In April 1978 the Minister of Defence, Mr P.W. Botha, authorised the forming of 44 Signal Squadron SACS to support 44 Parachute Brigade. During the time of 24 September 1980 until October 1986, it supported the Brigade in all aspects of signals; e.g., the supply of communication and the manning of a Communication Centrum (Comcen). On 2 October 1986 44 Signal Unit was formed with Commandant Lombard as commander, and his task was to supply 44 Brigade with communication and to establish a full-strength signal unit. His second in command was Maj P. Drotsky and the RSM P. Snyders.
