The biggest British Army Corps is launching a new base in Birmingham.
159 Regiment, a reserve unit of the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), will raise the regimental flag over its new ‘B Troop’ in Dawberry Fields Road, Kings Heath on Wednesday 2 May.
The troop is an extension of the RLC squadron based in West Bromwich, with ten soldiers transferring to the new site, and will make it easier for potential Army recruits from Birmingham to access training on their doorstep.
The Birmingham-based unit has already attracted interest from people living in the city and has capacity for up to 30 soldiers. Combat logistic specialists, drivers, chefs, medics and HR advisers are some of the roles that the regiment is currently seeking to fill.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Pat Allen said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to fly the flag of the largest Corps of the Army in the second city. There are some brilliant opportunities available to reserve soldiers including travel, sport and adventure.”
The Kings Heath location is already home to another Army reserve unit, 202 Field Hospital, who will remain the lead unit.
159 Regiment provides logistic support to the regular Army, such as vehicle parts, tools, ammunition, rations and water. The RLC maintains the Army’s operational capability by providing constant support and sustaining units by land, sea and air.
As well as developing their trade skills, the regiment’s soldiers travel the world on training exercises, deployments or to take part in sporting competitions. In the last two years, soldiers from the regiment’s six detachments in the Midlands have travelled to Canada, Afghanistan, Kenya and Cyprus.
Teachers, police officers, fitness trainers and students are some of the civilian careers held by the regiment’s reservists who train in their spare time with many employers granting time off for Army commitments.
Reserve soldiers receive pay and allowances and attend a minimum of 27 days a year to qualify for an annual tax-free incremental bounty which rises to £1,759 after five years’ continuous service.
This summer the regiment will be offering an Access to Logistics course which will equip people with the skills to become a fully trained soldier, including driving qualifications, in just nine weeks. New recruits will receive a joining bonus of up to £5,000 on completion of the course.
