Royal Signals Trades
Encyclopedia
The Royal Signals Trades are the employment specialisations of the Royal Corps of Signals
in the British Army
. Every soldier in the Corps
is trained both as a field soldier and a tradesman. There are currently seven different trades, each of which is open to both men and women:
Harrogate
or the Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn
in Hertfordshire
or at ATC ( army training centre ) Pirbright in Surrey. At the Army Training Regiment recruits complete a 14-week course which teaches basic military skills such as military drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work outdoors and how to tackle an assault course. In addition they develop their stamina and fitness.
On completing his or her initial training every soldier then moves to 11th Signal Regiment at Blandford Camp
in Dorset
to commence their trade training.
, satellite communications and wide-area computer networks
. Their course at the Royal School of Signals
lasts 28 weeks and covers the following disciplines:
At the rank of sergeant selected Communication Systems Operator go on to become Yeomen of Signals.
's battlefield communication networks and information systems. Their course at the Royal School of Signals
lasts 36 weeks. Their training includes the following elements:
At the rank of corporal Communication Systems Engineers can be highlighted for potential supervisory roles. These roles are Foreman of Signals or Foreman of Signals (Information Systems).
With the merging of the two trade groups, Systems Engineering Technicians and Information Systems Engineers these supervisory roles are still being scrutinized to match the new trade group. At present the Foreman of Signals deals with the technical aspect of Squadron life, working with the squadron technical workshops, dealing with 1st and 2nd line inspections and holding and maintaining the sqn master works register and technical inventory.
The Foreman of Signals (Information Systems) deals with the information systems aspect of life within a squadron, arranging for information systems courses relevant to the Squadron assets, network management and the deployment and tracking of squadron Information system equipments.
Whilst both supervisory trade groups act independently, there is a need for the two to interact and exchange information on a regular basis.
lasts 25 weeks. It covers the following disciplines:
Their course at the Royal School of Signals
lasts 6 weeks. It covers the following disciplines:
The final stage of training for Driver Linemen is 14 weeks at the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield, East Yorkshire, learning how to drive cars and Large Goods Vehicle
s both with and without trailers.
lasts 40 weeks and covers the following disciplines:
, followed by a five-week aptitude course and a 17-week Communications Exploitation course at the Defence College of Intelligence, Chicksands
in Bedfordshire
. Their training covers the following disciplines:
lasts 13 weeks and covers the following disciplines:
Candidates for YofS and FofS are selected from the Operator and Technician trades for training to first degree and Honours degree respectfully. Both are obtained through the Royal School of Signals Blandford whilst being validated by Bournemouth University.
. Communication Systems Engineers and Electronic Warfare Operators, however, leave training as lance corporals. After a year's experience all tradesmen become eligible for upgrading to Class 2 and a pay rise. Throughout their careers tradesmen attend further training courses (including upgrading to Class 1). Promotion is based on experience, ability and merit. Depending on their trade, upon reaching the rank of sergeant
, soldiers may apply to join one of the supervisory rosters, which brings extra responsibility and qualifications. Alternatively, soldiers from any trade may choose to follow a career path at Regimental Duty, in which they specialise in delivering military training and, if successful, fill roles such as squadron sergeant major
, regimental quartermaster sergeant (RQMS) and regimental sergeant major
(RSM).
Soldiers from any trade can volunteer for service with airborne
forces or as a Special Forces Communicator
, a small number may undertake All Arms Commando Course
for service with 3 Commando Brigade
.
Signallers of all trades may apply to join the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team
, better known as the White Helmets
.
, or as a Late Entry officer, undertaking a short commissioning course at Sandhurst. LE Officers are employed as Traffic Officers, Technical Officer (Telecommunications) or General Duties based on experience as a Yeoman of Signals, Foreman of Signals or Regimental Duty.
Royal Corps of Signals
The Royal Corps of Signals is one of the combat support arms of the British Army...
in the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
. Every soldier in the Corps
Royal Corps of Signals
The Royal Corps of Signals is one of the combat support arms of the British Army...
is trained both as a field soldier and a tradesman. There are currently seven different trades, each of which is open to both men and women:
- Communication Systems Operator: an expert in military radio communications.
- Communication Systems Engineer: an expert in data communications and computer networks.
- Royal Signals Electrician: an expert in maintaining and repairing generators and providing electrical power.
- Driver Lineman: an expert in driving, laying line and installing cabling.
- Installation Technician: an expert in installing and repairing fibreoptics and telephone systems.
- Electronic Warfare Systems Operator: an expert in intercepting and jamming enemy communications.
- Technical Supply Specialist: an expert in managing and accounting for communications equipment.
