john blackburn

Day to day i worked as a section sapper, going on training exercises out in the field and brushing up on combat engineering skills. In June 2013 we deployed to Kenya for a 6 week exercise to provide engineering support for an infantry battalion- this involved bridge building, minefield clearance, EMOE (Explosive Method Of Entry), force protection, field fortification and the general duties of a soldier. In September 2013, as part of 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron I deployed out to Nicosia in Cyprus for 6 months, to work as a peacekeeper within the UN Buffer Zone.

My role as Surveyor within 522 STRE involves; The collection of survey data, advising on it, assisting in design work, and controlling line and level on building projects. I am proficient in the use of Leica TCRP 1200 series as that is the current hardware used by the Royal Engineers. Land Surveying tasks include; Establishing accurate control networks, initial surveys and as built surveys. This has been both working on my own and within teams of up to 8 other surveyors. I have produced accurate drawings on LISCAD to be used as site plans or, for terrain modelling and earthwork calculations. Setting out tasks include; Orthogonal and polar methods for both roads and buildings, project management and overseeing works on site.

Currently serving within the Corps of Royal Engineers as a Lance Corporal. Worked in a number of countries and continents in a variety of roles from; combat to construction, exercises to operational environments. Highly trained and highly motivated, whether surveying in Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis or taking part in infantry training exercises in the UK I am used to getting the job done no matter the constraints.

Expected date of graduation Jan '18