Cosford Apprentice

Cosford Apprentice

SUMMER 2022

THE MAGAZINE OF RAF COSFORD

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IN THIS ISSUE…

• CHINOOK ARRIVAL • NEW GYM AREA • REVIVAL OF RAF COSFORD’S BEE CLUB plus much more...

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CONTENTS Apprentice Team: Apprentice Team OIC & Editor: Sqn Ldr Chris Wilson Chris.wilson610@mod.gov.uk Ext 7216 Deputy Editor : Mrs Sarah Jones sarah.jones830@mod.gov.uk Ext 7438 Photographic Editor: Vacant Distribution Manager: Cpl Dave Neve David.Neve323@mod.gov.uk Ext 7826 Distributors: Sgt Karl Whitelaw Sgt Ian Trushell Cpl Lee Aistrop Cpl Will Doyle Cpl Dave Neve Article submission deadline for the next issue...

12th August 2022

Please send all articles for the Autumn 2022 edition to chris.wilson610@mod.gov.uk

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From the Deputy Editor

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Foreword

COSFORD NEWS 6

Chinook Arrival

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RAF Cosford Physical Education Flt (PEd Flt)

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Wild Work Day

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New Gym Area

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Revival of RAF Cosford’s Bee Club

16

Wildflower Beds Creation

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COMMUNITY NEWS 18

St. Mary’s CE Primary School Albrighton STEM Day at RAF Cosford

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Albrighton Primary School Community Project

Cosford Apprentice Distribution Team

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Cosford Apprentice, Summer 2022

Published by: Lance Media Group Ltd 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Rd, Kettering, NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 334 222 Designed by: Jo Glen Advertising: Darren Greenhead Email: darren@lancemedia.co.uk Tel: (01536) 680 414 This magazine contains official information and should be treated with discretion by the recipient. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice and are included in good faith. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it.

From the

DEPUTY EDITOR

S

ome of you may already recognise me from my time as ‘one of those anomalies’ that walk around in number 1s and a beret taking photos, and as much as I loved it, I decided it was time for a new challenge. With that I was lucky to be able to make a move over to the Media team and the Civil Service in November 2021, and instead of holding a camera, I now hold a notebook for a good quote or campaign idea!

As I make a dent into my first full year, I am extremely aware that 2022 is a jam-packed year for everyone on station and I hope (despite the steep ramp up of events happening in comparison to the last 2 years), that you all have a great, enjoyable experience whether it be the Airshow, HM Platinum Jubilee celebrations, RIAT or the many other events taking place this year.

Sarah

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FOREWORD I

by Gp Capt Gareth Bryant OBE, RAF Cosford Station Commander

cannot believe it is two years since I had the privilege of taking Command of Royal Air Force Cosford and the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering.

As I sit in the Spring sunshine and look forward to what should be a highly enjoyable Summer it is amazing to think how much change and challenge we have endured over the past 2 years. I have been continually amazed with the professionalism, leadership and commitment of both our staff and our trainees.

We should be rightly proud of how we have sustained output through COVID and can now look forward to an exciting Summer with some great events planned.

At the heart of everything that is great about Cosford is the real sense of collaboration and community; Cosford has always felt like a great family that has welcomed our family during our time here. There is a real energy from the constant arrival of new Phase 2 trainees, but also a real sense of purpose about the delivery of world-class training.

We should be rightly proud of what we deliver here in both our core training tasks, but also in the wider activities we deliver in support of Defence.

Key to the sense of community are the many people who daily demonstrate their passion and dedication for the benefit of others. There are so many examples, but I think some really need highlighting. I think the support we provide across the trainee community, from the Welfare team, the Padres and the dedication of our Training Development Coordinators who oversee the supervision of our trainees has been first class and I see daily evidence of how we have had positive effect on peoples lives. It has also been inspiring to see all of the Schools embrace the societal challenges faced under the RISE UP campaign. The conversations we have had with our trainees and our staff have not been easy, but we have set a standard across Defence that will endure.

It is also great to see the hard work from the School of PT has come to real fruition over the past few weeks; the new gym is arguably the best facility

of its kind in the RAF, if not wider Defence and the further updates to the foyer, entrance and providing more events is all welcome. Our infra team continue to work miracles across the site; overcoming some long-lasting challenges on the airfield and making significant progress in improving provision of kitchens across our permanent staff and trainee accommodation.

