What sounds can you imagine emanating from this place? This is the Regimento de Transmissões. It stands as a vital organ of the Portuguese Army. It is responsible for the army’s communication and information systems.
Currently the Regimento de Transmissões is directly subordinate to the Directorate of Communications and Information Systems in Lisbon. The regiment’s mission encompasses communications and tactical information systems. It also includes training in information technology. The motto of the Regimento de Transmissões is “Sempre melhor” meaning “Always better”.
Let’s delve into the history of the Regimento de Transmissões. Its origins can be traced back to the Military Telegraphic Corps. This was created in 1810 and attached to the Royal Corps of Engineers.
In 1884 the Company of Telegraphers was established. By 1911 the Group of Companies of Telegraphers emerged. It consolidated telegraph companies from various sectors. These included garrison, field, and wireless operations. 1913 saw the creation of the Campaign Telegraphers Battalion.
The Campaign Telegraphers Battalion became the Telegraphers Battalion in 1925. However in 1926 it reverted to its former name. In 1927 the Telegraphers Battalion became the Telegraphers Regiment. But in 1937 the regiment was again transformed into a battalion.
A significant shift occurred in 1959. Transmissions ceased to be the responsibility of the Engineering Arm. They became an independent arm. The Telegraphers Battalion then served as the practical school for the arm. In 1971 the Telegraphers Battalion was redesignated the Practical School of Transmissions.
In 1977 the transmissions unit in Lisbon adopted the name Regimento de Transmissões. This change transferred the practical school function and designation to the transmissions unit in Porto.
The Regimento de Transmissões includes several key components. These are the Command, the Staff, and the Command and Services Company. Also part of the regiment are the Communications and Information Systems Battalion. Finally there is the Information Security Center.
The anniversary of the Regimento de Transmissões is celebrated on March 1st. This date marks the creation of the first Regimento de Transmissões in 1965. The patron saint of the regiment is Archangel Saint Gabriel.
In 2007 the Regimento de Transmissões received the Medal of Distinguished Services in Gold. This was awarded by the President of the Republic. The Standard of the Regimento de Transmissões represents its heraldic flag. It symbolizes the unit’s history and values.
The National Standard of the Regimento de Transmissões is displayed in the Noble Hall of the EPT in Porto. The coat of arms of the Regimento de Transmissões was approved in 1965. It is a unique symbol of the unit’s identity.
In March 2014 a Facebook group called ‘Military of the Army Transmissions Arm’ was created. It connected former and current members. It allowed them to share memories and experiences. Many remember the old barracks of Arca d’Agua fondly.
From its origins in the 19th century to its modern role in the Portuguese Army, the Regimento de Transmissões has a rich history. It continues to evolve adapting to new challenges. It ensures effective communication and information security. It is “Sempre melhor”.