NEW DUAL ROLE FOR 40 (NORTH IRISH HORSE) SIGNAL SQUADRON

An important goal for 40 (NIH) Signal Squadron in 2016 was to complete the formation of a troop trained in Electromagnetic Counter Measures (ECM).  In September, in lieu of Annual Deployment Exercise (ADE), the Squadron achieved the target of 25 fully trained ECM personnel when a further 12 completed the Op Maintainers Course with 225 (FP) Signal Squadron, their regular counterparts.  Having embraced the “One Army” concept, the Squadron now has a dual role of UK Ops and ECM capability.  Working with the Regular Army has already brought numerous opportunities for the Squadron and with a heightened profile we look forward to the future. 

For those not on ECM training, the ADE this year was a Regimental run exercise conducted in Garelochhead. The exercise was well organised and imaginative – giving everyone involved an experience of Survival, Trade and Adventure Training.

It has also been a busy year for commemorations. The annual commemoration of the Battle of the Hitler Line began with a dinner at the Belfray Country Inn, Londonderry on Friday evening before meeting up with our cavalry brothers from B Squadron, North Irish Horse for an inspection, parade and church service in Carrickfergus on Saturday morning. On the return through the town the Salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Antrim and the Mayor of Carrickfergus.

Twenty-five officers and soldiers from the Squadron also had the privilege of deploying on Ex Somme Finn. This was a well organised and educational 5 days, which culminated in attendance at the Ulster Tower ceremony on the 1st July. The respects and laying of wreaths were made on behalf of both 40 (NIH) Signal Squadron and B Squadron, North Irish Horse.

The Squadron also joined the local community in an annual remembrance service at St. Mark’s Church, before marching back to Clonaver Army Reserve Centre, with the Commanding Officer taking the salute.

Recruiting throughout the last 12 months has been steady and the Squadron is now 3 short of being fully manned at 81. The Squadron does have a shortfall of Young Officers which we hope to address in the near future. We have 4 Potential Officers in the training pipeline and it is hoped the next few months will bring success.

Looking forward to 2017, the Squadron is participating in the Lanyard Trophy, which involves a 10 man team marching over 40 miles carrying 40lbs followed by the Nijmegan Marches.  There will be numerous adventure training opportunities for our soldiers including trekking in Peru, skydiving in California and skiing in France. The ADE in September 2017 will be held in Strensall and once again will be run by 32 Signal Regiment over two weeks and will consist of trade training and adventure training for all ranks.

In summary, 2016 has been a varied and successful year for the Squadron.  The last 12 month period has seen 40 (NIH) Signal Squadron reservists experience operations and training in Cyprus, South Africa, Kenya, United States, Austria and France.  The Squadron has been successful at recruiting and morale is high. The additional role of ECM has been something that has given the Squadron a genuine purpose going forward.