The Signals Cadre at Merseyside Army Cadets used to be one of the most popular courses, but the Clansman 349 radio was withdrawn from general use about four years ago.
Recently however a brand new set has been issued, the Mercury 710, and the ideal time to run a course with them for Senior Cadets was at Merseyside Army Cadets’ Easter Camp at Altcar Training Camp. As 57 cadets applied to go on the course it had to split into two groups, one of 28 and one of 29. While one group was on the Signals Cadre, the other cadets carried out Fieldcraft, First Aid and Electronic Target Range, then they changed over.
Sergeant Major Instructor Gary Byrne, the County Signals Officer, said that the new sets are excellent and, with a few amended procedures, the cadets soon learnt the basics and did well on their course paperwork, and also on their exercise around Altcar Training Camp.
They will progress further at Merseyside Army Cadets’ Annual Camp at Sennybridge in August with a more advanced course that will qualify them for the prestigious Signals Badge.
