Congratulations to the 37th Signal Regiment shooting team who finished 3rd at the 1 (UK) Divisional Operational Shooting Competition (OSC).

Taking place from 8th – 11th June at the Altcar Training Camp, the Regiment had notable team and individual achievements:

37th Signal Regiment A Team – 3rd overall and winners of the Short Range Rural Contact Assessment
37th Signal Regiment B Team – 10th overall

The individual positions out of 82 firers:

5th – Corporal Bass
8th – Corporal Raynor
11th – Lance Corporal Stocks
16th – Warrant Officer 2 Gurung

Following a successful competition run, the Regiment had two teams that qualified for the Defence OSC at the prestigious Pirbright and Bisley ranges later on in June.

The Defence OSC proved to be a great experience for all team members against an extremely competitive field of top firers in Defence.

Semi-finalists in the Falling Plate competition for the A Team, and credible 9th and 16th place finishes overall for the A and B Teams respectively, were good rewards for another excellent Operational Shooting season.

A special mention to Corporal Bass who finished 24th overall in the individual category, and received the Army Reserve medal and badge for finishing in the top 50.

A great season overall, with huge congratulations to everyone that participated and supported the team this year.

Competitive shooting provides great competition and development for both individuals and the team, whilst improving fitness and military skills to support overall operational readiness.

For further information about the Army Reserves or joining Redditch-based 37th Signal Regiment, please email: 37Sig-Regt-Recruiting-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Published 03/10/25

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Armed Forces Week

In June members of Walsall-based 159 Theatre Support Company, 101 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) were invited to local flag raising ceremonies and events to celebrate Reserves Day and Armed Forces Day.

Their Reservists attended a flag raising ceremony in Walsall led by one of the Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands and the Lord Mayor of Walsall.

The Regiment’s Regimental Operations Support Officer and Adjutant attended the MBDAs event, hosted by 159 Company’s Officer Company and Lieutenant Colonel Beaumont. Their Commanding Officer took part in RBSL’s Armed Forces Celebrations, where employers were encouraged to wear uniform for the day and share a brew at their Big Brew Up for SSAFA.

REME Golf Championships

In the same month, Corporal Colebatch of 159 Company took on a different flag related challenge – this time aiming for the flagstick at the REME Corps Golf Championship.

Representing 101 Battalion REME, Corporal Colebatch travelled to the Southampton to take on the Corps’ finest golfers and a few enthusiastic hackers for 36 holes of friendly but fiercely competitive golf.

Battling what started out to be persistent rain on day one (which then turned into something closer to a military assault course) Corporal Colebatch summarised the challenging conditions by adding: “I found myself spending more time amongst the trees than on the fairway. The golf ball, it seems, had its own agenda and wanted no part in any sort of teamwork, particularly on the way to the greens.”

With brighter conditions on day two of the competition, Corporal Colebatch said: “I managed to string together some much improved golf. While still a few shots adrift of the top contenders, the second round showed promise and importantly, fewer trees were harmed in the process.

“Breakfast the next morning provided time to swap war stories, dodgy swing techniques, and tales of missed birdie putts that definitely should have gone in to win the 2’s pot. It was a fantastic couple of days.”

The Regular and Reserve Forces embrace sport and fitness, encouraging their members to develop their existing skills or uncover new talents in a huge range of sports. Not only does it provide opportunities for representing the Services at local and national level, it also promotes morale and physical and mental wellbeing.

Learn more about sports and adventure as an Army Reservist.

Interested in seeing more behind-the-scenes action from 159 Company 101 Battalion REME? Follow their Instagram account @159_reme or visit their Company page.

Find your local Reserve unit on our find a unit section.

08/08/25

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Since our introduction Mark has completed his first two world record attempts. Whilst we wait on the official confirmation from Guinness, things are looking very promising as Mark achieved a phenomenal 55 burpees in one minute, beating the previous record of 50. We’re keeping everything crossed for him!

Watch Mark in action as he tackled the first two record attempts. Our thanks to East Midlands RFCA for sharing their video footage with us.

What’s Next?

Mark’s third and fourth world record attempts are shortly upon us. On the 9^th July he’ll be aiming to smash the most burpees in 3 minutes at The Ferrers School, where their enthusiastic Cadets will also be joining in with the burpee challenge.

On the 15th July, he’ll be taking on his next gruelling challenge with the fastest mile of press-up burpee broad jumps.

