23 Pioneer Regiment RLC are based in Bicester and have been since 1941. Covering a diverse range of roles, the unit is the only regular pioneer regiment in the British Army and is able to provide all sorts of capabilities with its multi-skilled soldiers.
Key roles include Operational Hygiene, Defence Skills, Artisan (Bricklaying/Concreting and Carpentry), Logistic Enabling, Assault Pioneer and Mortuary Affairs. A soldier in the Pioneers is expected to become expert in at least one of these fields.
The nature of tasks the Pioneers have undertaken in the past three years has been equally diverse including four separate deployments to Afghanistan, and tours of Iraq, Bosnia and Cyprus. The Regiment is set to continue deploying to Op HERRICK aiding Logistic Support Regiment's Combat Logistic Patrols in the Command Support role.
The Regiment comprises of four task squadrons (187 (Tancred), 206, 518 and 522) and one Headquarters Squadron (144) totaling around 600 personnel. The Pioneers are supported by RLC Drivers, Chefs and a REME Workshop.
Unfortunately the Pioneers will be leaving Bicester in 2015 hence the development being named in their honour. Congratulations to The_Creeds on the FTF!