606 Operations Support Flight visits RAFM Hendon

Operations Flight (Ops Flt) of 606 (Chiltern) Squadron have recently paid a visit to the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the development of air power through history, up to the present day. Based on the site of the original London Aerodrome, the museum’s aircraft collection, which is displayed in a number of different halls, includes early fixed wing and rotary aeroplane designs, along with exhibits from World Wars 1 and 2, the Cold War, and modern day jets.

A full size model of the very latest F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which is not yet in service, rubs shoulders with a WW1 Sopwith Camel.

Although the day was very enjoyable for all, there was a serious side to the visit. While at the museum the Flt had specific questions to answer about the helicopter exhibits. Being part of Joint Helicopter Command it is important for all 606 Squadron members to have background knowledge on the development of rotary air power.

A display about Chinook helicopters, and in particular Bravo November – a Chinook which served in the Falklands Conflict and is still in service today – was especially interesting, comprising of a cutaway, walk-through model of the helicopter and numerous audio-visual displays.

Ops Flt members have now gone on to produce a 10 minute presentations on one of the Royal Air Force’s helicopter squadrons, using information gained from the museum visit. Confidence in verbal communication is key for those working in Flight Operations, who must be able to provide a clear and concise situation brief as necessary. Presenting to the rest of the Flight will allow individuals to receive constructive feedback on their delivery, providing the chance to develop their communication skills in a non-operational environment.

New Recruits - their story part 2.

How has my two weekend experience of being a "Sprog Airman" on 606 Squadron been so far? I would have to say that it's been good, busy but very enjoyable and the weekends fly by.

There seems to be a widely held belief that anything involving the Military means hours of "Character building exercises" like peeling spuds, bulling boots, marching in the rain and being shouted at to drive some obscure message through your thick skull before you get to do anything interesting. However, so far that's not my experience of 606 Squadron, yes, the weekends have been busy and mostly classroom based but the quality of instruction is excellent and delivered by enthusiastic, approachable people who know their stuff and manage to get it over in an entertaining as well as informative manner.

I suppose the biggest suprise is that we haven't been shouted at or run ragged for no apparent reason and that, as recruits, we are treated like adults, so if that's a worry for someone reading this who is thinking of joining 606 don't let that put you off! My overall impression as an end user is that it is a professionally run outfit, there is no hanging around waiting for something to happen.

It's very structured, the whole weekend is used constructively and I know from previous work experience that doesn't just happen without a lot of effort so it's obvious that the RauxAF invests time in developing it's people right from the start. Then again all the people I've joined with are a good bunch, they all want to be here and they all put the effort in to whatever we have been doing and "have a go" so that no one needs to be carried. The other Squadron members I have spoken to have all been friendly and happy to talk be it just to pass the time of day or to offer some advice. I don't think that there is going to be any secret to enjoying my time at 606, just do what it says in the recruiting blurb, be a team player, give everything your best shot and you'll get a lot out of it, I'm looking forward to it.

Andy.

When applying for 606 Sqn many questions would go through my head. Am I doing the right thing? Am I too old at 41? How will I be treated? What kind of person does the squadron want?

I must start with the fact that all members of the Squadron have been very welcoming, supportive and professional.It was also clear from the beginning that the other recruits joining were like minded individuals who have come from a variety of backgrounds and ages but all of whom work together and get on well. During the first few weekends we have had a vast number of lessons from rank structure of all three forces, history of the RAF and drill to name but a few. The training staff have worked hard to ensure that we are given the correct information delivered in a clear format that makes sure that the time at the squadron is used to maximum effect. It is clear from all the staff that they want the recruits to succeed and be able to start their careers in the best possible way and clearly put a lot of time and effort themselves.

I am certainly not too old at 41 and I definitely have made the right choice in joining 606 Sqn.

Tim

I thought I was way too old at 46 to come back into this environment, but 606sqn have managed to prove otherwise.

Right from my very first contact with the recruiting staff at 606sqn, my experience has been very rewarding. This is a military outfit and there is discipline, and a certain amount of fitness is required. The training staff treat new recruits with great respect, and because of this they achieve such good results. The subject matter is interesting and the method of delivery is structured in such a way that the information is easy to retain and repeat when called on to do so. Regular members of 606sqn have been very friendly, and are genuinely interested in what we have to offer, and this makes me very keen to graduate successfully from my training and join my flight in the squadron. From my initial impression it appears that the squadron holds many and varied opportunities for new recruits.

Pete

The two training weekends so far have been new, informative and very cold. So far we have mostly done our Gsk (classroom based work) and Marching with Cpl T who has a teaching style that is very effictve and great to take part in. Our two weekends so far have only been 4 days so far so more info is sure to come that will be of help from everyone.

Paul

New Recruits - their story part 1.

My first experience of Reservist Basic Recruit Training

A (very) long time ago, I had my first experience of military life as a member of my local Army Cadet unit. Then a young and spotty teenager, I remember a lot of shouting from NCO’s with their face just inches from my own, being ordered to “drop and give me 20” as punishment for any minor misdemeanour and on more that one occasion having to run several miles at the double in boots and webbing because one of our section was out of step on parade.

So, these being my primary recollections of the military (and most people’s belief that this is how it is), you might wonder why I decided to join the RAF Reserves but the truth is that I have much better memories of my cadet life (which lasted almost 8 years man and boy so to speak), the challenge, the friends, the whole experience and I suppose it was these I took with me however it is fair to say that on arriving at RAF Benson for my first training weekend and facing the dreaded fitness test I wasn’t really sure what to expect and was just a little nervous.

It was then most reassuring that when gathered in the tea room of 606 squadron HQ with the other recruits that morning I discovered that I was not alone. Here we all were, drawn from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, a mix of men and woman spanning a spectrum of ages and until a few minutes before all strangers but now we were getting to know each other, sharing our anticipation of what lay ahead. Several of my new comrades had previous military experience so I listened to what they had to say, hoping to glean a few tips and before I knew it we were off to the gym for that fitness test.

The test was tough but not as bad as I had built it up to be in my head and when told I had passed, I had a great feeling satisfaction and achievement but if I’m honest there was also a sigh of relief..!

Having “made the grade” there were congratulatory comments from our NCO’s before more form filling then the attestation ceremony. It was at this point when it all became real for me… I thought “This is it, you’ve made it” and I felt a great sense of pride. That feeling was their again the following morning when I put the uniform on for the first time and it has been there every time since. For me that is one of the best things about being a member of the RAF.

Our basic training started straight away and despite any previous apprehension I may have had, it is fair to say that life with 606 squadron has been a great experience so far. The members of our training flight are all good people and we look out for each other which is important, after all we are in this together. Our NCO’s are not just extremely knowledgeable of their subjects but they have encouraged and supported us throughout. They endeavour to make the training sessions as interesting as possible – not always an easy task with some of the topics – and contrary to common belief Sergeants do have a sense of humour (sort of), provided of course you show the respect due to them. There is a lot to learn in a short period of time but you really believe that the officers and NCO’s want you to succeed and that spurs you on work hard and do better.

We are two thirds way through our course now and there is still the basic training at RAF Halton to come. I’m really looking forward to that two weeks away and I can’t wait to get back to RAF Benson to start my trade training. Joining the RAF Reserve is one of the best decisions I have made... wish I had done it years ago!