Join the ‘Cadet Burpee Battle’

Mark’s mission isn’t just about personal records as he’s aiming to inspire others, too. He has launched the ‘Cadet Burpee Battle’ which will run until 30th November.

CCF detachments across the country are invited to take part by tackling their own one-minute burpee challenge and helping raise funds along the way.

Think your unit has what it takes to rack up the most burpees or raise the most money?

You can download the info pack and get involved here.

Stay up to date with Mark’s training and motivations via his Instagram account: @markbailey_armyfit

If interested, Mark’s fundraising page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/page/mark-burpeechallenge

Published 27/06/25

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Army Reservists from A and B Troops of 210 Battery – part of 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) and based in Wolverhampton – have returned from a challenging and inspiring high-altitude expedition to Nepal. The soldiers took part in Exercise NORTHERN NEPAL 25, culminating in the successful summit of Mera Peak (6,476m) – one of the highest trekking peaks in the world.

Departing from Wolseley House, the Wolverhampton-based troops joined a small, elite team of Army Reservists who spent over three weeks navigating Himalayan terrain, battling altitude and supporting scientific research efforts thousands of miles from home.

Working in partnership with GAPS (Global Action Plan Scientists), the expedition also gathered environmental data, including microplastic samples from the glacial regions of Mera Peak – a striking example of how today’s Reservists can combine physical challenge with global responsibility.

The ascent took the team through remote Nepalese villages, across snow-covered ridges, and up to the summit under a clear, starlit sky. Their final push began at midnight and was rewarded by a spectacular sunrise over Everest, Makalu and Lhotse. “There was a moment at the summit where no one spoke – not from altitude sickness, but because we were completely stunned by the view,” said one of the team.

Despite the intensity of the challenge, morale remained high, buoyed by strong team spirit and a shared sense of purpose. As one Reservist joked, “We climbed a Himalayan giant, survived the world’s worst toilet, and still found time for Bananagrams – if that’s not character building, I don’t know what is.”

For A and B Troop personnel, the experience proved both physically demanding and deeply rewarding – a powerful demonstration of what West Midlands Reservists can achieve. The expedition showcased the resilience, adaptability and leadership that the Army Reserve continues to develop in its people, both at home and abroad.

Find out more about 210 Battery, 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery.

Find out more about the Army Reserve.

Published 12/06/2025

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225 Fd Sqn RMONREM recruit and deliver training weekly on Wednesdays across three locations from Stoke, Cannock and Oldbury and undertake various training weekend exercises throughout the year. Ranging from Adventurous Training, field-based exercises, shooting, demolitions and battlefield studies, the 2024/2025 training year has seen our soldiers continue to build upon already taught skills and knowledge whilst developing new ones.

With an opportunity to undertake eight Sub-Unit Weekends (SUW), four Regimental training weekends, and three Professional Development weekends throughout the year, our soldiers have proved once again that life in the Army Reserves, along with a good balance of civilian employment, can be as exciting and worthwhile as ever before.

Training Year (sub-unit) 2024/25 

SUW 1 Ex BOARS CHALLENGE, 19-21 April 2024

Adventurous training weekend at Halton Training Camp (Lancaster), Hartsop
Village, Lake district. Took part in navigation, mountain biking and paddle boarding.

 SUW 2 Ex BOARS TRENCH, 17-19 May 2024

Light Role Combat Engineer training weekend at Caerwent (Monmouthsire). For
four person battle trench / field fortifications and Military Plant Engineer training.

SUW 3 Ex BOARS SHOT, 19-21 July 2024

Range weekend at Beckingham (Lincolnshire) for Annual Combat Marksmanship
Test (ACMT).

SUW 4 Ex BOARS BANG, 06-08 September 2024

Demolitions training weekend at Winterbourne Gunner (Wiltshire) for basic
demolitions, navigation and CBRN.

SUW 5 Ex BOARS ARROW, 18-20 September 2024

Light Role Combat Engineer training weekend at Swynnerton (Staffordshire) for
orders process, command leadership of JNCOs and Soldiers.

SUW 6 Ex BOARS REMEMBRANCE, 09-10 November 2024

Remembrance Weekend at Army Reserve Centre (Oldbury) for ranges, foot drill,
Remembrance Parade.

