Weekend was a blast!
RACHEL Mahony, 26, from Huntingdon, who works for the Crown Prosecution Service, was one of 30 bomb disposal experts on an exercise in Kent. Ms Mahony was in the squad of Territorial Army soldiers from 579 Field Squadron (EOD) at the marshes on the Isle
RACHEL Mahony, 26, from Huntingdon, who works for the Crown Prosecution Service, was one of 30 bomb disposal experts on an exercise in Kent.
Ms Mahony was in the squad of Territorial Army soldiers from 579 Field Squadron (EOD) at the marshes on the Isle of Grain, Kent, there to demonstrate their expertise at handling explosives confidently and safely. The soldiers are part of the Army's only part-time bomb disposal regiment and are based on St John's Road in Tunbridge Wells.
Lieutenant Mahony said: "It's been a fantastic weekend and so different from my day job. Before I joined the Territorials, I never thought for a moment that I would have this type of role. I really enjoy it and it has been a fantastic way to meet new people as well as being both physically and mentally very stimulating."
Lieutenant Mahony is a Troop Commander for the unit and has been in the Territorials for seven years.
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The weekend's exercise was the soldiers' practical element of training where they had the chance to put their theoretical tuition into practice. For some of the Territorials it was the first time they had worked with military explosives on a range of typical objects made from steel, timber and concrete to demonstrate their effect on real-life targets like a bridge or building.
For others, it was a chance to brush up on their demolition skills in a realistic environment.
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Major Ian Foulkes, Officer Commanding 579 Field Squadron (EOD) said: "'Conducting realistic training using live explosives is a vital part of ensuring that Territorial Royal Engineer soldiers can perform alongside our regular Army colleagues when required".
He joked: "Plus, I don't know of a better way to spend a sunny Saturday than blowing up steel and concrete with plastic explosive."
INFORMATION: 579 Field Squadron is part of 101 Engineer Regiment based in London, and all members of the Unit undertake basic military training in addition to training for a particular skill, such as driving, vehicle maintenance, clerical duties, catering or radio communications.
There are job openings for all of these disciplines and more. For further information about the Territorial Bomb Disposal Unit call 01892 528954 or log on to www.armyjobs.mod.uk.
