Page 20 - DATR 2019

Lance Corporal Lindsey Furness and ‘Teal’ enjoying helicopter training in Cyprus
and obedience. They will also be taught Practical Training Assistant techniques in order to be able to safely ‘take a bite’ from a working dog in training (i.e. be the one in the suit!).
After the dog handling course, soldiers return to the Squadron which is based at North Luffenham, (note the squadron is due to relocate to Kendrew barracks at Cottesmore during the later part of 2021). Most months the Squadron holds practical training over a weekend where military skills are practiced along with all aspects of dog handling. Each year the Squadron deploys on an ‘Annual Deployment Exercise’, where again all aspects of handling and soldiering skills are honed.
Of course being an Army Reserve Soldier or handler is not all military skills and dog handling. There are plenty of other opportunities such as Adventure Training which is fun and challenging. Handlers from 101 Squadron have been fortunate enough to complete Adventure Training in the USA as well as European countries. The Squadron is proud of the sporting activities it offers. Each year personnel play rugby, often overseas in Cyprus, and skiing in Europe is a constant every winter. Handlers who can commit more time have deployed on exercises with Regular Squadrons in the UK as well as overseas. The Reserve Squadron endeavours to
A happy Army Reserve handler Private Caroline Windridge and search dog ‘Katy’
offer one deserving handler a chance to go to the USA each year on an exchange programme for 2-3 weeks during the summer. Reserve service can provide you with recognised qualifications as well as lifelong skills which are beneficial both in a military or civilian career.
RAVC Reserves are volunteers but receive a good daily rate of pay and generous financial incentives for travel. Reserves who complete the specified annual training requirements, (mandated military tests and a minimum of 19 days training), are rewarded with an annual tax free financial bounty.
If you are interested in a challenge and would like some adventure, travel overseas, and you can commit to at least 19 days training per year in the RAVC Reserves; log on to https://apply.army.mod.uk/how- to-join and follow the links for much more detail. You may wish to consider Regular service if you can commit to a full time career. If you are aged between 17 years 9 months and 49 years 11 months you can apply to join the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) Army Reserves. Readers can find out more by ringing the Squadron on 01780 72 7877, or visit our recruiting stand here at the Open Day to find out more about a challenging career in the Army and the RAVC working with Military Working Dogs.
20 | Defence Animal Training Regiment