Foreman of Signals

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Foremen of Signals are the most highly qualified non-commissioned signal equipment managers and Incorporated Engineers in the Royal Corps of Signals.

A soldier selected for Foreman of Signals training, who must hold a minimum qualification of class 1 technician, undertakes a BSc(Hons) accredited by Bournemouth University. On completion, the soldier is promoted to Staff Sergeant if the rank is not already held, and assumes the appointment of Foreman of Signals. The holder of the appointment can be promoted through the ranks from Staff Sergeant, to Warrant Officer Class 2, then Warrant Officer Class 1. To distinguish the appointment the suffix of FofS is used (i.e. SSgt(FofS), WO2(FofS), WO1(FofS)).

The title has definitely existed since the formation of the Royal Corps of Signals and may have been used previously in the Royal Engineers Signal Service. Formerly, Staff Sergeants and Warrant Officers Class 2 held the appointment of Foreman of Signals Quartermaster Sergeant (FoSQMS) and Warrant Officers Class 1 held the appointment of Foreman of Signals Sergeant Major (FoSSM).

[edit] Selection process

To be accepted onto the Foreman of Signals course, each individual candidate must follow a strict selection process that starts 15 months before the course start date. From June to December the candidates must complete Tutor Marked Assessments (TMAs) which are submitted monthly. In February the candidates sit two three-hour exams, which are co-ordinated to start concurrently around the world. Successful candidates then attend a one week selection board where different management and technical tasks are used to assess the candidates suitability to the task of becoming a Foreman of Signals.

There are usually close to a hundred eligible candidates every year, however, the board only selects between 16 and 20 students for each course, which typically commences in the first week of September every year.