Whilst this journey is going to be a long one I cannot over-state the progress we have made and will continue to make in the next 6 months.

And then our approach to innovation has seen some real highlights across all the Schools within DSAE and particularly from the Learning Technology Team. The industry day on 10 Mar not only allowed us to have some great conversations about the future of training, but demonstrated DSAE can match industry for innovation content.

We are rightly recognised at being at the forefront of defence activity, but there is more we will do as the momentum increases.

It has been an truly enjoyable 22 months so far; I cannot wait for the Airshow and am sure we will see a sell-out for what is the RAF’s only airshow with an amazing air display and many attractions; I particularly look forward to enjoying a pint in the Coronation Pub. When I do I will toast each and every person at RAF Cosford and thank you for your support, professionalism and dedication. This has been the most memorable, challenging and inspiring 2 years of my RAF Career. It has been a privilege to Command such a talented and committed group of people and I look forward to enjoying my last few months in Command.

Thank you.

COSFORD APPRENTICE 5

COSFORD NEWS

CHINOOK ARRIVAL O

n a bright and sunny Sunday morning, a team of apprentices from RAF Cosford dedicated their day to helping prepare Bravo November for its forever retirement home at the RAF Museum.

They were supervised by Technicians from RAF Odiham and were employed on a number of tasks from refitting floorboards and windows, to cleaning the exterior paintwork. There was a number of challenges for the team as the aircraft was deficient of a few key components, so

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some clever engineering ensued to ensure the aircraft looked complete and was safe for the public to view. The task to refit the 20 or so floorboards was not for the faint-hearted and each panel required about 60 screws each to secure them. The trainees weren’t perturbed and faced the task with

COSFORD NEWS

COSFORD APPRENTICE 7

CHINOOK ARRIVAL

enthusiasm. The dome window was the biggest challenge of all as the dual seal that keeps it in place is notoriously difficult and just as you get one bit in, another bit pops out.

As a battlefield aircraft this helicopter has seen every major conflict during it’s 39 year service, but it’s most famous moment in history is that it was the only survivor of 4 Chinooks carried by the Atlantic Conveyor in the Falklands Conflict. Having been airborne at the time when the carrier was hit by an Exocet missile, it luckily avoided being sent to a watery grave and became a work horse for the British on the Island.

Bravo November has also been deployed to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan and has earned for of its pilots a Distinguish Flying Cross.

It can now be viewed at RAF Museum, Cosford.

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COSFORD APPRENTICE 9

COSFORD NEWS

RAF COSFORD PHYSICAL EDUCATION FLT (PED FLT) How MOD Employed Civilians support the SofPT?

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ithin the SofPT we have a total of Nine MOD employed civilians in varying roles. Each role plays a vital part in supporting the output of the school across phase two and three training as well as the busy Home for Sport (HfS) Commitment, Equipment Supply, IT Support, Pool Facilities, Training Support, and the essential admin support for all departments.

Home for Sport (HfS) Cosford is HfS is responsible for around 7 RAF sports. They are Football, Athletics, Netball, Judo, Basketball, Rugby Union, Fencing and Power Lifting.

The HfS staff, headed up by Russ Oxborrow along with Dan Hill and Niall Flint, manage the booking of all facilities for RAF HfS commitments.

With the profile of RAF sports held at Cosford being high, the need to maintain facilities and prepare them for RAF and Inter Service competitions is essential. The team work relentlessly throughout the year to ensure the facilities are up to the high standards expects for representative sports.

well as ensuring all equipment is recorded on the relevant AinU in accordance with current policy.

Swimming Pool Sue Tate is the pool manager, and she works hard to keep the facilities running. As the pool has been in use for many years, issues arise that requires immediate action. Sue has processes in place to ensure relevant contractors are called out to deal with such issues. Recently the pool had to be closed for a prolonged period to update the plant equipment Sports Store that maintains safe levels of water Ian Benson manages the sports purity for swimming. This was a store located within the SofPT. long process but eventually all He ensures all fitness equipment was rectified, and it is now back in required for Phase Two training is use. Sue manages the day to day available for the specified periods. running of the pool and ensures This is only one aspect of the role lifeguards are trained in line he plays, kit and equipment for with RLSS guidelines as well as Cosford sports teams needs to the Health and Safety Executive. be procured and maintained to Producing normal Operating provide serviceable equipment Procedures and Emergency for them to use in competitions.

