Foreman of Signals

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 must hold a minimum qualification of Class 1 Technician. Students currently undertake a BSc(Hons) in Telecommunications Systems Engineering accredited by Bournemouth University. On completion of the course, 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)).

History

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).

election 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.

Foreman of Signals Information Systems

The title has also been adopted by the trade formerly known as Supervisor Information Systems. The new title Foreman of Signals Information Systems came into effect in December 2007. A soldier selected for FofS IS training is not subject to the same selection process as a FofS, although the course still covers a Bournemouth University accredited Foundation Degree.