C STN HISTORY - PHOTO SE
TION
The official quarterly publication of Royal Air Force Benson
www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson
Spring 2022 Issue 91
Inside this Issue: STN NEWS Skateboarding Club JHSS In Kenya Sport RAF Festival Of Football
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CONTENTS SPRING 2022
From the Editor…
08
walked past some of the places in the local area without knowing their significance. As summer is fast approaching please get out and about and then let the editorial team know what you’ve been doing by means of an article. If you get stuck with content or just a bit of writer’s block, either myself or the Deputy Editor (Sgt Al Dixon 230 Sqn), are always happy to help! Articles to the usual email address please. (Andrew.lyes254@mod. gov.uk). See you in the summer!
Another warm welcome from Kenya!
13
Thanks to all the contributors for getting out and about to provide me with some great articles for this issue. Special thanks to Mick Prendergast for his great insight into the roles of RAF Benson during the war – I’ve certainly
Andy Lyes Lion’s Roar Editor/OIC
Publishing Team PUBLISHER Lion’s Roar is published by Lance Media Group Ltd, 1st Floor Tailby House, Bath Road, Kettering, Northants NN16 8NL Tel: 01536 334223 ADVERTISING MANAGER Jayne Tel: 01536 334219 PRINTER Micropress ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND FEATURES TO… MAcr Andy Lyes, The Editor ‘Lions Roar’ 230 Sqn, RAF Benson & Tel No 01491 828085 Email: Andrew.Lyes254@mod.gov.uk
Contents... Spring 2022
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21 SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES: Articles for the Lion’s Roar should be submitted by email, written in Microsoft Word (preferably not the latest version format) and pictures should be sent as high quality original jpegs and attached as separate files, not embedded in the text or reduced in size.
PUMA FORCE EX INUA ASKARI (KENYA)
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PUMA FORCE VISIT AMERICA
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JHSS EX HOOKERS SWORD
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JHSS IN KENYA
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STN HISTORY PHOTO SECTION
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FIRE SECTION
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19 Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability
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CLAY PIDGEON SHOOTING
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JOB EVALUATION TEAM VISIT
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STATION SKATEBOARDING CLUB
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SANTA RUN
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STATION SKATEBOARDING CLUB
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RAF FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL
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Don’t Forget! Look out for the next edition of Lion’s Roar which is due out in Jun 2022
DISCLAIMER: This publication is copyright Lance Media Group Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Media Group Ltd. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group Ltd cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © UK MoD Crown Copyright 2016 unless otherwise stated.
SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 5
REGULARS STN CDR’S FOREWORD
Foreword from the Station Commander... It is always great to see so many Benson assets working hard to achieve our tasks, and the performance of both JHSS and the Puma Force during Exercise Inua Askari in Kenya have demonstrated this magnificently.
Once again, it is testament to everyone else at Benson who have supported those forward deployed so well, making their jobs considerably easier in yet another testing environment. Looking to the future, the Puma Force deployment to Brunei and Cyprus and, eventually, the introduction of the New Medium Helicopter, I’m confident the Station will continue to provide the outstanding support which is so valued by those deployed overseas. Looking across the wider service community, it is wonderful to see personnel taking huge pride in their work. Well done to Trade Group 6 for their excellent performance during
their recent job evaluation and thank you to Trade Group 7 for their insightful article about the fire and rescue capabilities located on our airfield. On the sporting front, there has been an excellent victory in the RAF Festival of football and some sharp shooting from the RAF Clay Pigeon team, and it is always nice to see new and upcoming clubs here at Benson with the formation of the Benson Skateboarding club. As always, a busy time for the station and its personnel, so I look to you all to continue in your usual professional manner to uphold the high standards we have set and maintain here at RAF Benson.
