Training and Ops
TRAINING
Regular exercising by the Troop ensures that it is an operationally effective unit, thus maintaining its soldier's military skills to a high standard.
EXERCISE COBALT AXE was recently conducted at Haltern Training Area, Germany. This exercise saw the troop conduct MATT training in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan in 2009.
EXERCISE CASTLE FIELD was recently conducted at Javelin Barracks. This exercise saw the troop connect the Communications Gateway Shelter (CGS) into the NATO cloud, demonstrating the primary role that 628 Troop perform when supporting Allied NATO forces on operational tours.
OPERATIONS
628 Signal Troop have been actively deployed for the last few years. Some members of the troop are on their second and even third tours of Afghanistan. Deployments can range from 2 to 4 months.
Although the duration of the deployment is shorter than a normal British unit, the frequency of deployments is greater at 628 Signal Troop.
ADVENTUROUS TRAINING
The aim of adventurous training is to develop, through authorised challenging pursuits and within an outdoor environment, leadership and the qualities necessary to enhance the performance of military personnel during peace and war.
The following exercises and training have been completed in the past year:
Exercise Cobalt Backstop - Adventurous training in Oberstdorf, Germany, involving rock climbing, abseiling, hill walking, kayaking, and white water rafting.
Nijmegen Marches- International 4 day marches in Nijmegen, Holland.
SPORT
The Troop has a varied number of sporting opportunities to offer. Individuals have represented the Troop at varying levels in the following sports; Football, Golf, Rugby and Hockey. The 628 Signal Troop football team recently competed in the semi-final of the Signals Cup. There is a great opportunity to improve your Golf as The West Rhine Golf Club is situated on camp. There are also plans to re-start the 628 Troop Boxing team in the New Year.
If coaching is more to your taste, there are courses available to improve your skills or get you on the first rung of the coaching ladder.