Issue 2 2013 - rafpa.com · Issue 2 2013 The Magazine of The Royal Air Force Police Provost ... Joint Force Harrier £3.50 ... ethos of the RAF Police.

Issue 2 2013

The Magazine of The Royal Air Force Police

Provost Parade

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Provost Parade

Provost Parade 3

Editorial Team

Managing Director: Ron PearsonManaging Editor: Katie Mordue Sales Manager: Amanda Mains

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Contents

Chairman of the JournalGp Capt M S Sexton PM(RAF)

95991 6066RAFP-HQ PM

EditorSqn Ldr A J Porter

95991 6176RAFP-HQ A3 A9 SO2

Assistant Editor WO S Coppard

95991 6131RAFP-HQ PMWO

Provost Parade Shop ManagerFS Paul Symons

93835 485202392 284852

Postal Sales ManagerCpl Dallinger93835 4356

02392 284356

Curator of the RAF Police MuseumSgt Wilkinson93835 4803

02392 284803DCPG-TrgWg-CDT-RAFPPSSME

Future Submissions Address:Editor Provost ParadeHQ RAFP SO2 A3/A9Force Protection HQ

RAF HoningtonBury St Edmunds

SuffolkIP31 1EE

Tel: 01359 239560 ext 6176 Email: [email protected]

Cover picture:British Forces South Atlantic Islands

p26

p11

Foreword and Editorial ...................................4

Coordinating Committed, Responsive and Adaptive Force Protection Force Elements .....................................................5

HQ Air Force Protection Commitments Staff .............................................5

HQ RAFP Relocation to the Force Protection HQ at RAF Honington ...........................................6

83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF Police ...8

British Forces South Atlantic Islands - RAFP Dog Trials .................................................................. 11

Covert and Scientific Support Flight ..... 12

Life at The Defence Animal Centre ......... 13

Batoning Down Personal Safety ............. 14

MoD Corsham - Joint Cyber Unit .............15

OP ATALANTA - RAF Police Support to Anti-Piracy Missions .................................... 17

RAF Cosford Airshow ................................... 18

Keeping the Peace at RAF Waddington 20

Operation NEWCOMBE ................................. 22

Op Helvetic G8 Summit .............................. 24

Exercise WINTERMARCH 2013 ................. 26

603 Sqn Aviation Nights ............................ 28

603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Update ........................ 29

Air Command Force Protection Force Development .......................................................... 30

RAFP Reflections from the Past to the Present...................................................................31

Triple Crown Challenge .............................. 32

Charity news........................................................33

The Battle of the Lincolnshire Ashes ....................................... 37

Mod Corsham Field Gun Crew ......................38

By the time that you read this, I will have come to the end of my tour as Commander RAF Police and Provost

Marshal (RAF) and will have been replaced by Gp Capt Kevin Bailey as I depart for a 6-month tour at the Afghan National Defence University, Kabul. It has been a great honour and privilege to command the Force for the last 2 years, throughout which it has continued to excel across its huge spectrum of operational outputs on enduring and contingent operations in the UK and around the world. The immense contribution that RAF Police men and women make to the efficient and effective delivery of integrated Force Protection effects for Air is gaining substantial recognition within the Air chain-of-command, across Defence and Government and amongst the general public and is something of which we should all be justifiably proud. And those effects are delivered day in and day out, on ops and in the UK and across a huge spectrum of general and specialist tasks. Much of the focus has rightly been on the operational sphere and the outputs of TPS and the other units and individuals employed right at the sharp end of Op HERRICK, Op NEWCOMBE and in support of the Middle East Exercise programme on WIS, CS, MWD, CISU, SIB, APSS, Avn Sy, GPD and other duties. But we have also maintained an outstanding level of support to Air in the UK, providing GPD coverage, specialist investigative

I write this having taken over the Provost Parade “baton” from Sqn Ldr John Duffy who over the past two years has compiled

an excellent array of varied, interesting and professional publications and I hope to follow in his footsteps to ensure that the full spectrum of Committed, Adaptive and Responsive operational deployments, tasks and wide variety of other commitments across the globe, are illustrated and articulated to be representative of what we achieve and excel in as a Branch and Trade. In this, my first edition of the Provost Parade, I have received tremendous support from across the Trade to ensure that our broad plethora of activities are accurately recorded and proudly reflects what we have been involved in, supported and delivered in terms of operational Force Protection, both overseas and within the UK and shaping for Contingency operations.

Preparing for, and maintaining readiness for Contingency operations whilst still maintaining the support to Op HERRICK and the other OOA posts is a challenging task and we are very aware of the burden this places on you all. However the flexibility and proactive approach shown from all corners of the Force to ensure we have the agility to support UK Air ops anywhere in the world has been impressive. As you will see, your support to exercises such as Ex CAPABLE EAGLE at RAF Leeming has not faltered, ensuring that the RAF Police are actively

skills deployed on numerous complex and extremely high profile investigations and a raft of high-end counter-intelligence and security outputs in support of major events, red-teaming and the routine activity of the Service. What makes it even more impressive is that all this has been achieved throughout an unparalleled period of operations and against a backdrop of redundancies, the Olympic Games, Force reorganisation, diminished resource and the wider dynamics of global insecurity. YOU – the multi-skilled, professionally qualified and experienced, agile and adaptable men and women of the RAF Police - are at the heart of all that we do and provide the Force with its fighting edge which is key to current and future success. I have been hugely impressed throughout my visits to stations and squadrons with the selfless commitment and forbearance of the RAF Police, collectively and individually at all levels. The professionalism and capability of all members of the Force shines through, but so does the morale, fighting spirit, esprit de corps, robustness and resilience, without which the RAF Police could not consistently deliver so successfully against the unrelenting cycle of operations. And I am acutely conscious of the human costs associated with all of this: the very sad loss of Brent McCarthy, Mick McConnell’s life-changing wounds and the injuries suffered by others; and the pressures and stresses that the operational tempo has imposed on each

and every one of you and your partners and families who provide you with unstinting support and love.

The remarkable characteristics and traits of the men and women who together form the Branch and Trade will continue to serve us well as we look towards a future beyond HERRICK, for which we are exceptionally well-placed. The operational pedigree and performance of the Force, its delivery of integrated FP, security and policing effects alongside other elements of Air FP, the seamless operation of the Force’s command and control within the integrated FP Force HQ and the continuing hard work to refine structures and develop new and existing capabilities within wider Air FP for the future operational environment stand us in excellent stead for the future. The next few years offer real opportunities that you should embrace wholeheartedly on equal terms and also many challenges which you should face as one under the leadership of Gp Capt Bailey, capitalising on and developing the unique skills, identity and ethos of the RAF Police. My very best wishes to all of you and my sincere thanks for your outstanding performance and loyal support throughout my tour. I will continue to watch future developments with a very keen and active interest.

Fiat JustitiaGroup Captain Mark Sexton

involved and on the front foot in being prepared to support Expeditionary Air Wing Force Protection operations and the wider UK Defence effort for operating effectively in the Future Operating Environment.

As you will see, notwithstanding the operational outputs and maintaining core policing and Protective Security capabilities within homeland units, your sporting endeavours, support to charities, Force Development events and other activities has been impressively broad reaching.

On a final note, thank you for your contributions which provides the readership with full situational awareness of the mission critical and invaluable efforts, achievements and support that the RAF Police is delivering across the globe and in the UK home bases.

Squadron Leader Avril Porter, SO2 A3/9

As you will see, your support to exercises such as Ex CAPABLE EAGLE at RAF Leeming has not faltered, ensuring that the RAF Police are actively involved and on the front foot in being prepared to support Expeditionary Air Wing Force Protection operations and the wider UK Defence effort for operating effectively in the Future Operating Environment.

4 Provost Parade

Commander RAFP / Provost Marshal (RAF)

Editorial

The FP Cts pod at Air Command requires a split personality and we’re not just talking about the four RAF

Regiment and RAF Police officers who make up the Team.  On the one hand the Team represents Air Cmd for all Air Force Protection-related operational matters (mainly by providing A3 (Operations) and A5 (Plans) staff with subject manner expertise) and, on the other, the Cts pod is the Air Cmd and 2 Gp tasking authority for the FP Force. 

Whilst the Main Effort remains Op HERRICK and ensuring that deployed Air FP is fit for purpose as threats and circumstances change, time is increasingly taken up with planning for Contingency Operations that sit squarely in the Responsive and Adaptive areas of the RAF Command Plan.  Add in a number of routine, but often ad hoc jobs, such as high threat Avn FP tasks and you can see that FP Cts can be pulled in several directions at the same time.  For all tasks, the need for accurate threat information is key.  This is acquired from Air A2 staffs or the FP Threats Team at the

Air Warfare Centre.  The Cts team then make an assessment of the current mitigation in place to determine the residual threat that remains and then propose an appropriate level of Force Protection to the ‘Ops’ Chain of Command.

Planning activity can be diverse and involves a wide range of organisations outside of Air Cmd.  Where possible, FP Cts seeks to ‘outsource’ such planning activity to the FP Force for further development and refinement; however, often such planning is not far enough advanced to be passed on and, in many cases, it can easily come to nothing as plans undoubtedly change and evolve.

The FP Cts pod is the single point of contact for many other HQ Air Cmd branches and units from the wider Royal Air Force seeking Air-related FP advice.  A good working relationships with the other FP staff pods (Trg, Plans, PSyA, CBRN and Cap Dev) and the two (RAF Police and RAF Regt) operations cells at the FP Force HQ are crucial to provide the right answer to the numerous enquiries.  It

will certainly make our lives that bit easier when the two co-located component HQs join together as the Integrated FP FHQ in 2014. 

The final point is that we know that both operations cells (and the Force Elements) fear our Friday afternoon phone calls, however, please understand that we are but a small cog in a much larger wheel.  The cog begins to turn on a Monday when the Ops Directorate get a task in from the Cabinet Office or another government department.  It takes them until late Tuesday/early Wednesday to refine the detail and task PJHQ who then take a day or two to determine how they want the task to proceed and to issue their direction.  Hence we usually receive this direction on a Thursday night or Friday morning and will work as quickly as we can to pass on any task that has been endorsed by the Air Comd chain of command to the Force HQ for action.  While we all feel this pain, the pain caused to the FEs is understood and every effort is made to reduce it.

Sqn Ldr Simon Manvell

Provost Parade 5

Commander RAFP / Provost Marshal (RAF)

Coordinating Committed, Responsive and Adaptive Force Protection Force Elements… HQ Air Force Protection Commitments Staff

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HQ RAFP Relocation to the Force Protection HQ at RAF Honington

There has been talk of the merger of HQ RAFP and the RAF FP HQ - essentially the RAF Regt’s HQ -

for as long as most of us can probably remember.

After all, we train together, we deploy together, there is a significant overlap in the broad FP effect that we collectively deliver, and both branches have been commanded by the same 1* Air Officer for several years. However, rumour turned into fact in March 2012 with the release to the RAFP Force via a brief from Cdr RAFP: this brief relayed direction from AOC 2Gp that a single, integrated FP Hub was to be formed at RAF Honington and, therefore that HQ RAFP and the RAF FP HQ were to merge. This direction was in line with the process taking place across the RAF in the wake of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in 2010, namely that 1*-led Force HQs (FHQs) were being stood up, each delivering a key element of Air Power. The Air Mobility FHQ at Brize Norton and the ISTAR FHQ at Waddington led the way with this process and are now both firmly established.

Planning and Initial MovesPlanning for the move commenced during Spring 12, with a timeline set for achieving Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by 1 Dec 12; IOC would comprise the co-location of key elements of HQ RAFP within the FP HQ to deliver an effective joint ops output. Full Operating Capability (FOC) was initially programmed for 1 Apr 13 – namely the integration of all HQ RAFP elements into the new FP FHQ. The first element of HQ RAFP moved across to Honington in Dec 12. That was the A3 element – the element of our HQ that works most closely with the current FP HQ Current Commitments Team to generate RAFP and RAF Regt personnel for FP operations. SO2 A3 (at the time Sqn Ldr John Duffy) and his A3 team made the move across to Honington in the weeks prior to Christmas and immediately began working out of an open-plan office adjacent to their RAF Regt colleagues in FP Current Commitments.

Planning the move of the rest of the HQ required more work – specifically to reconfigure the internal office spaces in the FP HQ to accommodate an additional 27 people, and enable best use of what is an unusual building

with a somewhat awkward layout in places – it started life in the depths of the Cold War as an aircrew briefing facility and certainly wasn’t designed to house a FP FHQ, so creativity was required. However, the nominated ProjOs from HQ and RAFP and FP HQ assembled their respective teams and a building layout and shared floor plan was devised.

Unfortunately, however, the full relocation project had to be placed on temporary hold in early 2013; owing to uncertainty over future basing plans for both the Army and the RAF, final approval for the relocation from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), who control the entire military estate, was yet to be granted and it was clear that the planned FOC date of Apr 13 was not able to be met. Despite this snag the infra work which was already underway to prepare the FP HQ building for the arrival of the remainder of Cdr RAFP’s staff continued apace, and the RAFP A3 team continued to work solely from Honington.

May 13 saw the release of the Army’s future basing plan, and in turn DIO approval that HQ RAFP could officially relocate to Honington. AO FP immediately issued an implementation order directing that HQ RAFP was to co-locate with the FP HQ by 30 Sep 13, and that the fully integrated FP FHQ was to be fully operational by 1 Jun 14. We were set to move, and plans once again swung into action. With infra work and IT installation in the FP HQ building set to be complete by mid-August, the date for the relocation of HQ RAFP – our own IOC - was set to Mon 2 Sep 13. Under the direction of the HQ RAFP ProjO, HQ elements were tasked to begin the process of packing up their offices ready for a physical move to Honington in the last few days of August – all, of course, whilst maintaining the busy output of the HQ and without detriment to the support we provide to the Force.

Full HQ RelocationAt 0800 on Thu 28 Aug 13, a MAN SV 8-tonner wagon from 1(T)PS pulled up outside the historic HQ RAFP building at Henlow. As the morning progressed, a working party of HQ staff and 1TPS personnel steadily lifted and shifted the contents of the HQ offices – from security cabinets and boxes of archive file to desk fans and coat stands – and loaded them into the awaiting vehicle. Once loading was complete, a uniquely distinctive convoy of the 8-tonner followed by a column of standard-issue grey Vauxhall Astras hit the road to Honington, where our new offices quickly filled with familiar furniture and office décor. Although the move was physically challenging and manpower-intensive, it was very straightforward as we were moving to offices pre-equipped with IT, desks, and chairs, and sharing the building with an established and well-found FP HQ (of which the most welcoming part, after the drive over from Henlow, was the fully-stocked Tea Bar).

On Mon 2 Sep 13, Initial Operating Capability (IOC) was officially declared by Cdr RAFP – HQ RAFP was now co-located with the FP HQ as directed by AO FP, and it had been achieved one month ahead of schedule. We are now working side-by-side whilst retaining the existing separate chains of command.

The next step will be to formally integrate the 2 HQs into one FP Force HQ - which will be a greater challenge than simply getting us here into the same building. Work is already underway toward determining the command structure that the HQ will adopt, and it is anticipated that some staff outputs - for example logs and plans - may be ready to fully integrate ahead of the FOC date.

What will it mean to the Force?Aside from phone numbers and contact addresses for HQ staff changing, the relocation will have very little impact on the RAFP Force. What it is already delivering is more efficient and joined-up planning and execution of FP tasks, which is already having a positive impact on the delivery of integrated Air FP in support of UK Air ops.

