The regimental motto (Stand Firm Strike Hard) is particularly apt for the company as we provide the majority of the Battalion's firepower capability. The specialist platoons of the Company literally 'strike hard' in battle.

The Company is made up of SF (Sustained Fire) Platoon equipped with the renowned General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG or fondly known as the Gimpy), Anti-Tank Platoon equipped with the newly introduced JAVELIN guided missile system and Assault Pioneer Platoon, our own battlefield engineers, equipped with a wide variety of modern and highly powered tools.

The Company is the largest within the Battalion, not just in terms of soldiers but also in its geographical footprint. We recruit from right across the South Midlands from as far west as Hereford and Worcester to as far East as Derby and Burton. The company is based at three TA centres; Company Headquarters and SF Platoon in Burton upon Trent, Assault Pioneers at Kidderminster and Anti-Tank Platoon co-located with Battalion HQ in Wolverhampton.
 

What do we do?

Our role is to provide professionally trained soldiers, NCOs and officers to take part in operations alongside our full time colleagues in the regular army wherever it is deployed.

We have roles available for GPMG gunners, JAVELIN missile operators and Assault Pioneers. As well as these key roles within the Company we also have a limited number of roles available for medics, signallers, clerks, chefs and drivers. All ranks within the Company are fully trained Infanteers first and foremost, but each has an extra specialism in which they are rigorously trained.

During the past few years members of the Company have served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and many have served overseas in theatres such as Canada, USA, Jamaica, Gibraltar and Kenya.
 

When do we train?

The Company parades weekly on Tuesday nights at its three locations from 7.30 to 9.30pm. A wide variety of training takes place during these evenings ranging from weapons handling, fitness, military skills and first aid.

The Company typically comes together with other Companies from across the Battalion once a month to conduct weekend training. This extra period of time allows for more challenging and a greater range of activities such as weapons live firing, watermanship training, adventurous training and tactical exercises. These weekends are held at training areas across the UK.

To qualify for his/her annual bounty payment each TA soldier is required complete training at weekends, pass 6 Annual Tests and take part in a continuous period of 15 days training each year. This can be achieved through attending a specialist course or through attending the Battalion's Annual Camp. The Annual Camp takes place at a different location each year and occasionally is held overseas (Kazakhstan in 2008). The camp programme is normally one week of military training and live firing followed by an exercise. There is normally also an opportunity to get a flavour of the local culture and take part in some sport or adventurous training.
 

Specialist Training

As a fire support Company there are far greater opportunities to attend varied training courses than would be possible within a normal 'rifle' company. Along with the courses that are open to all Infanteers such as promotion courses and instructional courses, soldiers within the Company are eligible to attend courses with an emphasis on their specialist roles. These range from learning how to command a JAVELIN anti-tank detachment to learning how to command an amphibious landing craft. All courses are delivered by specialists and count towards a soldier's promotion.

Adventurous Training

The aim of adventurous training within the Army is to develop leadership and the qualities necessary to enhance the performance of soldiers during peace and war. Members of F Company have taken part in skiing, mountaineering, sailing & bob sledging over the past few years. There are also opportunities to attend courses to gain qualifications to lead others on adventurous activities.
 

We Want To Hear From:

• Potential recruits and potential officers: you will need to have the drive, fitness and commitment to succeed
• TA or former regular soldiers: you will need a track record of success within your former military employment and be willing to share your expertise with others.

If you require further information on joining Fire Support Company please contact us or come to visit us at any of our TA centres.
 

How To Contact Us

TA Centre
Coltman House
Hawkins Lane
BURTON UPON TRENT
Staffordshire
DY14 1PT

Telephone: 01283 564711
Email: 4merc-fcoy-psao@mod.uk