Due to the restructuring of the Territorial Army (TA) 61 Signal Squadron (V) based in Edinburgh has now been renamed as 51 Signal Squadron (V) and still comes under the command of 32 Signal Regiment (V).

 

Edinburgh man Brian Gay (27) is a full-time student at Heriot Watt University and a part-time soldier with the TA Royal Signals.

Brian, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, came to Scotland two year ago in order to study for a BSc (Hons) in Estate Management. As Brian himself said, "serving in the TA is an excellent part-time job. It allows me to get an income, but at the same time, it also allows me the flexibility to concentrate 100% on my studies when I have an exam or assignment to do.

In addition, I can also do a lot of TA training during my holidays and any free weekends that I have. For me, being in the TA is like having an extended family. Everybody works together, no matter what rank they are, and we get the job done as a team. I'm very proud of being in Edinburgh's capital Signal Squadron, as we are the best in the Regiment."

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Edinburgh woman Sergeant Ilona Borland (30) runs her own health and fitness company, but says that she could not have done it without her TA experience.

"For many years I held down a Monday to Friday office job, but I couldn't wait for TA weekends on account of all the exciting activities and meeting people from all walks of life. When you join the TA, they give you the help and encouragement that you need to get fit and more importantly to stay fit, which is something that I'd always been interested in doing.

Being in the TA gave me the confidence to set up my own health and fitness consultancy, I B Health & Fitness, which has turned my hobby of keeping fit into my career, which I absolutely love. When I go away with the TA, it's the total change from my normal civilian job that I really enjoy.

My main job within the TA is a Radio Systems Operator although I'm also a Skill At Arms Instructor, which means that I get to train soldiers in the use of their weapons, and an Endurance Training Leader, which means that I can take people out running."

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The Edinburgh Signals provide post emergency and disaster communications anywhere in the UK. Using the latest communications technology we are the vital link between the emergency services and the Army.

Are you looking for something extra from your life, a rewarding experience outside normal working hours?

You will find it in the Territorial Army with the Royal Signals in Edinburgh

• Adventure
• Challenge
• Travel
• New skills
• Full pay
• Top class training