Mission Statement

GBR DCM A (Deployable Communications Module A) is prepared to deploy, install, operate and maintain command and control strategic communications and information systems in support of a deployed NATO Headquarters.

 
Location

The troop is currently located in Germany near the Dutch border, and is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan to support staff officers within NATO.

 
Structure

628 Signal Troop is a British Unit and is one of many multi national units that makes up and supports 1st NATO Signal Battalion (1 NSB). Within the 1 NSB structure there are a number of DCM's and 628 Signal Troop fits in with DCM A, along side the Germans and the Danish.

 
The Troop

As a troop the unit boasts a close knit community with loads of spirit and diversity. Although busy the troop also likes to send personnel away as much as possible to both develop careers and also to attend adventurous training courses, some of which include Para-gliding, sailing, rock climbing and even trekking in New Zealand.
 

History

In the early 1950's, 18th and 19th Army Group Signal Regiments were formed to provide communications for Headquarters Northern Army Group (HQ NORTHAG).

In 1959, 19th Army Group Signal Regiment was renamed to 28th Signal Regiment (Army Group). As a result of 'options for change' and the disbandment of HQ NORTHAG on 30 June 1993, 28th Signal Regiment was reduced to squadron strength and finally disbanded on 31 December 1993. 280 (UK) Signal Squadron was officially formed on 1 January 1994, to operate in support of the new NATO HQ, HQ Land Forces Central Europe (LANDCENT) as part of the LANDCENT Signal Group. The Signal Group consisted of German, British, Dutch and Multinational Units.

During the internal structure review of NATO, LANDCENT formally ceased to exist on 31 December 1998 and became the Joint Sub Regiment Command Centre. Due to this the Squadron role changed and since 1 January 1999 became part of the Deployable Communications Module (DCM) Battalion. The DCM Battalion based in Maastricht, Netherlands provide deployable CIS (Communication and Information Systems) support to the northern region and form part of the Northern Region Signal Group.  280 (UK) Signal Squadron relocated to Hanger 1, Javelin Barracks, Elmpt in March 2003, co-located with 7th and 16th Signal Regiment. This marked the end of nearly half a century of Royal Signal presence in Francisca Barracks, St Tonis.

The Squadron changed to 628 Signal Troop on 1 December 2004 and is formally tasked for the responsibilities for the provision of CIS services provided at Strategic Command, Regional Command and the HQ staff in their particular Functional Area Systems (FAS). Those services include secure and insecure voice, data, VTC and any additional FAS as required.

The troop has been deployed on a number of operations since 2004, places include Pakistan during the earthquake in 2007, and numerous tours in Afghanistan with a new deployment on its way in May 2010. Currently there are personnel from the troop working in Oman and Bahrain.