THEwire - The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals April 2017 - Royal Signals
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THE
April 2017
The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals
Corps Formation: 28th June 1920
Corps Motto: Certa Cito Contents
Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE.
See page 2 April 2017 Volume 71 No: 2
FEATURES
Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE 2
2017 Corps Calendar 11
DSCIS Update - CLM changes and T2P 12
30 Years of association with Swanage Railway 64
© Photography by Mike Williams A moment with.....Col Lamb 67
History of Signalling in 100 Objects 93
628 Tp on Exercise TIMANFAYA
RIDER. See page 63 REGULARS
News from Training 4
News from Formations 8
News from Regiments 15
Other Units 58
Royal Signals Association 84
Last Post 90
Obituaries 90
SPORT/ADVENTURE TRAINING
Swimming and Water Polo 68
Canoe Club 72
Exercise FROSTY TIGER 74
Exercise COCKNEY WESTMINSTER 76
Exercise DRAGON CHILLY SCOTLAND 78
Exercise ICE READY 80
Exercise COCKNEY SNOW PLOUGH 82
30 years of association
with Swanage Railway.
See page 64
Exercise DRAGON CHILLY SCOTLAND.
SEE PAGE 78
Front Cover: Exercise LIGHTNING
STRIKE, for full article see pages 2-3.
© Photography by Mike Williams
Note from the Editor
W elcome to the spring edition of The Wire.
This edition includes an interesting variety of submissions, as well as the units, adventure training, sports and
RSA, we have an article from Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE – a potential officer showcase exercise for the
R SIGNALS with nearly 200 Officer Cadets from University Officer Training Corps (UOTC’s) across the UK taking
part.
On pages 12-14 is an update from The Defence School of Communications and Information Systems (DSCIS) on
future changes to Command, Leadership and Management (CLM) and the Training Transformation Programme
(T2P) that will impact on the delivery of all R SIGNALS trade training.
There is much to look forward to in the coming months including Armed Forces day on 24 June, with events
happening all over the country (see Facebook page Swanage Armed Forces Weekend 2017 for details of events
happening at Swanage Railway; for the article on the Corps thirty year association with Swanage Railway see
pages 64-66). The Corps weekend takes place 16-18 June at Blandford, further information can be found at
https://royalsignals.org/rsa/rsa-events/
We try to keep the number of abbreviations in the magazine to a minimum but it seems that new abbreviations
are being generated every day! Please can we ask those that send in unit reports to spell out those
abbreviations that may not be obvious to the reader, this will save any confusion!
Finally, with the Easter holidays rapidly approaching we wish you a happy and relaxing break.
Editor: Amy Petersen Subscriptions:
wire@royalsignals.org (preferred for submissions) All enquiries regarding subscriptions and changes of
Mil: 94371 2817 Civ: 01258 482817 address should be made to Jess Lawson on Mil: 94371
2087 Civ: 01258 482087 or subscriptions@royalsignals.org
SO3 Digital Communication
and Publications: Stephanie Hamlett Last Post:
depcomm@royalsignals.org These will be inserted free to all past and present
Mil: 94371 2818 Civ: 01258 482818 members of the Corps.
RHQ R SIGNALS, Griffin House, Blandford Contents:
Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8RH Authors alone are responsible for the content of
their articles. The opinions expressed in the
Articles: articles of this publication are those of the indiv-
Please email submissions in Microsoft Word format, idual authors and do not necessarily reflect the
together with related photographs to the e-mail policy and views, official or otherwise, of the
addresses above. Digital images should be in JPEG Royal Corps of Signals or the Ministry of Defence.
format, kept separate (and not embedded within the All articles and submissions are published at the
article) and supplied with captions. discretion of the Editor. This publication may
contain official information and should be treated
Contribution Deadlines: with discretion.
15th February for publication in the April edition.
15th April for publication in the June. Advertising:
15th June for publication in the August. All communications regarding commercial
15th August for publication in the October. advertising should be made direct to
15th October for publication in the December. depcomm@royalsignals.org.
10th December for publication in the February.
Printed by Holbrook Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea,
Portsmouth © Crown Copyright
H
Q R SIGNALS runs an annual University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) and Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme
(DTUS) exercise, now in its 29th iteration; Ex LIGHTNING STRIKE is as popular now as it has ever been. University
students have an option to join the Reserves as Officer Cadets – the University Officers’ Training Corps’ has been in
existence since prior to the First World War and provides leadership and military training to these students who become
trained soldiers in the process. The aspiration and ethos of the UOTC is to influence and inform these students with the likelihood
that they will then be in industry, the Regular Army, the Reserves or perhaps in the future they might be in a position where their
experiences might benefit the armed forces.
Over the weekend of 17 – 19 February 2017 circa 190 Officer Cadets arrived at Blandford Camp to start the round robin exercise
which had 16 stands – each manned from a unit either from a reserves or regular unit from the Corps and generally having an
officer and a number of soldiers hosting the stand. Armed with their map of the 15 stand rotation the 19, 10 person teams were set
off at 0730hrs by the Chief of Staff HQ R SIGNALS, Lt Col Al Balsdon. Almost immediately the passing Trg Offr for 3 (UK) Div Sig
Regt’s stand, Capt Rich Carr, was ordered to retrieve the one team heading off up the Sergeants’ Mess hill (totally wrong direction)
and on seeing a sharp and swift indication from the Chief of Staff in the direction of where the team had supposedly headed (it was
foggy), Capt Rich Carr proceeded to mount the curb and head off-road to the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess (the wrong
direction). The team was found in short time (not by Capt Rich Carr) and was then ‘re-directed’ onto the correct direction; the
exercise had now begun in earnest.
Although the day started off foggy it soon cleared to provide what was probably the best weekend’s weather of 2017 so far. Those
cadets whose first stand was the 216 log race probably regretted having their breakfast some 30 minutes earlier and the route
directly up the airfield hill would have tested the future route of their breakfast.
The units providing stands had just 25 minutes to brief, host the stand and de-brief the teams through their positions. Each unit
had to design a task which was leadership and communications based although this is said with the broadest of definitions and
consequently there was blind land rover guidance, simulation ammo on the 25m range, map location spotting and disaster relief
operations. Additionally the stands had to make sure there were information boards and soldiers who could brief the cadets on
their unit’s role with the idea ultimately being to showcase the Corps in the best possible
light and hopefully attract some of this young talent to us in the future.
With the Corps’ personnel manning the stands, the competing Officer Cadets and the 40 Slim
Company potential officers who arrived to see the Corps in all its glory – there were at times
circa 300 military personnel involved with the exercise.
