I was looking for suitable opportunities to migrate into a technical profession, having always held an interest in engineering. Having looked into the RAF, it offered world-leading training and an opportunity to apply it in a dynamic and diverse manner which appealed greatly.
I had several family members who served in the RAF previously and who always spoke very highly and proudly of their time in service.
As perhaps many who join a military service, I held the natural anxieties about the lifestyle and the separation from family and loved ones. Such anxieties however quickly subsided when I realised that the RAF itself is a family in its own right and I quickly established strong bonds with others.
I vividly remember the aptitude tests during the recruitment process as these were very challenging. I recall completing the testing process doubting I had performed well enough to make the grade, but when I was told I had passed with strong results in all areas, I was incredibly proud.
I would perhaps advise myself to accept that the recruitment process can be a lengthy process, but ultimately it leads to the rewards. I recall being a little frustrated at the time, that the trade I wished to join was undergoing change which delayed my application, but the offer came and it led to fantastic opportunities.
More than anything, I remember the people. At the time, the long days, the fatigue and the complete change of lifestyle would have been the thing I would have thought would have been the most memorable, but looking back now its actually the friendships and the characters that stick out in my mind.
It would probably that military life is not about being yelled at. Yes a big part of military life centres around personal discipline and conduct, but initial training is there to build and develop you, making you a more resilient individual so you can achieve your best.
As an Aircraft technician I actually undertook two phases of trade/specialist training. The first phase gave me the fundamental training in aircraft knowledge and maintenance, allowing me to go to my first unit where I would be servicing and handling aircraft on the flight line. My second phase which I undertook several years later, gave me the opportunity to specialise in the field of Avionics, where I was taught a far more in-depth understanding of electrical and avionic equipment and how to diagnose/test and repair it.
The training was immensely valuable, providing a baseline of skills that I could take to my front line unit. With only a minimal amount of time undertaking platform specific conversion training, I was quickly operating autonomously on sqn.
Having originally joined the RAF as an aircraft technician, I was a hands on engineer, ensuring that aircraft were serviced and faults remedied to allow safe operation in support of maximising the RAF’s Air power.
Having previously worked as a Civil Servant in the Police sector, I was somewhat used to working within an organisation that is underpinned by standards and routines, but nevertheless it was still a big change that required agility and resilience. The process was however made easier by being part of a cadre who were all in the same position and whom helped one another to succeed.
I am currently the acting Sqn Cdr of AeroSystems Training Squadron at the No.1 School of Technical Training, RAF Cosford. This means I oversee and manage the delivery of Phase 2 technical training for all Avionics technicians as well as some of the foundation training for other trades including Weapons. Mechanical and Survival Equipment Technicians. I am also responsible for the training delivery staff and the students who go through the training system.
My role is extremely diverse and I would go so far as to say there are very few ‘average’ days. In the normal scheme of things my focus is on broad effectiveness of the sqn and the health and wellbeing of staff and students. At all times I am addressing a combination of the here and now; workforce levels, SQEP, available training training resources, morale etc whilst at the same time considering future needs and what needs to be implemented to future-proof the sqn going forwards and ensure continuing effectiveness against Defence requirements.
As the Sqn Cdr for circa 100 staff and 300 trainees, there is a considerable amount of reactivity on top of this background work, associated with student performance and behavioural management, staff management and development etc. No two days are ever the same and there is always something different.
I have responsibilities in a number of domains. Within the Health and Safety arena, I am responsible for ensuring a safe and secure working/living environment for personnel and that their health and welfare are managed appropriately. This extends to management of risks within the workplace to minimise the risk of injury/damage.
I am responsible for the training and development of my staff and trainees and for ensuring that they have the necessary skills to fulfil their roles and duties, This includes awarding Engineering authorisations to those competent to undertake specific tasks.
I am also responsible for the conduct and deportment of my personnel and ensuring that military values and ethos are being upheld.
Without question I would say it is the diversity and opportunities that the role offers. During this tour, in addition to my routine duties, I have overseen the RAF security contingent at the Royal International Air Tattoo, one of the largest military air shows in the world and I have had the privilege of commanding route lining contingents at both the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
I have undertaken a part-RAF funded BSc (Hons) Engineering degree in Engineering Management, which underpins decisions made in my capacity as sqn technical officer. I have also been able to undertake training to allow the provision of better pastoral support or staff and trainees.
I have gained an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and a Level 5 Certificate in Service improvement as well as a Level 4 Certificate in ‘Teaching in the Lifelong Sector’
Not a qualification as such, but I am accredited as an Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) with IMechE and am currently pursuing Incorproated Engineer (IEng) accreditation.
This varies considerably from role to role. Operational roles have intrinsically less flexibility than others and in such roles it can be challenging to find a suitable balance point. There are however many roles across the RAF in which a stable and healthy work/life balance can be readily achieved and the RAF has worked hard to introduce opportunities similar to those in civilian life to support the needs of its people.
I live in my own home now, but I have lived in military SLA and SFA.
These are really helpful and I would encourage all personnel to look into the packages available. As many individuals join the RAF straight from school, they perhaps do not recognise the true value of such packages until they leave the service, but absolutely these are of incredible value.
The stn is home to an incredible suite of fitness facilitate, including gymnasiums, sports halls, swimming pool, running track. Furthermore it has an array of food outlets, a family centre, and even a small arcade.
I’ve taken part in skiing, orienteering, football, tennis, basketball.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit an array of countries during my time in the RAF. This includes the USA, Greece, UAE, Qatar, Cyprus, Oman.
The thing I love most is the people I work with. There is a unity and a team ethos you don’t get in other walks of life. There are so many experiences and stories that people have from their time in the service and this helps the forging of common bonds.
The most memorable experiences were without doubt being part of the Queen’s funeral and King’s Coronation. As ‘once in a career’ moments, these will always stand out as highlights and I am incredibly proud to have supported them.
Whilst inevitably it would not be possible to keep in touch with everyone I have worked with, I do routinely hear from people from previous units and maintain friendships with many from the past. Even to this day, I am in touch with people I was in Basic Training with over 18 years ago.
Since the formation of Space Command, it has been a personal aspiration to undertake a role in that domain and that is what I am looking to move into as my next posting.
