Actually, life as a signaler in an arty unit is quite eng one...
mostly just need to setup the signal sets that's all.
Changed so much, meh? 23SA still FH2000, right? I've trained
with both the 120mm SP mortar (active) & the 155mm howitzer
(reservist) -- & can say that signallers served similar
functions in both units.
To TS: If you're new to Arty, basically your unit appointment is
already decided upon posting there (based on your course results,
which actually made sense in my own experience). But you may be
able to get your BC to change yours during the first,
"acclimatization" interview, so take heed of the following.
In my time, 20-plus of the signallers would learn the Arty stuff
more or less, & always on the fly. The remaining 6-8 were the
"eng" ones as mentioned, basically glorified runners for their
commanders but who, however, could be redeployed again to essential
comms jobs during reservist.
Of the first group, about 16 were operational appointments, spread
across 4 batteries (3 line units & one BN level). Used to
really pity them, cuz their vocation pay was only half as the
Arty-trained (under the old system) & yet must do the same
stuff. As for the degree of the Arty cross-training involved, I'll
break them down in this decreasing order:
- the R&S signallers would've learn the most, as part of a
small vanguard party that must always prepare the ground before the
main body arrived. (But I know the SAF has bought some new
surveying equipment, so the physical exertions might not be as
siong as before, let alone in Lee Hsien Loong's time.)
- next were the FSO signallers, cuz they're supposed to accompany
the FSOs on INF exercises or wargame center. For "internal"
exercises, they might help out the recce teams or do OP instead.
Take note, Pes Bs: FSO teams can be attached out to join Brunei
jungle-taining! But reservist Arty units have no FSOs or FOs; these
would be part of SIR units instead.
- followed by the BC signallers, which actually had an ops role but
not frequently tested, & thus their whole group (inc. the
officer) tended to gabra a lot. FYI The BTY 2ICs are operationally
the "BC"; they're NSFs & will command the BTYs during
reservist. The active-time BTY BCs are operationally the "FSO",
usually army regulars or scholars.
- the last were the FDC/CP signallers, who won't be calling fire
missions but a grueling life if they completely bo-chap & just
man the signal set. That said, those in 155mm unit quite switch-off
(a lot bring along novels into the field) compared to 120mm one (18
mortars instead of 12 guns; triple the deployments cuz 2km from
frontline instead of 20km back; & arguably ten times the
vehicular maintainence).
Each battery line would also get about 2 linemen from the excess
signallers, while the BN level also had an official Line Party.
These guys were often on their own in the field, checking or
reeling back the comms wire, so it was in their interest to know
how an Arty deployment worked.