Once the teams had completed their stand rotations they were then to parade at the airfield
for the 16th and final stand – an obstacle and retrieval course designed by the latest Troop
Commanders’ Course. This race was brilliantly designed and constructed and the Troop
Commanders had spent all of the Saturday and much of their previous Friday preparing the
race which incorporated pyrotechnics, lots of mind tape and many young officers
‘encouraging’ the teams through the high intense course. The final winners would be sat on
the top table for that evening’s formal dinner night.
The dinner night, organised by Capt Martin Gauntlett saw 245 sat in the main function room
of the HQ Officers’ Mess with the Corps Colonel Reserves, Col A Lamb, as the honoured
guest. After a wonderful 3 course meal Col Lamb announced the winners of the final race,
the best attitude prize and the overall winners of Ex LIGHTNING strike 2017. The awards
were as follows:
Best attitude - (Speckled Jim Trophy): A composite 10 person team
from several OTC/DTUS units.
Final Race Winners - Northumbria UOTC
Overall Exercise Winners - Typhoon Squadron DTUS
The exercise is regarded as the best UOTC/DTUS event of any Corps and this is evident with
the 19 teams who attended and the extremely positive feedback they provided – many of
the cadets have asked about when they might be able to visit Blandford on a familiarisation
visit. Next year’s 30th Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE will be hosted over the weekend 16 – 18
February 2018.
Many thanks to the units who provided teams:
1 Sig Regt 18 (UKSF) Sig Regt
2 Sig Regt 21 Sig Regt
3 Sig Regt 22 Sig Regt
10 Sig Regt 30 Sig Regt
11 (RSS) Sig Regt 37 Sig Regt
14 Sig Regt (EW) 71 Sig Regt
15 Sig Regt 216 (Para) Sig Sqn
16 Sig Regt 299 Sig Sqn (SC)
© Photography by Mike Williams
APRIL 2017 3
11th (ROYAL SCHOOL OF SIGNALS) SIGNAL
REGIMENT, BLANDFORD
CO Lt Col S Short 5 (Maresfield) Squadron
RSM WO1 (RSM) R Savage
OC Maj J Budding
2 (CATTERICK) SQUADRON SSM WO2 (SSM) S Fox
OC Maj L Kelly Exercise DRAGON WINDY
SSM WO2 (SSM) Wignall TRAILS
Phase 2 Windsor Castle Foreman of Signals Course 86
Cultural Visit, 26 Jan 17 - by SSgt Cattermole
- by Cpl Deutom-Yue &
Sig Morgan, R Tp After a solid year spent in
the classroom it was time for
On 26 Jan 17 at 0750hrs fifteen FofS 86 to let off some
Chinese
Phase 2s and their instructors rn e d b y the rogue steam and spend a week
met in the bitter cold, ready for w e re m o re conce e p a rt y adventure socialising …
The Group o joined th
a cultural visit to Windsor Castle. tourist wh well at least that’s what we
Hardly anyone had had a thought!
chance previously to see
Windsor Castle so all were There had been grand ideas of
excited for the day ahead skiing in the Rockies, trekking in
as they eagerly clambered the Andes or even diving in Grand
into the vehicle. As the Cayman, but due to a packed
Phase 2 trainees eyed the timetable and a lack of available
box of packed lunches organisers none of these came
suspiciously, the two hour to fruition. As luck would have it
journey got underway. though, and thanks to the
Spirits were high but soon efforts of SSgt Paul ‘I’ll take the credit’
enough the slightly earlier Dickinson and Sgt Dave ‘I’ll do all the work’ Harrod, fifteen
start took its toll and almost intrepid future supervisors found themselves loaded onto EX
all were back to sleep. DRAGON WINDY TRAILS, the Corps Sail training week in the
Solent.
As the vehicle arrived in Windsor, all refreshed, the soldiers
were keen to get going and made haste towards the Day 1 - Yacht Nerita - by SSgt Ross
entrance. After a thorough search by security the group
picked up the audio tours provided and stopped for a On Monday 17 October 2016 the group arrived in Gosport
commemorative photo outside the main part of the castle. after a 0600hrs start for a week of sailing. Having been given
Raring to go, the group quickly dispersed in all directions to the lowdown by a previous attendee FofS 86 were looking
the exhibits. At 1100 hrs all converged at the parade square forward to sleeping on boats, socialising in different towns,
within the castle grounds to witness the changing of the learning to sail and having a good laugh. The narrator of said
guard. The Phase 2 trainees could only feel sympathy for the stories sadly couldn’t join us due to that “classic pad” excuse
guardsmen stood outside on duty as they huddled in the of paternity leave.
warmth of the nearby gift shop. Sig Brown remained unsure
as to what pencil to buy his mum. The course was split into crews and I, SSgt ‘The Mouth’ Ross,
was briefed that I was on one of the only boats which would
After lunch the main task began as the trainees were tasked be qualifying us as competent crew, and sadly not with any of
with requests for information on specific areas of the castle my course. “Fear not” said my sea and food loving skipper
and its history. Within the hour they returned and delivered Andy, “for we will RV daily, and have more fun”. Heartened
admirable briefs on all facets of the castle’s history, from the by this pep talk, the four other crew members and I got to
abbey and the state rooms to its military connections. Once work. We endeavoured to get our ship, ‘Nerita’, and our kit
all trainees were finished briefing and sufficiently cold, the ready in super quick time, whilst watching the other crews sail
group returned to the vehicle and recovered back to away over the horizon. We were the last to leave the safety of
Blandford Camp, again taking the two hour drive opportunity Portsmouth Harbour by over an hour, however our
to rest their eyes. All felt rewarded by the visit and its knowledge was strong as the skipper had delayed us and
purpose, and are keen to pursue further cultural visits in given us many vital extra lessons about Anchors and knots.
future. Unlike the other seemingly motorised boats we sailed from
Gosport to East Cowes and it only took us seven hours. The
The visit itself was really cheap and successful as all members bonus was we now knew we also had a lot more fuel than all
of the Military can gain free access, with up to 4 other people the other boats!
included. There was no need for accommodation and the
booking for the visit was also very easy as the Castle Given our knowledge I thought the other groups would be
welcomes large groups of people with minimum fuss. suffering even more now though, however as my phone
4 wire@royalsignals.org
vibrated mid channel, I was greeted Day 4 - Yacht Zidona - by SSgt
with a picture of the other crews Chivers
sat in a pub in Cowes. Clearly they
weren’t gaining the initial love for Thursday saw the changeover
the sport like us, they were just of the competent crew member
socialising. So we tacked long and where Zidona welcomed SSgt
hard into the night. On arrival at John ‘I’ve brought my
last, we turned the boat around, swimming cap’ Swanson
showered and settled into our onboard. After the initial demo
dinner at 2200hrs. Now fifteen on spinnakers by Voluta and her
hours into our working day we were crew, we prepared for lighter
ready for a drink, but Andy had a winds and hoisted our own
further hour of additional lessons prior to setting sail for West
for us. We all went to bed shattered Cowes. The demonstration had
at 2315hrs without leaving the dock looked simple; however in
whilst listening to the laughs and reality this was not as easy as
jokes of my fellow course members we first thought. Somehow the
returning from the pub. spinnaker got very twisted and
ended up dragging in the water...