Furthermore, there are plans to also bring 3 Police Wg and its Force Elements over from Henlow to Honington. The RAF Strategic Basing Plan sees the Service drawing back from RAF Henlow, and 3 PW represents the single largest RAFP Force Element. Its location can be expected to have a significant impact on how it operates in the future RAF FP Force. With around 200 personnel to accommodate, the move of 3PW depends upon the departure of 1 Royal Tank Regiment from Honington and significant redevelopment of working accommodation – planning work is ongoing but a definite decision should be made shortly.In the meantime, HQ RAFP is pleased to be here and is wasting no time in embedding itself into the stn; already, our personnel have been formally dined-in to both the Officers’ and SNCOs’ messes respectively, and there have been no shortage of social events and engagement opportunities for strengthening our bonds as the RAF’s FP Force alongside our RAF Regt counterparts.

Leaving Henlow brings with it some sadness; HQ RAFP has been located there since 2005 and there is a significant amount of our history associated with the station, and particularly Bldg 143 - the seat of Cdr RAFP and his Execs, and for many years before the seat of HQ P&SS. However, at the time of writing this article - just one month since our first day here at Honington - it can be said without doubt that HQ RAFP has firmly made its mark within the FP HQ and is set for the next challenge of integration.

Flt Lt M J Rankine

Wg Cdr Stowers, FHQ COS welcomes Wg Cdr McCleery, DPM to the headquarters.

FS Phil Brown moving artefacts from Henlow to Honington.

6 Provost Parade

HQ RAFP Relocation to the Force Protection HQ at RAF Honington

Provost Parade 7

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8 Provost Parade

83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF PoliceHQ 83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF Police - is it a HQ? Is it a Police Flt? It’s neither if it’s both: it’s a showcase for the diverse and flexible can-do attitude of the RAF Police. We are talking about the RAF Police element of 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG), the headquarters of the UK Air Component in the Middle East and Afghanistan. 83 EAG is responsible for four expeditionary air wings based in the Middle East: 901 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) A Flt, 901 EAW C Flt, 902 EAW and 906 EAW – themselves just part of 83 EAG’s responsibility, which also includes 903 EAW at Camp Bastion and 904 EAW at Kandahar Airfield.

Together the EAWs cover a Joint Operating Area (JOA) of some 8 million square miles – of which 83 EAG’s RAF Police flight covers the whole of the Middle East. So what does life hold for RAFP on a 6-month tour in a HQ role in the Middle East? As you will see, it’s not entirely the ‘holiday tour’ some people think!

Being part of the HQ means that the current incumbents – Theatre Provost Marshal and SO3 A3 Sy Flt Lt Neil Lawrenson, FS A3 Sy FS Ian Warren and 83 EAG Crime Manager Sgt Phil Hitchen, are responsible to the UK Air Component Commander and AOC 83 EAG, Air Cdre Philip Beach, for all Policing and Security issues around the Joint Operating Area.

This means the day-to-day running of all Police elements including dealing with changes to infrastructure and the security implications that they present, Security Risk management, short notice Aircraft visits, contingency planning, Protective Security assurance visits, Technical Evaluations, investigation of serious crime and ensuring all other crime is correctly reported, investigated and recorded. Add on to that the management of the administrative matters of 12 RAF Police personnel at deployed locations. It’s more than enough to keep three coppers out of trouble and away from the sunshine!

But

wait: there’s more! 83 EAG’s RAF Police also ‘double hat’ as 901 EAW A Flt’s Police Flt, so in addition to the HQ responsibilities they take on the day to day running of a Unit that has around 160 personnel at any one time, all on an operational footing. There’s absolutely no time for complacency. Deadlines are tight. Additional responsibilities come in the form of vetting, security furniture, security briefings, passes and permits, volume crime, and the real challenge: off-base force protection security patrols.

Today, more than ever, RAFP personnel are expected to be multi-skilled, and 83 EAG is a great test of those skills. Thankfully the RAFP has a superb ‘can do’ attitude, so wherever the team works in the Middle East it works hard – making sure air power can be delivered safely where and when it’s needed.

Sgt P Hitchen

901 EAW C FltHow many hats can a RAF Policeman wear? Come to the RAF Det here at C Flt and you’ll certainly find out! The unstoppable, Dynamic RAFP Duo of Cpl Dale Penn and Sgt Pete Donaldson find themselves responsible for a whole range of duties. All they’re missing are the capes!

The team does all the basic functions of RAFP on Det such as Force Protection, Counter Intelligence, Provost Operations, and ATSy, but they also have the lead on activities such as CBRN co-ord, Information Technology Security Officer Duties, VVIP/VIP Moves and Fire Marshal – to name but a few. Another of the tasks undertaken by Cpl Penn each week is the collation of open source

information

The RAFP deployed across the Middle East are in a variety of locations and are conducting a variety of tasks to support the expeditionary nature of UK Air operations. Here, the RAF Police personnel across the different locations provide an insight into their operations and taskings….

regarding Force Protection related occurrences in the Joint Operating Area. Once the information has been gathered it’s pushed out in an open-source digest for individuals to read at their leisure. It’s an important function ensure that all personnel are aware of the open source media and social networking regarding their specific location. We take Force Protection extremely seriously. There is a threat to personnel here, and however lucky we are to enjoy relatively comfortable facilities here we never forget that it’s up to us to make sure people are always kept safe and secure.

Cpl Dale Penn

902 EAWFrom its base in the Middle East, 902 EAW is focused on supporting ongoing operations in Afghanistan and aiding transition to Afghan-led control of security there. With that aim, 902 EAW personnel provide the ground and technical support that allow its force elements, totalling around 200 personnel, to deliver air power where required.The 902 EAW RAF Police Section currently comprises one SNCO, currently Sgt Scott Campbell, Protective Security (PS) JNCO Cpl Richie Malia, and two JNCO General Police Duties (GPD), Cpl Dave Johnson and Cpl Kelly Bielby.

Scott is the Establishment Sy Officer for 902 EAW, responsible for providing security advice and guidance to the 902 EAW execs on a range of subjects from the aircraft guarding commitment to advice for 902 personnel taking part in activities away from the unit.

Richie’s role in the PS section requires him to conduct security surveys, inspections and audits and initiating PS

investigations. He also interviews the

FS Warren completing Air Transport Security duties.

Provost Parade 9

On 30 September, a small working party from 906 Expeditionary Air Wing Force Protection & Security Flight, consisting of FS Bromell, Sgt Owen & Cpl Walker from the RAF Regiment and RAF Police Sgt Leigh Proctor and Cpl Ewan Howieson carried out cleaning and maintenance of a memorial to an RAF Airman who had been killed in the UAE during WW2.

Wellington Mark 1C, serial HX748, was on the strength of the Aircraft Delivery Unit, No. 4 Ferry Control Unit, Middle East Command. On 13 February 1943, it landed at RAF Sharjah, Trucial States (the UAE’s previous name) en route from England to India. At 0900hrs on 14 February 1943, it took off and 30 minutes later, when over the sea, the pilot noticed oil on the reduction gear casing of the port engine. This, coupled with a visibility of only 2 miles, led him to decide to return to RAF Sharjah. After about 7 minutes of the return journey, the port propeller flew off the engine. The pilot, losing height, was forced to land on the coast at Seh Dhadnah, with the result that the aircraft was badly damaged and the navigator – Sergeant William Donnelly of 244 Sqn – was killed. Sgt Donnelly was buried by the crew near the aircraft. Later, despite extensive searches, it was not possible to locate the grave as it had been washed away in floods, and a memorial was erected to Sgt Donnelly in 2010.

Attempts are being made by Cpl Howieson to locate the relatives of Sgt Donnelly and to pass on photographs of the memorial.

Cpl Howieson

Lest We Forget83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF Police

The RAFP deployed across the Middle East are in a variety of locations and are conducting a variety of tasks to support the expeditionary nature of UK Air operations. Here, the RAF Police personnel across the different locations provide an insight into their operations and taskings….

locally employed civilians as part of a vetting program. The PS role can become quite challenging at times, especially as all three services have different ways of doing things (and don’t always understand that the RAFP way is the right way…).

Dave and Kelly, as the GPD element, are responsible for providing crime prevention advice and dealing with volume crime. Whilst thankfully crime is low due to a proactive approach, they help maintain a high standard of discipline. Our other regular task includes conducting ATSy duties twice a week on all UK Military and MOD chartered aircraft and passengers.

As a team we are all responsible for conducting Force Protection patrols of the perimeter fence around the unit and on the domestic and technical sites. Along with the Force Protection on unit, we also carry out regular Force Protection and Security Team (FP&ST) patrols of the local areas that service personnel are permitted to visit.

The rough comes with the smooth and the advantages of FP&ST is that the RAF Police have the opportunity to visit some of the host nation’s spectacular locations. This tour isn’t Afghanistan, but while we make the most of the opportunities we’re lucky to have we’re committed to making sure our colleagues never, ever let down their guard. We’re operational, and that’s exactly the attitude we stick to.

Cpl K Bielby

906 EAW906 Expeditionary Air Wing operates in support of Middle East operations as the hub of RAF air transport in the region and into Afghanistan. As always the professionalism and versatility of our trade means we are able to turn our hand to a variety of tasks and we certainly have done here by forming an integral part of the FP & Sy Flt. The RAF Police here provide FP, PS, ATSy, GPD, SIIB and CIFT capabilities to name but a few.

The Flight is made-up of a hybrid team of specialists incorporating Airman Any Guards, each bringing their own area of expertise and qualities to the group, ensuring we provide a well rounded and highly skilled team. As is often the case, the RAF Police and Regiment continue to work well integrated together in the Force Protection field and form the HQ

and training element of the flight which is led by Flt Lt Katy Steed.Our role here is easily likened to that seen at Camp Bastion: we are at the forefront of security provided to the numerous flying sqns and high volume of tri-service and multi-national personnel who operate here. The majority of personnel employed on the FP & Sy Flt form a guard force employed heavily on flight line and personnel security. Alongside this duty, the RAF Police amongst us also offer an exemplary policing capability to the unit.

The Counter Intelligence Field Team, comprising Sgt Lee Proctor and Cpl Ewan Howieson, display another strength that the RAF Police have to offer by providing an up-to-date threat analysis of the whole area of operations, which can see them visiting numerous locations per day to make sure that personnel travelling off unit know to avoid any potentially dangerous areas.

In addition to PS and ATSy duties, team of Sgt Paul Scott and Cpl Carl Payne maintain Policing, Guarding and contractual issues. Showing patience and diplomacy, they play a big part in making sure there is a smooth relationship between British and Host Nation Forces.

All in all the RAF Police conduct themselves competently and proficiently demonstrating, as ever, why our trade is vital in today’s Air Force – and certainly in this theatre of operations.

Cpl M Pattinson Sgt Phil Hitchin working hard.

906 EAW RAFP conducting Air Transport Security.Flt Lt Neil Lawrenson getting busy with the ATSy wand.

10 Provost Parade10 Provost Parade

An Afghan soldier proudly displays a certificate

awarded for his efforts at the new battle school (Pictured right:

Sergeant Dan Bardsley, Crown copyright.)

The facility is close to Camp Bastion and will provide Afghan

recruits who have completed their basic training with more advanced

skills, such as firing mortars. Soldiers from 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4

SCOTS) have deployed to take the lead in training and mentoring

Afghan National Army (ANA) troops at the newly-established

New Afghan National Army - Regional Corps Battle School Opens

Afghan troops on parade at the opening ceremony of the 215 Regional Corps

Battle School (Pictured left: Sergeant Dan Bardsley, Crown copyright.) The recruits on the current course are being instructed by a team of nearly 100, including soldiers from 4 SCOTS, the US Marine Corps and civilian contractors. Afghans are also learning how to take over the

215 Regional Corps Battle School (RCBS). Wing Commander James Penelhum, RAF Police the officer-

in-charge of the RCBS, said: The concept is to deliver a

sustainable training institution for 215 Corps of the Afghan National

Army, which is the element of the ANA that operates in

Helmand province.

The school has just opened and we have 7 infantry courses and 10

combat service support courses running – that means things like food services, combat transport

and weapons maintenance.

instructional role. The battle school is seen as a test model for the rest of the country. Wing Commander Penelhum said:Over the next couple of months we’re receiving a lot of visits from other regional headquarters and other Afghan officers from other corps, who are coming to see how this has been set up and identifying lessons.

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British Forces South Atlantic Islands - RAFP Dog TrialsThe RAFP Dog Section

currently deployed in the Falkland Islands have

recently undertaken a rigorous and demanding Dog Trials competition, testing and challenging every element of the handlers and their dogs and further enhancing abilities, confidence and skills that the handlers can take forward through their careers and on future other operational deployments. Cpl Jos Hickman gives his account of the beat up training period and the tests completed throughout the course of the trials…

‘A chance for you all to show off your dogs and get something back for all your hard work’ was how Sgt Hutchison described the Dog trials that were being planned for the resident dog handlers currently manning the dog section in the Falkland Islands.‘Yeah right’ was the general attitude of nearly every handler on the section, ‘more like just more work and pressure on us’. As it happens both were right. As the weeks went on and trials loomed closer it became apparent attitudes were changing. The training work rate picked up and people began to feel the competitive edge creeping in. Whether people were playing it cool or a bag of nerves, by Monday morning everybody was anxious to get the competition started.

The Trials began with Dog Team inspections and 12 spotless dogs with 12 handlers all under the intense scrutiny of the Sergeant. Points were knocked off here and there for little mistakes. A missed hair on a uniform, a speck of dirt on the handler’s kit or an incorrect answer given to a question on the dog’s records was enough to be the difference between success and failure.Cpl Laura Armstrong took victory as Best Turned Out and the competition was moved onto Night Work scenarios. This involved going out to patrol one of our usual areas and dealing with situations that could potentially occur. While the basic premise was kept the same to keep it fair, the details of scenarios were changed to keep people guessing and prevent any cheating! From

teams prepared themselves for a demonstration. In attendance would be the Commander BFSAI and 80 other people including many high ranking officers, families and even Falkland Islands TV.The demonstration went smoothly showing the dog section in a fantastic light and afterwards all 12 teams marched out to see who would be crowned ‘Champion’.

The results were in and despite having to compete with an injury, third place went to Cpl Matt Gleadle and he was called forward to collect his trophy from CBF. Next taking was a well earned silver for the out of trade handler SAC(T) Tommy Stopper. SAC(T) Stopper put in a consistently

people deliberately coming onto an area to cause damage, dealing with lost drunken personnel and any other potential incident inbetween, handlers had to be prepared for anything. The scores for this night work were combined with the ‘Protection of Critical Assets” Test, for overall Best Night Work. A trophy won by Cpl Don Herriot.

Next, Cpl Jos Hickman took the trophy for Best Windscent after a fantastic indication from his dog, Air Dog Flint. The team located the missing persons on the very first leg of their search of the area at a distance exceeding 200 metres.

Cpl Matt Gleadle won the Obedience part of the competition with Air Dog Fitz after a close competition with his brother Air Dog Flint. The sterling effort shown by Cpl Gleadle sealed the win as he competed with a severe knee injury from falling off his bike and being ran over by a van the week previously on RnR. Yet he still managed a near perfect performance.

Cpl Hickman then took a close win during the Criminal Workout. Effectively subduing and controlling two ‘criminals’ found on the area. The purpose of the exercise was to gain control of the situation by utilising both dog and rifle effectively.

The Biathlon was fiercely competed and eventually won by Cpl James Prior. Having only recently completed his basic dog course, Cpl Prior used this to his advantage scoring high points during the question stage of the course. He was also able to utilise what he had learned during his time on the No 1 (Tactical) Police Squadron completing his Weapon Handling Tests efficiently and making quick time around the course itself.

The scores went unknown until presentation day and tensions were running high as dog

strong effort throughout the whole competition and was evidently thrilled with his Runner Up Trophy.

Finally the most prestigious prize of all and the one everyone was desperate to be crowned – champion! Who was called forward? Well after a solid week it was (me!) Cpl Jos Hickman

and my dog A/D Flint who were named Trial’s Champions.

