Article contributions by: Spr Morgan Pearson, Spr Chris Barrie and Spr Max Kennet.
Edited by Capt Charlotte Malan.
135 Geographic Squadron (Reserve), part of 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic), delivers vital geospatial intelligence and mapping support to UK Defence. The Squadron combines specialist technical capability with strong core soldiering skills, ensuring personnel remain ready to deploy alongside Regular Army units. Through a balanced programme of tactical, technical and leadership training, the Squadron continues to demonstrate resilience, adaptability and professionalism.
In June 2025, the Squadron conducted its Annual Continuation Training, a three-phase deployment designed to strengthen soldiering skills, leadership and team cohesion. Phase one focused on live firing, including weapon handling tests and the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test, followed by a demanding tactical advance and live firing exercise that tested endurance and performance under pressure. For many participants this was their first experience of this level of intensity on the ranges.
Phase two concentrated on tactical fieldcraft, with training in contact drills, indirect fire procedures and establishing a Forward Operating Base to support geospatial missions such as Geospatial Information Dissemination (GID). Soldiers conducted patrols, night reconnaissance and simulated combat scenarios, culminating in a troop attack, casualty evacuation and obstacle course.
The final phase used Adventure Training to reinforce teamwork and resilience through physically demanding activities such as mountain biking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, coasteering and surfing.
Later in the year, the Squadron completed a fieldcraft exercise designed to test essential soldiering skills, including camouflage, casualty drills, night navigation and leadership under pressure. Despite balancing civilian commitments, personnel demonstrated professionalism and operational readiness throughout.
Major Weston, Officer Commanding 135 Geographic Squadron, commended the team’s performance and highlighting the importance of such exercises in maintaining operational readiness and technical proficiency. Activities like these ensure the Squadron remains capable and ready to support the Regular Army in both training and operational deployments.
Alongside tactical training, personnel completed a specialist geospatial course focused on GID. The course covered logistics, vehicle systems, specialist bulk replication software for creating geospatial products, alongside theory on datums, GPS and mapping principles. It concluded with a weekend exercise simulating deployment at battlegroup level, where participants established a mobile Geo Cell and produced geospatial outputs under field conditions.
Through integrated soldiering and technical training, the Squadron continues to deliver capable, adaptable personnel ready to support UK Defence operations.
135 Geo Sqn are recruiting potential soldiers with a variety of skillsets and interests including geospatial analysts, drivers, chefs and much, much more. All training is provided, and no previous experience is needed. They have locations based in Ewell (Surrey), Reading (Berkshire) and Wyton (Cambridgeshire). If you are interested, please contact UKStratCom-DI-NCGI-42-135 REMSO or +44 303 372 4718.
Interested in the Special Forces? Join as a reserve.
