"Delivering communications capability world-wide": the mission statement for 81 Signal Squadron has stood the test of time and remains as valid as ever, as the pace of change in communications technology accelerates, and as the post Cold War military environment offers new and exciting times for this unique unit in many theatres of operation.

Never in recent times have volunteer reservists been more important to the British Army.

"Unique" because 81 is the only specialist Royal Signals Squadron in the Territorial Army. I hope that the pages on this website give you a flavour of the history, the current deployments and the future opportunities for the unit.

As our recent activities show, however, the past is an unreliable guide to the future; what we do and where we do it are changing fast.

The "Specialist" concept means that highly qualified civilians put their specialist skills at the disposal of the Armed Forces, thereby delivering leading edge capability and resource.

For 81 the specialist role delivers a win-win all round: the soldiers get the chance to practise their chosen profession in a new and challenging environment; the Army benefits from their skills, experience and enthusiasm, and from the outstanding value for money the Squadron provides; and employers benefit from the confidence, team-working and leadership skills which the TA provides.

There is no shortage of demand for the Squadron's skills, which are focused on fixed communication systems, whether copper, fibre or occasionally wireless.

Our regular deployments to Cyprus, Germany and the Falklands have now been supplemented by assignments to Nepal, Brunei and Gibraltar.

In addition to our core ability to deploy teams capable of delivering complete projects, we also offer individuals the chance to serve for short "surge" deployments or extended periods on operations.

Recently our soldiers have served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and have found the experience intensely rewarding.

I believe that the Squadron's success - based on specialist knowledge, on value for money and on close links with the Regular Army - offers one way forward for the future of the Territorial Army.

It is a privilege for me to be associated with such a well respected organisation; I would like to thank all members of the Squadron for their commitment, and to thank their employers for enabling them to undertake their duties with the TA.

Larry Stone

Honorary Colonel
81 Signal Squadron