All that was left now was the customary post trials function. The big three trophies were presented again to the winners, this time by OC JSPSU, Sqn Ldr John Duffy. The OC also presented other trophies to the winners of each individual exercise which took place throughout the week.

A thoroughly impressive performance from all of the Dog Teams and underlines the high level at which these handlers operate and these are skills that will be easily transferred to any operational deployment in the Future Operating Environment.

Cpl Jos Hickman

Cpl Ellie Marriot from the Image Processing Section at the Covert & Scientific Support Flight explains

how the relatively small but very important Trade Group 14 Photography Branch support RAFP operations and investigations.

I’ve been a photographer for nearly 11 years and I always get asked the same question ‘what does the RAF need photographers for?’ We’ve got an extremely varied job and no day is ever the same.As a trade our role is to support RAF activities and undertake a variety of duties ranging from identity photographs, engineering faults of ground and air equipment, crime scene/forensic, dental and medical and sport. In Northern Ireland we process and print intelligence images for interpretation, this is the only air imagery and wet film we are involved with. We also provide PR imagery of deployed troops in all operational environments and help to promote the forces at every opportunity.

Trade group 14 is not very large, in total there are about 120 photographers, we are an extremely close trade and always try to help other station photographers where we can. It is one of the few careers within the RAF where you have the opportunity to work with all ranks and trades, Members of Parliament and the Royal family. We see every aspect of being in the Armed Forces, good and the bad. No day is ever the same in our job and that is the thing that I love.

We have several specialist posts within the RAF and the Image Processing Section at the Covert and Scientific Support Flight at RAF Henlow is one of the positions where little is known about it until you arrive. Our main role is to provide operational and technical support to the RAF Police and other agency investigations; we do this through training and attending incidents and crime scenes wherever possible. We also process imagery that has been taken by either RAF Photographers or RAF Police from the UK and overseas and produce proof print and supplement booklets for the investigating officers. Our latest

Covert and Scientific Support Flightpiece of kit is the 360 degree camera; we’re using it for all large crime scenes as it can provide far more information than a standard still image. Once all the panoramic images have been taken we stitch and map them together so that a moving image is created, you can literally walk someone through a crime scene. The turnaround time is extremely quick and it enables the investigating officers to brief people quickly and efficiently and provides a far better perspective than a book of individual images.

When we’re not attending crime scenes we’re normally trying to promote ourselves a little more by doing PR imagery. As well as making our section look good via the photos on the wall and keeping on top of our skills it also helps for us to compete for the RAF Photographic competition. The photo comp is held each year and is entered by every photographic section in the RAF. There are numerous categories from engineering and sport, to an open video category and ‘RAF Operational Experience’. This was the first year that IPS had entered the competition as a section and I’m proud to say that we did well! SAC Matthews won the Technical and Engineering category and came 3rd in Sport. I got third place for the RAF Photographer of the Year with a portfolio of 4 images that I entered. I feel like we’ve firmly put IPS on the RAF photography map and shown that even when you’re not on a flying unit it is still possible to produce quality PR imagery worthy of awards! We’ll be attending the prize giving ceremony with the Scientific Support Manager FS Pullen at the RAF Club in London on the 22 Oct 13, and, be presented our awards by the Chief of The Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford.

If anyone reading this thinks that they might be good enough to win a prize at the competition there is a ‘Best Amateur Military’ category for non RAF Photographers. If you’d like any information please ring a photographic section for details.

Provost Parade 13

As my time at the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) approaches a year, I look

back at what a busy 12 months it has been. Arriving in Jun 12, I found myself going straight onto an Army Instructors Course at Pirbright; a new course designed to teach students how to be more interactive instructors, reducing the absolute reliance on PowerPoint delivery and primarily relying on group interaction such as group discussions and activities. The moment I returned to Unit I was putting this into practice, instructing both the Kennel Assistant and QPD2 courses. The timing of instructing on the QPD2 course could have not been any better, as I was subsequently offered the opportunity to join the Young Military Working Dog (YMWD) program as section IC, with a new litter of puppies due to arrive in December.

Without a tried and tested puppy program in place, and the arrival of the 8 YMWD fast approaching, we found ourselves under vast pressure to find a new programme that would produce the capabilities needed for a successful Military Working Dog (MWD). After viewing and testing several external agencies’ training programs it was decided, that most programs were not specifically targeted at the needs of Defence. Eventually it was decided to modify the High Assurance Search Dog (HASD) puppy program. With the emphasis on environmental conditioning and drive/hunt training, this training would suit all types of young dogs that enter the YMWD project regardless of overall classification. This would allow all YMWDs to be fundamentally trained in the same way, providing continuity and quantifiable standards for the section.

Life at The Defence Animal CentreOn the 21 Dec 12, 6 Belgium Malinois (Mali) puppies aged 8 weeks arrived, followed by 2 German Shepherd puppies, procured on the 9 Jan 13, aged 10 weeks.

The dogs were given a couple of weeks to settle into their new home routine, before starting the 4 week environmental programme. During this period the dogs were exercised together in the DAC training room, allowing periods of socialisation with each other and interaction with different members of the section. This time also allowed the dogs to get up to date with their vaccinations.

At 12 weeks, the Environmental Training began, consisting of visiting as many different locations and experiences as possible, starting off at small quiet places, such as local parks before exposure to larger and louder areas, once the young dogs were confident enough. Once environmentally prepared, the young dogs were confident and strong enough to move on to drive training.

Under the new programme the dogs were encouraged to play with chamois rags, which were moved across the floor vigorously in order to stimulate the dog and enhance their prey drive, without placing them under any undue pressure at this vital stage in the young dog’s life. The young dogs were encouraged to chase, grab and hold the rags, thus promoting

play between the dog and trainer. All drive training is conducted with high energy and lots of verbal encouragement to reassure the dog and develop further drive / excitement for play. Once the dogs maintained their hold on the rag, the ‘prey’ was kept ‘alive’ using various movements, with the emphasis on allowing the dog to win the ‘tug of war’ game. If any of the dogs showed signs of becoming disinterested, a second rag was introduced in the same manner, repeating the whole process again swapping the dog between the two chamois. Once the young dogs grasped the concept of playing with the rags, we made the sessions more difficult, hiding the chamois out in a room and allowing the dog to go and find it. Again this increased drive and taught the dogs to use and trust his/her nose without placing them under to much pressure at such an early age.

At 16 weeks old the dogs were all assessed by the Police Dog training Section, allowing them to view the dogs at this stage and express any concerns before the dogs were converted onto a Kong reward. The Kong is a vital training aid used to reward adult dogs in training such has when searching and locating a person hidden within a building, searching for

articles or tracking a person over varied terrain.

By 20 weeks old all dogs were successfully converted to hunting for a Kong reward. In June we were able to move them on, under the guidance of the SME, to a new Juvenile programme. This allowed the introduction of new disciplines such as article search, speak work and early tracking exercises. So far we have found the new puppy programme to be very successful, producing keen and highly driven YMWDs.

Life at the DAC is varied and challenging and on a personal note, as a keen hockey player, I have found myself very busy throughout the evolution of the programme, with the hockey season in full flow by January. I was recently presented my RAF colours by Commanding Officer DAC, Lt Col Pope, and the DAC have supported me throughout the sporting season; enabling me to commit to all of the RAF and Combined Services fixtures and training.

A posting to the DAC is undoubtedly different to serving at a RAF station. Working on a Joint Unit brings with it new and different working practices, but things that can quickly be adapted to. The benefits of working at the DAC are the possibility of courses and the experience of working with a variety of different dogs and working practices. Having been involved with the YMWD section has broadened my training knowledge massively, as no where else would I have had the chance to train a dog from 10 weeks old to relatively full trained. Moving on to promotion in October, I leave with a better training knowledge and understanding of what is required to train dogs in all disciplines.

Cpl J Webb

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14 Provost Parade14 Provost Parade

If one issue within the Policing world sets one group arguing against another, it is the issue

of when and how to use force. It is a contentious issue and one that is rightly spoken about and examined carefully.

To put it into context, no matter what rank you are, or what role you fulfil within the trade, you are first and foremost a RAF Policeman or woman and as such could be called upon to don your stab jacket and personal protective equipment and respond to an incident.

How you conduct yourself within the first few minutes of meeting your “client” can be the difference between resolving the issue peacefully or, placing them into the back of the van with a pair of cuffs on! More importantly, those minutes when you are wrestling with your new friend could result in you standing in the dock trying to explain and justify why you carried out the techniques you did.

In April 2009, London was chosen as the city to hold the second meeting of the G20 Summit, the leading heads of state met to discuss the state of the financial markets and the world economy as a whole. This led to widespread protests around the capital. During one of the protest marches on 01 April 2009, a gentleman named Ian Tomlinson was struck with a baton and then pushed onto the floor by a member of the Metropolitan Police TSG unit; the force used was enough to bring on a heart attack. The first post mortem carried out 2 days later concluded that Tomlinson had died of natural causes, however a subsequent post mortem concluded that Tomlinson had died as a result of a blunt force trauma received to the abdomen. In May 2011 charges of manslaughter were brought against Harwood. He was found not guilty of the offence on 19 July 2012 at Southwark Crown Court.

What this and various other incidents did however was force how PST was trained and delivered to be examined under the spotlight in great detail. In August 2009, the Association of Chief Police Officers ordered a total re-write of the PST guidance manual, all of the HOPF’s were consulted on what was considered “Best practice” and what was routinely utilised by officers out on the

Batoning Down Personal Safety Training

ground. These techniques formed the basis of the new guidance manual. This manual was then given to a panel of medical experts who reviewed the contents and offered their collective opinions as to likely medical implications to both subjects and also the officer carrying out the technique.In March 12, the ACPO PST Manual of Guidance 2012 was rolled out to all HOPF’s.

What does all this have to do with the Service Police then? The carriage of extendable batons and rigid handcuffs for use by Service Police Personnel was authorised on 01 May 1997, following Ministerial approval on 06 Feb 1996.All equipment carried and techniques used however were to be approved by both the Home Office and Armed Forces Minister.

To that end, all Service Police are trained in Personal Safety Techniques using the PST Manual of Guidance as our accepted teaching guide.

The biggest issues regarding the use of force normally arise when policemen are asked to justify their individual actions. ANY force used must be proportionate, necessary and reasonable in the circumstances. To put it simply, if you need the sledge hammer to crack the nut, you have to have a good reason!

People often forget that policemen have to put themselves in harms way on a day to day basis, the lines between self preservation and upholding the law can often become blurred and confused in times of stress. What nobody can take away from you is your right to defend yourself. Even the manual of guidance will tell you that you can use ANY force or any “thing” to defend yourself, as long as you can justify it.

The week long PST package has been taught to the RAFPIC & RAFPOC students here at DSPG

since it opened in 2005, prior to that, the package was taught at RAF Halton, so this is by no means a new concept within training. As part of the course, students are taught conflict resolution, conflict management and tactical communication strategies as well as a comprehensive lesson on legislation covering the uses of force. We make sure we cover the legislation, prior to commencing the practical training. This is done for a reason, underpinning the use of any force must be within the correct legal framework.

When the students arrive at the gym, a comprehensive unarmed package is delivered, followed by baton and then cuff work. This then culminates in a realistic training scenario at the end of the week. When students leave the school they are qualified as PST basic users, this competency lasts for a year, and it is then a legal requirement for them to carry out annual refresher training. This will be overseen and delivered by PST Unit Instructors (UI).

All 3 Service Police PST UI’s are trained here at DSPG. They are trained over a 2 week period; the first week is the Defence Instructional Techniques (DIT) course. This is a mandated requirement for anybody carrying out any service instruction. The UI’s course is one of the few which is totally rank ranged, all we ask is that you have at least a years worth of experience out on the ground, after that, as long as you are medically fit for course you can apply. We are always short of instructors, so if you fancy it, get in touch with your Sqn trainers.

Other things currently in the pipeline; a weapon retention programme is currently being worked on to allow cascade training to be delivered in regard to keeping hold of your rifles and pistols, if the need arises.

The world of PST is quite an organic one, it has to be as no

two situations ever run the same way, and all will depend on how you approach the incident. Like every martial arts drill, repetition is the key, keep practicing every chance you get so that hopefully when you need to use your skills in anger, the muscle memory will not let you down!

If anybody ever has a PST related question or query, please feel free to get in touch.

Sgt Simon WilkinsonPST Force CoordinatorDSPG, MOD Southwick Park93835 4803

What nobody can take away from you is your right to defend yourself. Even the manual of guidance will tell you that you can use ANY force or any 'thing' to defend yourself, as long as you can justify it.

Provost Parade 15

The RAFP Cyber Subject Matter Experts currently at MoD Corsham, give a

quick insight into what some see as a “Dark Art and explains the impressive capabilities that they provide to Cyber Defence to the MoD and aims to dispel some of the myths of Cyber…

In a small town out in the midst of Wiltshire are quite possibly some of the best kept secrets in the RAFP. Here at MoD Corsham (formerly RAF Rudloe Manor and HQ RAFP for the old and bold amongst us) there are 9 RAF Police personnel, from Substantive Cpl to WO, in 4 different organisations. They are; WO Ian Pratt – Labyrinth System Security Officer, FS Jason Trevorrow – FS Joint Security Co-ordination Centre (JSyCC) and Sgt Barron – UK National Distribution Agency. However the best unit and there is no bias involved, is ours, Joint Cyber Unit (Corsham) (JCU (Cor)). Located within the Global Operations Security Control Centre, JCU (Cor) has 6 RAFP posts within J2 and J3; FS Dominic Sarrazin – FS JCU J2 Fusion, Cpl Daniel Fairbrother – JCU J2 Fusion, FS Wayne Stafford – FS JCU J3 Threat Verification Team (TVT) and us in JCU J3 TVT-Forensics (TVT-F). Our team consists of one Sgt (Martin Heyde) and two Cpl’s (Dale McGleenon and Chris Jones).We work closely with two other sections, Sensors (TVT-S) and Malware (TVT-M), which are staffed with personnel from RAF TG4, British Army Royal Corps of Signals and Royal Navy LCIS. TVT-S deal with the configuration and management of the sensor fleet deployed on MoD networks; think of it as an alarm system for the network. TVT-M deal with the reverse engineering of Malware and the technical reporting that follows.

To understand TVT’s role you need to understand what Malware is. Short for malicious software, most of you will have heard of it being called Viruses, Trojans or Worms; which is software intended to damage

or disable computers and computer systems often giving unrestricted access to third party users. Some of you may be shocked to hear there are bad people out there in the Cyber world and they want to steal the information housed within our networks. Unfortunately every computer system has one very large weakness…the user! Malware generally relies on users to introduce it to the system by ignoring SyOps and using unauthorised hardware or clicking on email links. When this happens TVT are called into action; our primary task being one of Computer Network Defence. We have delegated responsibility from CDS to protect MoD networks and its data worldwide; directly supporting force protection efforts.

So where do TVT-F slot into the picture?When an incident occurs on the network we are called upon to deploy, potentially worldwide, to the location where a MoD system has been infected by Malware. Our main priority is to quickly establish what areas have been targeted / infiltrated and capture the memory of the system (very useful evidence for incident response and a good hiding place for advanced Malware). We will then acquire a full forensic image (an exact copy) of computer hard drives attached to the infected system and begin evidence handling procedures. Whilst at the scene we can also assess any other networked assets for signs of infection.

On return to JCU (Cor) we will begin the analysis phase during which we will locate the offending Malware and copy it so that our colleagues in TVT-M can work their magic using ‘dynamic analysis’, reverse engineering to tell us what the Malware is designed to do and what actions it can take on a system. Where we differ from TVT-M is that we conduct ‘static analysis’ allowing us to report on the exact effects of the Malware on that particular system, including

what information may have been compromised; allowing for mitigation action to be taken. Sadly these processes are not as depicted on programmes like NCIS and take a lot of time, often days, before in-depth analysis can commence.