Action Plans along with preparing Ian has contact with an external for external evaluation are just agency that deals with MOD some of her roles. contracts for the provisions of kit and equipment. He procures Admin Roles the kit needed and ensures The backbone of the SofPT are payment is made promptly as those in the admin roles. We

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currently have four individuals in these roles all who play a very important part in ensuring the smooth running of all training delivery as well as the tasks that maintain compliance with policy and procedures across the MOD and the Station.

Steph Bell is our planner. She maintains the planning system we have in place for all formal training across the SofPT. From booking areas for practical sessions to organising classroom bookings, she is the go-to person when facilities or areas are required.

Dan Virgin is our Training Support manager. He ensures we comply with all orders and process that are in place for SofPT personnel. He maintains the Quality Improvement plan and is the focal point for all audit activities that occur. This is a thankless task which he has taken on and made improvements that will only benefit the SofPT in the future.

Sarah Perkins is our IT support who is the person we go too

when we need help with computer or technology issues.

For some of us the SofPT this can be almost daily! She has been working on many projects that will help us enhance the technology withing the school to in turn provide a better quality of delivery for all Phase Two and Three courses as well as external delivery we provide facilities for.

Reva Wright is our E2 admin support who works front of house in school of PT. She is the point of contact for phase three training and makes sure all administrative tasks are completed prior to the course taking place. She keeps us on track with mandatory training as well as making sure JPA is updated to reflect individual competencies as well RAF Fitness test results.

The information and tasks quoted here relating to MOD Civilians within the SofPT will not do them the justice they truly deserve.

As a school we really do rely on the Whole Force concept and working together as a team is the only way we can carry out the outstanding job we do every day.

COSFORD NEWS

WILD WORK DAY

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he Shropshire Wildlife Trust has been a great support to the RAF Cosford Green Team, providing assessment and advice for our ongoing Conservation work on site. Their initial visit last year spurred us on, safe in the knowlege we were doing the right thing for the small patch of woodland, and its inhabitants.

By the end of 2021 funding was finally in place, with thanks to the ongoing support of DIO Forestry, and after a wet start to the New Year, ‘A&B Landscapers’ came to clear the ground of brambles and nettles. Finally we could see the paths and edges, and had a better idea of where to focus our efforts next.

The site is a natural haven, and should be enjoyed by everyone who has access to it. The ongoing maintenance of the Conservation Area doesn’t need to be overly dependent on financial support, but it does rely on volunteers to give their time and energy to the project.

It can be a daunting task, no matter how much motivation you have, so a little skill and knowledge goes a long way! On 25 Jan 22 the Shropshire Wildlife Trust came back to Cosford to facilitate a ‘Wild Work Day’, with a group of hardy Whole Force personnel. Tasks on the day included; making a natural screen, clearing and re-edging the pond,

trimming and thinning trees, making hibernacula’s…. and more. The WWD leaders came adorned with tools and materials to teach us all they could in one day. They were incredibly generous with their time and resources – though no one could

persuade them to let us use the chain saw!

more requests for funding, but the Conservation Area will be a welcoming retreat for humans and wildlife alike, in every season.

A special thanks to Sqn Ldr Wilson for making the Wild Work Day possible, and to the Station Execs for their continued support.

Keep a look out for more events, activities and ways you can be part of this project!

These skills can now be shared with others, providing us with on-site knowledge we need to keep the momentum going. It may take a few years, and few

Do you enjoy being outdoors, gardening or landscaping? If you want to get involved, even a small amount please let Sgt Nicola Tait know, and find out how.

COSFORD APPRENTICE 11

NEW GYM AREA

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AF Cosford has recently purchased a bespoke training system to enhance the exceptional level of instruction being delivered in all areas of training on a daily basis.

The process was started back in 2021, where the idea of a brand new ‘Training Rig’ was floated to the execs at the SofPT. Having some of the biggest facilities in the RAF, we thought it would be a great fit to enhance the education and training of our phase 2 recruits.