SUW 7 Ex BOARS CRACKER, 06-08 December 2024

Festive Celebration at Vauxhall Camp (Monmouth) for festive seasonal dinner and geo-cashing.

SUW 8 Ex BOARS CASSINO, 26 February-02 May 2025

Battlefield Study and Cassino, Rome (Italy) for study of the Amazon Bridge Crossing
(May 1944).

Highlights

Annual Continuous Training

In June 2024 the Squadron deployed to the Bailiwick of Jersey to conduct the Regimental Annual Continuous Training Camp. The camp was the first opportunity for soldiers from across the Regiment to tick off en-masse some of the mandated Individual training requirements as part of the Army Reserve Certificate of Efficiency. They put Reservists through their paces ranging from, shooting, basic casualty drills, section competition, field exercise, bayonet training and urban operations. There was also an opportunity to upskill soldiers and officers across all ranks in Health & Safety, in the form of SRM Assessor and Practitioner training.

Ex BOARS CRACKER

This was the first opportunity to conduct an all-ranks (silver-service) festive dinner in the opulent surroundings of the Officers Mess at Regimental Headquarters in Monmouth. The dinner was well received by all and in particular the Junior Ranks due to not naturally experiencing such an occasion.

Ex BOARS CASSINO

This was the Squadrons first overseas Battlefield Study in a few years and the first sub-unit planned and executed battlefield study of the Battles for Monte Cassino, specifically the Amazon Bridge crossing 11-13 May 1944 famously depicted in Terence Cuneo’s painting, ‘Bridging the Rapido at Monte Cassino’. This is of specific interest to the Squadron as it is celebrated annually by way of an Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers dinner due to the Squadrons predecessors, 225 Field Company Royal Engineers playing a key role. This was the first time in 81 years that a serving Officer Commanding (OC), Major Martha Fairlie and elements of the sub-unit would have the opportunity to stand on both banks of the River Rapido in commemoration of the heroic efforts played out during World War Two.

Certificate of Efficiency.

On completion of a fantastic training year, a total of 45 Soldiers and Officers from the Squadron successfully completed all mandated training and attained their Certificate of Efficiency for Training Year 24/25. A great effort by all!

Recruiting, postings and service leavers.

Sergeant Nigel McIntosh and his team as always have ensured there has been a steady stream of new joiners into the Squadron this year culminating in five recently fully qualified recruits either having successfully passed or about to pass their Phase Two Combat Sapper, combat engineer training.

Best of wishes go out to all those who have taken up posting elsewhere across the Army Reserve or upon leaving service. Particular thanks and best of luck for the future to the recent Squadron Sergeant Major, WO2 Shaun Dolman on completion of 34 years of service.

As Major Martha Fairlie prepares to handover command of the Squadron to Major Anthony Harmes we would like to pass on our best wishes for the future and look forward to welcoming the new OC into the fold.

New challenges.

Training Year 25/26 will see the sub-unit conduct more of the same training as last with the added task of developing new skills and knowledge in preparation to work alongside 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron. 225 Fd Sqn RMONREM as part of the Regiment will now operate in the Bank Support role to the British Army’s Amphibious capability with the first test being the deployment to Sennelager, Germany later in the year on Ex TITAN STORM 25.

Round-Up.

A massive thank you to all within the Regiment and Squadron and far afield who have help shape and deliver another successful training year, without such efforts the end product would never be the same. From the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, Royal Engineers Association, the range staff up and down the country, your efforts are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to continuing these valuable relationships into the future.

Find out more at 225 Field Squadron, RMONREM.

Find out more about the Army Reserve.

Published 05/06/2025

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On the day of the event, the weather was sunny with clouds, a slight patch of rain and not too warm. The perfect weather for a 13.1-mile jog! The atmosphere similarly to the year before was fantastic, with over 16,000 other runners participating.  All team members completed the course, with some great times achieved. The event was a brilliant way to form cohesion in the Troop, create a common challenge and goal to achieve, whilst raising money for a good cause in the process. And of course, it helped maintain team spirit and the Esprit De Corps.  Hopefully this annual 3 Troop tradition will continue long into the future!

Find out more about 3 Troop, 225 Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia).

Find out more about the Army Reserves.

Published 25/05/2025

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Autumn’s highlights

Gaining new experiences

In September Corporal Newman transferred across from the Military Provost Staff (MPS) Reserves and completed his Phase 2 RMP Initial Course at the Defence School of Policing and Security; he is now gaining experience supporting their Regular sub-units during their shifts.

