Army

Not just radios: Signallers head to Sennybridge to show off fieldcraft and combat skills

Mike Morton
Mike Morton
A 222 Signal Squadron soldier shoulders his SA80 L85A2 with a blank firing attachment fitted
This 222 Signal Squadron soldier shoulders his SA80 L85A2 with a blank firing attachment fitted
Corporal Sudan takes aim with his SA80 L85A2 - Royal Signals personnel are experts in engineering and operating systems, networks and cyber equipment, but their "green Army" skills need to be exemplary too
Corporal Sudan takes aim with his SA80 L85A2 - Royal Signals personnel are experts in engineering and operating systems, networks and cyber equipment, but their "green Army" skills need to be exemplary too
The 222 Squadron soldiers got to put their emergency first aid skills into practice - the huge zip tie keeps the injured man's legs together, preventing further injury
The 222 Squadron soldiers got to put their emergency first aid skills into practice - the huge zip tie keeps the injured man's legs together, preventing further injury
This signaller is using a handheld metal mine detector to ensure the ground is free of any traps laid by the opposing force
This signaller is using a handheld metal mine detector to ensure the ground is free of any traps laid by the opposing force
Despite the summer heat, the signallers had to don respirators and protective clothing as part of their CBRN training - this is worn over their uniform, not instead of it
Despite the summer heat, the signallers had to don respirators and protective clothing as part of their CBRN training - this is worn over their uniform, not instead of it
Before a deliberate attack goes in, a model is made showing the terrain and other notable features so everyone involved can picture the lie of the land
Before a deliberate attack goes in, a model is made showing the terrain and other notable features so everyone involved can picture the lie of the land
The signallers take notes as they attend an O Group the night before launching their deliberate attack on the enemy position - every little detail matters
The signallers take notes as they attend an O Group the night before launching their deliberate attack on the enemy position - every little detail matters
Lance Corporal Ashbee keeps a close eye on the members of his fire team during a section attack - a section is usually comprised of two fire teams, Charlie and Delta
Lance Corporal Ashbee keeps a close eye on the members of his fire team during a section attack - a section is usually comprised of two fire teams, Charlie and Delta
A 222 Signal Squadron soldier shoulders his SA80 L85A2 with a blank firing attachment fitted
Corporal Sudan takes aim with his SA80 L85A2 - Royal Signals personnel are experts in engineering and operating systems, networks and cyber equipment, but their "green Army" skills need to be exemplary too
The 222 Squadron soldiers got to put their emergency first aid skills into practice - the huge zip tie keeps the injured man's legs together, preventing further injury
This signaller is using a handheld metal mine detector to ensure the ground is free of any traps laid by the opposing force
Despite the summer heat, the signallers had to don respirators and protective clothing as part of their CBRN training - this is worn over their uniform, not instead of it
Before a deliberate attack goes in, a model is made showing the terrain and other notable features so everyone involved can picture the lie of the land
The signallers take notes as they attend an O Group the night before launching their deliberate attack on the enemy position - every little detail matters
Lance Corporal Ashbee keeps a close eye on the members of his fire team during a section attack - a section is usually comprised of two fire teams, Charlie and Delta

Personnel from 222 Signal Squadron have been showing off their green Army skills during a nine-day field exercise.

They were deployed on Exercise Ranger Hopton at Sennybridge Training Area during which they had to live in the field, manoeuvre in fire teams, and carry out patrols and defensive operations.

The initial training began alongside the Infantry Battle School where they learned how to fight through trench systems followed by training to Fight in Woods and Forests – which is known as FIWAF.

After two days of this pre-exercise training, they deployed to a harbour area, carrying out the usual clearance patrols to secure the area before conducting reconnaissance patrols.

During these patrols they reacted to enemy fire, conducted counter CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) drills and responded to simulated drone incursions.

The presence of enemy drones was simulated by planting speakers along the signallers' patrol routes and playing the sound of drones to assess their response.

They then moved to a separate location and prepared to carry out an attack on a trench system.

At 0415hrs the following day, the attack began, which saw them work their way through the enemy entrenchment and then respond to a counterattack.

After nine days deployed in the field, the signallers left Sennybridge and headed back to their home base of Beacon Barracks in Stafford.

Sennybridge Training Area in Powys is just north of Brecon Beacons National Park.

Although the infamous rain of Brecon eluded them, the summer heat presented a different set of challenges for the soldiers.

Despite this, they embraced the opportunities and got stuck into some realistic training to prepare them for the challenges posed by modern warfare.

All images courtesy of the Ministry of Defence

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