591 FIELD SQUADRON RESERVIST HONOURED AT HILLSBOROUGH

Bangor man Sergeant Neil McClenaghan is commended for the decades of volunteer service which have made him an undoubted asset to the Army Reserve.

Sergeant McClenaghan is an outstanding sportsman who has represented his Company in shooting, boxing and cross-country running, demonstrating a high level of fitness which has endured throughout his career.  

In 2010 he swapped his regimental berets for the distinctive blue of the United Nations and peacekeeping deployment on Op TOSCA in Cyprus where, in recognition for his efforts throughout the operation, he received a Force Commander’s Commendation.

Sergeant McClenaghan wasted no time in volunteering for another tour, and in 2011 he deployed on Op HERRICK 15 displaying strong technical and soldiering skills, conducting recces in remote and inhospitable locations within Afghanistan, making himself an asset to the Provisional Reconstruction Team and a credit to the Reserves.

Sergeant McClenaghan then turned his attention towards deepening his military engineering knowledge: in October 2012 he completed the Combat Engineer 3-2 course, then in July 2013 he completed the Combat Engineer 2-1 course and was promoted to Corporal. 

Having increased both his skills and rank, he returned to Afghanistan in 2014, this time on Op HERRICK 20. Employed in the role of Maintenance Team Commander, he was responsible for the accommodation of nearly 1,000 Afghan National Army Officer Cadets. He maintained vital infrastructure to a high standard despite adverse conditions and severely restricted resources, ultimately earning the praise and recognition of senior officers.

Sergeant McClenaghan took part in the 2015 Remembrance Day Commemoration in London, where his Squadron paraded in front of the Queen. On promotion to Sergeant in 2017, he quickly adapted to his responsibilities as Troop Sergeant during the construction of the high-profile Cross-Country Driver Training Area in Northern Ireland. 

In 2018 he acted as Troop Sergeant on Exercise MAYAN STAR in Belize: Constrained by limited resources, long lead times and limited man-power, he employed effective management and strong leadership to complete all of the tasks to a high standard.

The Citation concludes, “Sergeant McClenaghan consistently demonstrates the key qualities of an exceptional Reserve Soldier.  Diligent and thoughtful, he employs a particularly strong work ethic to ensure the success of the Squadron.  He engages fully in Squadron life to build a positive ethos and his intelligence, professionalism and selfless commitment are clearly evident in his work, which he does without thought for recognition.”