Ex ALTCAR CHALLENGE

On the weekend of 5^th/6^th May, a team of 4 girls and 4 boys from 606 Sqn participated in the Altcar Challenge, at Altcar Army training camp near Liverpool. The girls’ team comprised of myself – Kat Bryer –, Amy Witwicki and Lucy Roper from Ops Flight and Jemma Holmes from Supply Section.

Although we had prepared for the weekend with extra training sessions, we were all still
nervous about what to expect on the day!

After the long trip to Liverpool, we were quickly ushered to the assault course to be given a safety brief. It was with excitement and a little trepidation that we viewed the challenging obstacles,
as we were given a demonstration by an expert who made it look easy – even scaling the 9 ft wall unassisted!

Amy – who was nominated team leader – then went to a meeting to get the instructions for the
following day.

Later on that evening in the bar, we studied the brief for each challenge and had a think
about how we were going to tackle them. We saw that there were unfamiliar
weapons to strip down and so Lucy and I spent some time with Cpl ‘Taff’ Townsend,
learning how to strip down an AK47 with the help of a picture and a few
drawings, while I scribbled notes and worked it through in my head. Sgt Hobbs
did the same thing with Jemma and Amy on the General Purpose Machine Gun or ‘Jimpy’.

The day itself was a fantastic experience. After the first few challenges – kit check
and pistol shoot – our nerves had settled and we knew we were in for a great
day. Thanks to Taff’s fabulous coaching the AK47 training paid off for me and we
whizzed through that challenge.

There were many different stands ranging from kinaesthetic skills, such as the weapon
handling and grenade stalk, to real life scenarios, such as how to handle
police abusing a civilian, Vehicle Check Points and the Battlefield First Aid
stand. Amy and Jemma had beautiful orange hands for the rest of the day after
this challenge thanks to their first aid skills and the fake blood!

And then there was the assault course..... This could have been said to be Lucy’s
nemesis and it is fair to say that some of the obstacles had been playing on
her mind. Of course it was typical that our slot was right at the end of the
day, so she had a long time to think about it. However, we all completed the
course and Lucy overcame her fear of the cargo net. It was such an exciting and
exhilarating thing to do!

As a team we gelled very well and there was no friction at any point. This was commented on by
several people.

Everyone in the team put in maximal effort and so we knew that by the end we would be happy
with the result, as we could not have tried harder.

We cannot thank Sgt Hobbs and Cpl Townsend enough for all their fantastic support and training. They can be quoted as saying that they ‘felt like proud Dads,’ as our team came marching down to the stand that they ran – the March and Shoot.

Altogether it was one of the best weekends I have experienced since joining 606 Sqn and one
on which I really felt I learned a lot. I can’t wait to be involved next year and know that next time round we will have a much better idea of what to expect. Overall we were third out of the girls teams, but the 606Sqn boys came away with first prize for the battlefield first aid so a really great achievement for 606!

Exercise Chiltern Kite 2012

Fg Off Lis Foster
As far as Ops Flt is concerned I think Chiltern Kite (CK) 2012 was a great opportunity for everyone to undertake a selection of Ops and FP training. Despite the cold weather – and those buildings in Imber village seemed to give off a really cold dampness – everyone seemed to have a good time.
Many thanks to Cpl Les Birch and SAC Stu Taylor for the excellent Ops Exercise that ran on the Saturday. It was obvious that a lot of work had gone into it and hopefully there will be further opportunities to continue with that throughout the year and into the future. Those of us who didn’t get to work with the helicopters were able to have some fun on vehicle patrols. My own experience of top cover proved to be very exciting with the chance to fire plenty of rounds at the ‘enemy.’
As usual the food provided by the field catering team was outstanding. Who could have believed we’d be eating roast lamb and fruit crumble and custard on the Saturday evening!
On behalf of everyone on Ops Flt I’d like to thank all those who spent many hours, days and months organising such a fantastic weekend.
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For more images of Ex CHILTERN KITE see here.