Editorial Team OIC/EDITOR Andy Lyes Ext: x7068 DEPUTY EDITOR Sgt Al Dixon 230 Sqn 33 SQN REP Flt Lt Mullins 28 Sqn, Ext: 8039 230 SQN REP Flt Lt Paul Hutton 230 Sqn, Ext: 7159 28 SQN REP SAC Peter Davidson x7722 LS REP Fg Off Robin Wilson OC M&T Flt, Ext: 7428 EXPEDITION & SPORTS REP Sgt Alex Clare x7632 BSW REP Nikki Gasan SEO, Ext: 7245 OPS WG REP Flt Lt Tom Barber Ext: 8139 606 SQN REP Flt Lt Peter Legg 606 Sqn Media, Ext: 7238 JHSS REP Flt Lt Matty Snape x 7549 PHOTO & IMAGERY REP SAC Hannah Smoker Ext 7265 CARTOONIST FS Dave McCrindle 28 Sqn x8072
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ARTICLE TITLE SECTION HEADING
PUMA FORCE EX INUA ASKARI
Ex Inua Askari 2021/22 – Pumas return to Kenya! Having finally made it on the Puma Force in 2016 as a newly qualified Crewman, my highest priority (aside from achieving the coveted ‘Combat Ready’ status) was to get out and see the world. Over the next few years my ambition was fulfilled as I had the opportunity to deploy with the Puma to numerous locations including North America, Afghanistan, France, and Oman, not to mention travelling the length and breadth of the UK. Throughout this time however, one country remained out of reach. Throughout my five years on the frontline, I had been on the receiving end of many ‘dits’ (stories) regarding times long past, deployments of old, and legendary sorties, mostly relating to one place… Kenya. So, unsurprisingly, when it was announced that the Pumas would be returning, I put my name forward (and went home to watch the Lion King on repeat). Pumas doing what they do best, shifting personnel, freight, and equipment from one place to another, at the right time. A simple task, if it weren’t for the added complications that come with this sort of environment, sand, sand, and more sand! Desert conditions are demanding, not only from a flying perspective but also from an engineering perspective. After the aircrew have fought to land in a complete brownout (a wall of sand kicked up by the aircraft downwash), the engineers must battle to ensure that the same sand doesn’t end up interfering with key aircraft electrical and mechanical systems which would render the helicopter useless.
Success from both perspectives, across two deployments, meant that some excellent training and tasking was achieved. Numerous desert qualifications were awarded and re-awarded, positioning the Puma Force well for future operations, and BATUK received invaluable aviation support to their training exercises, adding a whole new dimension to their scenario tactics, considerations, and overall realism. With training and tasking taken care of, the next priority was to try and make the most of the excellent opportunities that being in Kenya presented, and to try and finally replace the old Kenya ‘dits’ with some new ones of our own! And Kenya didn’t disappoint. Safariing, mountaineering, white water rafting, canyoning, and mountain biking were all on offer, and resulted in a deployment which delivered on all counts. The next generation of Kenya ‘dits’ have been forged. Sgt Dixon, 230 Sqn.
The mission in Kenya was twofold; support the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in its delivery of light infantry desert training to Army personnel, whilst also conducting our own flying training to qualify (and requalify) Puma Aircrew in the skills necessary to operate in the desert – one of the most demanding flying environments. The flying in Kenya exceeded expectations. The southern Californian desert, where I had previously conducted desert flying training, was extremely arid, flat, and devoid of life, and sits in stark contrast to the Kenyan landscape; mountain ranges, dense forests, terracotta sands, and wildlife fit for a David Attenborough series! Alongside this stunning and everpresent backdrop, the flying tasking and training commenced, with the 8 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2022
Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability
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SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 9
PUMA FORCE AMERICAN SHORT LOOK
EX SHORTLOOK On the 17th October 2021 FS Jones (33 Sqn) and I (230 Sqn) deployed for 3 weeks to Nellis AFB, Nevada. The purpose of our visit was to gain in-depth experience of how our USAF counterparts operate and the role they fulfil on their aircraft. The rear crew in the USAF are titled Special Missions Aviators (SMAs). Despite the difference in name, it turns out we operate in a very similar manner when flying. Week 1 was kicked off by meeting the 230 Sqn exchange pilot who gave us a tour of the base and introduced us to the 66th Rescue Squadron that operate the HH-60G Pavehawk. Unlike the Puma that operates in a Support Helicopter role, the Pavehawks hold a dedicated Combat
Search And Rescue (CSAR) role with a focus on mission critical Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR). During the first week, and throughout our time there, we spoke to a variety of SMAs with a variety of experience to see what their ground role consists of before and after flying. After a few safety briefs, a familiarity brief on the GAU18 50cal machine gun, and getting kitted in their survival equipment, we took to the skies! We flew in formation as observers to absorb as much as we could regarding how they operate and their decision-making process. The crews were incredibly friendly and understanding as they tried to include us
Nellis AFB. This was a great opportunity to not only engage with other aircrew that operate different platforms, but to also show our friends in the USAF what a Battle of Britain night is truly like! With wonderful food served by the Red Rock Country Club and some enthusiastic vignettes delivered, a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all.
