurations and improve performance under varied environmental conditions. Among these was a fan dipole antenna, an innovative solution that allows multiple antenna elements to be elevated simultaneously, providing enhanced frequency coverage and flexibility in the field.
Corporal Whiteside( 32 Signal Regiment) reflected on the experience, stating:
“ Being able to apply and develop my operator skills and deepen my knowledge of antennas and radio wave propagation has been invaluable. The opportunity to experiment and see real-world results has supported my personal and professional growth.”
A major highlight of the exercise came when the team successfully designed and deployed a skywave antenna capable of establishing contact with radio operators across five continents. In HF communications, skywave propagation refers to the method of transmitting radio signals by reflecting them off the ionosphere; a layer of charged particles high in the Earth’ s atmosphere, allowing HF to travel far beyond the line of sight. This remarkable capability demonstrates why HF remains a critical component of military communications, particularly when satellite coverage is unavailable or contested.
This success was driven by the enthusiasm and expertise of Captain Woodman and Corporal Carter, both keen amateur radio enthusiasts who encouraged the team to experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of what could be achieved with HF systems in the field.
For many, the deployment provided new perspectives and valuable experience. Lance Corporal Bishwakarma commented:
“ It was an eye-opening experience. Working with different equipment, environments, and alongside other nations really broadened my understanding of HF communications.”
Throughout the exercise, the detachment worked closely with partner nations, sharing best practices and strengthening interoperability across the ARRC network. The collaboration and teamwork demonstrated by 32 and 39 Signal Regiments were exemplary, ensuring that communications remained robust and effective throughout the mission.
1ST( UK) SIGNAL BRIGADE
Ex AVENGER TRIAD proved to be more than just a technical challenge; it was an opportunity for professional development, international cooperation, and reaffirming the importance of HF as a resilient and global communication medium.
The success of the deployment highlights the dedication, ingenuity, and adaptability of the Royal Signals, and the experience gained will undoubtedly enhance the UK’ s future contributions to multinational operations and exercises. The exercise highlights that use of HF communication is vital in a world that is reliant on satellite and physical communications infrastructure that could be vulnerable to attack.
the imjin WINTER 2025
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