Initial Training Common to All Trades
Every tradesman trains first as a soldier at the Army Foundation CollegeArmy Foundation College
The Army Foundation College in Harrogate trains future soldiers from the infantry, armoured corps, artillery and elements of the Royal Logistic Corps . School-leavers aged between 16 and 17 years and five months of age are eligible to join. The AFC offers young men and women the opportunity to...
Harrogate
Harrogate
Harrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire, England. The town is a tourist destination and its visitor attractions include its spa waters, RHS Harlow Carr gardens, and Betty's Tea Rooms. From the town one can explore the nearby Yorkshire Dales national park. Harrogate originated in the 17th...
or the Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn
Bassingbourn
Bassingbourn can refer to:* Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth, a civil parish in Cambridgeshire, England* RAF Bassingbourn or Bassingbourn Barracks, a former military airbase located in Cambridgeshire...
in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
or at ATC ( army training centre ) Pirbright in Surrey. At the Army Training Regiment recruits complete a 14-week course which teaches basic military skills such as military drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work outdoors and how to tackle an assault course. In addition they develop their stamina and fitness.
On completing his or her initial training every soldier then moves to 11th Signal Regiment at Blandford Camp
Blandford Camp
Blandford Camp is a military base comprising some 390 hectares of downland lying 2 miles north-east of Blandford Forum in the county of Dorset in southern England....
in Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
to commence their trade training.
Communication Systems Operator
Communication Systems Operators form the largest trade in the Royal Signals and are trained to operate secure digital radio systemsSecure voice
Secure voice is a term in cryptography for the encryption of voice communication over a range of communication types such as radio, telephone or IP.-History:...
, satellite communications and wide-area computer networks
Wide area network
A wide area network is a telecommunication network that covers a broad area . Business and government entities utilize WANs to relay data among employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations...
. Their course at the Royal School of Signals
Royal School of Signals
The Royal School of Signals is a military training establishment that is part of the United Kingdom's Defence College of Communications and Information Systems. It is located at Blandford Camp in Dorset...
lasts 28 weeks and covers the following disciplines:
- Area communications systems.
- Mobile multi-channel microwave radio relay.
- Civilian and military satellite communications.
- Public switched telephone networks.
- Information systems training.
- Keyboard skills and elements of the European Computer Driving LicenceEuropean Computer Driving LicenceThe European Computer Driving Licence , also known as International Computer Driving Licence , is a computer literacy certification programme provided by ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation....
. - Driving cars (with and without trailers) and, in some cases, Large Goods VehicleLarge Goods VehicleA large goods vehicle , is the European Union term for any truck with a gross combination mass of over...
s.
At the rank of sergeant selected Communication Systems Operator go on to become Yeomen of Signals.
Communication Systems Engineer
Communication Systems Engineers are the technical experts of the Royal Signals. They install, maintain and repair the British ArmyBritish Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
's battlefield communication networks and information systems. Their course at the Royal School of Signals
Royal School of Signals
The Royal School of Signals is a military training establishment that is part of the United Kingdom's Defence College of Communications and Information Systems. It is located at Blandford Camp in Dorset...
lasts 36 weeks. Their training includes the following elements:
- Basic computer software systems: how to install computer workstations into a systems network and then maintain, engineer and control these systems.
- Information systems: computer systems training and other skills required to complete elements of the European Computer Driving LicenceEuropean Computer Driving LicenceThe European Computer Driving Licence , also known as International Computer Driving Licence , is a computer literacy certification programme provided by ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation....
to Level 2 standard. - Radio: HFHigh frequencyHigh frequency radio frequencies are between 3 and 30 MHz. Also known as the decameter band or decameter wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decameters . Frequencies immediately below HF are denoted Medium-frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Very high frequency...
to UHF and BowmanBowman (communications system)Bowman is the name of the tactical communications system used by the British Armed Forces.The Bowman C4I system consists of a range of HF radio, VHF radio and UHF radio sets designed to provide secure integrated voice, data services to dismounted soldiers, individual vehicles and command HQs up to...
radio equipment, satellite and theatre-wide area digital communications networks. - Teleconferencing: operating video teleconferencing equipment and digital telephone exchanges.
- Service management: providing help-desk support and troubleshooting.
- Driving: cars (with and without trailers).
At the rank of corporal Communication Systems Engineers can be highlighted for potential supervisory roles. These roles are Foreman of Signals or Foreman of Signals (Information Systems).
With the merging of the two trade groups, Systems Engineering Technicians and Information Systems Engineers these supervisory roles are still being scrutinized to match the new trade group. At present the Foreman of Signals deals with the technical aspect of Squadron life, working with the squadron technical workshops, dealing with 1st and 2nd line inspections and holding and maintaining the sqn master works register and technical inventory.
The Foreman of Signals (Information Systems) deals with the information systems aspect of life within a squadron, arranging for information systems courses relevant to the Squadron assets, network management and the deployment and tracking of squadron Information system equipments.