Day 2 - Yacht Placuna - by SSgt Gibson and as any ardent sailor knows this
is a skipper’s nightmare in case it
For us Day 2 was not a good day! The crew gets wrapped in the engine. Luckily
of Placuna – you know the events of the though, there were no problems and
day.......... we continued with the task in hand.
Day 3 - Yacht Voluta - by SSgt Howarth With the spinnaker drills now
mastered, some complacency started
Having by now gotten over the fact that I to creep into the crew, however this
was not a. zipping down a red run or b. was rocked as a sudden gust of wind
falling through the sky, it was time to caught the sail and forced the boat
embrace sea and sail. We were a mature through 90 degrees. I’m pretty sure
crew on board the 34 ft yacht Voluta we saw the usually calm and
(besides “Course CROW” Sgt Dave Harrod unflappable SSgt Dave ‘Grey Man’
that was). This, added to the competent Bayley reaching for his life jacket
crew qualification not being available to us, toggle at this point. The spinnaker was
made for a relaxed approach to the day. rapidly released and packed away so
that ‘Grey Man’ was a little less grey and the boat was
We waved goodbye to Lymington Yacht Haven under the returned to its upright position. The new comp’ crew, SSgt
shadow of the Isle of Wight passenger ferries. So it was eyes Swanson, was eager to practice man overboard drills under
outward as they, like all vessels, had a habit of sneaking up on sail, so much so that in a Walliamsesque manner dived into
us around the shipping channels with their unexpectedly the channel himself.
quick speed. I felt for Skipper SSgt ‘Daz’ Offord at times like
this, trying his best, but receiving little help in doing so. The day ended with a chippy tea followed by a few drinks,
merriment, pool and the inevitable killer competition at the
Later as we tacked our way towards Southampton it seemed dart board, which was dominated by SSgt Donna ‘Doze off’
that we were coming together as a crew. But that was before Chivers.
Sgt ‘Gok’ Gokulman was unleashed on the foresail winch and
things got interesting as he struggled to control the winch We were even joined by the crew of Nerita, but sadly SSgt
while suffering with a slightly queasy stomach. Still, it was Ross missed out on this sole pub visit as he was already
nothing a night of snore induced sleep deprivation would not back on dry land en route to a funeral, or wedding, or dentist
fix. appointment, we’re not quite sure which!
APRIL 2017 5
Day 5 - Yacht Syrinx - by SSgt Michell
Friday morning began with an impromptu
group photograph at the Cowes Marina,
followed by bacon butties from the
excellent local café Tiffins. Bellies filled, the
Syrinx, skippered by Sgt Stu ‘Steel sail’
Barley, slid out of the harbour for the final
day’s sailing on the Solent towards our
final destination of Portsmouth yacht club.
Once in open water the crew raised the
main and fore sails and SSgt Stephen ‘I’ll
get the brews on’ Michell took the tiller,
guiding the boat towards Ryde.
At Ryde the Solent became noticeably
busier; Syrinx had to navigate a path
between multiple ferries, hovercraft,
catamarans and Ben Ainsley’s Land
Rover BAR America’s cup yachts in order
to cross the Solent towards Portsmouth
harbour. Tacking across the Solent, The Syrinx
followed a zig-zag path testing the crew’s drills. SSgt Tom ‘Det Pride’ Cowell
and Sgt Paul ‘LMC’ McNeal each took turns trying to emulate the flying BAR
boat and the winner was Sgt McNeal with his clear advantage of a much
lower centre of gravity.
Soon a number of other Joint Service boats were sighted as we converged on
the harbour entrance. The Skipper informed the crew that we were to refuel
before journeying on towards Port Solent and reiterated that crashing at a
refuelling point was to be avoided at all costs.
Refuelled, Sig Josh ‘under the thumb’ Dawson took the tiller for the final leg
of the journey to Port Solent, successfully guiding the Syrinx into the lock at
the entrance to the marina. Once moored, the crew put the boat to bed and
prepared for the annual general meeting and meal.
Day 6 - Yacht Placuna - by SSgt Cattermole
After the previous evening’s dinner night the final morning saw a tired crew,
and fortunately it was just a short trip through the harbour back to Gosport
avoiding the waves of the open sea. The journey was uneventful for most, but
one yacht returned to the marina sporting some new woodwork courtesy of a
minor collision with a lock wall. Having cleaned the yachts and turned the kit
around FofS course 86 departed and headed back to another six months in
the classroom at Blandford.
The Corps sail training week was thoroughly enjoyed by all those that
attended, even SSgt Ross! Considering the majority of crews had never sailed
before it was pitched at the right level to make it both challenging and
enjoyable for the novice. The skippers provided a wealth of knowledge, and
for those not on a qualifying boat, this was sometimes above what is taught
on the competent crew course. The Royal Signals Yacht club run two training
weeks a year, normally in April and October, and if anyone has the time to
attend or can get their soldiers away on either week then FofS 86 would
definitely recommend it.
6 wire@royalsignals.org
RSBF Inspiration Station - #Fundraising Challenge
‘When you think of them, think of us’
They say charity begins at home and we’d agree.
Currently The RSBF spends approximately £1,000 a day helping
serving and retired signallers who are in need or distress. This means
we are always on the lookout for fabulous fundraisers, prepared to
go the extra-mile, to ensure we can continue to help and support.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to say a huge ‘Thank-you’ to all
our fabulous fundraisers and donors. Your generosity enables us to
continue to provide timely help via grants to those in need.
We’re continually bowled over by your imaginative fundraising and
the activities and challenges you take on - Dress X-Changes, World
Record attempts, Sponsored Spinning, Raffles, Dinners, ‘Tasche-Tastic
and Golfing events are just a few of the recent fundraisers.