When the sensors alarm to Malware, Internet traffic is pulled back from the network and TVT-F are able to reconstruct the web session; allowing sites the user was browsing, internet searches and images viewed to be analysed. If the browsing is deemed inappropriate then this would be reported to the JSyCC for wider distribution to the appropriate WARP’s and onwards to unit ITSO’s, with a view to the account holder being investigated for breach of Sy Ops and JSP 740 (Acceptable Use Policy). If the browsing is deemed to be of a criminal

nature then all details are evidentially recorded and sent to the RAFP Force Intelligence Bureau for consideration of a criminal investigation being initiated.

Within Cyber forensics everyday is a learning day with a plethora of courses and self study required to keep up to date with advances in computer technology and new Malware. Normal working hours are 8:30 to 5, but normal is hard to find here! We have all found it to be an extremely challenging yet highly rewarding specialisation. For any aspiring ‘computer geeks’ out there and those of you who like a challenge, keep an eye out for openings and annotate your interest using your JPA posting preferences.

Cpl D McGleenon and Cpl C Jones.

MoD Corsham - Joint Cyber Unit

16 Provost Parade

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Provost Parade 17

OP ATALANTA - RAF Police Support to Anti-Piracy Missions

meet the ship, check the evidence packaging and statements, arrange for the local CID and State Counsel to meet the ship and review the case file before taking over custody of the pirates for prosecution. Following the handover, every court case for captured pirates is attended and reported back to numerous large organisations, including EUNAVFOR HQ Northwood, NATO and the Pentagon.

Attending court was the most arduous of tasks. The Kenyan legal process dictates that all persons arrested for an offence have to appear before the Magistrates the next morning. Mombasa has 20 courts within one building and every offender brings his whole family to the court. Pirate cases have no primacy over other offences; therefore the EULLO has to endure a large number of other cases before the pirate case in question is heard.

numerous to mention, but with piracy attacks reducing significantly over the past 18 months and with many court cases now complete, this post may soon be disestablished. The fact that attacks have reduced so significantly can be directly attributed to the success of the operation and coordination with other operations in force along with the measures put in place by the merchant companies with a vested interest in eradicating piracy to maintain an effective supply chain.

FS Chris Roberts

Operation ATALANTA, also known as the European Union Naval Force Somalia (EU-NAVFOR-ATALANTA), is a current

military operation undertaken by the European Union Naval Force which comprises part of a larger global effort by the EU to prevent and combat acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia. FS Chris Roberts gives his account of how the RAFP have supported this operation during his recent deployment.

The mission launched in 2007 with a focus on protecting Somalia-bound vessels and shipments associated with a regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union, the World Food Programme (WFP), and select other vulnerable shipments. In addition, Op ATALANTA monitors regional fishing activity. In 2012 the scope of the mission expanded to include Somali coastal territories and internal waters so as to co-ordinate counter-piracy operations with Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government and regional administrations.

Since 2010 the RAF Police has been part of a tri-service rotational post based in Mombasa, Kenya in support of Op ATALANTA performing the role of European Union Legal Liaison Officer (EULLO). This is a standalone post with no “in country” support, either welfare or operational. The EUNAVFOR HQ is at Northwood and given the time difference coupled with communication difficulties this added complexity to an already challenging situation.

On 14 Oct 12 FS Chris Roberts deployed as the EULLO taking over duties from a WO1, RMP. Responsibilities included liaison with the Kenyan State Counsel Prosecutors and Kenyan CID along with many other organisations involved in the peacekeeping mission, WFP and other anti-piracy missions which included NATO and the US. The multinational nature of the operation created challenges in itself as each mission and each individual country has their own processes in place concerning evidence collection and production.

Once a warship brings captured pirates into Mombasa Harbour, Djibouti, Seychelles or Mauritius, it is the responsibility of the EULLO to

Many hours were spent crammed into the oppressively hot and malodorous public areas of the court!

Mombasa has a reputation for being a dangerous place, which is entirely unfounded and no more dangerous than certain parts of other main European cities. There is always the threat of minor terrorist attacks from Al Shabab or the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC - who are a Muslim organisation fighting for an independent coastal region of Kenya) but these attacks are fairly minor with little or no coordinated plan. Despite this, the recent attack in Westlands, Nairobi, has proven that with minimal planning an attack on a busy public area can be highly successful.

The climate is tropical with 2 dry and 2 wet seasons per year giving temperatures between 30 - 35 degrees throughout and humidity at a high of 90%. Temperatures for the most part at night are 30+.Above all a very fulfilling tour with opportunities away from the workplace too

Repackaging clothing prior to the takeover of Suspected Pirates from the French Frigate FS Surcoff.

A typical confused day in a Mombasa Court. Prison guards and police in the foreground, with the Suspected Pirates sat behind in the dock.

Training Exercise with Mauritian Authorities.

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Getting RAF Cosford Airshow safely and securely off the Ground

and are all called upon to carry out these tasks and therefore a request is made to No 6 Sqn RAF Police to provide a further 8 personnel to support the Policing and Security Op. Thankfully NCOs from Wittering, Shawbury, Halton, Wyton, High Wycombe and Henlow assisted and greatly improved our capabilities. These additional personnel arrived the previous day and were familiarised with the airfield and their specific duties, then introduced to their partnered Cosford NCO who would provide situational awareness of the ground.

In 2013, the appearance of the impressive Vulcan bomber, the usual Red Arrows spectacle and

the promise of excellent weather meant the Airshow organisers were expecting maximum attendance, in short the small number of RAF Police could expect to be extremely busy. Being the first boots on the ground at 0600 with both BRONZE and SILVER Control respectively manned by Sgt Arnie Mcmorran and Flt Lt Siczowa, the RAF Police would remain on post until 2300 some two hours after the public had left and the gates closed to the public. The day had its usual fast balls including the Shawbury Land Rover deciding that its gearbox would give up, however luckily a loaned Discovery from Land Rover PLC ensured that the Incident Control Point patrol was

FS Phil Lloyd, SNCO IC RAFP Flt at RAF Cosford gives an insight into the policing and security efforts required to ensure that RAF Cosford’s Airshow in June this year, passed off safely and without incident.

Having just returned from Op HERRICK 17 and posted to RAF Cosford, Flt Lt Chrissy Siczowa had a challenging first week in post, which involved having to organise and deliver the final Policing and Security Plan for the Cosford Airshow 2013. The usual routine of utilising the first few days to settle in and get to know your new Unit and Police Flight had to be shelved as the new OC attended high level meetings with West Mercia Police, the Highways Agency, Shropshire County Council and finally last but not least with the Airshow Organising Committee. Held annually, the RAF Cosford Airshow attracts up to 60,000 spectators travelling the length and breadth of the UK to see the aircraft and events on display. As one of the largest events in Shropshire, second only to the ‘V Festival’ (or as crusty FS’s like to call it ‘the big pop concert down the road’) Flt Lt Siczowa had quite a task on her hands however with her previous 2(T)PS knowledge and being responsible for securing Camp Bastion earlier this year, she had nothing to worry about! Cosford’s unique location coupled with the high volume of public attending the event mean that every element of the security and policing of the Airshow site

requires months of planning. Critical to the success of the day are the MPGS who manage three vehicle entry gates and one pedestrian gate, SSgt Daz Phillips, MPGS Plt Cdr, had a monumental task of ensuring that vehicle searches are carried out effectively without compromising security or causing congestion on the main artery routes into Cosford. Just a single minute of unnecessary delay at the gate will result in two miles worth of tailback on the M54 motorway and hundreds of frustrated spectators. To assist the MPGS in vehicle searching at the gates, No 6 Sqn RAF Police were able to deploy three Vehicle Search (VS) Dog Teams, adding to the security footprint of the event. Cpl White (Marham), Cpl Thomas (Coningsby) and Cpl Jeeves (Waddington) and their dogs searched over 350 vehicles and found countless items including a machete and over 100 shotgun cartridges in a bag, a sterling contribution which greatly enhanced the search capability of the MPGS and ensured the security and safety of the airshow.

At Cosford the RAF Police provide core responsibilities during the Airshow which include General Police Duty patrols within the public area, policing alongside our West Mercia Police counterparts, VVIP escorts and security using our two motorcycle assets, mobile patrols around the airfield and an Incident Control Point in the event of a major event within the flying display area. RAF Cosford has only 12 RAF Police personnel

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Getting RAF Cosford Airshow safely and securely off the Ground

functional throughout. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) was stationary in a Shropshire country lane and unable to move due to grid locked traffic, only the motorcycle teams could get to CAS and a clearway was eventually made and the VIP escorted into Cosford. However, he was not the only VVIP arriving that day, 48 hours before the day Flt Lt Siczowa was informed that HRH Prince Harry would be undertaking his first Apache flying display, no-one was aware of this development except the Stn Cdr and OC Police and the RAF Police were requested to arrange entry by road for the Royal. The motorbike team were once again put to task and a seamless escort through the thousands of spectators to the Apache

Squadron HQ went without any incident. Cosford’s reliance on motorcycles for the success of the day is tried and tested having previously escorted HRH Prince Michael of Kent during an official visit at Shawbury and also HM the Queen during the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Shropshire Pageant.  

The 2013 Cosford Air Show proved to be a highly successful RAF Police Operation, which could not have been achieved without the fullest cooperation of all No 6 Sqn Flt Cdr’s who graciously allowed their personnel to assist. Thank you to everybody who assisted.

FS P LloydSNCO IC RAFP

RAF Cosford

Sgt Richard Sargeant was awarded Chief of the Air Staff’s Commendation in the New

Years Honours, for his outstanding performance whilst in post as A/FS, SNCO IC RAF Police at RAF Northolt, over the period of Op OLYMPICS; during which the Stn was directly responsible for supporting the Air Security Plan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This involved the forward basing of an additional 13 military aircraft, comprising 7 different types, including 4 Typhoon fast jets, as well as other military units in support of the wider security effort. In addition to his duties within the service, Sgt Sargeant manages a First Response scheme, providing in excess of 70 volunteers and raised £75,000 to purchase six fast response units, responding to 999 medical emergencies on behalf of London Ambulance Service. Through his recent example Sgt Sargeant has upheld the high standards of the RAF Police, and core ethos and values of the RAF.

Sgt Sargeant - CAS Commendation

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Whilst all members of the Armed Forces are well aware their actions protect

the democratic freedoms of the citizens of the United Kingdom, it is a dichotomy that those freedoms include the right to disagree with the policies of Her Majesty’s Government, including those policies that dictate how the Armed Forces operate.

Within the UK, where RAF Force Protection is an RAF Police lead, nowhere is this contrast clearer than at RAF Waddington, where RAF Police and MPGS personnel from 5 RAF Police Sqn are committed 24/7/365 to protecting the RAF’s Combat Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) hub. 

The majority of Waddington’s conventional aircraft fleet are not controversial, being in the main militarised versions of civilian counterparts adapted for the ISTAR role. However, Waddington is now home to two squadrons of Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems who routinely fly operational missions over Afghanistan, controlled from ground stations on the unit. These unmanned vehicles, often referred to in the media as ‘drones,’ are a significant bone of contention for anti-war protestors and, as such, Waddington has found itself increasingly the focus of anti-drone protester activity. This activity has included many standard protestor activities,

Keeping the Peace at RAF Waddingtonstarting with the establishment of a semi-permanent peace camp opposite the station fence line, comprising a caravan bedecked with flags and slogans which expressed displeasure with the drones. Of greater significance has been protestor marches, ranging from small groups of Quakers congregating at crash gates to hold prayer meetings, to full blown marches with hundreds of participants.

The worst-case scenario actually happened in June, when protestors cut through the fence to trespass on the unit. With the airfield active, this represented a risk to not only their own lives, but also to the safety of the aircraft, and therefore to the safety of all personnel within the vicinity. The RAF Police and MPGS response was immediate and Lincolnshire Police support was also quickly on-scene.  The protesters were arrested, thereby removing the immediate threat that they represented to life and air operations.

Reaction to such threats is not haphazard. The first stage is the maintenance of an excellent working relationship with the local Home Department Police Force, in this case Lincolnshire Constabulary. This in turn leads to the sharing of key intelligence, the production of a joint threat assessment and ultimately to co-ordinated response to incidents.

In light of the protester threat, and also taking the murder of Drummer Rigby in Woolwich into consideration, senior commanders required enhanced security measures at the RAF Waddington International Air Show 2013, where some 150,000 civilians would be in close contact with military personnel and equipment over 2 days.  A complex policing and security plan was therefore developed and activated.  This brought together the specialist capabilities and overlapping policing jurisdictions of the RAF Police, the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) and Lincolnshire Police.  Nearly 200 personnel from these Forces, including many from across 1 RAF Police Wing, were deployed.  Joint Service/Civilian Police patrols, both inside and outside the wire, were the norm throughout the event.

In addition to general policing, specialist units were deployed. Lincolnshire firearms units provided an armed response capability, while MDP provided their Protestor Removal Team, acknowledged experts in safely removing protestors who conduct ‘lock-ons’. RAF Police dogs provided a mix of search and patrol effect and Counter Intelligence operators from the 1 RAF Police Wing Special Investigations and Intelligence Branch, specially trained in civilian police behavioural detection techniques, deployed in plain

clothes with their Special Branch counterparts to act as discrete spotters within the crowd in order to identify and head off problem behaviour before it started.

Command and control at all levels was also unified, thus ensuring that the correct resources could be deployed rapidly in response to any scenario.  In the event, the Air Show passed off without significant incident.  We will probably never know whether the high profile and extensive policing and security presence in place during that period deterred planned hostile activity.  That said, a number of criminal intelligence leads were developed during that time and they will be exploited in due course through continued liaison between the policing agencies.  The Air Show represents the most visible and highest profile of RAF Waddington’s outputs, but does not detract from the work throughout the year. With Stn aircraft supporting some 10 overseas air exercises to date this year and conducting operations worldwide in theatres as diverse as Africa, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan, the operational tempo is as high as anywhere in the RAF. 5 (RAFP) Sqn continues to act as a key enabler, providing timely security and policing services in order to allow commanders to fulfil their training and operational missions.

Greetings and salutations from sunny RAF St Mawgan. “Is that still open?” I hear you

shout. Indeed we are and ‘Cornwall Command’ is still going strong. Despite losing the UK’s widest military runway in December 2008 and the Sea King Search and Rescue squadron earlier that same year celebrations have been in full force culminating in the 70th anniversary Proms in the Park extravaganza on 7 September 13. The unit has reinvented itself several times in the preceding years and is now a major training unit providing a home for the Defence Survival Training Organisation (DSTO) as well as a base for units on adventurous training and decompression. It parents around 3000 personnel throughout the region and trains

RAF St Mawgan…. 70, Not Out!around 5000 Defence personnel in survival training per year. On top of this it has the pleasure of accommodating around 2000 soldiers of the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) on exercise over the winter period, many of whom are from other NATO nations. This presents a series of unique challenges to the RAF Police contingent resident on the camp, formed of a WO (OC Police and Sy), Sgt, GPD Cpl, PS Cpl and 3 A/Cpls. For visiting units the temptation of attempting to forge close ties with drinking establishments in the seaside town of Newquay, a ten minute taxi drive away, is too much to resist. This brings with it all the usual problems associated with alcohol and anti-social behaviour.

These problems are not confined to RAF St Mawgan, and the RAF Police frequently have to liaise closely with members of the Devon and Cornwall (D&C) Constabulary. Working with the D&C police force is important in another aspect, as off-unit married quarters are widely dispersed in civilian areas. Issues with crime and anti-social behaviour in these areas often require a joined approach. This brings with it a diverse scope of policing and you never know whether you will be spending your day ‘managing’ the movement of stray farm animals, robustly policing alcohol fuelled servicemen or liaising with Wildlife Crime Officers. I certainly thought it was a crank call when asked to go to the bat cave!