Once we received the go

ahead, it was time to begin the communication with Indigo Fitness. This company was chosen due to their already well-known relationships with the Army, Elite Civilian sports clubs, and other RAF Stations. Working with them was a straightforward process as we could design the ‘Rig’ with them from scratch, having the ability to adapt to our training

needs and wishes. Flt Lt Tom Burns, Sgt Greg Mchale and Cpl Tate Budge set about moving things forward! With Cpl Tate Budge taking a lead role and having open communications with Indigo Fitness, the design work was done very quickly, and the ‘Rig’ was ready.

The way the fitness industry is moving, the emphasis on ‘functional fitness’ is being pushed through our training. The rise of the sport ‘CrossFit’ has proved very popular within the fitness industry and has changed the dynamics of training. Although this style of training has been happening within the military environment for some time, it has allowed us to educate our recruits in way they are becoming familiar with, and promote high intensity, functional fitness that anyone can participate in.

‘Functional fitness’ can be defined as training the body to move efficiency to complete normal everyday tasks. For RAF Cosford, it is making sure the phase 2 recruits can perform their daily task to enhance their operational output, when either in regular service or out in theatre. This Rig allows us to enhance operational effectiveness, resilience, and education through various new training methods.

The current ‘Rig’ set up allows up

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‘‘The current ‘Rig’ set up allows up to 16 individual trainees to train at once.

With 8 bays on either side, 16 brand new 20Kg barbells, 16 lots of 25kg, 20kg, 15kg, 10kg and 5kg plates, 16 wall ball targets, 2 high towers at each end (allowing gymnastic ring movements) and double pull up bars running between each bay that allow strict or kipping movements to be easily done’’

to 16 individual trainees to train at once. With 8 bays on either side, 16 brand new 20Kg barbells, 16 lots of 25kg, 20kg, 15kg, 10kg and 5kg plates, 16 wall ball targets, 2 high towers at each end (allowing gymnastic ring movements) and double pull up bars running between each bay that allow strict or kipping movements to be easily done. The rubber matted flooring running around and within the whole rig, allows the bar to be dropped at a height without bouncing up or damaging the floor underneath which ensures the safety of trainees throughout the lessons. the SofPT with the current PTI Course using the new set up Cosford is the home of many daily. FS Johnny Watkins spoke RAF sports and some of those about the rig ‘Having this new have already had the opportunity equipment has allowed the PTI to use the Rig. Over recent Course to develop their delivery weeks RAF Rugby, Basketball of strength and conditioning as and weightlifting have had the well as functional movements. opportunity to utilise the new Demonstrating skills and the facilities. The RAF Weightlifting ability to observe form has made (RAFWL) Team ran their recent a huge difference in the way we Novice/Masters camp at RAF Cosford and had the pleasure of using the Rig extensively.

RAFWL Team Captain Mike Cutler said this about the set up. ‘The new facilities at RAF Cosford allowed us to complete a highly successful Novice/Masters camp.

coach specific lifting skills as well as certain body weight activities.’

The opportunities are endless with the new kit. The plan is to continue delivering high level training to phase 2 recruits, as well as become the standard of facilities and equipment expected across all RAF Stations in the future.

Having the ability to use the whole area for our first day, it gave us the opportunity to deliver an excellent workshop. Our number of participants were high, but the SofPT was able to accommodate all of us. The brand-new kit is perfect for Weightlifting and allowed our athletes to develop their weightlifting skill with our coaches. We look forward to running future sessions/ competitions there.’

The future looks bright for COSFORD APPRENTICE 13

COSFORD NEWS

REVIVAL OF RAF COSFORD’S

BEE CLUB

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he Station has been proud host to bee hives for many years, tended to by dedicated bee keepers over the years.

However, as is the nature of RAF life, people move on, leave or get posted and it gets even harder to find bee keepers to take on the role. The result is loss of colonies, damaged hives and further difficulties engaging new members.

Luckily for us, one of those people returned to Station and provided an enjoyable introduction to bee keeping one lunchtime last autumn. A

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Why not get involved in community projects like theses around Station at Cosford, and join the Green Team! Contact Sgt Nicola Tait, 605 Sqn to find out more.

previous Apprentice article called out for people who are interested in getting involved in a new bee club, and the response was positive. Under the guidance of experienced keepers, and those who have just started their bee keeping journey we are now able to revive the club.

