A Windy Week in Wiltshire - Ex AGILE JAGUAR  - Fg Off Lis Foster

At the beginning of February a group from Operations Flight travelled to the wilds of Netheravon Camp, in the midst of the Salisbury Plain Training Area, to take part in Ex AGILE JAGUAR.  The week was to be spent preparing for the first of the year’s Field Training Exercises (FTXs), a mandatory Joint Helicopter Command training exercise in preparation for those deploying to theatre in the coming year.

An Army Air Corps Lynx arrives from Germany to take part in the FTX.

We arrived at Netheravon Camp in time for tea.  It never ceases to amaze me how, in conditions which can only be described as bleak, the RAF chefs provide such top quality food.  With roast beef and Yorkshire pudding waiting, we put to the back of our minds any nagging suspicions we may have had about the puddles of water that had greeted us inside our tented accommodation.

Our remit for the week was to prepare the Flight Operations room – or tent – ready for the start of the full FTX the following week.  The week was possibly of most value to the not-yet-qualified Flight Operations Assistants, as it provided plenty of time and opportunity for some serious NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and Royal Flight plotting practice, both on paper and using AMPA (Advanced Mission Planning Aid) software.  For those of us with more experience, being able to use the AMPA software was of most benefit. 

There was also plenty of opportunity to improve our knowledge of meteorology as we were working alongside a Flight Lieutenant from the Mobile Meteorology Unit (MMU) – a sponsored reserve post.  As it turned out the local forecasts became something of a feature of the day as, perched on top of the only hill for very many miles, Netheravon Camp was buffeted by gale force winds for most of the week, which took the already low air temperatures down well below freezing due to wind chill.  The force of the wind on the tent canvas and shaking the tent poles made so much noise at night that at times it was impossible to sleep without earplugs.  The Met Officer was able travel home in the evenings as she lived nearby, and feeling guilty about leaving us at the camp, she provided us with a tin of wonderful home-cooked brownies.

Although for most of the week no helicopters were based at Netheravon, we did get the opportunity to watch them carrying out judgemental training in the vicinity.  This is where an incident is enacted on the ground and the overflying helicopter crew must make a ‘judgement’ as to how they should react.  Apaches, Merlins and Chinooks visited during the week and on the day before we left a couple of Lynxs arrived from Germany ready for the FTX starting on the following Monday.

All in all the week provided some valuable training opportunities and for those with no experience of live ops, it was a gentle nudge in the right direction, although I’m sure things would have been more exciting had we been present for the FTX.  It was also a good job we were all aware that we had the RAF Fitness Test to complete the day after our return, otherwise we may have been tempted to try rather more of the fantastic field catering than was absolutely necessary.

Getting to grips with the AMPA software

Day 3 and 4 of training for Festival of Remembrance

Day 3

Another 8.30 start and it was straight into training down the stairs for the Royal Albert Hall. Everyone at this point are looking pretty good,in the words of the SGT 'no point flogging a dead horse'. Everything going well suddenly we were struck with a dilemma where a VR officer had turned up as part of the university air squadron and one person would be taken from the auxiliaries to be placed next to him. Emma had been pick which left me by myself at the back of the lines. More confusing and of course muster training later we went for lunch and more pasta bake. So much pasta! This week seems to be more about pasta and doughnuts than march and drill!

Faced with the prospect of losing one of us, we all at this point put our absolutely best foot forward as to not be dropped. Luckily a couple of hours later a surprise came in the form of a VRT officer who filled the gap. Even though we had to stay a little longer to practise with him none of us minded as it ment we would now all marching together.

Stood down at 4.30 ready to eat and bull some shoes it was a defiantly a team effort in the lounge. 8 o'clock came and we were all ready to head to the bar for an interesting night ahead.