Some of you are serial fundraisers and others champion supporters,
always on hand to help whatever the event or challenge. We know
others are keen to help but not sure how - so we’ve included
an Inspiration Station on our new website. It doesn’t cover all
fundraising activities but hopefully it provides a good starting point.
We’ve granted almost £1 million to signallers in need in the past three years
Fundraisers?
We need you more than ever. If you are organising or would like to organise a Charity
fundraising event for The RSBF please contact:
Sandra Hutchinson marketing@royalsignals.org Tel: 01258 482819
You can find out more about the RSBF via https://royalsignals.org/rsbf/
The Inspiration Station can be found at https://royalsignals.org/rsbf/inspiration-station/
We don’t do casework but if you, or a Signaller you know, needs benevolence support
we can signpost you so that you get the help you need.
Simply contact Linda Sizeland rsbfgrantscoord@royalsignals.org Tel 01258 482089
NEWS FROM FORMATIONS
HQ 1 (UK) SIGNAL BRIGADE
Exercise TIGER SNOW SPEAR 2 - 28 Jan - 4 Feb 17 apple, which was aching due to him grimacing so hard down
- by LCpl Julie Sutton the slopes.
On Saturday 28 Jan 17, members On the last day both
of HQ 1 (UK) Sig Bde, plus a few groups skied together. Due
augmentees from the wider Bde, All members of the expedition, fresh faced and ready to to the adverse weather, a
set off on the Bde annual skiing learn! lot of the foundation group
expedition. Capt Richard Gilgar’s decided to ski back to the
scheme of manoeuvre was to get resort. Sgt Ash O’Brien and
the vast majority of the Bde HQ I decided to join the top
out to Serre Chavalier to enable group (aptly named
them to gain SF1 and SF2 ‘Mountain Troop’ ) to
qualifications and also gain some ascend up the mountain on
valued time away from a fast a rickety old chair lift. Like
paced work environment. frightened mountain goats,
we genuinely thought we
After arriving at the airport we were going to die. When
moved into the UCPA hostel we eventually got to the
which provided very Serre Chavalier was an incredible resort with top and looked over the
comfortable accommodation fantastic views ridge, this merely confirmed
and excellent facilities to our imminent death.
sustain us during our stay.
After a solid night of sleep, All in all, it is safe to say that
everyone was raring to get on everyone involved thoroughly
the slopes. The group moved enjoyed the week, improved their
as a whole to the slopes with skiing and had a welcome break
Instructor Sgt Dale McMahon. from a very busy Bde HQ. Thanks
WO1 Roy French and WO2 Ben go to the instructors for showing
Collins, who were both patience and providing a great
novices, had some intensive atmosphere in which to learn, and
remedial training with to Capt Richard Gilgar for
Instructor Capt Abigail organising the trip.
Roberts.
After the first day we saw
some weary looking faces The SF2 group (Mountain Troop) had some very intensive times on the slopes
return to the UCPA hostel,
but luckily the friendly
atmosphere and great food
soon perked everyone up!
The first few mornings of
the week saw those new to
skiing wake up with
incredibly sore legs.
Members walking down the
stairs for breakfast
resembled a scene from the
Walking Dead. Noises
included.
WO2 Ben Collins aged quite
substantially throughout the
week, and complained of a
new ailment with each fresh
day. On one particular day
this included his Adam’s
8 wire@royalsignals.org11 SIGNAL and WEST MIDLANDS BRIGADE
CO Brig R Anderton-Brown Deployment on WFX 17.3, Fort Bliss, Texas 1 – 10 Feb 17
Dep CO Col R Maybery QGM - by Capt Dai Jones, SO3 Plans 7 Sig Gp
COS Lt Col A Lucas
Dep COS Maj J Mayne In 2017 and 2018, 3 (UK) Div will participate in a series of US
SM WO1 S Tomblin Warfighter Exs (WFX) with 82 Airborne Div and 40 Inf Div in
Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A WFX is a two week C2 ex to test
Exercise SPECULAR 17 - by Capt Elliot Shale, SO3 Ops 7 Sig Gp and evaluate a HQ’s reactions and methods of battle
pertaining to its management and execution abilities through
Jan 17 saw the deployment of elements of 1 Sig Regt and 3 a virtual battle field. In preparation for this deployment of
(UK) Div Sig Regt to Sennelager Training Centre for the the Div, 7 Sig Gp staff with 3 (UK) Div have been involved in
validation of 20 AI Bde as the Vanguard AI Bde (VAIB). This observation visits and recces, this has included a number of
was the largest and most ambitious Ex SPECULAR yet, with visits to Camp Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania and Camp
101 Log Bde and 11 Inf Bde in Germany and 12 AI Bde in the UK, Atterbury, Indiana.
supported by 16 Sig Regt, all exercising as the secondary
training audience. The most recent visit was to Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, and the
home of 1 Armd Div ‘Iron Soldiers’. Fort Bliss is a very large
200 Sig Sqn and 1 Sig Regt, alongside 20 AI Bde, have worked base comprised of approximately 1.12 million acres and 1700
at length to refine the Armd Bde HQ construct through a square miles of training area spilt between Texas and New
demanding training year in preparation for both the VHR Joint Mexico, and is the second largest base in the USA. This WFX
Task Force (Land) (VJTF(L)) and VAIB commitments. The would see 2 Divs (1st AD and 35th ID) commanded by 3 Corps
current arrangement of the HQ sees two balanced Current battling in Atropia against the Arianans.
Ops modules (COps) supported by a “bolt on” Future Ops
(FuOps) module, enabling a Main and Step-up configuration.
The HQs have been streamlined to a significant degree, with
each module having dedicated staff that travel in the armour
and involving minimal dismounting of equipment to speed
setup and teardown. This emphasis on a lean HQ clearly
prioritises protection and mobility over rich services, and
gives an indication of the likely future priorities for ongoing
development under 1 AI Bde.