50 years of 116 Provost Company

Organised by Staff Sergeant Lown, family members and previously serving members were invited to the unit to thank them for their support.

Stands demonstrating weapons handling, forensic awareness and the history of the Company were set up for guests to enjoy – it was a hit!

Exercise SAVA STAR 24

Two members of the unit deployed to Croatia to take part in the two-week long annual camp exercise for 8 RIFLES, with 116 Pro Coy personnel attached in order to deliver captured persons (CPERS) training to personnel.

The primary aim of the exercise was to build interoperability between the Croatian and British Armed Forces.  Sergeant Henry and Corporal Bailey integrated the CPERS training into existing serials to provide realistic training in the management of prisoners of war, internees and detainees. For taking the lead on delivering the training Sergeant Henry was awarded a Commanding Officer’s coin by 8 RIFLES.

Double sporting success

No stranger to the world of Army Sports and having delivered sport for the British Army since 2018, Sergeant Karim received the runner up award for the Army Sports Official of the Year at the Army Sports Awards.  She then won the Army Equitation Association Sports Official of the Year Award, two weeks later. Congratulations!

Read our previous article detailing Sergeant Karim’s Army Equestrian success here.

Remembrance 2024

116 Pro Coy conducted their annual act of Remembrance supporting the Cannock Town Parade on Remembrance Sunday.  They also held their own private act of Remembrance within their Company HQ to pay their respects to Corporal Dewi Pritchard and Corporal Steven Boote, who were serving members of 116 Pro Coy when they were sadly killed in action during Op HERRICK.

Welcoming the New Year – and new challenges

Breaking records to raise funds for the Combined Cadet Force Association

In May Corporal Bailey is attempting the gruelling feat of attempting to raise £10,000 for the Combined Cadet Force Association – by trying not to beat just one, but four World Records.  He is also a Cadet Instructor at Ferrers School in Northampton, so the cause is close to his heart. Read all about his challenge.

You can also follow Corporal Bailey’s training progress on his Instagram page: @markbailey_armyfit

Phase 2 training completed

Five personnel from 116 Pro Coy passed the Phase 2 Royal Military Police Initial Course at Defence School of Policing and Security, Southwick Park.

This two-week trade specific course teaches individuals the skills required to serve as Royal Military Police Reserves, covering training such as stop and search, arrest, and entry, search and seizure.

Personnel also complete a week of Protective Personal Safety Training covering techniques such as de-escalation, and baton and cuff training.

116 Pro Coy provided the biggest cohort of the 13 personnel on the course, with 116’s Corporal Forsyth receiving the Top Student Award.

Representing the U25 Hockey team

After being part of the University Officer Training Corps, Lance Corporal Heald joined the Company in July 2024.  Despite the commitment of completing both Phase 1 Basic Training course and his Phase 2 Royal Military Police Initial Course, he was able to continue to compete in competitive hockey.  After being selected for the U25 Army Hockey Association Lance Corporal Heald competed against both the Navy and RAF teams; whilst the Army didn’t win on this occasion it gave him a huge sense of personal achievement.

He commented, “The whole tournament was really enjoyable, both to participate in and to watch other teams play. It was a challenge to play at a higher level than I usually do with a team I hadn’t played with before”.

Council connections

116 Pro Coy invited Cannock Chase District Council to one of their parade nights to share the history of the Company, the activities they undertake within the local area and the support they provide to the local community.

It was extremely beneficial to exploring the opportunities to strengthen ties with the local council and explore ways in which the Company and Council can continue to mutually support each other.

—————–

116 Provost Company, part of 1st Regiment Royal Military Police, are an Army Reserve Regiment based in Cannock.  Trained initially as soldiers, they undertake further training to provide specialist military police support to the Army, including patrolling, incident control, crime scene management, military and civil law and captured persons handling.

Find out more about starting your own journey with the Royal Military Police Reserves and Reserve Forces.  Stay up to date with 116 Provost Company’s latest activities via their Instagram account: @116provostcompany_remso

Published 28/04/25

The post Six months of Service and success for the Royal Military Police appeared first on West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association.

Darren first joined the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Corps of Transport at the age of 16. Moving across to the Regular Army at the age of 18.

