Signals training is not yet an official part of the APC Syllabus but is very much part of cadet force activities. In Cambridgeshire ACF signals training is under the management of Civilian Instructor Tony Hall, a former RAF Engineer and now Managing Director of a successful electronics company. Working with other qualified instructors who enjoy this field of training, he provides a selection of training courses throughout the year and enters cadet teams in many competitions on a national level.

 

There are four signals courses available to develop practical skills amongst cadets.

 

Radio User Course

This is a one day course held at a detachment or at County HQ at Waterbeach near Cambridge. It covers the basics of signalling including voice procedure, learning the phonetic alphabet and practical use of a military radio.

 

Cross Flags Cadre

This is a five day course held at a county cadet training centre. The course is based on the army cadet training syllabus. This is more challenging than the radio users course. Some of the topics covered are voice procedure, line equipment (telephone and exchanges), erecting antenna & masts and basic electrical theory.

 

Post-Classification Course

Held at The Royal School of Signals (RSS) at Blandford in Dorset, this is a five day course. This training is based on infantry battalion communication procedures as used by the army. It is more ‘in depth’ than the Cross Flags Course. Some of the topics covered are Introduction to radio and radio relay, electronic warfare and placing cables.

 

Advanced Signalling

Another five day course held at RSS Blandford in Dorset. This course will to test you to the limit. Some of the subjects covered are computers in the army, a radio vehicle exercise, radio exercise planning and remoting the high frequency radio. This is a very in depth course and only the serious need apply!

 

You can see the events calendar for up and coming signals events. If you would like to become involved in signals training, get qualified on courses or enter competitions then talk to your detachment commander or CI Tony Hall for more information.