Week 3 allowed us to enjoy a bit more hands-on experience in the air. As previously mentioned regarding the useful location of Nellis, the 66th manage to train for Air to Ground Gunnery on a very regular basis and aim to live fire multiple times a week. They allowed us to sample this as part of scenario-based training which was hugely beneficial for us both.
Another skillset we were able to experience, albeit an unfamiliar one for UK rotary, was Helicopter Air to Air Refuelling (HAAR). The Pavehawk is fitted with an extendable nose mounted fuel probe which allows them to increase their time airborne in order to complete the task at hand. We managed to observe a HAAR training serial at night with a C130 providing us with fuel. The time spent with the 66th RQS was hugely beneficial in terms of not only lessons we can take away with us, but also allowed us to showcase our skillsets as RAF WSOps and strengthen our ties with the squadron. We hope that this opportunity has opened a door with our colleagues across the pond and has allowed for greater understandings of operations between two strategic allies. Sgt Clements
as in the process as much as possible from pre-brief to debrief. This enabled us to get an idea of the full picture of their role. Week 2 followed much of the same with three trips in the air. These sorties included a lot of tactical flying and simulated JPR missions which were great to see when applied within a scenario. Nellis’ fortunate location close to so many ranges allow the 66th to practice in a desert environment with ease; a skill that we must plan many months in advance in order to practice. The week culminated in a gracious invite to a Battle of Britain dinner organised by RAF exchange pilots working on the various squadrons at
10 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2022
Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability
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SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 11
EXERCISE HOOKER’S SWORD JHSS
EXERCISE HOOKER’S SWORD In early December 21, elements of the Squadron deployed to the Caerwent Training Area (CTA) to complete annual Soldier First Syllabus Training.
People who serve in the RAF are trained to be self-reliant. All too often, when life gets tough, they suffer in silence.
