SWINDON has proved the perfect base for a unique Territorial Army unit, which has seen recruitment rocket since it moved to the town.

The 280 Movement Control Squadron, Royal Logistics Corp, is the only regional TA squadron of its type in the British Army – specialising in making sure soldiers on operation have access to the supplies they need.

Based at Yeomanry House, Church Place, Swindon’s TA Centre, the unit forms part of Lincolnshire-based 162 Movement Control Regiment and will draw the bulk of recruits from Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

“The response has been tremendous,” said Major Ian Keenan, Commanding Officer of the squadron, which has recruited more than a third of the men and women it will need since it moved to Swindon in July.

Swindon, said Major Keenan, was viewed as the ideal base for the unit due to its proximity to RAF bases at Lyneham and Brize Norton and also the fact that 29 Regiment, the regular army’s movement control regiment, is based nearby at South Cerney.

“In all, we aim to recruit 65, focusing mainly on Wiltshire and Gloucestershire but looking further afield in some cases,” he said. “So far, we have had an excellent response from an ideal mix of experienced ex-regular personnel and people new to the TA.

“In addition to training reservists in our main function of movement control, we also need medics, drivers, radio operators, clerical staff and chefs.

“All will be aware, of course, that joining the TA these days is likely to lead to an operational tour at some point. But that prospect hasn’t put people off – quite the opposite, in fact.”

The unit will be at the Brunel Centre today and tomorrow to give members of the public information and advice on careers with the TA.

A 31-YEAR-old TA soldier from Swindon has returned home after completing the third major deployment of his 12-year reservist career.

Lance Corporal Martin Robinson, part of Swindon’s 280 Squadron, has just returned from Iraq.

Martin, from Eldene, also served in Bosnia in 2003 and two years later went to Iraq for the first time.

His latest stint in the war zone began with an unexpected call to spend two weeks deputising for a regular soldier sent home from Baghdad on compassionate leave.

Then he transferred to Basra to take part in the recent Army withdrawal from that area of southern Iraq and finally ended up in Kuwait.

“I have considered joining the regular army in the past but the TA really gives me the best of both worlds – and, obviously, plenty of travel,” he said.

Martin began his TA career in the infantry and was an Air Dispatcher before transferring to 280 Squadron.

Martin’s travels are not over yet – he expects a stint in Afghanistan some time later this year.