RAF Force Protection Centre

As we edge closer to the end of the year we welcome Wing Commander Ben Alcock recently arrived as the new Officer Commanding Force Protection Centre. He joins from a capability role and is therefore ideally suited to continue the ongoing Force Protection Experimentation, exploring the next generation of capabilities. Hitting the ground running, he has already briefed Air Chief Marshal Wigston on Force Protection Experimentation during the CAS’s visit to Cyprus where the role of the FP elements deployed there support. Also arriving into the ‘top corridor’ is Squadron Leader Maxwell-Whale who is the new Executive Officer. He joins from a role within the Permenant Joint Head Quarters, so is more than used to the fast pace of work that will be required!

whilst, concurrently, also further developing tactics for our own use of the capability.

Keeping a close ear to the ground when it comes to CounterUncrewed Air Systems, the Counter Threats team attended the Three Counties Defence & Security Expo, the UK’s most diverse and forward-thinking security expo. The event is an active touchpoint for leading-edge technology and innovative strategic thinking set against the new threat landscape. The expo centred around UK MOD multi-domain integration and how industry can support future innovation to counter future threats.

The Air anjd Space Combat Power Visit took place at RAF Brize Norton this year and is an opportunity for Advanced Command Staff Course students to view an array of elements of Air Power and its key enablers. The Concepts team attended with experimental equipment that is currently being employed in Cyprus with 15 Squadron RAF Regt. The event is a valuable insight for more than 240 UK and international commanders who will be the military leaders of future operations.

A rare chance to complete team building activities was seized when Flt Lt Shelton organised for a force development trip to Cambridge. Two teams faced off to complete the monopoly photo challenge where points are gathered by visiting various landmarks and taking a team photo. Extra points were also gathered for Tesla cars and red phone boxes! The competition was fierce, but ultimately Training Squadron took the first place position with a cunning use of tactics.

The Training Squadron jumped into action at short notice to train II squadron RAF Regiment in the use of Remotely Piloted Air Systems. II Sqn have been supporting the training of Ukrainian personnel in combat tactics. The Ukraine conflict has seen extensive use of Remotely Piloted Air Systems which have been employed in a vast range of roles from intelligence gathering to attack. The on going deployment of drones bolsters the requirement for effective tactics and countermeasures to combat an adversary’s effectiveness

Flt Lt Stephen Price, FPC

Photo courtesy of FPC

The FP Centre wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!