This was to test and revalidate the basic soldiering skills of all personnel that make up the Mobile Air Operations Teams (MAOT) who are regularly deployed throughout the world in support of the Joint Helicopter Command operations and exercises. Battle preparation of Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES) kit was swiftly followed by the platoon, consisting of RLC, AAC, REME and RAF personnel, settling into their routine in the Forward Operating Base (FOB). This included setting up perimeter security and carrying out local clearance patrols. It was the first opportunity for some of the junior soldiers and airmen to practice the delivery of Battle Orders under the watchful eyes of the experienced directing staff. Night routine was established just in time for enemy forces to test out ‘stand to’ reactions and allow the radio Comm Specs to put into practice sighting and contact reports through to the Ops Room at the deployed SHQ. First light saw fighting patrols being sent out to locate and recce suitable areas to locate helicopter landing sites (HLS) in known enemy areas. Section Battle
Drills were tested against enemy forces played by Sqn officers and NCOs, before the HLS’s were prepared and marked. A Puma 2 helicopter from RAF Benson provided live support during a training sortie and gave invaluable experience to the sections. All exercising troops were picked up and given a 10-minute air experience flight before being dropped back onto CTA to continue their patrols. The platoon moved from the FOB to set up a harbour location in the woods overnight and practice field routine. This was once again a great opportunity for some of the more junior personnel to step up and be given command roles and develop
their leadership potential. Further training stands throughout the next day included Counter IED drills and Basic Combat First Aid which included realistic casualty simulation provided by amputee actors from Nimski Ltd. The culmination of the week was a Battle Exercise that consisted of a Platoon Attack at first light onto an area with multiple enemy points of presence. With supporting GPMG overhead fire, the sections took and held the positions before carrying out a CasEvac drill back to the final rendezvous point (FRV). All in all this was a valuable training exercise for all deployed personnel and a great opportunity to prepare for future operational deployments. Master Aircrew Attridge
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SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 13
KENYA JHSS
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JHSS IN KENYA Members of the squadron have worked tirelessly during 2021 to support the growing Defence commitments that Joint Helicopter Command supports. Ex INUA ASKARI 21 offered an exciting opportunity for JHSS to work in a challenging and different environment from that normally experienced in the UK. This exercise saw a deployment of 3 Puma Helicopters to British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) in Oct 21. The deployment covered 2 training opportunities for the crews, one of which was to provide Aviation support to Ex ASKARI STORM 21, the other to enable Environmental Qualifications from landing in a degraded visual environment. JHSS deployed a Mobile Air Operations Team (MAOT) consisting of 2 RLC Drivers, 1 RLC Comms Specialist, 2 RAF Movers, and an RAF Officer, as the MAOT Leader. Once the MAOT had arrived in BATUK there was a brief orientation of the area that the team would be operating in. This ensured the team were fully prepared to work in this harsh environment. Most memorable was a navigation exercise where, two members experienced a static shock from an elephant protection gate, which saw them both gain flying hours! The experience was much akin to the static shock from the load hook of a statically charged helicopter but MUCH worse, apparently! Thankfully though both were fine, and all enjoyed a few laughs about it afterwards. Once the Pumas had arrived at BATUK, Ex INUA ASKARI 21 began. Initially one of my team’s tasks was to support Puma Force Trg; this included deploying to Lolldaiga training area to set up Desert Box landing site markers at night. A significant challenge in low light levels, along with the knowledge that there were many dangerous animals in the vicinity. The team were able to successfully complete the task, albeit with one very close
JHSS continue to be at the forefront providing specialised Heli Handling capabilities to Operations and Exercises around the world.
call with a pack of hyenas taking umbrage to us being near their den! We were able to hear the chilling sound of their signature laugh getting closer and closer. Even the sound of an approaching helicopter didn’t seem to dissuade the hyenas from their potential ‘supper’. Once the task was complete the Desert Box was collapsed extremely quickly, and the hyenas hope of ‘fresh meat’ diminished as we took shelter in the helicopter! The busiest period for the team was mostly to support the Exercising Troops with movement of equipment and personnel. One of the largest tasks was to move quad bikes, trailers and over 100 soldiers with their personal equipment. This demonstrated the speed and reach of the Puma and for troops who may have limited aviation experience, it gave them the opportunity to see what Support Helicopters can provide on the battlefield. As a result, our team were tasked with supporting multiple serials to move vehicles, fuel, water and rations, as well as a significant number of troops. The final underslung load task was two-fold. It allowed for a continuation of dust landing training for the Puma crews and for the Exercising Troops to return their quads and trailers back to BATUK main base. Unfortunately for JHSS this meant being engulfed with thick dust whilst waiting to attach the load! The task was achieved with the ‘Hookers’ sporting what looked like terrible fake tans; however, much to the delight of the
