Per Ardua - 10 new members of the RAF Regiment

Ten RAF Regiment Gunners of 606 (Chiltern) Squadron have returned to RAF Benson having passed a gruelling exercise, and graduated earning the much sought after RAF Regiment ‘mudguards’ to be worn on their uniform.

They have spent two weeks at RAF Honnington in Suffolk where they joined other RAF Reservists on a course run by 2623 Sqn.


10 members plus instructors on return to RAF Benson

Exercise OMEGA brings together training taught at squadron level before attending the two week period, and also some new skills. Trainee Gunners are expected to use their weapon training, battle preparation and patrol skills in order to defend RAF assets worldwide. Throughout final exercise lasting five days personnel are really tested both physically and mentally. Both become harder due to a lack of sleep as time goes on. Leading Aircraftsman Martin Ocock, aged 30 from Feltham found the best bits of the course to be ’ all of our time on the ranges and the river crossing exercise’. Leading Aircraftsman Robbie Leishman, aged 20 from Didcot added ‘it was great to be part of the final attack at the end of the exercise, and earning the mudguards was a very proud moment’.


Members of the section whilst on the end of course exercise


Leading Aircraftsman Kevin Mason aged 39 from Tamworth was selected as best student out of the 26 members on the course. This is a great honour both for him and 606 Squadron. 'For a member of our flight to do so well on the sort of exercise is great news for 606’ said Officer Commanding Squadron Leader Gary Lane. ‘All that took part put in great amounts of effort and to have this title given to one of our team is very pleasing’. Mason is a production Assistant at Jaguar Cars and felt that ‘the teamwork that RAF Reserve service requires is useful in his day job’.


LAC Mason on exercise


Fortunately the course members were lucky enough to receive air support in the form of Merlin, Puma and Chinook helicopters from RAF Benson and Odiham. It adds great realism to their training which prepares them for service overseas if that is required.

All participants will now return to their civilian jobs before returning to Benson for their next training weekend in November where they can use some of their new learnt skills.