A CHESTER soldier has been training on new equipment that has been delivered to his Territorial Army unit.
L/Cpl Daniel Dove, 24, is serving with C (Cheshire Yeomanry) Squadron, The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry (RMLY) based at Fox Barracks in Chester.
Originally from Essex, L/Cpl Dove has lived in Chester since 2004 and joined the Yeomanry in 2006.
He said: “I joined the TA because I like the idea of a combat role and fancied the Royal Armoured Corps. I also wanted a new challenge.”
As well as serving in the UK he has been on exercise in southern Germany and Denmark.
His father also serves in the TA as a chef in the Royal Logistics Corps in Manchester.
L/Cpl Dove, who is a painter and decorator by profession, has recently qualified as a Land Rover Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (WMIK) driver having passed his light goods vehicle test.
He said: “As well as gaining course qualifications the TA has given me confidence, I also enjoy the social side and the adventure training.”
For the past 13 years, C Squadron has trained volunteer soldiers as crewmen for the Challenger 2 main battle tank but they will now be switching to a light cavalry and reconnaissance role.
In addition to driving, the soldiers are being trained to operate the new weapons systems for WMIK which includes a 50 calibre heavy machine gun, a 40mm grenade launcher and Bowman communications equipment.
The unit is one of just four remaining Yeomanry Regiments and forms part of the Royal Armoured Corps.
The Chester Squadron traces its roots to 1797 when it was raised at Tabley Cheshire as volunteer cavalry.
For more details about joining the TA in Chester call 01244 381050 or go to www.reserverecce.co.uk