The presence of exercising elements in the UK as well as
Germany presented a significant opportunity for technical
innovation, with successful trials including the connecting of
Bowman puddles via the Falcon network, as well as radio
rebro via VHF to HF and TacSAT links. In addition, the DTac – Training Area Fort Bliss
continuation of work on the LDG has allowed the connection
of OpCIS (Magpie) and TacCIS (Bowman), passing tracks, Capt (Tfc) Dai Jones was embedded in to the G6 cell within 1st
OSPR and CPR data into Magpie and enabling email to and AD Div Main HQ (DMain). This allowed for UK/US
from Magpie and Bowman. This has enabled improved relationships to form and for lessons to be learned on both
management of RFIs for the Div staff, as well as the ability to sides of the pond. The immediate difference between the UK
create OSW on Magpie and avoid swivel chair action and US is the size of the HQ; the US has recently started to
transferring it to ComBAT. For the Bde staff, this has enabled adopt an expeditionary approach which has seen both the
them to work effectively on Bowman and avoid the increased Main and Tac HQs reduce in both size and manpower
footprint of a Magpie node in the HQ. Work also continues to providing a sleeker and increased manoeuvre capability to the
support the 20 AI Bde construct of TacCIS only operation; the Corps Comd. Both the HQs are impressive in design,
increased reliance on the HCDR network to provide the technology and manoeuvre capabilities.
requisite bandwidth rearward to the BSG location for
intelligence feeds could constrain the movement of the HQ,
which 1 Sig Regt is seeking to mitigate through further trials
and alternate equipment.
The exercise was also used by a team from 7 Sig Gp as a
handrail for conceptual development to refine the Gp
CONEMP and consider the delivery of CCS to the Vanguard Div
as outlined in ARO 16/17. The development of the Land ICS Gp
HQ concept, a scalable HQ designed to command and control
all ICS assets in the Land environment, has now reached a
more mature stage. This HQ would sit underneath a JFCIS in
the JOA, and is designed to enable C2 for a force that would
comprise elements from multiple MRSRs. DMain South Side – Fort Bliss
APRIL 2017 9Over the two weeks both the HQs were tested via the virtual Earl Howe visits Birmingham
battle field against a thinking near peer enemy that used all
their capabilities including hostile cyber-attacks to hinder 1 AD In October, the Bde facilitated the visit of Minister of State for
and 35 ID. The G6 cell including support elements is Defence in the House of Lords, The Rt Hon.Earl Howe, who
approximately 60 pax from OC to Pte including HQ planners. travelled to Birmingham and met community representatives
and young people whilst visiting a local sixth form college,
During the ex a number of excellent training opportunities Hindu Temple, Gurdwara, and Mosque. Friday Prayers at the
were made available including a jumping from DMain to DTac, latter had over 3,000 Muslims attending to pray. Following
night desert manoeuvres and a Corps level Combined Arms this visit, a number of useful relationships are starting to
Rehearsal (CAR) drill for the battle, which included the develop.
2 Divs.
During my move to DTac, I was able to chat to DComd
General, Brig Lawrence (UK) about the ex, the new sleeker
version of the DTac (his design), levels of training and not
forgetting comms. In terms of CIS capabilities, he was
impressed in the arsenal of resources available, from full CNR
through to full OpCIS network connectivity including a robust
PACE plan at all levels. Although not as large a team as DMain
with only 10 pax, the G6 team were delivering a large
capability into a highly demanding environment and being
tested by the competitive OpFOR.
Overall, the visits to Fort Bliss allowed the UK to develop the
understanding and relationship with the US Army and 1 Armd
Div. This information gathered and observed over the 10 days
will provide invaluable during our build up WFX 17.5 in Jun 17.
Rt Hon Earl Howe with Deputy Commander Colonel Richard
7 Sig Gp FORM Cycle Maybery, civic leaders and members of the Engagement Team
visiting Birmingham Central Mosque
The following table is for information purposes, highlighting
the FORM cycle for 7 Sig Gp units in 2017. Poppy Day 2016
Almost 400 military personnel volunteered from across the
West Midlands flooded the streets of our second city on the 2
Nov 2016 to support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
Commuters and shoppers were entertained by marching
bands including our own Band of the Royal Corps of Signals.
Band of the Royal Corps of Signals in action on Poppy Day in
Birmingham
Civil Engagement Alongside vintage vocalist
trio ‘The D-Day Darlings’,
In late September, the Bde flashmob performances
hosted an augmented Army from the military families
Engagement Event (AEG) in project ‘Make Some Noise’,
Coventry in association with the various static displays of
British Organisation for People vehicles from the Army, Fire
of Asian Origin (BOPA). The Service and Jaguar Land
augmentation took the form of Rover and Armed Forces
traditional AEG content personnel from all services
interspersed with Asian cultural ensured a total collection of
entertainment including a Sikh £45,000 was reached,
music group and Bhangra £20,000 up on the
Brig Anderton-Brown and military hosts with members of BOPA
dancers. Almost 300 local previousyear and an
at the AEG in Coventry
people attended the event. outstanding achievement.
10 wire@royalsignals.orgAston University Academy of Engineering Business Breakfast
The Brigade held a Military in the Midlands Business Breakfast
at Aston University Engineering Academy on Thursday 2 Feb
2017, for over 50 guests from large companies across the
Birmingham area. After the breakfast the Brigade presented
the Academy with an engine from an ACRV Warsaw Pact
Personnel Carrier. David Chapman the principle of the
Academy signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the
academy along with Col (Retd) Tim Weeks from West
Midlands RFCA who signed on behalf of the Military. Maj
Gary Feek, the Bde BEME then gave a very enlightening
presentation covering his time on OP GRANBY and how he as
a young soldier was instrumental in the recovery of captured
Iraqi military vehicles during the campaign.
Members of 16 and 37 Sig Regt at Worcester Warriors
Corps Calendar 2017/18
April
8 White Helmets Opening Show
May
3-4 Morrison Cup
Force Troops Command Operational Shooting
8-14
Competition
13 Lanyard Trophy
21 Eden Camp Parade
25 Race The Sun – York
Tbc Joint RSI/ RUSI Cyber War Game
June
Lt Col Richard Jones with engineering students from Aston 16 3Rs Dinner
University Academy
17 Corps Luncheon
16-18 Corps Weekend
21 RSI Workshop @ Institute of Directors
24 Armed Forces Day
28 Princess Royal Day
July
28-30 Ex Trailwalker – South Downs
August
12 9th Gathering of the Clans
September
2 NMA Rededication
October
19 RSA Central Committee
Armed Forces Covenant signing at Aston University Academy November
9 Field of Remembrance Service
Worcester Warriors Military Match Day 12 Cenotaph Parade
16 RSI London Lecture & Dinner
Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Military Match Day was held
on Saturday 18 February 2017. Worcester Warriors took on 24-26 Project Noel
Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership at home. The aim of December
the day was to increase recognition and awareness of the 7 Apprentice of the Year Awards – Blandford
Reserve and Regular Forces in the Worcestershire area in
2018
order to support recruitment, retention and the development
of a motivated force. Regular, Reserve and Cadet Units from February
the local area supported the day including 16 and 37 Signal 16-18 Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE
Regiments. It was also an opportunity for Brig Robin
July
Anderton-Brown to sign the Armed Forces Covenant with Jim
O’Toole the CEO of Worcester Warriors. 9-15 Exercise FULL CHARGE
APRIL 2017 11Defence College of Technical Training
DSCIS Update by WO1 Hector Heathcote, HQ DSCIS
A s you are all aware, there are significant changes happening across Defence, the Army and the Corps. Here at the Defence
School of Communications and Information Systems (DSCIS) we are responsible for developing, designing and delivering much
of your technical and military training and education. This article is the first of a number that will aim to inform you of the main
changes coming your way including; the DSCIS programme changing from 45 to 50 periods per week (as per almost every other
Defence/ Army School) and all Ph 2 Courses containing 5 periods of programmed PT per week. This first article will focus on
Command, Leadership & Management (CLM) changes and the Training Transformation Programme (T2P) that will impact on the
delivery of all R SIGNALS trade training.
