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BASIC ELECTRONIC DISPLAY
Most technicians in REME have basic electronic training as a foundation for their future career in the army. This display compares army and civilian qualifications and shows 50 years of electronic training in REME.
REME THROUGH THE YEARS
A comparison of an IFOR REME combat tradesman in Bosnia wearing the uniform of 'Soldier 1995' and carrying an SA80 rifle with a 1946 Army Apprentice Tradesman being inspected by Field Marshall Montgomery. This illustrates the changes in the quality of the uniforms, as well as the role of the tradesman.
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BARRACK ROOM DISPLAY
A comparison between a soldier's accommodation in the 1950s
and today. This reflects changes in living standards and lifestyles of
soldiers during technical training.
1950s - A trainee REME tradesman undergoing National Service
shared a barrack room with up to 20 of his peers, where no personal effects
were on display. All accommodation, clothing, equipment and meals were
provided. He was paid, weekly, in cash, a sum less than £2.50.
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Today - Soldiers undergoing technical training, man or woman, share a room with up to three others. This is within a flat comprising several similar rooms and incorporating bathrooms and sitting rooms. They have civilian clothes for off duty wear and their own televisions, mobile telephones, hi-tech sound systems and a car or motorcycle. Salaries are now almost £200 a week, paid monthly into a bank account, although deductions are made for accommodation and food.