38 Signals Regiment Visit

25/01/2011

On Tuesday 25th January, we had a visit to the 38 Signals Regiment in Sheffield. We were split into four groups as there was four stations for us to see.

The first station me and my group saw was about the fitness part within the British Army. We were told what the fitness tests were and how to perform them, these tests included the bleep test, push up and sit up tests (2 minutes each) and the 1.5 mile run. We also felt the weight of one of their Bergen Rucksacks (50-60kg) and the SA80 Assault Rifle (can weigh up to 8kg) and all their equipment together can weight up to 80kg!

The next station was the uniform and basic equipment, this consisted of boots, socks, t-shirts, jacket, trousers and other variations of this for weather conditions. We were then told about the sleeping equipment such as the sleeping bag and roll mat which can provide warmth to temperatures down to -40 degrees! They also had the helmet and gas masks that are used in places which consist of radioactive substances. We then moved onto some of the weapons used, we were shown the SA80 Assault Rifle and the 9mm Browning Pistol. They explained when and how each weapon was used and their effective range etc.

Link to 38 Signals Regiment information

The third station was about first aid after an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) had been used. While the actors were performing this, we were been lead through the procedures they take when attending an incident like this one. They grade the casualties from Priority 1 (most urgent) and Priority 4 (likely to die).

The final station was about the communication and technology used within the Armed Forces and Emergency Services. We were expected to use the Bowman comms system, however, it was in use with another Signals Regiment so we missed out on that opportunity. We were also shown the food/rations that are taken if the Regiment has to stay out of camp on an operation etc. These rations mainly consisted of "boil in the bag" products which are apparently very effective.