Find out more about web archiving at The National Archives
'); metaDataWindow.document.write('Page Properties<\/b>

'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Navigation Title:<\/b><\/td>Phase 2 Training<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Keywords:<\/b><\/td>Royal School of Signals, RSS, Phase Two Training<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Description:<\/b><\/td>Royal School of Signals - Phase Two Training<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Content Contact:<\/b><\/td>WO2 (FofS) Andy Soward<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Telephone:<\/b><\/td>94 371 2167<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Email:<\/b><\/td>webmaster@royalsignals.mod.uk<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Protective Marking:<\/b><\/td>Unclassified<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
FOI Status:<\/b><\/td>Releasable<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Copyright:<\/b><\/td>UK Crown Copyright<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('<\/table>
<\/body><\/html>'); } //-->

Royal Signals Soldier
Phase Two Training

The Corps Colours

Training At The Royal School of Signals

Royal Signals soldiers learning about generator maintenanceThe mission of the Royal School of Signals is to train officers and soldiers in order to meet their operational tasks. To this end every Royal Signals soldier, whether from the Army Training Regiment Lichfield, Pirbright,  the Army Foundation College or the Army Development Centre will carry out their trade training (Phase Two training) at the Royal School of Signals, Blandford. The length of the course will depend on the trade chosen, varying from 6 weeks up to 49 weeks. Electronic Warfare Systems Operators attend an introductory course of 5 weeks at the Royal School of Signals before completing their training at the Defence Special Signals School in Chicksands, Bedfordshire.

Although there can be several hundred soldiers undergoing Phase Two training at any one time, classes are small and the instructor to student ratio is high. The courses are designed to give the optimum balance between principles and practical applications. To this end, extensive use is made of computer based training and simulators as well as exercising on deployed equipment in the field.

Driver Training At The Royal School of Signals

Learner DriverAll Royal Signals soldiers are required to be able to drive. They carry out basic driver training in Blandford and are taught to drive a car with or without a trailer. Some trades require a Large Goods Vehicle licence and this instruction will be given at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield or in their first field unit. Many Royal Signals soldiers then progress on to learn to drive armoured vehicles while in field units.

Promotion Courses At The Royal School of Signals

Having completed Phase Two training, soldiers qualify at Class 3 level in their trade and are posted to field units. They are almost certain to return to Blandford during their career because the Royal School of Signals also provides continuation training to qualify for promotion and to improve professional knowledge. These promotion courses are divided into trade and military skills areas and in both cases aim to improve supervisory and management skills.

Facilities At The Royal School of Signals

RSS - Rock Climbing

Whilst soldiers are at Blandford there are plenty of opportunities for sport and adventurous training to compliment the trade training. The Physical and Recreational Training Centre is well equipped and able to cater for most physical activities. Soldiers are encouraged to try a wide variety of sports using the excellent facilities including indoor and outdoor climbing walls, athletics track, astroturf pitch, judo dojo, tennis courts, squash courts, weight training area and gymnasium. Off site the School has the facilities and instructors to organise sailing, windsurfing, diving, hill walking, rock climbing, mountain biking and canoeing expeditions. Blandford Camp is well equipped with bars, shops, a restaurant and cafe, clubs, a cinema and bowling alley. There are medical and dental facilities on camp and accommodation of a high standard.