The Proms in the Park event was a major success with 1000+ members of the public attending to see attractions like the central band of the RAF, the QCS on parade and a fireworks display. The event served to demonstrate that RAF St Mawgan is still a busy and relevant part of the RAF landscape. The RAF Police, and the MPGS guard force provided an integral security and policing element in this in order to protect the various critical assets at the unit and maintain the RAF’s good standing in the local community. Not only was this achieved successfully but to the dulcet tones of Ray Quinn of X Factor Fame. Well we certainly feel blessed! St Mawgan OUT!

On Friday 15 Mar 13, Debden Flight passed out of the Defence School of Policing and Guarding (DSPG)

at MOD Southwick Park, becoming the newest members of the RAF Police. Whilst graduation day marked the formal end of trade training, it symbolised something far more significant; our right of passage into the wider RAF and the start of 5 exciting, challenging careers. Cpls Hodson, Reeve, Tabor, Watkins and Wilkins prepared to start Mission Specific Training (MST) for Op HERRICK 19 with 2 Tactical Police Squadron (2 TPS) at RAF Henlow. Theatre Orientation BriefsMST officially began in April with two weeks of Theatre Orientation briefs at RAF Leuchars alongside 58 Sqn RAF Regiment. We returned to RAF Henlow in good spirits after gaining an insight into the upcoming tour and having got to know the Flt better.

Language Training The next part of MST involved learning the basics of the Pashtu and Dari languages. They were intense courses since we learnt vocabulary equivalent to that of a whole school term in just one week for each language. Thanks to the imaginative teaching techniques of Operational Training Flight (OTF) instructor, Cpl O’Malley, we found ourselves in a field pretending to stop and search each other at the Main Entry Point (MEP) of Camp Bastion, using a bank of phrases and comical hand gestures.

RAF Team MedicNext we travelled to Keogh Barracks for the RAF Team Medic course. We spent the week dressing up as gory casualties, treating each other and simulated rescuing injured people from a road traffic collision. These skills are really beneficial to remember in normal day-to-day life as well as on tour.

CAT 2 TrainingMoving on, 2 weeks of CAT 2 training briefs and practicals came to follow. Much of the course content had already been covered but we found it useful to revise our drills, skills and TTPs. To say the least the Environmental Health (EH) brief was harrowing! As this is written, Cpl Wilkins is squirming at the thought of being infected with Leishmaniasis by a diseased sand-fly, which causes oozing boils and volcano-like lesions if left untreated after the initial bite. The Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training was an intense course,

switching between theory and practical. Using the Op BARMA lanes at RAF Henlow, we took it in turns to use the Vallon to detect metal objects hidden below the surface, which could be a component part on an IED. All of a sudden the training became very realistic. Furthermore we went on to simulate working on the MEP at Camp Bastion on the training area at Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) Chicksands.

Cat 2+For the Cat 2+ course we returned to DISC Chicksands. Until this point we had only rehearsed how to retreat from the enemy. Throughout the week we learned a plethora of TTPs including foot patrols, advancing onto the enemy, casevac drills and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) techniques. Cpl’s Reeve and Watkins were praised for operating stealthily as they carried out the patrol in utter silence, communicating using only hand signals.

The most intense morning of the course was the bayonet training. The morning began on the airfield at RAF Henlow with a brutal combat phys session so exhausting that we would have preferred a beasting from an Army PTI at DSPG Southwick Park. That morning we were thrashed for a good 2 hours before beginning the bayonet tuition. The bayonet teaching commenced but only after leopard crawling, monkey running, sprinting and marking time in helmets and body armour. The Flight then lined up beside bayonets and fitted them to the muzzle of our rifles. The RAF Regiment instructor, Cpl Yates, kept our adrenaline high and under his orders, we sprinted to ‘Pork Pie’ (the orange cone 50m away) between each demonstration and practical. When we weren’t viciously stabbing the sand bags, we relentlessly marked time whilst shouting ‘ON GUARD!’ and ‘HIGH PORT!’

Op Herrick 19 Specific Briefs and Meet IAsThen we attended Op HERRICK 19 specific briefs from OC 5 FP Wg and OC 2 TPS. On the

From RAFP Basic Training to Op HERRICK - the Debden Flt Development

same day we met the Individual Augmentees (IAs) who had recently joined the flight to create the full Squadron. The briefs to follow were very informative; they confirmed which Flt we would operate on whilst on Camp Bastion, depicting our specific roles and responsibilities. The main roles of the tour that we will undertake are on the MEP, Flt Line or Ops Team. Those of us on the Ops Team are likely to have the opportunity to work alongside 51 and 58 Sqn RAF Regiment, especially the females who are in demand to carry out searches on female Afghan Nationals.

Exercise FIGHTING PENTAThe penultimate task of MST was to complete was Exercise FIGHTING PENTA. This was 51 Sqn’s Final Training Exercise (FTX) at STANTA. The 5 of us, alongside Cpls Harding, McKie and Theobald, were privileged to be the first ever RAF Police personnel to embed within an RAF Regiment Sqn on exercise. The eight of us were split down into pairs, one pair for each of the four flights, for the duration of the week long exercise. Our field skills were tested as we spent the week within our sections carrying out missions including Op TESSERAL patrols, counter-threat patrols, quick reaction force (QRF) duties, a reccé of Talanabad (the mock Afghan village) and a final mission involving the entire Sqn. Sleep was a luxury we were often deprived of since most nights we were abruptly disturbed by the sentries’ urgent bellows of ‘STAND TO! STAND TO!’ and blasts of gunfire. Unanimously, we found the exercise an extremely useful eye-opener as we took part in rehearsals of operational tasks real-time

Now, we are almost at the end of MST. Regardless of this, we are keeping very busy with last-minute arrangements for our own FTX and Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX), Dining Out Night and Families’ Day. After completing such a thorough training programme, we are eager to put into action all that we have learned for Op Herrick 19. We aspire to return from our first tour with a better understanding of the Afghan culture and a more detailed knowledge of the RAF Police’s role and responsibilities within the country. Hopefully we will develop our own personal confidence and leadership qualities, in order to prepare us better for future challenges throughout our careers.

Cpl’s Tabor, Wilkins, Watkins, Reeve and Hodson.

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No1 (Tactical) Police Squadron - Operation NEWCOMBEElements of No 1 RAF

(Tactical) Police Squadron were attached to No. 4 RAF

Force Protection Wing to provide Air Transport Security and FP for RAF C17 (99 Sqn) and 146 (32 Sqn) aircraft in support of the logistical role for the French intervention, delivering personnel and equipment as part of Op NEWCOMBE. These deployments varied from three days to four weeks depending on the needs of the French forces.

In March 13, a Force Protection Integrated Air Operation (FPIAO) Team, of RAFP from 1 TPS and RAF Regt were deployed on Op NEWCOMBE. The FPIAO Team

departed on 11 March to Senegal and upon arrival there was a large presence of allied forces consisting of Italian, French and Germans. The FPIAO Team met the British troops stationed in Senegal and arranged a refuel for the C17 so the airframe could continue on task. The task was briefed by the Captain that the next 14 days they would be making 10 trips into Mali carrying vehicles, equipment and personnel. The team continued on task into Kaduna, Nigeria, to collect the first 4 vehicles to be transported into Mali along with 10 Nigerian soldiers. The types of vehicles ranged from safari people

carriers to Tata jeeps. We were on the ground for approx 5 hours processing and searching the vehicles prior to them boarding the aircraft. FS Drummond found a stash of drugs hidden in the dashboard of a vehicle; these drugs were confiscated and handed over to the Nigerian Police.

Over the course of the first week they encountered many issues due to severe weather that grounded the aircraft. This put the task behind schedule but also put pressure on the French intervention. Eventually it was decided that they would continue the task by basing

ourselves within Bamako, Mali, for ease of transportation and thus saving time. A challenging and demanding environment faced the Team and aircraft crew with temperatures reaching 50 degrees celcius and tented accommodation near the French fighter jets, so any sleep was interrupted by the loud noise of engines!

Upon successful completion of the task, the aircraft, crew and FPIAO Team returned to the UK, knowing that their efforts had secured the UK Air asset and provided significant support to the Op NEWCOMBE effort.

Cpl HUTCHINS on Op NEWCOMBE FPIAO task.

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No1 (Tactical) Police Squadron - Operation NEWCOMBE

Force Protection Integrated Air OperationsAs the co-located Force

Protection HQ stands up at RAF Honington, with

RAFP and RAF Regt HQ elements working alongside each other to deliver FP to UK Air Ops both in the UK and overseas, here we see the RAFP at the very front end of these operations with a perspective from Flt Lt Jon Bird, currently serving with No 4 Force Protection Wing HQ at RAF Brize Norton.

Flt Lt Jon Bird arrived on No 4 Force Protection Wing (FP Wg) HQ in January 2013 as the resident RAFP Junior Officer and assumed the Ops Officer (Security) role immediately and had to hit the ground running as the FP Wg was embroiled in the developing tensions in West Africa.

France had offered military support to the Malian Government in order to aid in repelling an insurgent uprising working its way from the North of the country, closer to the focus of French interests in the South. The UK were tasked with providing support in the way of Air Transport (AT) to the French forces deploying to Mali; this task would later expand and AT support would also be provided to other African nations in the movement of their personnel to support the military operations in Mali.

No sooner had the FP Wg took receipt of its new RAF Police Officer than the task had begun. Based at RAF Brize Norton, No 4 FP Wg HQ is ideally located to both provide Subject Matter Expert advice to the Force HQ and Air Transport squadrons, whilst also acting as the Mounting Centre for FP Force Elements who depart from Brize Norton and directly operate in support of those deployed assets as part of Force Protection for Independent Air Operations. The first quarter of 2013 highlighted the importance of this unique relationship; while contingent operations at the time

did not warrant a full FP Wg HQ deployment, several individual augmentees were deployed from the FP Wg HQ, in addition to providing 24 hour mounting support to other Force Elements that deployed. By the end of April 2013, No 4 FP Wg HQ had mounted 169 personnel from the RAF Police, RAF Regiment and RAF Medical Branch in support of Operations throughout Africa and the Middle East. To date, commitment to Contingency has seen the Wg HQ mount 232 personnel in support to wider contingent Operations, including a total of 139 personnel in support of Operation NEWCOMBE.

J5 Plans is a FP Wg HQ’s core business and planning for No 4 FP Wg has been diverse and unending - from internal estimate training to Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) planning groups, No 4 FP Wg HQ have remained consistently involved. This included an element of training at the RAF FP Centre at Honington on the FP Estimate, which, as global dynamics and tensions strained, was interspersed with real-time NEO planning in an integrated environment encompassing both RAF Police and RAF Regiment specialists.

The RAF’s contingency construct aligns a FP Wg with an Expeditionary Air Wg (EAW), who undergo training to assume readiness for a fixed period - in No 4 FP Wg’s case, the RAF Marham and RAF Coningsby combined EAW (MC EAW). No sooner had the tempo of Operation NEWCOMBE reduced, the Wg found itself heavily involved in the preparation for MC EAW’s transition to holding contingency readiness. The training programme involved a series of EAW exercises as well as significant amounts of planning in support of those exercises. The second exercise of the series was AGILE EAGLE which saw the majority of 4 FP Wg HQ deploy to RAF Leeming to

conduct a week long Command Post Exercise and demonstrate the size and shape of the full panoply of FP capability. Under the JFAC Trg Team, AGILE EAGLE put MC EAW through their paces; simulating a deployment to an austere air base in support of overseas counter-insurgency operations.

On return from North Yorkshire, the FP Wg HQ immediately began planning for the final confirmatory exercise; CAPABLE EAGLE, which is aligned to be an integral part of a multinational, tri-service exercise, Exercise JOINT WARRIOR, involving over 800 personnel. Preparations saw recces carried out and several ongoing liaisons with MC EAW and the JFAC Trg Team. A further preparatory exercise, EAGLE FLAG, saw Flt Lt Bird deploy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, USA. During this week long deployment, along with a small team of MC EAW personnel, Flt Lt Bird worked alongside the USAF Contingency Reaction Group improving his understanding of how contingency operations were conducted by the USAF. While the resources may not be able to be replicated (in sheer numbers of personnel and dedicated equipment - some 30 C17 loads alone for the HQ!), some of the planning considerations and lessons can be, with some useful ideas and experiences returned.

Regrettably, despite months of arduous work in preparation for CAPABLE EAGLE, on 28 August 2013, No 4 FP Wg HQ were deployed at 24 hours notice to Cyprus amidst the growing tensions surrounding Syria.

Following a FP review conducted by Wg Cdr Rawsthorne, OC No 4 FP Wg, at RAF Akrotiri, his Wg HQ deployed to RAF Akrotiri to support the Station and 121 EAW. Conducting a British Forces Cyprus island-wide FP review; providing FP C2 and FP ground FEs for deploying Air assets; and providing RAF Akrotiri with security assurance for existing structure and process. The FP Wg HQ was bolstered by personnel from 1 Sqn RAF Regt and the RAFP Contingency Force Elements, under the Command and Control of 4 FP Wg, providing security to defend critical assets. Current commitment from No 4 FP Wg to this contingent operation, and many others like it, looks set to continue. With the international situation appearing to remain uncertain for the future, one thing remains certain; the RAFP will continue to play an integral part in Force Protection for Contingent Operations in the future operating environment.

Flt Lt Jon Bird, OpsO Sy, 4 FP Wg HQ

Cpls Parry and Curtis on Sovereign Base Area Maritime Patrol.

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For those who are unaware, four RAFP Arms and Explosive Search (AES)

handlers operate from Flying Station (FS) Aldergrove carrying out AES support for 38 (Irish) Bde Royal Engineer Search Advisers (RESA), as well as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other members of the Security Forces. While we are officially rostered on 2, 8, 48 and 72 hours NTM, many of our tasks come in with ‘we need you to be ready to go in half an hour’. Ready to go generally means get a briefing from the RESA, grab kit depending on the type of task and be ready to move. For the most part we’re off in the ice-cream van-type search vans, but in some instances for the more interesting jobs, we deploy in our dedicated Snatch vehicle, armed with pistols and with body armour, escorted by PSNI through some unfriendly areas of the Province. The duties can involve anything from a venue clearance for a dignitary visit to searching for buried devices, using the ‘ground scenting’ capability

Op HELVETIC G8 Summit - Release The Hounds…

Sgt Chris Hall has recently returned from a 4 month detachment as part of

the RAFP Contingency Force 3 and offers his insight into the deployment and the integrated RAF Regt and RAFP delivery of Force Protection and Security as part of 906 Expeditionary Air Wing at Al Minhad Air Base. Being informed that I was nominated for a six month spell on the RAFP Contingency Force 3 (CF) was not the most welcome of news. The prospect of preparing for the unknown was certainly a challenge in itself. Before I’d had time for the news to sink in, training at RAF Henlow commenced and in true RAF Police style a chance to catch up with quite a few familiar faces.There were a few raised eye brows from the RAF Regt training team as we took to the 300m ranges. There was me thinking there was only one five o’clock in the day!! The opportunity to show our competency on these ranges was grasped with relish, as we can shoot and can shoot well. The screams of ‘when can I collect my marksman badge’ was heard from many a firing point and the RAF Regt admitted to being quite impressed. Spirits remained high during the beat up period and having

that we’re trying to develop for AES handlers across the Force. In 2012, the HELVETIC AES Section was heavily involved in clearing the entire route through Northern Ireland for the Olympic Torch and for venue clearances for the visit of Her Majesty The Queen during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. At the other end of the spectrum however, we’ve been involved with searches with RESTs where there have been live devices laying in wait for members of the Security Forces. Our tasks can be anything from a couple of hours on a route search to in excess of 12 hours, returning to unit in the small hours.

