Maintain the flow of information in all situations.

As a specialized technical unit, the 18th Signal Battalion is tasked with training, combat readiness, building a regular and continuous communication system for the entire 5th Division. Throughout 80 years of development and growth of the Signal Corps, the officers and soldiers of the unit have consistently upheld their goals, maintaining a robust communication system under all conditions, considering it an honor and responsibility before the Party, the Army, and the people.

According to Colonel Cao Van Thang, Deputy Division Commander and Chief of Staff of the 5th Division, in the context of rapidly changing, complex, and unpredictable global , regional, and domestic security situations, the demands on communication are increasingly high. Even a minor malfunction can directly affect the pace of command and control of missions. Therefore, Battalion 18 must always maintain the highest state of readiness and absolutely not allow the communication system to be interrupted.

To successfully fulfill that requirement, the Battalion consistently maintains a strict command, combat, and communications duty roster; ensuring the communication system operates stably and continuously. Communication sessions are conducted according to regulations, on time, and with proper protocol. Officers and soldiers strictly adhere to the procedures for inspecting and maintaining all switchboard stations, telephone networks, and data transmission networks… in order to promptly detect and rectify malfunctions, preventing any unexpected or passive situations.

In recent years, Battalion 18 has been equipped with many modern pieces of equipment such as radios with frequency hopping and encryption capabilities, portable VSAT stations, and new-generation manual switchboards… Each piece of equipment represents a significant technological advancement, but also presents challenges that require officers and soldiers to constantly strive and learn.

The 18th Signal Battalion ensured uninterrupted communication throughout the exercise.

Lieutenant Colonel Lam Trong Duc, Political Officer of the 18th Signal Battalion, stated: "Without proactive research and diligent training, it is very difficult to master modern equipment systems. Every officer and soldier in the battalion is determined to learn in order to master them, and to master them in order to better serve their mission."

During training, the unit closely integrates technical and tactical training in communications. The focus is on mastering the steps for deploying, using, and handling situations in ensuring communication. Each station crew and each task force receives numerous practical training sessions under various conditions, from complex weather, nighttime, and signal interference to simulated communication disruptions. Officers at all levels proactively prepare lesson plans, update their knowledge, and organize training that is relevant to the mission and combat situations.

Present at the 18th Battalion during an equipment inspection, it was easy to see the enthusiasm and responsibility of the officers and soldiers. From the switchboard to the antenna area, from the data transmission network to the internal fiber optic cable line, every location was carefully and meticulously inspected. These skillful operations are crucial to the smooth flow of information, and it is a task that the communications soldiers always perform with the highest level of dedication.

Officers and soldiers of the VSAT radio station team carried equipment to conduct training exercises, deploy and test communication with other stations.

Organize training on the features, operation, and use of some radio equipment in the inventory.

Along with training, the Special Battalion places great emphasis on building political fortitude, a sense of responsibility, and a spirit of solidarity among its troops. Political education , mission dissemination, and disciplinary training are regularly implemented, helping soldiers clearly understand their important role within the Division's formation. "The information system is only strong when the people are strong. No matter how modern the equipment is, if the people are weak, the mission cannot be accomplished," Lieutenant Colonel Lam Trong Duc further emphasized.

In the context of rapidly developing information technology, telecommunications, and digital transformation within the military, the demands placed on officers and soldiers of Battalion 18 are increasingly high. They must not only be proficient in their professional skills but also master network systems, digitalization, and cybersecurity to meet the requirements of their missions in the new situation. With a proactive, eager-to-learn, and responsible spirit, the officers and soldiers of the Battalion are gradually approaching, mastering, and effectively utilizing modern equipment.

Those efforts have culminated in proud achievements. In 2025, Battalion 18 was awarded the titles of "Outstanding Cultural Unit" and "Victorious Unit" by Division 5 and Military Region 7, well-deserved rewards for the collective's continuous efforts to overcome difficulties and excel in fulfilling its nhiệm vụ.

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