Page 102 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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14 SIGNAL REGIMENT (ELECTRONIC WARFARE)
SSgt (SSI) D Thomas RAPTC
As I sit writing this year’s MBS, I am completing my first year within the Regiment. I arrived in West Wales in early 2021 after successfully completing the All Arms Commando Course at the ripe old age of 33. The course itself was possibly one of the best courses I have completed, was challenging both physically and mentally but with the added COVID restrictions and being gated in Okehampton for the duration of the course made it more demanding as there was no respite. Nevertheless, the outcome reflected on how much I enjoyed the course, I was awarded with the Commando Medal (Top Student) and the Commandant’s Prize (for exceptional performance).
14 Signal Regiment (EW) is a totally unique regiment and is the only regiment in the British Army that provides electronic warfare. That is more or less the limit of my knowledge with regards to the skillset that they deliver. The regiment is extremely busy deploying as small teams to Mali, Estonia, Iraq, Poland and UAE, to name just a few.
This year saw the return of the annual Patrol Competition held in Sennybridge over a gruelling 4-day period which saw teams from each Squadron battling it out with military stands, trade scenario
SSgt (SSI) D Thomas RAPTC
and finally through the Obstacle Course then on to a March and Shoot.
To finish the year off on a high, 14 Signal Regiment (EW) took first place with the winning mixed team during the infamous Royal Signals Lanyard Trophy. Which consisted of 40 miles loaded march (with 15kg) via a number of checkpoints through the undulating terrain of Otterburn Training Area. No mean feat!
SSgt (SSI) D Thomas receiving the Commando Medal
Obstacle Course familiarisation and practice
Obstacle Course
Lanyard Trophy 2021 Mixed Team Winners