The Green Team and PO Joel Rouse, OIC Bee Club, will work together to source funding and new equipment, making the club an exciting prospect for those who are up for a challenge and want to learn a niche skill.

If you think that sounds like you please contact PO Joel Rouse to find out about roles in the bee club.

COSFORD APPRENTICE 15

T

Wildfl wer Beds Creation

he Conservation Area at RAF Cosford is receiving some much needed TLC. The ongoing revival of the area has seen it become a beauty spot, for people to enjoy the scenery and wildlife currently occupying it. In partnership with No1SofTT, under the Team Spirit Initiative, a group of MTS students volunteered their time to contribute to this ongoing project.

We gathered early on a cold winter Sunday morning and set to work. The task involved clearing an inhospitable strip of land, taking out as many roots and weeds as possible, before scattering wildflower seeds. Another group of equally enthusiastic ATS students continued the work on the following Sunday. Despite the cold and a small hail flurry, both teams arrived with enthusiasm and determination to ensure a successful event. Their morale 16 COSFORD APPRENTICE

on a cold Sunday morning was impressive, and its safe to say they may have enjoyed themselves too!

Pollinators play a vital role in the integrity of biodiversity. Wikipedia tells us ‘’At least 80% of our world’s crop species require pollination to set seed. An estimated one out of every three bites of food comes to us through the work of animal pollinators. The quality of pollinator service has declined over time and this had led to

concerns that pollination will be less resistant to extinction in the future.’’ In the UK, with less meadows, destruction of wild habitats and use of pesticides we have seen a widespread loss of pollinators.

Under Project Greenspaces the RAF Cosford Green Team, supported by Station personnel, will contribute to environmental protection and spaces for personnel and nature to thrive together. The continued development of the Conservation Area and introduction of Wildflower areas around Station will play its part towards RAF NetZero40. If this is a Project you want to participate in, please get in touch with Sgt Nicola Tait, 605 Sqn to find out more.

COSFORD APPRENTICE 17

St. Mary’s CE Primary School Albrighton

STEM DAY AT RAF COSFORD

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n the 17 February 2022, RAF Cosford’s Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) team welcomed St. Mary’s CE Primary School from Albrighton to participate in several STEM related activities throughout an action packed day.

Year 5 students arrived ready to tackle myriad challenges comprising; MTa construction, Building Gliders and Rocket Car tasks. Split into 6 groups, some of the main aims of the day were to promote effective teamwork and communication skills amongst the team, whilst engaging with fun and educational engineering challenges. In order to foster some competitive spirit amongst

the teams, the promise of a glamorous prize for the winning team was offered!

multitude of progressively more challenging, thought provoking activities to develop teamwork and can require the teams to With the welcome briefs out of utilise STEM specific skills to the way, and the children eager to achieve the outcomes. Each team get stuck into some activities, the was given their own MTa kit and first task of the day was the MTa then briefed on the tasks by Chf challenges. This consisted of two Tech Steve Metcalfe.

15 minute construction tasks. MTa is essentially like a giant Meccano With the instructions fresh in the set that can be used to deliver a minds of the pupils, the teams set off on their first exercise.

They were required to design a structure that could fit all members of the team in it for up to 10 seconds, with no part of the main structure touching the floor.

The first team to complete the task were awarded 6 points, with the last placed team receiving 1. The second exercise required the team to build a free-standing structure with two discs at a height of 1.25m from the ground and at a distance of minimum 30cm apart. There were some incredible designs produced by the teams, with all achieving the outcome in the allocated time.

Following the MTa exercises, the students were then taken on a journey of aerodynamics

by Cosford’s very own STEM virtuoso Chf Tech Lee Betts MBE in preparation for the build a

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COMMUNITY NEWS

glider challenge. Each team were given 3 miniature glider kits and were required to come up with designs so that they could be tested in a throwing competition.