MTO, the vehicles were recovered from the trg area saving many hours of driving. 2021 has been an extremely busy period for JHSS. The Squadron can be proud of their achievements, and as the name suggests, it has been a “Joint” effort. 2022 looks to be even busier with requests to support Exercises and tasks in the UK, Macedonia, Kenya and Brunei so far. This will be alongside the usual support to Operations in Mali and the Falkland Islands. 2022 will also mark the 40th Anniversary of JHSS and there are already plans afoot to make it a memorable occasion. Keep your eyes open for news soon! Flt Lt Matt Snape -RAF MAOT Leader
ensure you have the advice and representation you need. Email military@cornwallstreet.co.uk with your contact details and a brief summary of the problem, or call us on 0300 303 4120 in order to be directed to the right member You can find out more about the activities of JHSS by following us online via our social media platforms:
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SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 15
STN HISTORY RAF BENSON PHOTOGRAHIC RECONNAISSANCE
RAF Benson Photographic Reconnaissance RAF Benson during World War II was the main base for the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) and was the only land locked unit of Coastal Command. Flying from Benson were blue and pink coloured Spitfires and the new De Havilland Mosquito painted in mainly blue but early marks arrived painted in the camouflage colours of green and grey top surfaces with light grey underneath. No.1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit had around seventy aircraft flying from Benson and on detachments to RAF St. Eval in Cornwall and RAF Leuchars and Wick in Scotland. In October 1942 the unit was disbanded and re-organised into five squadrons of 540 – 544. The main air photographic processing section was surprisingly off camp in Ewelme village. Travelling from Ewelme to Benson village the section was on the right just past the wall of The Old Mansion by Cottesmore Lane which housed the Station Intelligence Section. In the once open field two buildings were erected, a Nissen hut which housed the actual printing and copying machinery as well as a camera repair shop. The other building was a wooden hut built for offices and for storage of film containers, rolls of film and the different chemicals used to process film from negative to photo.
16 LION’S ROAR SPRING 2022
Many millions of photos were processed all through the war and after up to 1953 when the PRU left Benson and moved to RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire. The majority of these photos are still in existence up in Edinburgh and can be seen partly on line as part of the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP). The Nissen hut was on the left and the wooden hut on the right as you entered the site. During the war there was a guard placed at the entrance but there was no big fence surrounding the buildings. The work was carried out 24 hours a day seven days a week by three shifts and consisted of both the Woman’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and RAF personnel. Personnel were given weekend passes every few months and hardly anyone had time off during the week. In 1945 some of the night shift personnel would go down to Benson village and have breakfast in a little café, then on to the river and row up to Shillingford Bridge before turning around and coming back again to rest on camp.
The hundreds of thousands of gallons of chemicals used on that site during its existence were carried after use to the open concrete pit on the right hand side by the main entrance. Once a week someone from London would come, extract it and return to London for disposal. This site is where the famous photo of the breached Moehne Dam in May 1943 was processed by WAAF 2006768 M Irwin and then sent around the world to let the world
Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability
know what damage the allies could inflict upon the Third Reich. As time progressed into the war the sheer volume of photographs began to increase. The highest number of photographs ever processed was in May 1944 just before D-Day. From the 400 completed operational sorties during the month 185,376 negatives were produced and from that a total of 446,099 prints were made. The individual day for the most prints was 7th May 1944 when 49, 358 prints were made. Once the photos had been printed, they were checked by the interpreters in the Intelligence Section before being sent onto either the individual requester, or to RAF Danesfield which was a large white house near the Thames close to Henley. Danesfield was where RAF and Americans checked the photos for more information and stored them for future use. Some of the photos they looked at showed V1 and V2 German rockets ready at Peenemunde, so RAF bombers were sent over to destroy the production plant. Danesfield House is now a very large hotel. After Danesfield some of the photos would be sent on to Hughenden Manor over in High Wycombe which had formerly been Prime Minister Disraeli’s home. It was taken over by the RAF as it had a large south facing room ideal for checking photos and drawing. There the photos were copied and made into maps which were then given to RAF aircrew for better navigational assistance. In the late 1950s the buildings were removed and the land sold off in the 1960’s. Mr Peter and Mrs Anne Williams bought
