Phase 2/3
Signals
11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment
11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment is based in Blandford Camp near Dorset and is the home of the Royal Signals. 11 (RSS) Sig Regt is the training unit for all Royal Signals Phase 2 and Phase 3 soldiers who to undergo their trade training. Phase 2 soldiers will learn one of the six Corps trades within the Royal Signals – and will be taught to drive if they cannot already.
Trade Training
On arrival at Blandford Camp everyone attends a week-long induction course. The course is designed to:
- Orientate you to life at 11 (RSS) Sig Regt
- Carry out essential administration
- Set the required standards which you are expected to meet at Blandford and throughout the rest of your military career
Throughout your course periods of physical training are programmed in. Sports afternoons are programmed for every Wednesday afternoon, allowing you to participate in one of the many sports clubs the Garrison has to offer.
Military Training
As a trainee soldier, military skills learnt in basic training are revised and refreshed during troop training, run by the duty of care troops. Each week activities such as patrolling, section attacks and casualty evacuations are revised.
Weekend exercises such Harrogate Folly or Catterick Culmination allow soldiers to practise these skills away from Blandford Camp in specialist training environments.
Each trainee must complete Basic Close Combat Skills (BCCS) before leaving the Regiment which hones in on individual basic soldier skills ensuring they are of a high level before leaving the Regiment.
Those soldiers lucky enough to be promoted at the end of their course will also have to complete a PNCO course.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Blandford Camp for Phase 2 trainees is a mixture of four-man and 10-man room blocks.
Recruits share accommodation with other members of their trade training, but there is still a reasonable amount of privacy for the individual. All beds are 2ft 6in wide and 6ft long, although longer beds are available for taller soldiers, if required. Sheets, blankets and pillowcases are provided, and these are regularly laundered.
Shared shower, bath and sink facilities are available in both types of accommodation.
Leisure Time
Blandford Garrison is home to a multitude of sports and activities. All equipment and instruction is provided free of charge and is an ideal way to introduce yourself to an activity you may not have had the opportunity to try before.
Welfare
The aim of the Welfare Office is to provide a confidential welfare support service that is responsive to the needs of the soldiers, families and the Chain of Command. It must fulfil statutory requirements and help maintain operational effectiveness of service personnel within the Regiment.
To meet this aim the Welfare Office provides primary support to help alleviate the potential issues associated with military service.