Whilst both supervisory trade groups act independently, there is a need for the two to interact and exchange information on a regular basis.
Royal Signals Electrician
Royal Signals Electricians install, maintain and repair field-distribution power supplies and lighting. They are responsible for the mechanical and electrical repair of the Army's field generator systems. Their course at the Royal School of SignalsRoyal School of Signals
The Royal School of Signals is a military training establishment that is part of the United Kingdom's Defence College of Communications and Information Systems. It is located at Blandford Camp in Dorset...
lasts 25 weeks. It covers the following disciplines:
- Electrical engineering theory and practice: the skills required to repair and maintain power distribution equipment, generator and battery systems.
- Safety practices and procedures: preventing electrocution.
- Driving: cars and Large Goods VehicleLarge Goods VehicleA large goods vehicle , is the European Union term for any truck with a gross combination mass of over...
s with or without trailers.
Driver Lineman
Linemen drive, maintain and service vehicles from cars to Large Goods Vehicles. Their role includes the movement of hazardous materials, constructing field cable routes and laying fibre-optic cabling.Their course at the Royal School of Signals
Royal School of Signals
The Royal School of Signals is a military training establishment that is part of the United Kingdom's Defence College of Communications and Information Systems. It is located at Blandford Camp in Dorset...
lasts 6 weeks. It covers the following disciplines:
- Installing and testing different types of field communication cables and telephones.
- Antenna rigging skills: working on high masts in difficult conditions.
- First aid and safety: the correct and safe way to wear a harness and climb telegraph poles.
- Computer skills: elements of the European Computer Driving LicenceEuropean Computer Driving LicenceThe European Computer Driving Licence , also known as International Computer Driving Licence , is a computer literacy certification programme provided by ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation....
.
The final stage of training for Driver Linemen is 14 weeks at the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield, East Yorkshire, learning how to drive cars and Large Goods Vehicle
Large Goods Vehicle
A large goods vehicle , is the European Union term for any truck with a gross combination mass of over...
s both with and without trailers.
Installation Technician
Installation Technicians install, maintain and repair the Army's telephone systems and fibre-optic networks, including cable infrastructures, local area networks, closed circuit television and video conferencing systems. Their course at the Royal School of SignalsRoyal School of Signals
The Royal School of Signals is a military training establishment that is part of the United Kingdom's Defence College of Communications and Information Systems. It is located at Blandford Camp in Dorset...
lasts 40 weeks and covers the following disciplines:
- Repairing, installing and maintaining telephone networks.
- Copper and fibre-optic cabling skills.
- Working at heights
- Elements of the European Computer Driving LicenceEuropean Computer Driving LicenceThe European Computer Driving Licence , also known as International Computer Driving Licence , is a computer literacy certification programme provided by ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation....
- Driving cars with and without trailers
Electronic Warfare Systems Operator
Electronic Warfare Systems Operators are responsible for intercepting and disrupting enemy radio transmissions. They deploy alongside Intelligence Corps linguists, and some work with bomb disposal teams. They train alongside Communication Systems Operators on a 23 week course at the Royal School of SignalsRoyal School of Signals
The Royal School of Signals is a military training establishment that is part of the United Kingdom's Defence College of Communications and Information Systems. It is located at Blandford Camp in Dorset...
, followed by a five-week aptitude course and a 17-week Communications Exploitation course at the Defence College of Intelligence, Chicksands
Chicksands
Chicksands is a village in the Central Bedfordshire district of Bedfordshire, England and part of the civil parish of Campton and Chicksands . It is on the River Flit. Nearby places are Shefford and Campton....
in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire is a ceremonial county of historic origin in England that forms part of the East of England region.It borders Cambridgeshire to the north-east, Northamptonshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the west and Hertfordshire to the south-east....
. Their training covers the following disciplines:
- Operating communications equipment. Learning to use HFHigh frequencyHigh frequency radio frequencies are between 3 and 30 MHz. Also known as the decameter band or decameter wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decameters . Frequencies immediately below HF are denoted Medium-frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Very high frequency...
, VHF, UHF and SHFSHFSHF may refer to:* Super high frequency, radio frequencies in the range of 3 GHz and 30 GHz* Société de l'histoire de France, a society formed in 1833 to study French history* Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, a mid-1970s country-rock band....
radio equipment. - Computer skills. Keyboard skills and completion of parts of the European Computer Driving LicenceEuropean Computer Driving LicenceThe European Computer Driving Licence , also known as International Computer Driving Licence , is a computer literacy certification programme provided by ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation....
. - Special message handling and intercept skills.
- Driving cars (with and without trailers) and Large Goods VehicleLarge Goods VehicleA large goods vehicle , is the European Union term for any truck with a gross combination mass of over...
s.