An already busy period for the AES Dog Handlers working on Op HELVETIC was about to become even more so. On 18-19 Jun 13 the G8 Summit was held at the Lough Earne 5* Resort, Enniskillen. The immense security task was initiated to ensure the smooth running of the event, which involved international security agencies, PSNI, various Police forces from the mainland and HM Forces to name but a few. The outer cordon at the venue

was established on 9 Jun which determined the start of the search taskings for the Op HELVETIC handlers. The welcome face of Cpl Nat Grimer AES Dogs, RAF Lossiemouth was drafted in to assist the Aldergrove handlers with the workload over this period.

Working closely with the Royal Engineer Search Teams (REST), Cpls Claire Bullen, Nat Grimer and Jimmy Wood travelled with them in convoy on 10 Jun to establish a FOB at the Lough Earne Resort. Sgt Mike Mortimer remained as the lone Op HELVETIC handler continually travelling between FS Aldergrove and HQNI, Lisburn when not on task, while Cpl Andy Duke assisted with G8 taskings at JHC FS Aldergrove. After settling in to a derelict holiday home at the heart of the resort, the 2 search teams and handlers working the inner cordon based themselves at this FOB for all taskings over the

next 10 days; the third team with Nat Grimmer working the outer cordon were located at the TA Centre in Enniskillen.

With the outer cordon in place the magnitude of this security operation was evident when we had a tour of the resort to locate the Incident Control Points, Main Entry Points, perimeter, Out Of Bounds areas and messing facilities. For this enormous resort that houses 2 golf courses, a vast perimeter fence had been established that was manned 24/7 with security personnel on stag at 50m intervals. During the tour, we also met with PSNI officers, Police Search Advisors (POLSAs) and PSNI

rushed around squeezing in CCS, the RAF Fitness Test and the GSR Respirator conversion course we were as ready as we could be by completing the Individual Contingency Readiness Training. The first couple of weeks seemed to pass quickly when we were waiting for our date to deploy, I was checking my phone every so often wondering if I’d missed any breaking news. Then during the first week of April, late on a Friday (it always seems to happen on a Friday) the call we’d all been waiting for eventually came “Looks like we’re going to Minhad, see you at Brize in two days’ time”. I suppose it was better that way, no time to ponder and no time to worry if everything was packed. Arriving at Brize and being introduced to our CF counter parts who had been drawn from all trades of the RAF, was the start of our journey and a chance to begin to get to know each other. Minhad is situated approximately 40 minutes South of Dubai and as many will appreciate is the stepping stone in and more importantly out of HERRICK, with assets there providing critical functions for the second ALOC. Because 906 EAW had more than doubled in size due to recent world events, the decision had been made that there needed

RAFP CONTINGENCY FORCE 3to be reinforcements to the EAW by means of the creation of a Force Protection and Security Flight (FP & Sy Flt). Within days the Section began to take shape and by the end of our first week and for the remainder of our tour we were providing control of entry to UK Areas of Responsibilty, mobile security patrols, Flight Line Security, Air Transport Security, a dedicated Counter Intelligence Field Team (CIFT), running a Main Guard Room and a Physical Security office. The RAF Police and the RAF Regt worked together alongside the RAF ‘Any’ trades who were primarily employed on guarding duties and did so with impressive enthusiasm. Within weeks the FP and security posture on 906 EAW had significantly increased and improved. Whoever said that Minhad was an easy sunshine tour was wrong!After a few weeks we received news that our deployment was going to be for four months. Having started with literally nothing (what is now the Guard Room was once little more than a storage room) there was a real sense of achievement throughout the team. We had created an effective and professional FP and Sy Flt set up. The high points certainly outweighed the lows and I was fortunate enough to see a

great deal of the Emirates on my CIFT duties along with meeting some quite astonishing and interesting people from various parts of the RAF. Deploying to Minhad was a positive experience and another example of the RAF Police and

Provost Parade 25

Op HELVETIC G8 Summit - Release The Hounds… Dog Handlers who we would work with on various jobs requiring more than one dog and greater manpower.

From 10 Jun an array of defensive building, venue and area searches began covering the entire grounds. Initially, Claire Bullen and I had numerous outdoor area searches working with Gwent Police Force and PSNI search teams, whilst the REST were ploughing through rolls of security seals doing all the utilities throughout the grounds. As searches were nearing completion within the inner cordon Claire Bullen was moved to Thiepval Barracks Lisburn to support Sgt Mortimer with searches of The Waterfront, Conference suite and primary school, all of which were being visited by the US President, Barack Obama.

After the completion of all scheduled tasks, teams remained at their respective locations on standby until all

dignitaries had left the Province. On 19 Jul all teams returned to Aldergrove for debriefs and re-org in preparation for the busy period which would consist of: visits from The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, The White Rock Parade, the contentious 12 Jul Parade and The World Police and Fire Games.

The security effort for G8, of which we had our small, but significant part to play, led to the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland declaring that the Lough Erne G8 as ‘the most peaceful and secure’’ in history, despite a continuing terrorist threat.

Cpl J Wood, JNCO AES Dogs

As support to Contingency Operations begins to shape across Air, WO Gary Owen gives his personal insight into the RAFP Contingency Force 4 who stood to and took up a six month period

of standby to respond to any FP operational requirement on 1 Oct 13.

Volunteering as Contingency Force 4 (CF4) Warrant Officer in September was another great opportunity for me to head a team of 40 professional, agile and adaptable members of the RAF Police.  The majority of the team had returned from HERRICK 17 in May and were still operationally focused and sharp. Having PAT, AES, VS, MWDs and RAFP handlers, Counter Intelligence Field teams, Specialist Investigators, Protective Security teams, and NCOS with Force Protection, Biometric, Weapon Intelligence and Close Support operational experience demonstrates our strength and capability.

The majority of the team commenced Individual Contingency Readiness Training at RAF Henlow in September. Sgt Matt Moon, No 3 Police Wing, Operational Training Flight, lead the instruction during the weeks training; encompassing Glock conversion, ranges, CBRN, first aid, VCPs, search and variety of the crucial elements to prepare us for six months on CF4. The strength of the team was apparent from the outset and the Sections were nominated. The rest of the team have trained with other Force Protection elements and 8 have carried out CAT 2 training to provide a BCR capability for HERRICK 19. As this goes to press, Cpl Adam Camm will be in Afghanistan for a six month det: CF 4 producing the goods from the outset.

In Oct, 18 members of CF 4 took part in Exercise Capable Eagle. Our years of operational expertise was evidenced from the outset; training and mentoring members of the EAW, providing RAFP defence in depth, and setting the standards for FP.

Sqn Ldr Martin Doney, CF4 OC and Flt Lt Steve Forbes, CF4 2IC, have been an inspiration from the start. They have instilled a great sense of teamwork, pride, motivation and morale. We look forward to working for them over the six month duration. The next edition of the Provost Parade will cover where we deployed and what we achieved, prior to handing over to CF 5.

Contingency Force 4 – Contingency Force 4 – Training with the Rocks and Ready to Roll!

RAFP CONTINGENCY FORCE 3

RAF Regt working closely and integrated together on operations. The FP and Sy Flt is set to become a permanent fixture at 906 EAW. The RAF Police CF proved that we continue to deliver a powerful punch any time, any place, anywhere.

With an RAF Police foot print in so many operational theatres I believe this accurately reflects the utility we offer to Force Commanders; through our specialisations, niche capabilities we provide a unique product within the Policing and Security arena.

26 Provost Parade

Exercise WINTERMARCH 2013Exercise WINTERMARCH is a RAuxAF

Winter Survival Exercise sponsored by the Norwegian Reserve Forces and has

taken place for the last 43 years. A/Cpl Irene Lifke attended on behalf of 3 RAuxAF Tactical Police Sqn and a number of other personnel have participated in the past.I was to go to Norway for my first visit to the country and to experience cross-country skiing for the first time. A bit of a change from walking into a classroom full of Secondary Schoolchildren and as a Supply Teacher covering a range of subjects from maths or music to multisports. I could hear them now, “Miss, are you really going to Norway to do cross-country skiing?” Well, there was no turning back and as I found out in the days to come there really was little ease in turning around when wearing Nordic skis.

Sunday 17 March 13My driver dropped me off at Heathrow and I ended up playing I spy, as I tried to detect any of the other 43 fellow Auxiliaries. We quickly met up and on arrival at Oslo were taken to our accommodation at Rjukan Fjellstue. It was a good 4 hour drive and our driver turned out to be non-other than the Exercise Leader – Captain Odd B Johansen.

Monday 18 March 13After a cold buffet breakfast and the mandatory sandwich making session, our first lesson was on preparing our Nordic skies by applying layers of the green and blue wax

over the whole length, then ironing it well and buffing them with what appeared to be a sandpaper block. Kitted out with Norwegian socks, M77 boots, sticks and skies, we were put into 3 groups for our first cross-country skiing patrol. Within minutes I discovered just how deep the snow really was when I fell. I must have looked comical in my attempts to stand back up because the snow reached my waist. Once finally back up on my skies my mantra of “Don’t give up” came in useful. The rest of the afternoon was spent in ideal conditions for our first ever steps on deep, dry powdery snow. Upon returning to our accommodation we discovered that dinner was a barbecue. Funny how a cold beer and frankfurter can dispel the tingling cold in one’s fingers when eating outside between -10 to -15 degrees Celsius.Later that evening we were given a demonstration of the kit issued to the ‘Heimevernet’ (Norwegian Home Guard). Sergeant N Skaalvik, explained each item and I was tempted to ask to swop “softies” as theirs can be used successfully at temperatures of -20C.

Tuesday 19 March 13We were shown how to build a fire in the snow, even though the temperature was -23C, enabling us to keep warm during stops and breaks.The weather was exceptional – a pretty blue cloudless sky with brilliant sunshine twinkling on perfectly white snow but so deceptively cold. During stops best practice demanded

changing out of the wet, clothing and into dry garments to keep warm. Once on I could feel the benefit because otherwise one could freeze during a long rest period. It did require, though, some discipline then to change

back into the wet, cold items just before setting off again. However, within a very short time I warmed up again due to the physical activity. It became clear to all of us, in the group, that without decent equipment, food, stamina and guidelines one “wouldn’t last long out here”.Later we were given a most informative talk explaining the difficult operation launched to halt Hitler’s development of an atomic bomb (which required heavy water). Doubtless, he would have used this as part of his weaponry in World War II with disastrous effects. We then watched a film called Kampen Om Tungtvannet (Operation Swallow: The Battle for Heavy Water) a Norwegian-French film from 1948. The story depicted the Norwegian resistance group Company Linge and how it successfully destroyed the Norsk Hydro Heavy Water plant at Vemork, Rjukan in 1943. Learning that several of the people who participated in this sabotage action had the same role in this film and that the presenter personally knew some of the saboteurs made this historical event all the more real.

Thursday 21 March 2013We set off with Sub-Lt Moen and Sgt Skaalvik as guides to follow the ‘saboteurs route’ across a valley and then up part of the mountain path which was pretty challenging. Weather conditions were immaculate with lots of fresh, however newly laid snow made the going (or rather skiing) more difficult. We did manage to complete a good distance bearing in mind we lacked the skills, experience and adrenaline that those courageous men had when carrying out Operation Gunnerside. Covering such a small section of the route and in daylight, made me realise how lucky our lives are now due to such incredible bravery.Afterwards we were given a lesson on Avalanches followed by a demonstration outside. A Search and Rescue Dog was put

Provost Parade 27

Exercise WINTERMARCH 2013

through its paces and found the buried Norwegian Officer fairly quickly. It takes 2-3 years to train a dog, and any breed is suitable as long as it has a good and powerful nose.

Friday 22 March 13On the route back to the airport we were able to visit the Akershus Fortress now a Military Museum, complete with a mannequin

displaying the Norwegian Military Police uniform and matching MP motorbike. It was a real eye-opener for me to read that 50,000 Norwegians had fought as part of British Forces in WWII and on a more personal note that Norway’s allies had also included Poland as my Polish father had served in the Polish Army during the war.

Overall, this was a most wonderful and unforgettable week. I now feel fairly confident on Nordic skies and managed to learn a few techniques, including walking up and down a steep snow hill (executed sideways on) and experienced some thrilling downhill moments following the epitomous “bending of ze ’nees”.

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28 Provost Parade

No 603 Sqn RAuxAF operates out of a splendid Town Headquarters (THQ) in

Edinburgh. This was the recent venue for the first of a planned series of aviation-related talks. Aimed at military and civilian professional aviators or just interested parties, as well as some of 603 Sqn’s associates in the region. On this first occasion, the Squadron were fortunate to recruit Sqn Ldr (Ret’d) Tom Lecky-Thompson, a former Flight Commander on 1 (F) Sqn who gave an account of his 1969 record-breaking flight across the Atlantic. The flight was an entry in the Daily Mail Transatlantic Blue Riband Race from the top of the Post Office Tower in London to the top of the Empire State Building in New York.

What made this flight special was that Tom flew the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, taking off from St Pancras Railway station in the middle of London (renamed RAF St Pancras for the event!) and landing in Manhattan, central New York some 5.5 hours later.

Tom’s talk was fascinating and kept the audience’s attention as he recalled the trials and tribulations of carrying out this amazing feat of aviation. The use of multiple Victor tankers to refuel the Harrier during the crossing paved the way

603 Sqn Aviation Nights

Above: XV741 taking off from St Pancras Station.

for the tactics used to deliver the Vulcan over the Falkland Islands 13 years later. The evening began with cocktails and finished with wine and light refreshments, which were much enjoyed by all. 603 Sqn’s Honorary Air Commodore, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas, described the evening as a great success and Tom’s delivery as ‘an enthralling talk’.

It is planned to hold further such events in the future, including a presentation about the first flight over Everest in the 1930s and the unexpected arrival of Rudolph Hess in Scotland during WW2.

Sqn Ldr Jerry Riley603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn

Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Left: Sqn Ldr Graham Williams (left) and Sqn Ldr Tom Lecky-Thompson (right).

Right: Home of 603 Sqn.

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Provost Parade 29

The 1 April 2013 saw the re-role of 603 Sqn from RAF Regiment to RAF Police. A

Sqn rich in history set against the beautiful backdrop of the City of Edinburgh commenced the recruitment of RAF Police. The re-role is due to be complete by 2016 with the aim that 603 Sqn will have a full compliment of 80 RAF Police Part-Time Voluntary Reservists (PTVR) taking the total Sqn strength including the HQ to 100. Flt Lt Victoria Clarke, Deputy Squadron Commander details the current and future plans for 603 Sqn.

Until transition is complete, there will be a progressive drawdown of the current 58 x RAF Regiment PTVRs on the Sqn. There are many options open to them including remustering to RAF Police, of which 5 have already done, other options include transfer to other RAuxAF sqns or discharge. The Sqn continues to support the RAF Regiment Force with 8 members of the Sqn currently mobilised with 58 Sqn and deployed to Camp Bastion.

Significant progress has been made since 1 April 2013 and the Sqn recruiters, FS Grimshaw and Cpl Henderson, have switched focus from recruiting RAF Regiment to RAF Police. The recruitment and marketing strategy cuts across an array of mediums which have all seen success, including national and local newspaper advertising, recruitment stands at various events including Knockhill race days and Leuchars Air Show and leaflet and video advertising at

603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Update

Edinburgh Ice Rink. The Sqn has a proven track record in excellence in recruitment as was seen in March when Gp Capt Kemp, President of the 603 Squadron Association, formally presented the Kemp Dirk, awarded annually to the RAuxAF sqn which has been deemed most successful in Auxiliary recruiting, to the Recruiting Team.