Aged 40 and rank of Warrant Officer Class One Darren had to retire from the Regular Army, but he didn’t want his Army career to end there and so he joined the Army Reserve on commission at the rank of Captain. He is currently serving with 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

We spoke to Darren to find out more about his journey through the Army…

Why did you join the Army?

“I am from a coal mining family and as the Coal Mines in the Nottingham area were closing down, it had an impact on me choosing to join the Army, though being in the South Nottingham Hussars ACF, had the biggest influence on me joining the Junior Leaders Regiment at the age of 16.”

What have your top five highlights from the Army been so far?

“Being able to do sport and be paid for doing it! I have represented the Army in judo and at Regimental level football, athletics, cross country, squash, tug of war, rugby 7s, boxing and swimming.

“Commanding soldiers as a Section Commander (Corporal), Troop Commander (Staff Sergeant) and as an Officer Commanding (Major).

“Being appointed the Force Master Driver as Warrant Officer Class One in Iraq, on Operation TELIC. I was responsible for Transport Management and Road Safety for over 30,000 British Forces personnel.

“Being invited to 10 Downing Street as a Reservist to accept the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from the then Prime Minister, David Cameron.

“Attending the King’s Garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the King’s coronation.”

What are you looking forward to?

“In the short term I am really looking forward to deploying on a Overseas training exercise in the USA later this year. Long term I am looking forward to remaining as an Officer Commanding and making the most of my, three years plus, time left in the Army Reserves. Taking every opportunity to deploy on overseas exercises, to lead soldiers, stay fit and healthy and contribute to the Army I love, until I have to retire.”

We wish Darren every success in his continuing career with the Army.

Find out more about the Reserve Forces.

Published 14/04/2025

The post I’ve served for 40 years in the Army, and I’m not retiring yet! appeared first on West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association.

Exercise Dragon Sorbet is the Regiments’ annual skiing expedition to Kirtchdorf, Austria.  This year, twenty five personnel participated in both alpine and ski touring.  With varying abilities, it was our intent to hold Ski Foundation One (SF 1) , Ski Foundation Two (SF 2) and Ski Foundation Two Continuation Training (SF 2 CT) courses.

As an opening note, we would once again like to thank the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association and above all the Royal Corps of Signals for their continued financial support, without which the personal cost to those participating would have been considerably more.

On the 16 Jan, the administration support team in three crew buses departed Redditch in order to make the 16-hour road trip.  The support team have become an integral part of this annual event transporting loan pool and personal equipment to Kirtchdorf.

The main body deployed from Birmingham on 18 Jan and after a short flight to Salzburg, members of the admin party were waiting to greet them at the airport with the three crew buses.  One hour, and an uneventful journey, we all arrived at the Gasthoff Neuwirt in Kirtchdorf to be known as Camp Neuwirt.  Without delay we descended into the village to collect skis and boots. The weather was superb with bright blue skies and clean pristine snow. Ideal conditions for both alpine and ski touring.

Day One – Welcome to Exercise Dragon Sorbet 25. Today is your day zero!

Day One

All groups headed to St Jakob, this area is ideal for all levels of ability. The region has been used by 37 Signal Regiment for the last ten years, which provides the benefit of the instructors knowing the ski areas well and therefore able to conduct training immediately. The area offers blue through to black runs and were ideal to conduct assessments.

Day Two

With at least 1m of fresh snow both SF 1 and SF 2 were able to get some powder under their skis and in some cases in their helmets!!  Conditions were almost balmy at times with temperatures at 1800m reaching +10c with only -5c in the valley.  Sun cream was the order of the week for this year’s participants.  All students were reminded of the need to rehydrate and not to eat snow; especially the yellow kind!!  The SF 2 CT group consisted of individuals whom had attended previous exercises and are working their way through the Joint Service Ski Scheme.  The SF 2 CT group conducted their “Ski Touring Day” and ski toured to the summit of Zell am See, A total of 5 hours from the start to the summit.

After a day in the beginners’ area SF 1 now ventured onto the area of Steinplatte.  For many of the novices the long blue runs proved to be both a mental and physical test.  Under expert tuition the group soon got to grips with the art of both the plough and plough parallel turn.

Day Three & Four

Again, with excellent weather all three groups used this opportunity hone their skills in what they had been taught during the first few days of instruction. SF 1 ventured further up to the top Steinplatte and tackled some more technical blue runs.  Both SF 2 groups were getting in the miles on more technical red runs and plenty of off piste. Part of the SF 2 course objectives also cover avalanche drills and procedures. Students practiced emergency shelter training, operating a transceiver, using a probe (to search for a buried victim) and shovelling techniques.

