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Driver / Radio Operator
Driver/Radio Operators learn to handle a variety of vehicles on and off road and in all conditions, day or night. They are responsible for establishing and maintaining essential radio communications, operating and servicing a range of modern, high-tech radios, telephones and other communication equipment.
Minimum entry standard: Must be below the age of 40 on entry, have a full driving licence, an interest in communications systems and a technical aptitude for servicing both vehicles and radio equipment. They must also have an ability to concentrate for long periods, have clear, confident speech and legible handwriting.
PTE PAUL SURMAN IS A DRIVER RADIO OPERATOR IN 104 BN REME (V) FROM DARTFORD, KENT
A big part of my life is working for the family business, so I was looking for something completely different, away from normal every day life, which would fit around my commitment to the business. 19 days a year with the Specialist TA appealed to me.
After filling in some forms, I came down to Bordon with an open mind for an Assessment Weekend. The weekend was fun and I met other like minded people. Having helped in my uncle's garage, I decided to join as a mechanic, but as the weekend progressed, and after an interview, the role of a Driver Radio Operator appealed to me, so I decided to go for it!
I had visions of Recruit training being a bit like "Bad Lads Army". Yes it was hard, but with the guidance of the instructors, nothing was impossible. Fifteen days later, in front of my family and girlfriend, I was proudly on parade with my instructor and fellow recruits, ready to march off to the next part of my training.
The next phase of my training was my chosen trade of Driver Radio Operator. The radio communications was fascinating, with part of the Driver training on the Army's off road driving course. I found it exhilarating and it gave me a zest for off road driving.
Having completed all parts of my Recruit training, I was then ready to train with my Unit. My first weekend was a B weekend, which combines trade training, military skills and team work. There was another chance for some off road driving and a recovery task, but the highlight was the high wire confidence course. A social evening gave me the opportunity to get to know some of the characters in the Unit and to chat about the day's events over a few beers.
I am now looking forward to my first camp, which begins in Germany, before moving onto Poland to join the Regulars on exercise.
My time in the TA has helped my personal development and has benefited the family business. In return they are supportive, giving me time off to carry out my TA commitment.
In the future, I hope to upgrade my driving licence so that I can drive the Army's trucks and participate at one of the adventure training activities, which I get paid to attend!
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