2nd (National Communications) Signal Brigade

2 Signal Brigade is an operational Brigade of the Royal Corps of Signals with a Regular HQ, 1 Regular Regiment, 8 TA Regiments and a number of specialist sub-units. Since the publication of the SDR New Chapter in 2001, the Brigade has been tasked with the provision of emergency and post disaster recovery communications infrastructure for Government, Armed Forces and emergency services throughout the United Kingdom by deploying and operating a variety of communications systems. During the Cold War, the Brigade's role was to re-establish some form of regional communications infrastructure to sustain continuity of government in the aftermath of a nuclear strike on the UK.

Role

The Brigade currently has two distinct operational roles:

• National Communications - To provide mobile and static communications infrastructure for Government, Armed Forces and emergency services in the mainland United Kingdom, in the post-disaster recovery environment.

• Regional Integrated Contingency Planning (ICP) Support - The various Signal Regiments provide General Officers Commanding, of their respective regional Brigades and Divisions, with secure Command and Control communications facilities to execute their regional Integrated Contingency Planning (ICP) responsibilities in their region. This is achieved through provision of:
  • Deployable Communications Detachments for Key Points and Brigade Headquarters, using the REEBOK LAN systems;
  • Mobile Signal Detachments and Brigade Tactical HQs and Liaison Offices, using Bowman radio and specialist data systems;

In addition, the Brigade also contributes soldiers to ongoing Operations world wide and has sole responsibility for meeting the Royal Signals contribution in the Balkans. 2 Signal Brigade units are also providing Regimental based formations as part of the UK contribution to the UN in Cyprus.

Current Units

The Brigade consists of one regular and five regiments of the Territorial Army that are under the administrative command of regional brigades throughout the United Kingdom as part of either the 2nd, 4th, 5th Divisions or London District under Commander Land Forces. They are:

• 10 Signal Regiment
• 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment
• 37 Signal Regiment
• 38 (City of Sheffield) Signal Regiment
• 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment
• 71 (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment (includes First Aid Nursing Yeomanry that aid the Civil Authorities in an emergency scenario)

The Brigade also has a number of Specialist Signals units which fall within the Specialist Group Royal Signals (SGRS):

• Land Information Assurance Group (LIAG) - This unit has the role of meeting the needs of digitization and growing dependence on computers and network-enabled systems in order that they are properly protected against attack or systems failure.

• 81 Signal Squadron - Provides specialist expertise in order to assist in the planning, delivery, maintenance and restoration of critical defence and national infrastructure for UK Operations, Overseas Operations, and Overseas Bases.

• Land Information And Communications Specialist Group (LICSG) - To provide expertise in computer, software and network operations in order to ensure the passage of information between deployed commanders, Permanent Joint Headquarters and Army Headquarters across the spectrum of conflict and assist in the conduct and implementation of Information Communications Support at all levels.

External links

• 2 Signal Brigade: [1]