published on: 12/04/2026
Author:
W. Jarvis
An introduction to the Signals & Electronic Warfare Platoon
“In order to outline the scope and capabilities of the Signals & Electronic Warfare Platoon an important distinction must be made between the Signals and Electronic Warfare aspects of this department.
The specialist skills and knowledge that this department provides within operations will not necessarily increase the firepower of the Company, nor will it be able to neutralise large amounts of enemies within operations like the other departments within Brothers in Arms. Instead, this department provides the Company with personnel competent in radio communications and facilitates the employment of electronic warfare tactics, such as radio jamming and triangulation.
Members of the Signals & Electronic Warfare Platoon are specialists in radio communication, they are experienced and well trained Signalmen who are competent in a variety of roles that are required within operations.
The Electronic Warfare component of this department further supplements the offensive capabilities of the Company. The Electronic Warfare Specialists provided by this department are trained in a variety of roles intended to be employed in the disruption of enemy communications.”
Source: BIA: SIGNALS AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE PLATOON CAPABILITIES, OPERATIONS AND TRAINING
The roles of the Signals & Electronic Warfare Platoon
Members of the Signals (EW) Platoon will most commonly find themselves employed as Radio Telephone Operators (RTOs) within Operations. The RTO serves a vital role within the Company structure as the primary communications link between Company, Platoon and Attached Elements during Operations. Signalmen are trained in the key procedures behind radio telephony and are able to deliver messages quickly and effectively.
Other, less common, roles served by the Signalmen of the Signals (EW) Platoon in Operations include the following:
- Operating a parallel radio net between command elements, whereby RTOs will transmit low priority traffic in order to keep the main communications channels between command elements open.
- Operating as part of a radio relay station, in cases where Company elements are operating over great distances, messages can be relayed by an RTO to maintain reliable communications and Company cohesion.
- Serving as Runners/Messengers as well as other miscellaneous roles in missions where radio equipment is not provided by the Mission Maker, such as during early Second World War missions or earlier.
However, members of Signals (EW) Platoon are not only trained as Signalmen, they are also qualified as Electronic Warfare Specialists who provide the Company with a range of unique capabilities, such as:
- Operating as part of a listening post, capable of intercepting enemy radio traffic to establish enemy positions and intent.
- Deploying radio jamming equipment, capable of wreaking havoc amongst enemy command and control elements, reducing enemy cohesion. Further extending to jamming enemy explosive devices.
- Triangulating enemy troop concentrations through radio wave detection.
The training of the Signals & Electronic Warfare Platoon
The training school for the Signals (EW) Platoon provides a comprehensive training package that will teach new members the very basics of radio telephony before gradually building up to more in depth topics and procedures. The training school is split into four training sessions, these are as follows:
“SESSION ONE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND SIGNALS & ELECTRONIC WARFARE PLATOON INTRODUCTION
This session will cover the very basics of the technical specifications of the radio equipment provided within our modpacks. Training staff will expand on the candidates’ existing knowledge they have brought from Basic Combat Training (BCT) by providing them with guidance on effective radio use, the purpose of additional channels as well as technical information, such as signal ranges and an explanation of the basic radio encryption offered with Task Force Arrowhead Radio (TFAR). During this session, training staff will also cover the purpose of the department, the roles it serves within missions and provide an explanation of the two key elements of the department, Signals and Electronic Warfare.
SESSION TWO
PROCEDURE FOR RADIO TELEPHONY
This session will focus on the procedures for radio use whilst operating as Signals Specialists within operations. Training staff will cover the organisation of radio nets within operations, the spelling alphabet, as well as provide candidates with an introduction to the various procedure words (prowords) they will come across whilst operating as Signals Specialists. The training staff will then get the candidate comfortable with transmitting set messages over the radio in line with the procedures set out earlier in the training session.
SESSION THREE
PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SIGNALS PROCEDURE
This session will cover the practical aspect of the procedures for radio use, aiming to provide candidates with the necessary time to practice the established principles behind radio telephony, as well as introduce new content to them. Training staff will expand on the information provided in session two by covering specific procedures vital to the candidate operating as an effective Signalman within operations. To be specific, candidates will be instructed on procedures such as signal strength reports (radio checks), radio relaying, contact reports, radio calls and break ins.
SESSION FOUR
ELECTRONIC WARFARE APPLICATION AND TACTICS
This final session will be focussed on the Electronic Warfare aspect of the department, covering the, albeit currently limited, range of scripts that can be deployed during operations. Specifically, candidates will be taught the theory behind jamming enemy equipment, including both radios and explosive devices, the triangulation of enemy communications assets and the interception of enemy radio messages. As the template develops, and thus expands the capabilities of our Electronic Warfare Specialists; this training session will expand its contents to match the knowledge expected to make use of these new capabilities.”
Source: BIA: SIGNALS AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE PLATOON CAPABILITIES, OPERATIONS AND TRAINING
Once a member of the Signals (EW) Platoon has completed these four training sessions, they will become eligible to sit the Signals & Electronic Warfare Platoon exam. Upon the successful completion of this exam, the member will gain his competency ribbon and will become a full member of the Signals (EW) Platoon.
How to join the Signals & Electronic Warfare Platoon
If you are interested in joining this new department, you may make contact with the Headquarters of the Signals (EW) Platoon to express your interest. The current Headquarters element of this department is as follows.
Platoon Commander (Head) - First Lieutenant Sclembi
Platoon Sergeant (Deputy) - Sergeant First Class W.Jarvis
Current Department Slots - 2/8 (6 slots available)