Day 4

Ah day 4 arrives and everyone's up with slightly sore heads after a very good night thrown by the QCS lads. First things first and the WO gives us a quick brief on the Cenotaph parade as today will be practising for the parade in London. 25 min later and everyone is out on the parade square ready to get their marching heads on. With over 50 of us in the parade is was soon noticed that it would be hard for all of us to keep in step as the QCS weren't quite used to having such small legs marching with them. A few more attempts and we were pretty much sorted, now everyone was getting quite excited knowing where we were all going to be in a couple of days time!

After lunch it was our last inspection for No.1s and more training for the Royal Albert Hall and marching with greatcoats which was a rather interesting task! The 'no point flogging a dead horse' phrase came out again so we were all given an early stack.

Seeing the QCS lads march in front of us today was such a sight. The lads really do work hard and for it, they look the absolute part. To be here this week has made us all feel so proud to be part of the military and part of 606. 

Day 2 of training....

Day 2

So our day started at 8.30 with a quick joke from the FS and another check of who was here, then if was off outside to the parade square for a 'refresh' of marching, shun and turning. As the cold nipped at our fingers I think the majority of us wish we had warn our gloves! It was defiantly good to shake off the cobwebs from basic but I think we impressed the SGT after being told we were the best oggies he had seen in years.

A few rest bites later and we were on the up, literally! To the fire escapes we went on the other side of the parade square to practise coming down the stairs at the Royal Albert Hall. After a few quick 1, 2, steps DOWN! We were all pretty good to go though I'm sure Mandy is hoping for railings when we get there Friday after a slight fumble.

After lunch is was another joke from the FS to keep us all in good spirits and a greatcoat check which of course was a disaster as the tailors at Northolt had now refused to do anything with them. A decision was made that everyone that wasn't sorted would be heading to Halton to be kitted properly which included Emma, Mandy and myself, again. So as we all go on the bus one thought went though all our minds, when do we get off, as a collision on the M40 was about to make our journey that little bit longer. 16.50 arrived and with only 10min to spare, in the nick of time we had arrived to Halton where some very unimpressed civvies awaited to great us. Finally sorted we returned to Northolt with our greatcoats and an unusual new passenger with no trousers??

Dinner miss so it was off to Sainsburys for sarnies and a much needed drink down the bar? I'm sure there was a joke in there some where about Emma's muffin?  

606 Sqn win award for notable success.

The Inspector’s Cup is awarded to the RAuxAF unit which has enjoyed notable success during the past year. This year it is awarded to 606 (Chiltern) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force for two initiatives which have brought great benefit not just to the Sqn but the wider Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

Exercise CHILTERN KITE took place in Apr 11, although previously run for 606 Sqn personnel, this iteration was the largest collective training event run for RAF reservist personnel in many years. With participants from  a number of RAuxAF squadrons taking part the exercise provided a show case of PTVR capability to visitors including senior Air Command personnel, politicians, employers and members of the  Reserves Forces and Cadets Associations from across the UK. The PR result was a secondary objective since this was primarily about offering stimulating and worthwhile training for those taking part. 606 Sqn through its strong connection with its parent station was able to deliver helicopter support which enhanced the exercise still further. As retaining our people becomes the challenge retention positive activities such as this exercise provide a valuable tool in that endeavour.

606 Sqn again showed the capacity to deliver creative outputs this time at extremely short notice in supporting the Royal Windsor Castle Tattoo in 2011. With the participation of personnel from 6 other RAuxAF Sqn’s, OC 606 Sqn took the lead in conceiving, planning and delivering an arena display in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen. The display can still be viewed on You Tube and significantly in 2011 this was the sole RAF arena representation at the Royal Windsor Tattoo.

General Service Respirator Training

As part of the roll out of the new General Service Respirator RAF Reservists from 606 (Chiltern) Squadron have been undergoing conversion training.


As part of the training there is a requirement to test the equipment and the skills and drills of the individuals in a CS environment.


Below are a couple of pictures of some squadron members preparing for the respirator test facility after their weekend of fitting, teaching and testing.

Once in the CS environment staff will practise the decontamination, drinking and canister change drills.