Corps Approach to the Army CLM Review
Introduction. Army HQ own the requirement for these courses and set the core Training
Objectives for all 4 CLM courses ( PNCO, JCLM, SCLM & WOCLM) and states that they can be
covered in a total of approximately 30 Training Days. Until recently our solution totalled 60
Training Days, more than any other Corps or Cap-badge. Over the past month HQ DSCIS, 11SR,
RHQ R SIGNALS and Army HQ have reviewed all CLM courses, identified additional training
that was being taught on the current courses and engaged with other Corps and cap-badges
to identify how we could best deliver the training that the Army required us to cover. The
study has initially focused on CLM Pt 1 as this is the element that needs passing within 12
months following board selection to substantiate. Key points are:
• All 4 courses will be combined for Regular and Reserve attendees and will not
exceed 2 weeks / 10 training days.
• The current pass/ fail assessments are unchanged.
• Current start state for the course is unchanged, MATTs 1-10 at L1 for Regulars and L2 for Reserves.
JCLM
• Fully Pan Army compliant.
• 25 days reduced to 10 days with max loading of 48 students.
• Battle PT reduced from 17 to 7 periods, including Risk Identification for BCCS
and 2 Leader-led Battle PT sessions to assess command and leadership.
• BCCS reduced from 8.5 to 3 days.
• In lieu of the R SIGNALS Instructor Selection Board (RSISB), assessment and
evidence will be collected throughout the course in order to talent spot potential
instructors for training establishments including ATRs, RMAS and 11 (RSS) SR.
• The importance of the start standard of students, documentation and pre-CLM trg
must be emphasised to units. Formal Pre-CLM training (DLE/VLE) will be available
for students to consolidate training provided by parent units.
• 5 day DIT standalone course with max loading of 24 students will be scheduled
prior to new JNCO CLM course.
SCLM
• Fully Pan Army compliant.
• 15 days reduced to 10 days with max loading of 44 students.
• Battle PT reduced from 8 to 5 periods, including Risk Identification for BCCS and
Leaderless Battle PT to assess command and lead.
• BCCS reduced from 3.5 to 1.5 days, including BCCS Round Robin practical skills to
achieve Supervise BCCS critical TO.
• Concurrent to exercise re-conditioning, retests for both Summative Orders and
Supervise BCCS, both critical TOs will be run.
• Formal Dinner Night removed and replaced with Corps Update followed by a meal and
an OF5 fireside chat in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess. Recommendation is to allocate a
number of courses to each Sig Bde across the year who can then select from their own
OF5 community to brief the students (to include Regular & Reserve formations). This
allows Sig Bdes to be more invested in the process and gives them the ability to reach
most SNCOs in the Corps. HQ R SIGNALS engaging with the Field Army to schedule
speakers.
12 wire@royalsignals.orgWOCLM
• Fully Pan Army compliant.
• 5 days reduced to 4 days with max loading of 66 students.
• Introduction of Planning Ex to capture Force Gen, Force Dev, Deployment and
Recovery considerations. Mixed trade syndicates of 6-8 in classrooms with
associated infrastructure.
• Introduction of report writing and MS Promotion Board to improve skill level and
understanding of APC processes.
• HQ R SIGNALS to resource and allocate speakers for Corps
Update.
CLM Part 2
Mandated elements of training will now be more
controlled through the delivery of CLM Part 2 / Unit
WiP Packages. Field Army will be given further
guidance on elements to be covered.
Summary
So what for personnel?
Arrive fully prepared and you will receive more efficient training, substantiate quicker and
spend less time away from your unit.
So what for the Field Army?
Invest time in preparing your personnel and you will receive back a better trained, more
qualified soldier, quicker.
DSCIS Training Transformation Project (T2P)
by SSgt (YofS) Adam Philpotts, HQ DSCIS YofS
The Basic Signaller and Beyond
“Transformation: to change completely the appearance or character of something, especially so that that thing is improved”.
Introduction
Training throughout our careers has always been subject to change. Our world of communications is ever evolving with new
capabilities, opportunities and possibilities appearing daily. Along with evolving job roles and the requirements that drive them,
these developments and technological leaps have had impacts across the training solution. These range from minor changes that
affect areas of our respective trades (e.g. Clansman to Bowman) to much larger changes that fundamentally alter how we deliver
the effect (RS Op—AS Op amalgamation). R SIGNALS Future Structure,
aka KINGS CROSS, is potentially a major change.
Training Transformation
To facilitate this and future change DCTT has set up the Training
Transformation Project (T2P), The Defence School of Communications
and Information Systems (DSCIS) strand of which will cover the
following:
The T2 Project will enable DSCIS to redesign its wholly residential career
trade pipelines to produce ‘blended-ready’ courses that can make best
use of modern learning techniques and technologies during the period
2016-2020”.
T2 will focus on the analysis of the requirement through to training,
where it is best delivered and the development of courseware to T2 approach to transformation “questioning and
support a blended learning solution, whilst realigning training to the job transforming at each stage"
role. The project will also act as an enabler of future R SIGNALS trade
structures project KINGS CROSS.
"A blended learning solution: combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods. It requires the
physical presence of both teacher and student, with some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace."
APRIL 2017 13Basic Signaller Skills (BSS)/Foundation 1
Following initial analysis, Basic Signaller Skills was identified
as the natural starting point. This course contains, amongst
others elements, how communications are achieved and
what a career in the R SIGNALS entails. This course, unlike
others, is also taught to all phase 2 soldiers, officers and
reserves, regardless of trade group.