Technical Supply Specialist
Technical Supply Specialists are responsible for the storage and distribution of technical supplies, both on base and when deployed on operations. Managing technical stores is the core responsibility of this trade, but Supply Specialists must have a thorough understanding of the communications equipment used by Royal Signals units. Their course at the Royal School of SignalsRoyal School of Signals
The Royal School of Signals is a military training establishment that is part of the United Kingdom's Defence College of Communications and Information Systems. It is located at Blandford Camp in Dorset...
lasts 13 weeks and covers the following disciplines:
- Manual accounting systems.
- Computer-based accounting systems.
- Driving cars and military vehicles including Large Goods VehicleLarge Goods VehicleA large goods vehicle , is the European Union term for any truck with a gross combination mass of over...
s. - Elements of the European Computer Driving LicenceEuropean Computer Driving LicenceThe European Computer Driving Licence , also known as International Computer Driving Licence , is a computer literacy certification programme provided by ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation....
.
Supervisory trades
Staff sergeants and warrant officers work in one of five supervisory rosters:- Yeoman of Signals (YofS)
- Yeoman of Signals (Electronic Warfare)
- Foreman of Signals (FofS)
- Foreman of Signals (Information Systems)
- Regimental Duty
Candidates for YofS and FofS are selected from the Operator and Technician trades for training to first degree and Honours degree respectfully. Both are obtained through the Royal School of Signals Blandford whilst being validated by Bournemouth University.
Subsequent employment
After basic and trade training most Royal Signals tradesmen are posted to the Field Army as Class 3 trained soldiers in the rank of signallerSignaller
In the armed forces, a signaller or signaleer is a specialist soldier or seaman or airman responsible for military communications. Signallers, aka Combat Signallers or signalmen or women, are commonly employed as radio or telephone operators, relaying messages for field commanders at the front line...
. Communication Systems Engineers and Electronic Warfare Operators, however, leave training as lance corporals. After a year's experience all tradesmen become eligible for upgrading to Class 2 and a pay rise. Throughout their careers tradesmen attend further training courses (including upgrading to Class 1). Promotion is based on experience, ability and merit. Depending on their trade, upon reaching the rank of sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
, soldiers may apply to join one of the supervisory rosters, which brings extra responsibility and qualifications. Alternatively, soldiers from any trade may choose to follow a career path at Regimental Duty, in which they specialise in delivering military training and, if successful, fill roles such as squadron sergeant major
Sergeant Major
Sergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
, regimental quartermaster sergeant (RQMS) and regimental sergeant major
Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Sergeant Major is an appointment held by warrant officers class 1 in the British Army, the British Royal Marines and in the armies of many Commonwealth nations, including Australia and New Zealand; and by chief warrant officers in the Canadian Forces...
(RSM).
Soldiers from any trade can volunteer for service with airborne
216 Parachute Squadron Royal Signals
216 Parachute Signal Squadron is a Squadron of the British Army's Royal Corps of Signals. It is responsible for installing, maintaining and operating all types of telecommunications equipment and information systems in support of 16 Air Assault Brigade.-History:216 Parachute Signal was formed in...
forces or as a Special Forces Communicator
18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment
18 Signal Regiment is a Regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army and provides communications and information systems support to the force elements of the United Kingdom Special Forces...
, a small number may undertake All Arms Commando Course
All Arms Commando Course
The All Arms Commando Course lasts for 9 weeks and is run by the Royal Marines at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines , Lympstone. Members from any of the United Kingdom's Regular Armed Forces and overseas exchange personnel can attend in order to serve with 3 Commando Brigade...
for service with 3 Commando Brigade
3 Commando Brigade
3 Commando Brigade is a commando formation of the British Armed Forces and the main manoeuvre formation of the Royal Marines. Its personnel are predominantly Royal Marines, supported by units of Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery, The Rifles, and the Fleet Air Arm, together with other Commando...
.
Signallers of all trades may apply to join the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team
Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team
The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team , also known as the White Helmets, is a group of serving soldiers from the Royal Corps of Signals of the British Army, who give public displays of motorcycling skills, acrobatics and stunt riding...
, better known as the White Helmets
Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team
The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team , also known as the White Helmets, is a group of serving soldiers from the Royal Corps of Signals of the British Army, who give public displays of motorcycling skills, acrobatics and stunt riding...
.
Commissioning
Signallers may apply for commissioning, either as a Direct Entry officer undertaking the complete training package at Royal Military Academy SandhurstRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst , commonly known simply as Sandhurst, is a British Army officer initial training centre located in Sandhurst, Berkshire, England...
, or as a Late Entry officer, undertaking a short commissioning course at Sandhurst. LE Officers are employed as Traffic Officers, Technical Officer (Telecommunications) or General Duties based on experience as a Yeoman of Signals, Foreman of Signals or Regimental Duty.