About this Unit
The U.S. Army Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, played a pivotal role in the development of military communications from its establishment at the site in 1917 until its closure in 2011. Originally founded as Camp Little Silver, the installation became the Army’s primary center for research, development, and training in communications and electronics. Throughout World War II, the Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth contributed significantly to advancements in radar, radio, and cryptographic equipment, supporting Allied operations worldwide. The post continued to be at the forefront of technological innovation during the Cold War and beyond, before its functions were relocated as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
Historical Facts
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Birthplace of US Military Communications: Fort Monmouth, established in 1917, became the primary home of the US Army Signal Corps—responsible for all Army communications and information systems.
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Site of Radar Development: In the 1930s and 1940s, Signal Corps engineers at Fort Monmouth developed early radar systems, leading to the first successful detection of an aircraft using radar in the United States.
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Project Diana—Bouncing Radar off the Moon: In 1946, Signal Corps scientists at Fort Monmouth conducted Project Diana, the first successful attempt to bounce radar signals off the Moon, proving that communication with space was possible.
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Women in the Signal Corps: During World War II, Fort Monmouth hosted the Women’s Army Corps (WACs), with many serving as cryptographers, switchboard operators, and radio operators.
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Von Braun and the Army’s First Missile: After World War II, German rocket scientists like Wernher von Braun visited Fort Monmouth as part of Operation Paperclip to assist with Army missile and communications projects.
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Birthplace of the Army’s First Computer: The Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth developed the Army’s first digital computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania.
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Role in the Korean War: Fort Monmouth trained and equipped thousands of Signal Corps soldiers for service in Korea, advancing tactical radio and field communications.
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Home of the Army Pigeon Breeding and Training Center: Fort Monmouth housed the Army’s pigeon training program during both World Wars, where homing pigeons were trained to carry messages across battlefields.
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Cold War Surveillance and Space Race: The base played a crucial role in developing communications for early satellites, including the first US spy satellites and the TIROS weather satellite.
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Closure and Legacy: Fort Monmouth was closed in 2011 after nearly a century of service, but its legacy continues in Army communications, with many of its research activities transferred to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