BSS of old was littered with problems, HERRICKisms, over
and under training, irrelevant practices and principles, all of
which have been addressed at each level of the process in
constructing the new package. One such issue was the
course is entwined into trade training, containing
exceptions, deletions and additions; no course was ever the
same. Once BSS was extracted from these courses it
totalled 6.4 weeks of trg (excluding PT, Sport, leave etc).
The Result
Through questioning the requirement, designing the new
The approach of T2 over the coming year, transformation Trade Train- training solution and utilising available resources and
ing. Stage 1 (Fdn1/BSS), Stage 2 (Fdn 2) Stage 3 (Specialised) Trade instructional methods—all based on a blended learning
training solution - Foundation 1 (Old BSS) is now half as long (3
weeks), including PT, sports etc. This means tradespersons
get to their units faster. This course has also been front loaded before all residential trade courses. It allows for further training to
continue based on “taking you a stage further”. The same is also true for the Reserves, although not on residential courses at 11
(RSS) Sig Regt but with accredited, monitored and available courseware based on the Regular training solution.
What does it mean/What do you get?
On completion of Foundation 1 a R SIGNALS Officer and Soldier will (under supervision
of a trained individual) be able to; operate the in-service Combat Net Radio system
(PRC 355 & PRC 325) in a mobile and fixed role, contribute to infrastructure (in
barracks and deployed), explain their career path and progression within the Corps,
explain the threat and protection measures; whilst applying health and safety policy.
Summary
The first of the new residential BSS courses will start on 27 Mar 17, and we expect the
Reserves to start exploiting the new material at their camps soon. By then Fdn 2 will
be endorsed and under construction, and the initial analysis of stage 3 (Specialisation
Trg) will be well under way.
We are in a period of major change within the Corps, and one of those areas is the
training we deliver to our tradespersons. Through the Training Transformation Project
we are ensuring that we still continue to provide the best, most up-to-date and
relevant training that meets the needs of the Field Army.
The images used in this article show the approach, methodology and content. For
further information contact DSCIS Training Transformation, and I look forward to
writing again with an update to Fdn 2 and its imminent implementation. Fdn 1 VLE, with example content
Fdn 1 Duties
14 wire@royalsignals.orgNEWS FROM REGIMENTS
1st SIGNAL REGIMENT
STAFFORD
CO Lt Col PRD Muir MBE Later that day, we ventured to the local town of Kaprun to
RSM WO1 (RSM) D Corocoran purchase lift passes and hire ski equipment from the
renowned Eurosport – a business which the Corps has built a
Exercise ALPINE MERCURY GLACIER - by LCpl Jepson strong relationship with.
Ex ALPINE MERCURY GLACIER saw members of 1 Sig Regt The Monday morning saw us being broken down into groups
embark upon the epic journey to Zell-am-See, Austria, where of ability and free skiing with the designated instructor until
they would spend three weeks learning to race and a final lunchtime. In the afternoon, again, we were split down into
week racing against other members in the Corps. Some skiers groups after the ‘Ski Off’ – we did two runs of a red slope,
were given the opportunity to gain the Skiing Foundation focusing on short turns and then medium radius turns. We
Level One qualification – an unprecedented change from were then judged by a few of the instructors and placed into
previous years. groups depending on how well they thought we had done.
We spent the second day with our newly appointed
The journey saw us travel through many countries within instructors who took us right back to basics. For some, it
Europe in quite miserable conditions, including France, would be a case of getting out of bad habits, but for others
Belgium, Germany and, finally, Austria. On arrival, in the early they would have to learn from the beginning. The rest of the
hours of Sunday morning, we quickly settled in and attempted week followed a similar routine: going up to the glacier, doing
to catch up on some much needed sleep in preparation for skills and drills to improve, and then applying these skills to
the week ahead. Club Kitzsteinhorn, the hostel which would new slopes and runs. By the end of the week, the majority of
be our home for the next few weeks, was perfectly situated the groups had mastered the snowplough, with several
just a few miles away from the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier where individuals gaining the Skiing Foundation 1 Qualification in the
the alpine ski training and racing would take place. process. We had the weekends to ourselves whilst we were
over there, which gave us the opportunity to get out of the
Immediately, it was clear to see why the Royal Signals return hostel and visit other cities. Some of the group decided to
each year to the same hostel; it was very modern, had WiFi in travel to Salzburg to take in the culture and experience the
most locations (a must-have for young soldiers) and also bustling Christmas Markets.
offered something for everyone, from bowling to volleyball
and bouldering to a sauna – you name it, the hostel has it. The second week commenced with another ‘Ski-Off’ to allow
those who were grasping the technique well to move up
ability groups. This ‘Ski-Off’ also allowed for the SF1 groups to
be assessed and join the other ability groups. We would spend
the remaining two weeks with these instructors, who would
make every effort to have us ready for racing. Towards the
end of the week, things started coming together; now more
confident with their skiing, individuals showed vast
improvements from the first week – we may have even
started to look like proper skiers! The second weekend was a
fairly quiet one: on Friday, some ventured into the local towns
of Kaprun and Zell-am-See whilst others made best use of the
array of facilities at the Hostel.
After a well needed rest, all groups were back on the slopes
for the final week of training. The weather for the first time
Keeping balance
took a turn for the worst – high winds caused all groups to
The beautiful scenery of Austria
APRIL 2017 15lose a good few hours of training. This week was all about the prize for ‘most time spent on his back’ – a pair of ski socks
smoothing out the bad habits and getting as much practice and a bright blue snow shovel!
time through the gates as possible. Some flourished when
getting the opportunity to go through gates whilst others Ex ALPINE MERCURY GLACIER turned out to be an excellent
struggled to avoid getting unwanted ‘air’ or unorthodoxly four weeks. Everyone gained an insight into something new:
skiing mostly on their backsides. Similar to the beginning of some had the excellent opportunity to gain the Ski
the week, Thursday and Friday saw horrible conditions, Foundation 1 qualification whilst others had the chance the to
resulting in a half-day on Thursday, and Friday being canned build upon their ski knowledge and technique, and, for a
altogether. This meant the seeding race for the following surprising majority, it was an opening into the world of Ski
week would now have to take place on the Sunday rather Racing. The months of planning and preparation in the
than the Friday. The seeding would allow the races to start in background made the Exercise run smoothly and, most of all,
better positions for the week of racing. As a whole, 1 Sig Regt more enjoyable for all those attending.
