Signal Security in the Ardennes Offensive

<p>This thesis investigates the significance theory and practice of tactical signal security (SIGSEC) during the Ardennes Offensive of 1944-1945. The work includes a brief introduction to the offensive and to the history of SIGSEC and examines how the American and German armies safeguarded communications from the enemy. Inherent in this study was an investigation of actions taken by these armies to exploit their adversary's SIGSEC and the processing and exploitation of the signal intelligence (SIGINT) they obtained. The study concludes that both armies had similar equipment basic procedures and training in the areas of communications SIGSEC and SIGINT and suffered similar deficiencies in these areas. Analysis however revealed a deep disparity concerning their use and importance. The Americans near-complete lack of regard for tactical SIGINT was a major factor contributing to the success of Hitler's deception. The U.S. Army relied heavily upon intelligence gleaned from the German ULTRA code and American intelligence officers were untrained in the use of tactical signal intelligence mainly using it to validate operational plans. This attitude is reflected also in the American emphasis on SIGSEC. The Germans however were more experienced in SIGINT and SIGSEC and formed a structure and doctrine that focused on immediately influencing tactical operations.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>