To date the Sqn has attested 21 potential RAFP Reservists, 7 of which have remustered from other trades - RAF Regiment and Flt Ops - and 11 move into Phase 2 RAF Police training having successfully completed the necessary Phase 1 requirements. On 28 August 2013, Cdr RAFP, Group Captain Mark Sexton presented a RAF Police Warrant Card to the first eligible member of 603 Squadron - A/Cpl Bruce Finlayson. Due to A/Cpl Finlayson leaving the regular RAF Police less than two years ago he was able to join the RAF Police Reserves being exempt from Phase 1 and 2. As a consequence A/Cpl Finlayson is the first member of the Sqn ready for deployment as a RAF Police Reservist. This marked an important milestone in the transition of 603 Sqn to a RAF Police Sqn. The newly designed RAF Police Reserve Phase 2 course which will see the training reduce from 18 months to 6 months began on 12 Oct 13. The course was designed in conjunction with 3 (Tactical) Police Squadron and will culminate in a joint training exercise in Apr 14.

Having reached Initial Operating Capability, 603 Sqn is already contributing to the RAF Police

Force utilising ATSy trained members for tasks to destinations such as Kenya, Nairobi and Denmark in addition to supporting 4 Sqn in the ATSy support to the 6 Force Protection Wing deployment to Afghanistan from RAF Leuchars. As part of 3 PW, the FTRS RAF Regiment training staff have supported the Operational Training Flight in the delivery of Mission Specific Training for 2

(Tactical) Police Sqn and Individual Contingency Readiness Training for the RAF Police Contingency Force. Whilst in its relative infancy the utility of the Sqn is already being realised and as successful recruitment and training continues the future of 603 Sqn is definitely bright.

Flt Lt Victoria ClarkeDSC 603 Sqn

30 Provost Parade

As the RAF Regiment and RAF Police prepare to collocate Head Quarters

at RAF Honington, the Force’s Air Command staffs conducted their own integration event at the RAF Watersports Centre Danesfield. Sited on an idyllic stretch of the River Thames between Marlow and Henley, Danesfield is a unique facility run by the Royal Air Force for serving and retired personnel, and their families, with a mission to ‘Promote well-being, personal and Force Development through sporting activity.’ After a morning of table top discussions and a bite to eat, the staffs prepared themselves for an afternoon of watersports and

what would without doubt be the most challenging and potentially embarrassing part of the day….the raft race. In the name of ‘integration’ the teams inevitably divided themselves into a RAF Regiment team and

an RAF Police team (albeit the RAF Police did manage to bribe Gp Capt Jamie Kendall to switch sides!).

Air Command Force Protection Force Development As the teams squared up to each other like heavy weights before a boxing match, the Danesfield instructors, trying hard to hold back the laughter, established the rules. BLUF – the teams had 60 minutes to build their rafts before taking their positions on the start line and paddling to the south bank of the Thames, executing a 180 turn and returning to the start line for tea and medals. And so it began, the loud hailer sounded, initial enthusiasm and misguided confidence turned into a group of men scratching their heads and kicking pine poles like car dealers checking the tyre quality of used car. All of a sudden there was a spark of activity from the Regiment team, poles were positioned and ropes began to be tied. Shouts of “just copy what they’re doing” from the Police team were dismissed as a heroic team leader emerged in the shape of Wg Cdr Jan Knight. Despite wild accusations as to why Wg Cdr Knight was so skilled with ropes and knots, the Police team made swift progress and were soon on an equal footing with the Rock Apes.

As the two teams worked on their different raft designs, it appeared that the building phase would potentially be over within 20 minutes rather than the allocated hour….how naive. Over the next 30 minutes both teams tried on a number of occasions to test their crafts on the river only to find what looked impressive on land, was not

necessarily a water tight solution. Eventually both rafts were ready. The teams lined up and waited for the klaxon….”On your marks, get set, GO”. In a testosterone filled blur of activity the Regiment took an early lead thanks to a more streamlined craft and aggressive technique, meanwhile the methodical Police worked on a rhythmic stroke pattern that they felt assured would secure success. As the teams approached the turning point, disaster stuck, the Regiment raft sliding like an out of control terrier dog, failed to turn successfully and toppled over. The sight of sinking ‘rocks’ spurred on the Police team who had by now taken the lead; surely there was no way for a Regiment recovery. As the Police team started to relax, so unfortunately did the ropes holding their craft together; the first barrel slipped away, then the second, followed by the crew. With Autumn playing in their heads, they gripped to various parts of the by now unrecognizable raft and started to swim for the finish line determined to challenge the Rocks to the end. As a group of unimpressed spectators slow hand clapped the teams as they approached the finish line, the final parts of the Police raft finally gave way and the Regiment secured victory. During the post event BBQ, all agreed that the day had been success and pending a Police enquiry into sabotage congratulated the Regiment on their victory.

Provost Parade 31

Air Command Force Protection Force Development

Sgt Simon Wilkinson, the current RAFP Museum Curator at the Defence School of Policing and Guarding at MOD Southwick

Parks, writes on the current museum and sends out a plea for more artefacts…

There is a common saying amongst historians “In order to know where you are going, it is important to know where you have been.” That is true, no matter where we are, we are always walking in the footsteps of the RAFP who have gone before. The current home of the RAF Police collection is the Defence School of Policing & Guarding, along with the Royal Navy Collection & the Royal Military Police Museum.

We are not a Bone Fide museum (although we do call ourselves one!), having researched that pathway, the amount of work is huge and unfortunately as with everything, very EXPENSIVE!!

We are however a proud collection, reflecting many years of progress and dedicated work by a vast amount of RAF Police personnel and Kennel Maids.

The collection is spread over three rooms and is broken down into specific areasRoom 1 covers current operations, Northern Ireland, QPD & the Falkland Islands.Room 2 covers SD 814, RAFP throughout the Empire & WW2.Room 3 covers RAFP training, SI, CI & Flying Complaints.

Currently there are 3 volunteers who run the collection, Sgt Richard Gill, Cpl Ian Gallagher and myself. In overall charge of the project is

RAFP Reflections from the Past to the PresentGp Capt Kev Bailey.We can open at any time when requested and have introduced many serving and retired servicemen of all cap badges and nationalities to the delights and various roles undertaken by the RAF Police over the years, right up to current operational deployments.

All phase 2 RAFP students come into the museum for their RAF Police history lessons & career/ trade structure briefings, why use power point when they can see and touch the real thing. We also open up on their graduation days so that the families can have a look around and absorb some of the history as well.

The main reason behind this article is to try and drum up some business!! Units, sections, flights and police clubs are moving around all over the place from station to station, from operational deployment to operational deployment and this means that knick knacks, photos and gizzits are always being taken down and put into a dark cupboard, often never to be seen again! What I am asking is that you spare the museum a thought before you pack up your oddities. We will take whatever you have, even if you think it is rubbish, box it up and send it down to us; we will act as a recycling centre for you.

For our comrades in the RAF Police Association and those currently serving,

what we ask of you is if you have any personal mementoes or articles

from your service, we would welcome them as well, either donated or gifted or, if you want to loan them to us, we can facilitate that as well.

Currently, we are short of items from WW1, the inter war years, WW2, the 1950’s and from Op HERRICK. We are trying to fill the gaps as best as we can, so if anybody has any items you consider would enhance our displays, please consider us and let us

know your story.

The museum is an organic thing; it will continue to thrive

long after my tenure here at DSPG comes to an end, however it

can only grow if it is given your help.

For further information or to discuss any museum related matters, please feel free

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Sgt Simon Wilkinson, Course Design Team

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MIL 93835 4803Civ 02392 284803

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32 Provost Parade

This year for the first time a Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) team from

RAF Halton entered the Annual Triple Crown Challenge which is held at Worthy Down; a section based event designed to measure military skills and battle fitness within a competitive environment. The competition is undertaken by two ‘fire teams’ of four people; C fire team takes part in the 12 mile March and Shoot phase, and D fire team enter the military skills and obstacle course phase.RAF Halton entered a four-man team into the March and Shoot.

Privates’ Elliot Davies, Phillip Turner, Stuart Vaines and Kallidas Kambang, with Sgt Sean Staunton in reserve, started training approximately six weeks before the competition. Sgt Staunton said: “We were a late entry and got in just before the deadline so had limited time to train together prior to the event. We decided that we would do a ‘Tab’ a week building up to twelve miles a time, which we achieved with a few blisters along the way”.

Throughout the March and Shoot all team members carry 30lbs of kit, helmet and a rifle and have

MPGS Take Part in March and Shoot - the Triple Crown Challenge 2013

is undertaken; accuracy within the shooting element can influence the overall score and it is possible to out score a faster team.

The Team knew that they would not be in a position to win the event but certainly would not come in last,

their intention was to take part for the fun of it with a consideration of a more serious attempt in the future.On the day the competitive spirit kicked in and although it was enjoyable the fun element was pushed aside as the team dug their heels in and ran home with a time of 3 hours and 6 minutes which, considering the limited training time, was very reasonable. They all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are already planning to enter again next year

Private Stuart Vaines said: “Around the end of March 2013 myself and four other members of the MPGS at RAF Halton were invited to attend the annual AGC Triple Crown 12 mile March and Shoot Competition in Worthy Down, Wiltshire. With the event taking place around the middle of May, we had little time to spare, so with great support from the Station, through Sgt Staunton, we were issued with all the equipment needed to ensure we were able to give it our best effort on the day. We arrived the afternoon before and were immediately impressed by the sheer scale and effort that had gone into this event, and as a result we were even more determined to give it a real go. We arrived at the start line the following morning and started off at a reasonable pace and quickly realised, due to the looming close contours on the map, that this was going to be no easy feat but as the miles passed it was apparent that we were growing as a team and were constantly encouraging and pushing each other. With this

great team spirit, not only were we able to arrive at the finish as a complete team, but also in good time. A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding time was had by all”.

Private Elliott Davies said: “Having arrived the night before the event and settled down into our luxury tented accommodation, I planned a good nights rest but events transpired to ensure this didn’t happen. With howling winds, driving rain and the female tent/marquee blowing down in the wee hours of the morning, the chance of a good nights sleep was scuppered. That being said, the next morning with much improved weather and a full English breakfast inside me, I was ready and raring to go. Due to the number of teams the start for the March and Shoot was staggered in intervals of fifteen minutes, ours was a reasonable nine thirty start. The course was quite challenging, but nothing compared to slogging around Wendover woods and the local area we endured during our pre –event training, which in the long run put the team in the right mind set.As for the whole experience, I enjoyed the challenge, although my feet would tell you other wise and would certainly be first in the queue to volunteer for next years Triple crown. I guess this ex-Rockape just never learns.” Flight Lieutenant James Lambert, Officer Commanding Police and Security Flight, said:  “The team performed very well and are a credit to the Military Provost Guard Service, No 6 RAF Police Squadron and the Station.  With very little time for training, they tackled the challenge with the typical robustness and determination that they show every day whilst providing critical security.  Indeed, their efforts are typical of all of the MPGS and RAFP personnel at RAF Halton.  I am very proud of them and look forward to next year’s entry.” 

to navigate the route which is a mixture of roads and tracks and at a certain stage a live firing shoot

"With howling winds, driving rain and the female tent blowing down in the wee hours of the morning, the chance of a good nights sleep was scuppered!"

On Sunday 16 June 2013 saw that latest running of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) sponsored bike ride and my first

attempt at the 54 mile ride from Clapham Common to the sea front on Madeira Drive, Brighton. London to Brighton has been something I had wanted to undertake for some time and being based at DSPG, a challenge that found its roots in a discussion during late 2012 with RMP SIB and RN SIB colleagues as a “Tri-Service Police” endeavour. For a variety of reasons, the three riders were not able to compete as a team, so I decided I would continue with the able assistance of SSgt Sam Irwin, RMP SIB, one of the CSI Instructors at DSPG.Months of training followed, often in driving rain and biting wind around the Newark area where I live when not teaching Fraud, CID and ID Procedures at DSPG. The week prior to the event, my final training ride took me from Newark to Lincoln, Lincoln to Sleaford and back to Newark, a distance over 50 miles. My trusty steed was my Carrera Subway, purchased for £120 years ago from a well-known High Street retailer. I could do no more.My motivation, other than the physical challenge, was once again my Father who suffered with a number of heart related ailments. Having entered, I set myself the goal of raising £500 for the BHF. Anything over that would go to the Blind Veterans Association, some of whom live in St Dunstan’s, Brighton.I cajoled/hounded/begged as many of my current and former SIB & school colleagues as I thought would be benevolent enough to pay up to make an old man cycle all those miles. I even managed to get the Comdt DSPG to sponsor me (cheers Sir). On the day of the ride, (it is not a race) Sam and I set off in a Land Rover kindly provided by the QM’s Dept and headed off up the A3 into the heart of the capital. Driving through the streets of South West London, we passed many riders who were dressed as though they were Sir Chris Hoy or Sir Bradley Wiggins. There was me dressed (as pictured) in the obligatory padded cycle shorts, not stylish, but an absolute must for any male

Cpl Van Der Woning and Cpl Abernethy of 1 (T)PS organised and presented a quiz night with

the aim of raising money for their chosen charity ‘Soldiers in Mind’ who helped Cpl Brent McCarthy’s family following their sons tragic death whilst serving of Op HERRICK.  Soldiers in Mind help families coping with a death of a loved one killed in the line of duty. They work closely with welfare teams and also educate families preparing to welcome home loved ones from Afghanistan. They also provide memory boxes and combat teddies for children who have been bereaved, using their loved ones uniform and personal kit bits.

The event was supported by members across 3(PW), 2 (T)PS and other members of the RAF Police and wider service community at RAF Henlow.  Prizes on the night included an IPAD Mini, a Kindle, a Classic Car driving experience and a Super Car driving experience.  Squares for the prize draw were sold at £5 and the initial 100 squares were soon sold, raising £500. On the night more squares were sold as people got into the spirit and became extremely generous almost completing another 100 squares. 

Tosh’s Tavern was full to capacity, so much so that the patio was utilised as an additional team area.  At 2000hrs the Quiz Master, WO Huggins, set out the rules for the quiz and continued to guide all participants and support teams through the different round of questions, much to the detriment of his vocal chords.  Throughout the night Cpl’s Van Der Woning and Abernethy kept score, collected loose change from all, as well as fines imposed by the Quiz Master on individuals for using profane language or their mobile phones to Google answers.   At the end of the evening Wg Cdr Adrian Gillespie addressed all those present and thanked the 2 NCOs for their commitment and dedication in the organising of a very successful event and then drew the first Draw Ticket.  Refreshments flowed throughout the night, morale was high and spirit de Corp ever present with one winner giving their prize to a friend. Once the Draw was completed it was time to announce the Winner of the quiz.  The winning team, the Old Codgers, received their cash prize and then promptly donated back to the charity.

At the end of the evening a total of £1,191 had been raised and a letter of thanks was later received from ‘Soldiers in Mind’.  Thanks you for your support, both on the night and for helping raise this substantial sum for the charity.