had people dotted across the board, with a few starting in the
top 25. Exercise PAHILO PAHAD (Nepal Exped Training 1)
- by Sig Morgan
As the final week came around, people were especially eager
for their first real experience of racing. The first day was the Ex PAHILO PAHAD (First Mountain in Nepali) was the Unit
Giant slalom team event. It would comprise of only two races: Authorised Adventure Training conducted in Edale moors,
one in the morning and the second in the afternoon, with the Peak District National Park, for the members of 1 Sig Regt on
course being changed during lunch. The two teams of four 25 Jan 17. It formed the first of the three planned pre-
were put to their paces, not only trying to get the best times deployment trainings in order to prepare the participants for
individually, but for the rest of their team mates. Team A, deployment on a mountaineering expedition to Nepal later in
which comprised of the better skiers, seemed to hit bad luck the year.
almost immediately, with their best skier, Sig ‘Eyebrows’
Nutt, dramatically crashing out and being disqualified for the After a two hour drive from MOD Stafford, Sig Goodwill
rest of the race. This left Cpl ‘Mac’ McColl, Sig Simpson-Evans sprinted for the toilet as soon as we stopped at the start
and Sgt Entwistle to try and scrape a good enough score to point, Edale Car Park. After a 10 min admin break,
challenge the other teams. Sgt ‘Everest’ Rai warmed the participants with stretches and
exercises. Then the Ex Co-ord, SSgt (FofS (IS)) Gurung,
directed us to the Pennine Way where our trek started with a
gradual ascent. The first rest point was the foot of the Jacob’s
ladder where LCpl Morgan was tasked for a 2 min brief. Out
came the technology and extracts from Wikipedia. Jacob’s
ladder is described for the connection between heaven and
earth (Source: Book of Genesis). Then the whole team made
their way to the top of the ladder in search of heaven. Once
nearly at the top of more than two hundred steps, the Senior
Instructor, SSgt(FofS(IS)) Gurung, gave lessons on effective
and efficient methods for ascent and descent of hills. This
came in handy as the next part of the track lacked steps and
consisted of slippery tracks.
The Speeding Egg
The second day was Giant Slalom Individual races. These times
made a far greater difference to your eventual seeding
position. The third day of racing saw us now tackling even
tighter, more complex courses. We would now have to go
through Hairpin and Verticalé gates, as well as the banana
gates we had seen previously on the giant slalom courses.
Most racers took to the courses quite well. However, this
cannot be said for Lt ‘Bambi’ Nicholls who spent quite a lot of
the time recovering his skis after colliding with the gates on
numerous occasions, yet still a better job than Cpl McColl who
managed to miss the final gate on one of the runs. It felt as if
time had raced by because it was not long until the final race
day came along. The final day would be the team slalom
event. Thankfully, both teams managed to qualify this time,
with the A team coming in 4th overall.
With the Ski racing finally over, the Friday was a day which the The exped team next to the mystical waterfall
team used to have one final ski. Ascending up to the glacier
one last time, the team were allowed a free ski. Some used it Once at the top of the Edale low (633m), it was LCpl
to go to the viewing points at the summit of the glaciers McCromick’s turn for a 2 min brief on ‘types of stones’. His
whilst others simply enjoyed the ski park. In the evening, the research revealed that the Hope Valley was built from three
teams from each Regt came together and had a barbeque types of stones (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary). As
followed by the awards ceremony. As a team, not many the temperature was nearly 1°C, a quick group photo was
awards were given out. Sig Nutt came away with 2nd place for taken by Sgt ‘Go-bro’ Kishan and the team celebrated the
junior Slalom and Giant Slalom. Lt Nicholls came away with ‘secret’ birthday of Sgt Clark. The path then led us to the
16 wire@royalsignals.orgwaterfall that just disappeared mid-fall due to wind and With the GPMG range and PACE-Ex now complete it was time
height. Sig ‘PNCO prep’ Goodwill then navigated us through to move to the field phase which started on Thursday 19 Jan.
the boggy marsh lands whilst some team members started to For the 7 days that followed our role as a Sqn was to maintain
have ‘warm foot syndrome’ and started dipping half their leg our communication capability in support of 20 Armd Inf Bde
in frozen streams. Whilst enjoying the cold and chilly scenery, staff to allow them to accomplish their own objectives within
the team descended to the finish point where the final an Armoured manoeuvre exercise. To say the least we were
de-brief was conducted by instructors, along with warm deployed in arduous conditions with temperatures never
brews in Edale Café. No sooner had we sat back on the exceeding 0°C and dipping as low as -12°C which made it all
minibus, our eyes were glued shut whilst Cpl ‘D1’ Sullivan the more of a challenging exercise.
drove us safely back to Stafford.
All in all, the aim of the exercise of practising a few summer
mountaineering skills, whilst in cold weather conditions, was
thoroughly achieved. Though there are two more training
exercises still to come, the team are excited and looking
forward to deploying on an overseas expedition in the near
future.
A Bulldog approaching the future HQ location
The ex tested the whole Sqn’s effectiveness and efficiency to
tear down, move and re-establish both Main and Step-up HQ’s
allowing fast movement across the battlefield. Both HQ’s
were successful in all
areas allowing the
Bde Staff to conduct a
successful ex.
Although the weather
conditions played a
major factor during
At the highest point of the Peak District the ex it was a credit
to all members of the
Exercise SPECULAR 17 - by Sig Barthel Sqn that they
performed to the
200 Sig Sqn deployed on Ex SPECULAR taking place on standard that was
Sennelager training area in Northern Germany. The main body delivered, leaving the
deployed on Sunday 8 Jan 17 where we conducted a PACE-Ex Bde Staff extremely
to test the capability and happy.
robustness of the
equipment that we would The ex did throw
be using for the field some hurdles our way
phase. Concurrently to due to a number of
the Pace-ex, a lucky few breakdowns and
members from within the vehicle faults that
Sqn completed a GPMG occurred throughout;
range that consisted of however, the faults
individuals firing from the were quickly rectified Transiting along the route
AFV 436 armoured by the responsiveness
vehicle. The range and effectiveness of the REME and the fault finding efficiency
consisted of both static of 200 Sig Sqn Crew Commanders.
and mobile firing,
something that isn’t Thursday 26 Jan 17 couldn’t come quick enough as at
rehearsed a great deal approximately 1300hrs that day the ex came to an end.
within the Signals so it Although for us we still had to consider ex turnaround, all
was a great experience members of the Sqn were in high spirits with the thought of a
for those that had the hot shower and the news of heading to the old Sqn bar to
option to take part. LCpl Wardle remaining positive round off the exercise with a curry and a few beers.
APRIL 2017 17You can also read
