40 (NIH) SIGNAL SQUADRON ANNUAL DEPLOYMENT EXERCISE 2015

Annual Deployment Exercise (ADE) 2015 offered members of 40 (North Irish Horse) opportunities to develop UK Operations, Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) and HF communications capability within the United Kingdom and Europe.

UK Operations training was based in Strensall Camp, York. Reserve soldiers were deployed alongside their regular counterparts and gained valuable experience using the FALCON communication system; they also deployed in Command Support Teams in support of various G1 – G9 staff branches during Exercise HORSESHOE WARRIOR. Whilst in Strensall they also completed Basic Close Combat Skills (BCCS) training, this was highly physically and mentally challenging training that provided excellent guidance for those that aspire to move from their current rank and promote – this would be a separate Command and Leadership course in the future. All of the personnel that undertook BCCS prepared their own meals and slept out in the field, which they adapted to quite well – the weather was also quite kind to them.

Personnel were also attached to 2 Sig Sqn in Arbroath, in the North of Scotland, supporting them for over two weeks whilst they carried out their specialist training.

Twelve members of the Squadron deployed to Thiepval Barracks Lisburn and attended an ECM Operator / Maintainer course that was run by 225 Signal Squadron. This was the first stage of the Squadron developing an ECM capability. The soldiers completed familiarisation on ECM equipment, learned to operate and deploy the equipment in various theatres and undertake maintenance and repair tasks. A very intensive training package pushed the soldiers hard; they gained valuable ECM experience and expertise. The Squadron now has an ECM capability that can be used to support operations worldwide.

The final phase of ADE offered ten soldiers the opportunity to deploy to Denmark in support of 152 Transport Regiment’s OTX. Five BOWMAN detachments deployed on Exercise VIKING STAR under Sgt Kris Wilson. This was a rare opportunity to deploy BOWMAN assets overseas and use HF communications over vast areas.  Signallers were kept busy in support of bulk fuel installations. Their ability was tested to the full and they achieved excellent communications coverage over the period.

The three phases of ADE ran concurrently and the OC (Maj Gordy Stevenson) managed to visit each phase and was extremely proud and encouraged by the performance of his soldiers. 

Photo above:  BOWMAN detachment EXERCISE VIKING STAR, Denmark, Sep 15