1(T)PS Organise Charity Prize Draw and Quiz Night in Support of Soldiers in Mind

London 2 Brighton - Sgt Ian Lapping, Advanced Training Sqn, DSPG

thinking of having children! Some of the bikes we saw cost more than my car. Having arrived at the start area, I began to realise the enormity of my undertaking, as I was confronted with a sea of riders eagerly waiting to set off. Approximately 30,000 riders took part. My start time was 0930, the last start time of the day. We lined up, were given last minute safety instructions, which were absorbed as at no point are the roads closed to traffic, and duly set off. The feeling of excitement, anticipation and apprehension was palpable. Riders were discussing the route, the terrain and how long they thought it might take to get to Brighton. The initial stages took us through Central and South London into the Surrey countryside. The terrain was challenging enough as the course was a mix of flat and undulating roads, though there was the opportunity to “open up the legs” and get some speed down. From time to time, due to the very narrow country roads we navigated, we slowed, almost to a stop as we began to catch up the groups that had set off earlier. Riders started at 0630 and at 30 minute intervals till 0930.As we rode deeper into Surrey and on into Sussex, it became apparent that it was a truly inclusive event. I saw riders on tandems, one man on a unicycle, two ladies riding bikes with wicker baskets, one even had a picnic and one young lad riding a 3 geared Raleigh Chopper; Mad! Pub stops, people selling cakes, burger vans, it was all there.The descent into Brighton is steep and twisty and earlier on there had been a number of quite serious accidents, so we were held up for 45 mins to allow the riders to descend safely onto the bottom road and the run in to the sea front.The sea front itself was packed. Thousands had turned out see the riders into the finish. Not quite the finish to the Tour de France, but good enough for us. The weather was very kind to us; the atmosphere was fantastic with a genuine rapport between the riders which helps when you are struggling. Crossing the line was brilliant. 54 miles in 6 1/2 hours The ride back to DSPG wasn’t so enjoyable, especially when you are sat in the front seat on

a Land Rover and the lactic acid sets in. None of that mattered when you saw the looks on the faces of all the riders and you begin to realise the benefit your efforts might have. I hope to raise £500 for the BHF and a further £150 for the Blind Veterans Association.I have secured my entry for next year and intend taking part in the night race. You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to take part, nor do you need an expensive bike, just the will to challenge yourself. For that you get an enormous sense of achievement and a hugely enjoyable experience. Further details can be found at www.bhf.org.ok.

Sgt Ian Lapping

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RAFP personnel from RAF Northolt’s Police and Security Flt jumped at

the chance to put their left foot forward and raise money for the Veterans Charity by undertaking the formidable Forces March, here they tell their story in blistering detail… The Veterans Charity was founded in 2008 to provide support to Veterans of all generations. They focus on providing everyday items such as clothing, household goods, communication equipment and vital mobility provisions like wheelchairs, walking aids and bath-lifts. Whilst many of the

RAF Police Northolt Raises Money for The Veterans Charityitems they provide can be classed as ‘modest’ or ‘non-essential’, the impact they have on the lives of those that they support can be immeasurable.One of the charity’s annual sponsored events is the Forces March, an undulating all-road route totalling 132 miles over 5 days; the route is based on the march undertaken by men of the legendary Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry during WWII.The event attracts ultra-marathon fans and long distance hill walkers as well as people who want to challenge themselves and be a part of something special.

The 2013 event was the fourth consecutive year that the event took place and involved a seventeen strong team from RAF Northolt, including Gp Capt Tim O’Brien, RAF Northolt Stn Cdr and Flt Lt Rob Cook, OC Police, ably assisted by his personal support

crew; Cpl’s Gittings and Malia, RAFP, tasked to ensure that the boss’ morale was kept in better condition than his feet.Day one went well, all participants completed the route in good time and remained relatively upbeat going into the first night of camping. Day two however, was a different story. All involved found it difficult to get out of their sleeping bag and put their boots back on, the only consolation that could really be taken from the day was that it was the shortest route out of the five.The team showed great determination to make it to the next camp, set a little further apart than the previous day but appeared to speed up when Cpl Gittings offered to do a beer run for later that evening.

The elements closed in on day three as rain and strong winds battered the 31 mile route. Feet and knees began to swell, the pace began to slow and morale began to slip. Tempers frayed; we really needed to dig deep and remember the incredible cause

that we were doing it for.Day four, somewhat sunnier and having broken the back of the march the day before, spirits were high, especially with the promise of an evening in the pub involved. A shorter route of 24 miles seemed a breeze in comparison to the day before. Sadly, on this day a few walkers had to pull out of the event due to injury but in true military spirit, made themselves available to help elsewhere, albeit making the brews or putting up tents. The walkers were cheered on by passers by and provided sweets lovely old dears in their front gardens.An evening in the pub at the end of the route was a welcome break from discussing the walk, individual groups integrated and a great evening was had by all,

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A team of five cyclists, two serving and three ex serving, RAF Police took

part in the 2013 Cyclists Fighting Cancer charity ride on the 2 June. The Riders, Flt Lt Mo Pearce (Team Manager), FS Lee Close, Graham Mills, Vince Warrington and Troy Strand all completed the 100 mile epic journey with a great deal of determination and elation at the finish line. FS Close takes us through the 100 mile ride…

Starting at the Stratford upon Avon racecourse at 0820 hrs, in beautiful sunshine, we began as a group but knew from the start that we would struggle to stay together. The course followed the River Avon for the first 15 miles then we broke off into the countryside. We arrived at the first feed station (33 miles) in good shape and at a good pace of around 16mph. This was a false sense of achievement as we hadn’t really hit any hills by this point. Filling our faces with as many calories as we could and filling our water bottles in readiness for the ascent to come, we looked ahead from the feed station and were confronted with the first of three large climbs.

Cyclists Fighting Cancer 100 Mile Ride

Within two miles of the feed station we arrived at the foot of the longest of the three climbs, I can’t describe how much pain we went through on the way to the top of the highest point in the Cotswolds, Stow on the Wold, however, to say I had a tear at one

point should put you in the picture.

The descent was short lived, from Stow we remained at moderate altitude for the next 30 miles.Weaving through the Cotswolds was an absolute pleasure as

beautiful villages passed us by allowing us to enjoy the views of houses we could never afford to own. The final feed station came at the 68 mile point, by this time I had hit my wall and was battling with a number of aches but still determined to enjoy the downhill that I knew would take me out of the Cotswolds and onto the final stretch towards Stratford.

The real difficulty I was struggling with was the lack of energy, on the ride it was estimated that we would burn 6500 calories but we all struggled to eat at the required rate, the food stops provided us with high calorie snacks but the last thing we wanted to do was eat, the energy drinks provided were the way I topped up, along with nine bananas, two snickers and six energy gels this just about

got me across the line.The finish line was back at our start point, for me this was some seven hours 32 minutes later. The feeling of elation at completing this mammoth ride was amazing and has made me look at competition cycling in a very different light. I would like to thank all of those that sponsored our team. The final figure should ensure that four children suffering with cancer will be given adapted bicycles to enjoy with their families in the time they have left. The Cyclists Fighting Cancer charity organises this event every year so please go to their web site and sign up for next years ride. The rides vary in length so you do not have to do the 100 mile ride we suffered, I mean enjoyed!

FS Lee Close

RAF Police Northolt Raises Money for The Veterans Charityhelped along by the music festival that happened to be being held in the pub garden.Day five began upbeat, primarily due to 50% of the field being slightly inebriated from the night before and the other 50% using the alcohol in their system as a local anaesthetic. The walkers began at a blistering pace, eager to complete the hard work that they had put in. With the sun shining, it was rare to see a walker without a smile on their face. Fourteen of the seventeen began walking the final route, seventeen crossed the finish line to huge applause.

At the end of the march there were various trophies and awards presented; RAF Northolt walked away with the Military Challenge Cup (beating teams from 2RTR and the Rifles), awarded to the team supporting others throughout and showing the highest degree of team spirit. This was particularly highlighted when assisting Sarah Piercy from Devon, who was born with a spinal condition that means she is mostly reliant on a wheelchair. Sarah has completed many events, including winning the London Marathon in 2000.

This year, Sarah completed the Forces March on a hand bike, not easy considering Cpl Gittings completed a lap of a car park hand cycling on the final day and was left sweating!

The Forces March collects donations all year round and although we completed the

event in June, I hope you can all show your support for the Veterans Charity and the efforts of the RAF Northolt’s Forces March Team by going to the following link:

www.justgiving.com/ForcesMarch-RAFNortholtTeam 

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On Thu 5 Sep 13, at RAFC Cranwell, the RAFP SIIB(N) select X1 entertained a

No 5 RAFP Sqn select X1 for the Lincolnshire Ashes (a cricket match for those who wish to read on). FS Mark Prestwood reports from the crease…

The game was played on a beautiful afternoon with the agreed duration to be 25 overs per side. The two skippers, Sqn Ldr Ben ‘Boycott’ Youd and Sqn Ldr Andy Mildon met for the toss with the latter being victorious and opting to bat.

The umpire, Sgt Paul Stafford complete with appropriate headgear and a pocket full of stones walked out to the middle followed by the 5 Sqn opening batsmen and play commenced with FS Mark Prestwood sending down a first over that could only be described as dangerous. No bouncers, just full on head beamers!

Cpl Ed Growden quickly settled in and battered the SIIB bowling to all parts of the ground, with Flt Lt Steve ‘Flintoff’ Forbes in particular, taking a pasting. Sgt Alex Tatham delivered some accurate bowling and was rewarded with a couple of wickets (his Leeds Utd shirt clearly

assisted him). Ben Youd was introduced into the attack and snared 2 wickets in two balls, however, regretfully opted to take it ‘easy’ with his hat-trick ball, letting his opponent off the hook.

Growden continued on his merry way, losing partners quickly, of particular note was the early run out of Cpl Adam Camm who lacked the necessary speed to get back to his crease.Growden eventually succumbed to the part time spin of Jon Caffery with a total of 57. FS Al ‘Suarez’ MacDonald added late impetus and 5 Sqn limped to a total of 89 all out. Credit to Ben West for a faultless wicket keeping display, despite splitting his cargo pants mid way through the innings.

The SIIB(N) openers, Ben Youd and Steve Forbes strode out to the middle and commenced the

The Battle of The Lincolnshire Ashes - 5 RAFP SQN v RAFP SIIB(N)

reply, however, before anyone had time to draw breath, Forbes, Tatham and Prestwood were back in the hutch with the score on 8 for 3. The one cricketer amongst the team, Ben Youd was still there and all hope rested on his shoulders, however, he succumbed with a score of 14 and although the tail wagged briefly thanks to Cpl Joe Durrant, the final total of 49 was nowhere in the scheme of things.

As the game had finished ahead of time, a second match was agreed to consist of 12 overs per side with the batting order/bowling order to be reversed.

5 Sqn started their innings with Jo Nellist and guest player, Jo Chadwick at the crease and the two of them did really well putting to shame the majority of their male counterparts. The score moved along steadily, however, when Chris ‘Slogger’

Collins came to the crease, the run rate picked up and his score of 12 was the top score. It should be noted that Andy Mildon applied bat to ball for the first time in his life and went onto score 4 valuable runs. Late contributions by Walker and Lisowski enabled them to set a

total of 39. The accurate pace attack of Flt Lt Dino Filo and Tatham keeping the run rate down.

SIIB(N) needed 40 off 12 overs and opened with Cpl Kat Goldie and Sgt Amy Atkins and the two of them showed great bravery in negotiating the barrage sent down by Messrs Collins and Mildon, however, both were sent packing without troubling the scorers. Caffrey entered the fray and stuck around for what seemed like forever, in order to score 7. Further contributions from West, Prestwood, Youd and Durrant enabled SIIB(N) to come out on top.

Massive credit to the ladies that took up the challenge and to Cpl Ed Growden who was presented with a bottle of bubbly courtesy of OC 1 PW, Wg Cdr Darby, for his Man of the Match display.

Special thanks to WO Keith Wileman for his expertise with the scorecard and Sgt Paul ‘Dicky Bird’ Stafford for an excellent umpiring display and his provision of the BBQ that followed.

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Cpl Dan Fairbrother relives his experience as a member of the inaugural Tri-Service Field

Gun Team from MoD Corsham.At the end of 2012, I was posted into J2 Mission Support (Tri-service) within the Joint Cyber Unit (JCU) at MoD Corsham, providing Open Source (OS) Intelligence to support Op Metric and Computer Network Defence (CND).Being the new guy I was keen to get involved in Station activities. I was asked by WO2 Trimble, Royal Signals, Joint Security Coordination Centre (JSyCC) if I would be interested in taking part in the Brickwoods Field Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood. Previously being posted at Cosford, I knew Field Gun existed as they had a team and were very successful, however, that was as far as my knowledge went. Therefore I thought ‘Why not, how hard can it be?’I went along to a briefing organised for anyone interested in taking part of Field Gun, presented by Lt Dave Bebbington, Royal Navy. As the presentation went on, I learnt the history behind Field Gun and that it dates back to the Boar War when the Royal Navy rescued the Army! In a nutshell Field Gun was simply moving 1.5 tonnes of gun along an 83 yard track and firing 6 shells along the way and this is to be done as fast as possible with a crew of 18. Lt Bebbington a Field Gun veteran and our ‘No 1’ trainer was attempting to put together the First MoD Corsham Field Gun Crew! I thought to myself this is a once in a life time opportunity especially being in the RAF Police therefore I signed myself up.In January 2013, first day back from the Christmas grant, the training started, organised ‘Lung Busting’ PT sessions once a day, every week, until the Easter holidays. The session consisted of sprint circuits, core and strength training, followed by sprint sessions in boots and a healthy dose of Tri-Service banter along the way.After the Easter holidays the ‘Gun’ arrived. Seeing it up close and discovering that each wheel

Don’t jump the gun! Mod Corsham Field Gun Crew weighed 110lbs I was starting to question why I had signed up however I got stuck in. Training Sessions increased to twice daily which meant more bruises and blisters, not to mention everyone fighting for crew positions as only 18 crew members could compete in the competition, and with a crew of over 30, I was determined for a place.On 27 May 2013, I was chosen to deploy with the crew in order to train at HMS Collingwood for the week preceding the Field Gun competition. The competition itself would take place at HMS Collingwood’s Open Day with the Field Gun Competition being the pinnacle of the day on 1 Jun 13.On the Thursday before the heats took place, I was told I had made the final ’18’ and would represent MoD Corsham on the track as the position of ‘No 5’ (Extractor’ part of the firing team on the Gun) I was ecstatic, all the hard work had paid off, just the competition to go!Friday 31 May 13 was the day of the heats. Six crews competing in each heat to determine which final they would compete in on the Saturday in-front of the public on open day.Stepping out for the first time as a newly formed crew to Field Gun all eyes were on us! Along with all the nerves and pressure we kept our focus, stepped towards the start line, heads held high and prepared to ‘Run’ for the first time. On the sound of the ‘banger’ we charged forward and completed a successful run, legs pounding, lungs exploding we gave it everything. Heat after heat we kept going, digging deep every time. On completion of the heats we had made it into the Plate III Final.The day of the competition, everyone was nervous seeing the public gathering in the stands, knowing family and friends of crew members were watching we knew we were in with a chance of bringing a piece of silverware back

to the Unit. We formed up in the quadrangle, ready to step out in front of thousands of people to start the final heats, this was it and all of our hard work, sacrifices, cuts and bruises, the dedication had got us to this point. We marched out on to the track to the sound of thousands of people screaming and cheering the atmosphere was electric making the hairs on the back of my neck stand. Again we formed at the start line and waited, “2, 3, 4, 5, Stand-by” the preparation commands screamed by No 2, the ‘banger’ sounded and off we went determined for a good run, pushing harder than ever before, hearing the screaming fans spurred us on more. Screaming ourselves as we pushed ourselves through the pain barrier we crossed the finished line.‘Puffing’ and ‘blowing’ we waited for the final result. The results were in; our crew had been edged out of the Plate III final triumph by just 0.05 of a second to the Barbarians. Our second place earned us the competition’s ‘Soapy Watson Trophy’ and Lt Dave Bebbington, was presented with the Endeavour Cup for the efforts in generating the inaugural crew. Even though we didn’t win the competition we returned to the Unit proud of our achievements and with a legit piece of silverware.

The final crew was a mix of military personnel at Corsham and nearby units with representation from several business units within Corsham, 600 Troop (15 Signal Regiment), and 241 Signal Squadron (10 Signal Regiment). All ranks, rates and services were represented from a Royal Navy Captain to a Signaller, with a guest appearance by a Major from the US Air Force. Just four of the 23-strong crew that went to Collingwood had previous experience of a Field Gun competition and the races were watched by Information Systems and Services’ (ISS) new director Gerry Cantwell, and I was proud to be a part of the History we had created, MoD Corsham’s FIRST Field Gun Crew.

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