The team that managed to cover the furthest distance with their glider design would be crowned champions for this challenge. In order to complete this exercise the teams were expected to work together utilising the knowledge they had been given during their lesson at the beginning of this element. Following a fiercely contest competition, where some excellent designs were presented, the aptly named RAF Winners picked up maximum points in this challenge. the ingenuity of the designs was incredible to see, with the With the lunchbreak out of the collective team’s competitive way it was time for the final edge coming to the fore. With activity of the day which was all the tinkering, tweaking kindly delivered by Victoria Lane and testing of the ‘rocket cars’ from the RAF Museum. The aim complete, the scene was set for of this challenge was to design a the final competition! As the Stn ‘rocket car’ to cover the furthest Cdr took up his position to act distance when propelled from as the judge the cars were off. an air tube. The teams set of The winning car covered a huge with bags of enthusiasm to distance, although controversially design their team cars with they had decided to remove paper, Sellotape, plastic end tyres from the wheels to reduce caps, and Meccano. Yet again friction! Following a lengthy VAR

making this great day happen.

All of the STEM ambassadors for giving up their time and facilitating all of the activities and engaging with the children.

Victoria Lane for running the exciting ‘rocket car’ challenge.

The Stn Cdr and MTS for allowing the use of their fantastic facility for the day. Sam Dale for providing excellent images of the students participating in the STEM activities.

review, the decision was taken that the car was within specified parameters and the effort stood, much to Flt Lt Farley’s chagrin!

With all the scores totted up and the teams nervously awaiting the final results, the winning team was finally announced … the RAF Winners pipping the second placed team, in what proved to be a fierce contest, by a solitary point!

A huge thanks must go to all of the people that contributed to

Finally, last but not least, a huge thank you to St. Mary’s staff and year 5 children for fully engaging with all of the activities and demonstrating a huge amount of enthusiasm throughout the day!

RAF Cosford has an active STEM community that support a wide range of STEM related activities and initiatives. If you are interested in becoming a STEM ambassador or would like to know more please contact: OIC STEM: Flt Lt Leanne Martin: Ext 7813 Dep OIC STEM: Chf Tech Lee Betts MBE: Ext 7833

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COMMUNITY NEWS

ALBRIGHTON PRIMARY SCHOOL Community Project

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hen you have a gap in training a few weeks long, there’s only so much classroom tidying or so many DLE courses you can stand, so when the ATSC team realised such a gap was coming, more imaginative ideas to fill the time were sought.

One such suggestion was a community project, having seen Ph2 trainees carry out projects in the local area – if you can remember that far back (or even born!), ‘Challenge Anneka’ with assistance from Cosford Ph2 Trainees, were responsible for the Albrighton Moat project.

Several AE&MTS staff members have children in Albrighton Primary school, as do I. Having regularly walked past the disused and run-down allotment & pond area, I knew this was to be the target for our endeavour.

After “selling” it to the team, with the promise of a BBQ as bribery, I made some enquiries with the Head Teacher, stating more than asking, that I had a fantastic team of willing voluntolds to do up their garden area. Shortly after, a meeting was had with the Deputy Head, Mrs Tearle and Caretaker, Mr Summers, to see what they would like done.

As luck would have it, they were carrying out some of their own refurbishments in preparation for their own Jubilee weekend celebrations, of which, the rejuvenation of the garden and pond area would be part.

With the understanding that the AE&MTS team had no “Capability Brown or Charlie Dimmock”, with a sketch on a piece of paper, we were set loose on the garden, with 11/2 spades, 8 packets of biscuits and

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a truck load of enthusiasm.

After 8 working days, with a load of materials and plants donated from local garden centres and businesses, staff members and family, the project was done Many thanks to Rob for his help and patience of our endless requests.

The pictures hopefully speak for themselves. The team did a cracking job of turning the derelict area into a beautiful mindfulness garden for the use by all the Teaching staff and Children, as a relaxation or teaching area, the official opening of which is/was on May 26th, as part of the school’s Jubilee party.

In all, the project was thoroughly enjoyable, the weather was kind(ish) and even some new skills were learnt and transferred to personal gardens. We also learnt that the children’s favourite question is, “what are you doing?” (the most common response being, ‘we don’t know’), one of the team is scared of fish, and one old approved method to under-lay a pond liner is with underwear…

Regardless of their time on site (even I didn’t do the entire 8 days…), all the teams’ contributions were made with professional and personal pride, and gratefully received.

I think the comments from the school and students said the rest.

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