16th (Air Assault) Brigade Headquarters
and Signal Squadron (216)

Air assault operations are complex and require effective command, control and robust communications. They are generally dispersed by nature and will often be across the Forward Lines of Own Troops (X-FLOT). They can vary from pure airborne operations, to mixed Aviation and Infantry assaults to pure deep strike with Attack Helicopter (The WAH 64 Apache), which will begin to gradually enter service from 2002. 16 Air Assault Brigade has a Joint (Army/RAF) HQ based in Colchester, providing the necessary direction and co-ordination required for air assault operations. It is far larger than a normal Brigade staff, with over 70 personnel in the Headquarters staff. The Brigade has four Infantry Battalions (1,2 and 3 Para plus an 'air land' Battalion), three Army Air Corps Regiments plus supporting arms.

216 Air Assault Signal Squadron is responsible for establishing and maintaining communications networks and systems to the fighting units and rearwards to its Forward Mounting Base (FMB). It also provides the infrastructure for all levels of Brigade Headquarters in the field ranging from a manpack Tactical HQ, provided by C Troop, to a fully equipped Main HQ, of which the Squadron has the capability too deploy two such HQ's from A and B Troop. The Squadron also provides a small HQ to support the logistics effort and provides Rear Link Teams (RLTs) to deployed Brigade assets, usually at Battlegroup but on occasion to Company level for specific operations.

The Squadron is larger than a normal Squadron, with 185 personnel. The unit is set to grow over coming years and receive new equipment specific to its role. The Squadron is 50% in role parachute trained. Those individuals who pass P-Coy and then complete the Basic Military Parachute Course will earn their parachute wings and pay. Volunteers are always sought for this challenging role.

The Squadron is continually at Very High Readiness, to support the Airborne Task Force and other operations. Most recently the Squadron has deployed on Op TELIC to Iraq.

Follow this link for Photos from this operation.