October 20 is the Day of the military signalman: the history and traditions of the holiday

In autumn, Russia celebrates the Day of the military signalman. This is a professional holiday for all employees and military personnel of the Communications Forces in the Russian army. On this day, congratulations are extended to all those involved in the celebration, emphasizing their contribution to the development of defense, the army and modern military communications. Izvestia tells us when the profession of a military signalman appeared and what tasks they perform these days.

When is the Day of the military signalman in 2025

The Day of the military signalman in Russia is traditionally celebrated on October 20. In 2025, this day falls on a Monday. Despite its importance for employees and military personnel of the communications forces, it is not an official day off, and work continues as usual on this day. Nevertheless, every year the holiday is accompanied by numerous celebrations, events and congratulations from all those involved in this important profession.

The history of the professional holiday on October 20th

The communications troops are a special unit of the country's Armed Forces that provides command and coordination of army units through communications systems. Signalmen play a key role in ensuring interaction between units both in peacetime and in wartime, using various means of communication, ranging from radio to modern automation tools.

In order to emphasize the importance of the work of military signallers, their contribution to strengthening the defense and security of the country, as well as to increase the prestige of military service in the communications forces, a holiday was formed. It appeared on the calendar in 2006 on the basis of a decree by President Vladimir Putin and is timed to coincide with the day of the formation of the Special Communications Forces in Russia, which in 2025 celebrate 106 years.

The traditions of using communications in the army go back to the 18th century, when the military field post was organized under Peter the Great, which was used during the Northern War. This was the first step towards organizing military communication systems in the Russian army. The development of communications was facilitated by the advent of the telegraph, and then radio.

By the middle of the 19th century, separate communications units had been established in Russia. The first was the telegraph company, formed in 1851. Then, at the turn of the century, the first military radio station appeared in the country — the Kronstadt Spark Military Telegraph. In 1918, separate communications units of the Red Army began to form. A year later, on October 20, 1919, by order of the Revolutionary Military Council, the communications department of the Red Army was established. It is this date that is considered the day of the founding of the Signal Forces and has been chosen as a holiday date.

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What do military signalmen do?

The work of a military signalman includes many important and demanding tasks. The main ones include ensuring stable communication between all units of the army, starting from the high command and ending with soldiers on the front line. Signalmen should be able to establish and maintain communication in the most difficult conditions, when conventional means of communication do not work or are damaged, using a minimum number of tools and resources.

In addition, their tasks include the maintenance of automation systems and facilities at control points. At the same time, signalers ensure the security and security of data, preventing leaks of classified information, which is an important part of their work. In war or emergency situations, their role becomes even more important, since the success of following command instructions and the functioning of the army depend on their actions.

Depending on the tasks assigned, military signalmen use various equipment, including radio stations, satellite systems, tropospheric transmitters, devices for photographing the area and other technical means that will allow timely and accurate receipt and transmission of the necessary information.

Traditions of the Day of the military signalman in Russia

On the Day of the military signalman, celebrations are held in Russia, which include not only official ceremonies, but also various cultural events. These are marches, concerts, exhibitions of military equipment. Demonstrations and demonstrations are organized in various military units, where you can see the latest developments in the field of military technologies and communications.

One of the important traditions is to award the best representatives of the profession with state awards and commendations for long and dedicated service. Veterans of the communications forces, as well as developers of modern communications equipment and engineers also receive well-deserved congratulations and commendations. Reports about the merits of signalmen, their role in the history of Russia and the importance of their work in modern society often appear on TV screens and in news releases.

In 2025, in addition to traditional events, thematic exhibitions and presentations of new technologies in the field of military communications are also expected, where specialists will be able to demonstrate the latest developments that ensure the safety and effectiveness of communications on the battlefield and for peaceful purposes.

How to congratulate on the Day of the signalman

Congratulating military signalmen, they usually express respect for the profession and recognition of their contribution to the security of the country, noting personal and professional qualities. Here are some options for professional holiday greetings on October 20th.

"Dear military signalmen! On this day, we would like to thank you for your hard work, for your ability to provide communication in any conditions and on any fronts. Your work, sometimes imperceptible but always necessary, plays a key role in ensuring the security of our country. May your powers be inexhaustible, and the connection is not subject to any obstacles. Happy holidays!"

"Congratulations to all military signallers on their professional holiday! Your hard work has always been and remains the foundation for the successful work of the entire army. You are the link between the parts, which ensures stability and order. May every day bring you satisfaction from the work you have done, and may your life be full of joy and success. Happy Military Signalman's Day!"

"Dear signalmen, congratulations on the holiday! Your work is important not only for the army, but for the whole country. You are always in touch, always ready to complete your tasks in any conditions. Your professionalism and dedication are the key to the reliability of our defense. May this day be full of gratitude and warm words addressed to you!"

"Happy Military Signalman's Day! Thank you for your professionalism and the courage you show every day. Your work is inconspicuous, but it is so important for the success of our military operations. You are heroes who provide stability in any situation. We wish you good health, success at work and uninterrupted communication!"

Earlier, Izvestia told how the Day of the Gunsmith is celebrated in Russia.