SF1 selecting their first run of the morning. 

Day Five

The SF 1 group completed their final assessments with six of the seven SF 1 students passing. They will now progress through the scheme.

All groups experienced long days and as the week progressed the conditions got even more challenging. With the warm sun causing the pistes to become extremely soft and heavy. That aside the students were prepared to push themselves to both their physical and mental limits.

Day Six

The final day allows all the students to consolidate their weeks tuition with a day of skiing independently of their instructors. Whilst some groups spent a nice casual morning exploring the blue and a few red routes some individuals took the opportunity to ski with members from their Squadrons in the other groups.

Ex Dragon Sorbet has provided members of the Regiment with an opportunity to experience Alpine Skiing and ski touring for the first time. In all, six novice skiers achieved SF 1 and will progress to SF 2, seven students qualified at SF 2 with two students showing great potential to progress on future Ski Leader courses.  Once again DRAGON SORBET has proved to be a strong enhancer of both the moral and physical component.

With financial restrictions being imposed across most of defence, Alpine and Ski touring can still be achieved.  Seeking the best deals and value for money is time consuming but a necessity.  Once again without the financial support of the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Associations and The Royal Corps of Signals fund.  Many of those who attended this year would not have been able to do so due to financial constraints. All agreed it is worth the One Days’ Pay Scheme.

A huge thank you to the Royal Signals Charity and the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for their continued financial support.

Find out more about the Reserve Forces.

Published 06/02/2025.

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The first two weeks saw the team training hard and fine tuning technique whilst their two novices, Private’s Daley and Clayton-Barker enjoyed their introduction to Nordic Skiing.  The team worked extremely hard earning their rest day which involved taking part in Austria’s Christmas tradition; the annual ‘Krampus run’.  The tradition of Krampus dates back many centuries, if you were a naughty child Krampus would come after you. The region plays host to wild ceremonies in early December as local men chase you through the streets dressed as fearsome half-goat half-demon monsters with bells on their back. It was a great experience to be a part of.  Some Krampus were friendly with one deciding to join Corporal Moloney and Private Arundell for dinner.

With training complete, the team moved into race week which offered five arduous races with a mix of skate and classic techniques over distances ranging from 5-20kms. First was the individual freestyle sprint. The team did well to finish with respectable times, especially our two novices who thoroughly enjoyed their introduction to the pain. Corporal Moloney finished 1^st in Female Reserve and Captain Taylor placed in the top 10 overall.

Next was the first team race – the 10km freestyle. The conditions were tough with heavy snowfall, however everyone finished with strong times ensuring first place in the mixed team category. Between racing and training the team were busy waxing and preparing skis, revising for the patrol race, conducting marksmanship in -10 degrees, perfecting relay handover drills and working on flexibility.

For the third race, the team switched their skates for classic skis and did the 10km Cross Country (XC) race. The team once again pulled out some excellent results with Private Arundell finishing as 2^nd Reserve overall. “I really enjoyed that race” Private Daley said grinning  through sweat and tears.  Next up was the 4x5km team relay race, a fun, competitive race where each member of the 4 person team completes a 5km sprint distance before handing over. The Regiment smashed it again cementing the third win in a row.  Lance Corporal Allison and Private Clayton-Barker didn’t miss out, they also competed with 2 members of 7 Regiment to make the team aptly named ‘A match made in heaven’.

The final race was the big one – the Military Patrol.  A gruelling 20km race over varied terrain consisting of two shoots in different firing positions, team inspections, command tasks and navigation all whilst carrying 40kg between the team on skis.  The race was tough with lung busting inclines and tricky descents. The hardest part was not falling over, however, Corporal Moloney took a spectacular slow motion face plant which Captain Taylor found very amusing. After an excellent ski and shoot, the team smashed it out the park with an impressive time, beating all the competition and confirming their place as Champion Mixed Team.

Overall, the team performance was outstanding. Corporal Moloney and Private Arundell won individual medals and the 159 Regiment Mixed Team came 1st in all four team races fighting off some stiff competition from 13 AASR.  A very successful season for the team who are keen to return and defend their title in 2025.

Find out more about the Army Reserve.

Published 04/02/2025

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