Training for Exercise Altcar Challenge

SAC Amy Witwicki
Exercise Altcar Challenge, the UKRFA’s annual International Military Skills Competition, is traditionally held over the May bank holiday weekend at Altcar Training Centre near Liverpool and attracts around 450 participants every year. Teams of four in male, female, and mixed categories compete against each other in challenging and varied activities, ranging from mental and physical command tasks to basic military skills, within an ‘Operational Environment’ theme. The competition is open to all UK Volunteer Reserve Forces and International Reserve Forces. Exercise Altcar Challenge provides a strong basis for teamwork, personal development and leadership and provides excellent military training, but most importantly it is also good fun.
Our Altcar training weekend began with a quick introduction from Sgt Hobbs before we were given grid references and individual and team kit lists of items that we had to have on us at all times. Saturday was spent going through things in slow time, as there were lots of new skills to be learnt! We started with pistol training, followed by WHTs on the Browning 9mm pistol and then various shoots on the range. Other lessons on Saturday consisted of using a Tifor winch for vehicle recovery, getting over a wall individually and as a team, cracking a safe, 9-liners, battlefield first aid and setting up a desert box HLS. We also did a quick tab with kit before going into the DCCT range for a march and shoot. After we had showered and changed we had a recognition lesson with Sgt Robson, before going into the bar for a few social drinks and a quiz on what we had learnt that day.
Sunday was set out in ‘Altcar style’ with us going round as a team to different stands where various scenarios awaited us. The first activity was a command task designed to strengthen teamwork and leadership. This was against the clock and had us quite worn out! The next stand consisted of setting up field telephones, so that we could relay a message back to other team members, once we had released it from inside a locked safe. We took time to work out a plan and made sure we had the telephones working before setting off to the safe, as team members that left the first position were unable to return to it. All went smoothly and we opened the safe on our first attempt. We then went on to the range for another pistol shoot where Jemma Holmes proved to be quite the marksman – getting all 50 rounds on target! Cpl Townsend gave us an introduction to the AK47 and taught us how to make the weapon safe – something we would need to be able to do if we came across them on Ops. This was a completely new experience for me as it is quite different from the L85 A2 Individual Weapon we are used to and was particularly interesting.
The next scenario drew upon a lot of things we had learnt the previous day. We came across a pilot who had been shot down. After making his weapon safe and treating his injuries we sent our 9-liner. However the helicopter was unable to land at our location so we used the pilot’s sketch map of the area to stretcher carry him to another location. Once completed we moved on to recovering a landrover that had broken down, using the Tifor winch to move it uphill onto the hard standing. We managed to do this fairly easily as we were able to use the knowledge Sgt Coombes had taught us the previous day. Over lunch we plotted the grid references we had been given, orientated the map and took a bearing to our first location. This was a good refresher for me as it’s been a while since I’ve done any map reading! After being fitted with the new General Service Respirator (GSR) we headed off on a 4-mile loaded march stopping at the grid locations to complete assigned tasks. At the second grid reference we met Sgt Robson and Cpl Barlow who had prepared a recognition test – something which we could all do with some revision on I think!
Once back at camp, Sgt Hobbs directed us over a wall and onto a grenade stalk, involving monkey running and leopard crawling before running back round and over the wall again! With no time to rest we were straight into the DCCT range for a falling plate shoot. Our final scenario saw us patrolling across an area of open ground when the enemy opened fire and injured one of our team. Whilst some team members laid down covering fire, others moved into a position where they were able to engage the enemy with grenades, buying the others time to drag the casualty into cover to administer first aid. We sent our 9-liner and set up a desert box HLS in preparation for the CASEVAC.
The weekend was well planned and executed, ensuring there was never a dull moment! I would say that we all learnt a lot and it was good to work with other members of the Sqn. We went home slightly battered and bruised, but with morale running high. 606 Sqn now has 2 strong teams raring to take on the Altcar challenge! Bring it on!



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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!

606 Squadron member starts in a new role.

Warrant Officer Andrew Bailey joined the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1973 and retired after a little under 23 years in 1996. During this period he served in Germany, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Kenya, Canada, Norway the UK. Following a short period out of uniform he enlisted in the RAuxAF in 1997, joining the newly formed Helicopter Support Sqn (now 606 sqn) at RAF Benson as a Sgt Supplier.
Following a recruit course and trade training he was promoted to Flight Sergeant and was appointed Sqn WO in 1999. During his time as Sqn WO he also held the appointment as Station WO RAF Benson for 4 months in 2001. On return to the Sqn he was immediately mobilised for 4 months as the first Deployed Operating Base WO at Seeb in Oman for OP VERITAS.
Returning to 606 Sqn he was once again mobilised to Joint Helicopter Force (IRAQ) as Force WO and J4 WO for Op Telic 2. Following a short period back with 606 Sqn, during which time he trained as a Mobile Air Operations Team Leader (MAOT), he deployed to Belize with 230 Sqn in support of an Infantry Battle Group on pre deployment training. Shortly after his return from this deployment he was mobilised once again to serve as the MAOT on OP Herrick 6 and 7 in Helmand for 8 months.
On returning to UK he left 606 Sqn in 2008 and took up a post as MAOT on FTRS terms of service. During his 3 year tour as a full time MAOT he has deployed to Morocco, Iraq, The Falklands, USA, Afghanistan, Jordan and Germany as well as conducting numerous exercises with Infantry Battle Groups on their pre-deployment training.
WO Bailey was awarded the Queens Volunteer Reserve Medal in the 2009 New Year’s Honours List. On completion of his FTRS MAOT contract WO Bailey assumed the appointment of Command WO (Res) on 1st June 2011.



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