Royal Signals Soldier Profiles

CORPORAL NICKY DAWSON - ELECTRONIC WARFARE SYSTEMS OPERATOR

My current job is with a mobile unit. Our equipment and vehicles have to be ready for rapid reaction. I really enjoy the immediacy of going out into the field and doing what I trained for. I've been recommended as a potential officer, but I want to stay in the ranks -I like being a soldier.

Basic training is hard. The biggest adjustment for me was being away from home. Even so, it was a wonderful experience and particularly satisfying to cut two minutes off my basic fitness test time.

During trade training I learnt all types of signals in order to intercept communications. I found the course really tough but my hard work paid off-I came top at the end. I've progressed rapidly through my trade to Class 1. I even have 30 points, which is a third towards a degree - the Army will subsidise me if I decide to do one.

I've been selected to go to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as a military instructor when I become a Sergeant. That will give me something to aim towards over the next couple of years.

SERGEANT MATHEW REES - COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Do you have to keep up with the technology?
Yes, I've still got a lot to learn and it's changing all the time. I was originally taught on Microsoft Windows 95 and NT and now it's all Windows 2000 and XP. You have to work at it but I enjoy getting my hands on the kit.

Will you be involved in Bowman testing?
The Bowman system relies on software so I expect to be involved in the trials and testing. My main job will be the data capture for people evaluating the equipment - they'll be out on Salisbury Plain asking soldiers what they think of Bowman and I'll record the results.

Do conditions sometimes play havoc with the kit?
Yes. On Exercise Saif Sareea in Oman, temperatures got up to 55 degrees centigrade. We ended up wrapping the kit in Clingfilm and cooling it down with desk fans - but it worked. On most tours we're dealing with standard office kit but on Saif Sareea we also supported the ATacCS equipment, which is a standard laptop on the inside that's been 'ruggedized' for use by the Army.

What's the next step for you?
I'd like to train as a Supervisor Information Systems - where I'll oversee other soldiers and equipment and help to form policy and procedures. I like adventurous training so I'd also like to get my Service Mountain Expedition Leader instructor qualification.

SERGEANT PAUL ASKEW - COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Sergeant Paul Askew joined the Army having completed a BTEC National Diploma in Electronic Engineering. He has had a packed career working with various specialist units around the globe.

Joining the Royal Signals is the best move I ever made the stability; the variety and job satisfaction have been excellent.

After a posting as a Regimental technician in Germany, I was lucky enough to be seconded to the US Air Force. It was an extremely fulfilling experience. The Americans did not have the data communications capacity that they needed and it was our job to patch the British SHF radio through to the American satellite communications installations. Our team flew to the States and trained in a US technical institute. Back home we built the cables, testing and adapting until we had a large-scale, multinational SATCOM solution. It was tested in Bosnia with full crew, and as far as I know, it's still operating today.

My Class 1 training at Blandford was the same course that you'd follow on civvy street. I came away as a Sergeant and was lucky enough to be posted to an independent unit where I could put my high level skills to work in a professional and challenging environment.

I'm currently preparing for my Foreman of Signals course that will lead to a degree and more responsibility. You have the opportunity here to plan a career. Of course, you have to work hard to get where you want.