West Berkshire based soldiers graduate

A group of Royal Engineer Geographic Technicians graduated in front of an audience of family and friends at the Royal School of Military Survey (RSMS) in Hermitage.
In total 39 soldiers graduated from the course, accredited by Sheffield Hallam University, however only 28 were able to attend with the remaining 11 currently stationed on operations, predominantly in Afghanistan.
All Geographic Technicians are required to undertake the foundation degrees as part of their military training, starting with a one year course at RSMS, followed by three years operational experience before completing a final year at RSMS.
Maj (Retd) Tony Keeley, based in Hermitage, said: “Not only do soldiers need training, but they need education to enable them to cope with and shape the rapidly changing technological advances in the field of Geospatial Intelligence.
“The foundation degree is the means of delivering the essential training for Geographic Technicians.”
Principle of RSMS, John Knight, also stressed the importance of the degrees.
He said: “This academic qualification reflects the high level of analytical skills and critical thinking required of today’s Royal Engineer Geographic Technicians, who are frequently deployed in highly responsible positions.
“They must have a good understanding of complex geographic applications, but also an appreciation of how the information can be exploited on operations.”
The foundation degree often acts as a stepping stone for further education, with many soldiers going on to complete distance learning courses including a Bachelor of Science Degree.
A further 12 military instructors are also currently completing diplomas to teach in the lifelong learning sector at Newbury College.