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13 Geographic Squadron RE
From ARRSEpedia
13 Geo Squadron RE exists (allegedly) to provide geographic support to all three services, in the form of geodetic survey data, terrain analysis and lithographic printing of map sheets in bulk. In reality there is no need for these capabilities and the role of the squadron is, infact, to check and count the tents in the QM's store. The lucky few who escape to operational theatres can look forward to printing the same map seven thousand times or even printing out posters for the local bar!
The men of the squadron are the epitome of REMFdom, so much infact that Pizza Hut often deploy further forward than "Fighting 13". When you're in the Geo cell, you know that no man is further back. Long overlooked for an upgrade to A2 rifles so remote is the need for weaponry, infact nevermind A2s; elements of 13 Geo Sqn are still issued the Martini Henry.
Morale amongst the men in 13 Sqn is high, according to the CO. With a sign off rate amongst the junior ranks of 110%, the rats fleeing the sinking ship were joined last year by the OC who proudly took his place amongst the large and vocal 42 Sign Off Crew. Those who can't bare another year in the squadron escape by other means, be it retrading, turning to the dark side or committing suicide. The annual Brigade and bi-annual Divisional investigation into poor retention never touches on the core issue of the squadron being plain websters, although some officers may pay lip service to shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.
