Page 72 - Mercian Eagle 2013

SIGNAL PLATOON
I took over as Regimental Signal Officer (RSO) just before Christmas and what followed has been a furious 12 months
for the Signals Platoon. Mission Specific Training kicked in immediately and a plethora of courses came winging our way and not just CIS specific – if it bleeps it became ours to deal with, and thus
ours to train, that said, however, the men rose to the occasion and have delivered fantastically. Since Christmas we have qualified just shy of 100 soldiers as Basic Radio Users; a number as Platoon Radio Operators, the entirety of BHQ as Combat Staff Users, all whilst attending an array of
career courses ourselves. We have now qualified nearly every man in the Platoon
to Regimental Signaller Standard and have more Det Commanders than slots to fill, let alone the four qualified BOWMAN Systems Managers within the Platoon!
Looking forwards there is a strong contingent from the Platoon deploying on Op HERRICK 19, with comms warriors required in every reach of the OET. We should have a thoroughly diverse array of stories to tell next year.
Pioneered by LCpl Murphy and Pte Hill was the Signals Tough Guy team! Entering both the
RSO RSWO BSM PQMS Pl Sgt Tech Sgt
Capt M Fulford WO2 Voice CSgt Powell CSgt Rushton Sgt Sweeting Sgt Pritchard
sub-zero Winter challenge as well as the summer Nettle Warrior the platoon came out on top (see Tough Guy articles).
Whilst training has been our main effort throughout the year the lads have taken every opportunity to have a few drinks, a few BBQs and to relax. The easy-going yet hardworking attitude of the Platoon remains as strong as it ever has.
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head shed in place the Platoon knuckled down and continued the good work whilst the new MTO got to grips with JAMES.
Cpl Andrews joined the team heading the crucial role of the Details Desk, under the watchful eye of General Ridders. It had been a difficult time for Ridders to let go, but we are slowly weaning him off the desk and back into the daylight with MTWO WO2 Bartle and new MT Sgt Steve Banks firmly in place. They ensure that the Platoon conducts best practice by keeping our own Platoon qualified as well as the Battalion and that we are on top of all records
for driver training and more importantly
every individual’s driving files from Pte to
Commanding Officer. This is not forgetting
JAMES which controls the maintaining and
movement of all Green Fleet, an excellent tool but unfortunately hugely time-consuming. Since being the MTO I have learnt two favourite phrases, ‘no FMT 1000 no transport’ followed by ‘no Matrix test, no hire car’.
BLESMA, Blind Veterans UK, Combat Stress, Veterans Aid and FAB (Families Activity Breaks) held at Kahaus in Bad Fallingbostel town. They managed to get Tim Westwood over from UK to head the event, followed up by fresh new DJs from 3 Mercian and local units. The evening was a great success and they raised £750, this was no mean feat as they took on the challenge themselves. They also organise functions down town once a month which gives an alternative night out in what is a quiet location to the families based in the Garrison.
Continuing with the the MT Platoon, we have had a couple of new members join us recently, though still too young for driving duties. The Platoon wants to pass their
congratulations to LCpl Smart and his girlfriend Jade on the birth of their little boy Albie Smart who was born 05 July 13 back in Dudley. Also to Pte Snape and his wife Melanie on the birth of their little boy
Ethan Peter Snape born 02 Aug 13. Final farewell goes to LCpls Guest and
Motteram who have been long serving members within the platoon. Eric Motteram, completing his 22 years within the Battalion and very much the mascot of the platoon, will move on to greater things.
The Platoon moves on strength to strength in the preparation of future challenges, supporting the Battalion on operations and the Rear
Operation Group. The investment in the Platoon is critical, especially when forming the new 1st and 2nd Battalion. So as we get closer to the close down of Germany, the green fleet will shrink and so will the Platoon. The current faces of 3 Mercian MT Platoon will be the last and therefore mark the end of era.
Outside the workplace some of the Platoon members have been busy representing the Battalion. Pte Wayte had another successful year playing Ice Hockey for the Army where his team came second in the Rhino Cup in March 2013 and later the Army Cup in Bracknell in April 2013 where Pte Wayte achieved top goal scorer for the tournament. Pte Wayte now wants
...an excellent tool but unfortunately hugely time-consuming.
to broaden his sporting skills and compete in
kayaking, as well as Ice Hockey. He shortly plans during the ROG, to get qualified as an instructor, therefore allowing other soldiers in on the fun.
In May Pte Reaveanu and his wife Marika organised a great event called the Westwood Salute to raise money for BFBS Charities
THE MERCIAN EAGLE