One member of the Regiment Flight, Lance Corporal Calleja from Didcot missed the recent awards ceremony due to his civilian work commitments.  The opportunity was taken to present him with his Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal.

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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

For more images of Ex CHILTERN KITE see here.

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!

Did'nt think the idea would take off, good luck all

JACK fm Oxfordshire Press Release 'Buttock Clenching Radio' as Oxfordshire's 106 JACKfm deploys to Afghanistan After over 12 months of planning, this weekend Oxfordshire's 106 JACKfm's entire breakfast team of 4, 'JACK's Morning Glory' deploys to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan for a UK local radio first. The team will spend a whole week living amongst our military personnel whilst presenting their daily live breakfast show to those back in the UK. The project has been officially endorsed by The Prime Minister David Cameron who personally phoned 106 Jack FM's breakfast show to wish the team good luck and asked JACK's Morning Glory to pass on a message of how proud he was of our servicemen and women. Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson has also lent his support, calling with a message of encouragement for everyone at Bastion.Unfortunately as he tried to allay the team's fears about the flight, he ended up telling them about the 'buttock clenching landing' and the time a 'heat seeking missile' was fired at him. 106 JACKfm presenters Trevor Marshall, Sue Carter and Greg Burke will experience life in Camp Bastion whilst their roving reporter Rosie Tratt will visit another Main Operating Base at Lashkar Gah. The show will broadcast live to Oxfordshire from the BFBS studios within the camp between 6am and 9am each morning. The team has been granted access not only to serving personnel, but also the little known areas of the camp in order to show what life is really like 'inside and outside the wire'. They'll be doing this not just on air, but also online via the custom-built website http://afghanistan.jackfm.co.uk. The site, which is now live, will feature video, audio, Twitter and Facebook updates uploaded daily from camp, focusing on daily life and the great work our British forces are doing to rebuild Afghanistan. Programme Director Sue Carter said: "Between us in the team going out, we've got over 50 years of radio experience, and it's definitely the biggest thing any of us have ever been involved with. We just hope we can bring our audience throughout Oxfordshire a taste of what life in Afghanistan is really like for the thousands of our guys and girls who are serving out there." The broadcast would not be possible without the support of our major partner The Royal British Legion as well as The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS).

Backroom boys and girls make a difference.

The true value of 606 Squadron is often seen only in staff deployed overseas, but behind the scenes another layer of support exists to assist the RAF in maintaining its vital presence. The training weekend on Saturday saw Logistics hard at work in the Technical Stores preparing a very large consignment for the MOD. This work was pure muscle (and of course the usual Logistics` brains and common sense!) as the fork lifts were unavailable. By 1700 on Saturday afternoon the centre aisle of Tech Stores was a mountain of carefully `picked` items all correctly attached to the right paperwork. This will have released the Regulars on Monday to do other vital work as they would simply have to load the goods onto the transport. On Sunday the 606 Logistics` lads and lasses were back in the Clothing Stores undertaking a stocktake. This went extremely well and threw up a number of discrepancies, both over and under, for the regular Suppliers to address on Monday. In each of the above jobs there are multiple positives.

1) 606 gets vital hands on experience

2) 606 gets a great sense of `participation` in being part of the RAF Family

3) The Regulars gain time to perform additonal work

4) The Regulars understand that 606 are not `weekend warriors` but a cohesive unit well trained and able to give them vital support.

There was a great sense of satisfaction in the Logistics team on Sunday evening and we all went away with a spring in our step.

Corporal Fisher

Getting just a little bit more coverage.....

The Independent on Sunday has recently featured just a little piece of 606 (Chiltern) Sqn.

Through our links with local commercial Radio station Jack FM, we managed to get the Jeep Wrangler we use for recruiting activities featured. The vehicle provided in association with Jeep Oxford has been used throughout the region this summer attracting attention and showing what the RAF Reserves do.

Full story is at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/gooood-morning-afghanistan-and-abingdon-and-bicester-2133460.html

Good luck guys and girls enjoy the trip and make loads of great radio!!