The 3rd Combat Signal Regiment to lead Anzac Day parade after 100 years of service

They often fly under the radar behind the radios and computers connecting the ADF but now they are putting the call-out for past and present members to march this Anzac Day. See why.

An Australian Army soldier from the 3rd Combat Signal Regiment on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. *** Local Caption PHOTO: LCPL Riley Blennerhassett

They are usually the ones who go unnoticed, the men and women behind the radios, computers and communications for Australia’s Defence Forces but this Anzac Day they will step into the spotlight as they lead the Townsville parade in celebration of their 100 years of service.

Since the formation of The Royal Australian Corps of Signals on January 1, 1925, the way signallers connect soldiers, sailors and aviators has changed dramatically but their goal hasn’t.

Operating off the corps motto Certa Cito which translates to ‘Swift and Sure’, Townsville based personnel from the 3rd Combat Signals Regiment (3CSR) provide communications when none exist whether that be in the field, in the air, or on the water.

Commanding Officer of 3CSR, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Adamson said they were putting the call out to all past and present signallers to join them on their march down the Strand.

“Getting the signals veterans out there on the day will be pretty special,” he said.

“They don’t tend to get recognised as much, so it’s really nice when they are.”

3CSR Commanding Officer LTCOL Richard Adamson at Lavarack Barracks. Picture: Evan Morgan

Alongside the significant century milestone, the regiment has a big year ahead of them with the end of April marking the beginning of their road to Talisman Sabre and brigade wide technology upgrades.

“Unlike the other regiments, we kind of need to be able to do it all,” Lieutenant Colonel Adamson said.

“By the end of this year, most of our equipment will have changed … so we’re doing a massive modernisation push at the moment and upgrading the entire brigade’s radio communications networks.”

While all of this is happening, 3CSR is also deploying people on various operations to overseas countries including Papua New Guinea, America, Antarctica and the United Arab Emirates.

Signallers will also be given the chance to work side-by-side with our foreign partners on home soil.

“With our five-eyes countries, it’s really easy with some of our other partner nations; it’s a real technical challenge,” Lieutenant Colonel Adamson said.

“It’s great because we get to play with them and learn how they do business.”

Any past or present members of the signals corps, or anyone who was posted at the unit, who is interested in marching during the Anzac Day parade, form up is 8:15am on The Strand with a 9am step off.

Originally published as The 3rd Combat Signal Regiment to lead Anzac Day parade after 100 years of service