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the land. At that time the local planning department imposed a covenant stating that no house could be built so the William’s built a three bedroom bungalow on the site. When they moved in they were told never to plant vegetables as the land was very contaminated with all sorts of chemicals from the film processing during the war. The only thing they planted were some lovely trees in the front garden to add colour and shade sadly now removed. In the back garden there were two large mounds of earth which stayed mainly untouched right up until when Anne left the house to move nearer to her daughter in Devon in 2020. In the past Anne had found the odd bit of film or an old aluminium cooking pot in the mound on the right side. There were also many small Marmite jars and bottles of different sizes, some marked up as poison. A large dig was planned by using some personnel from RAF Benson photo section but Peter Williams became very ill so the dig was postponed and unfortunately never took place. I carried out a small localised dig with Anne after Peter’s death and found an old NAAFI saucer, marmite jar as well as small fragments of burnt film. Some items which were dug up are now displayed in the Station Ethos and Heritage Facility to the right of the Officers Mess front door including a pair of despatch rider’s goggles now very much worse for wear and a roll of burnt film. At Benson we are lucky to have photographs of the inside of the photographic section with an additional few
being added from the Imperial War Museum (IWM) archives. As far as one knows the Benson internal pictures of the photo section have never been published before.
SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 17
FIRE SECTION
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I am delighted to introduce you to A Bit of Lovely, an award winning ladies’ clothing boutique in Benson village. We hand pick items that make you feel special. We have a range of French, Danish and UK brands, modern styles with a bit of a twist. We strive to provide an individualised service. We are happy to let you browse alone, or chat and give advice on the selection we have in store. Come in, relax and enjoy the shopping experience.
Stockists for: Numph, Selected Femme, Y.A.S., Cara & The Sky, Charli, Grace & Mila, Frnch, Izipizi glasses, Miglio jewellery and more… Opening hours Wednesday - Saturday 9 ‘til 4 3 Chapel Lane, Benson, OX10 6LU T: 07859 925934 E: shop@abitoflovely.co.uk W: www.abitoflovely.co.uk Instagram: @abitoflovelyboutique
In addition to our standard opening hours, you can book a personal shopping session and we are available to host small parties in the boutique, or to come to your home if you wish to gather with a larger group of friends and have a home shopping event.
Fire Section ‘To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often’ Winston Churchill. It’s essential within the Air Force to adopt change in order to develop skills. Firefighters are always embracing crucial new skill sets and equipment that will enhance job effectiveness and improve working practices, making it a safer environment to work in. As of December 2021, RAF Benson has warmly welcomed a new fleet of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles to the station that are dedicated to revolutionising the way firefighters perform within the Royal Airforce. The TG7 crash/fire/rescue services at RAF Benson are organised, equipped, manned and trained to operate at a range of incidents involving aircraft. This role also extends to incidents involving fixed and temporary structures, vehicles and other areas of special risk. With the next generation of Firefighting appliances leading the way in ARFF. In 1943 the RAF Fire Service was formed and has since significantly developed over years in order to meet global combatant firefighting capabilities to UK and aid coalition military components. Two vehicles have been introduced within the RAF Fire service; Multi-Purpose Response Vehicle (MPRV) which is being brought in to replace the former Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) and the Oshkosh Striker which is being used as a replacement for the Major Foam Vehicle (MFV). These new vehicles are packed with state-of-the-art technology to combat any scenario that may arise. The Oshkosh Striker’s High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) allows outstanding reach for your emergency ARFF response. The piercing tip length is designed to reach cargo
containers from any angle. The MPRV is also a specialist fire fighting vehicle that contains an array of features such as a remote-controlled bumper turret monitor and a larger water tank to carry more firefighting media. MPRV’s will predominantly be used more frequently at RAF Benson, this can be deployed as the primary appliance or in conjunction with the HRET to support response capability. Benson Fire section is located on the aerodrome allowing rapid response times and quicker access to emergency incidents across camp. The MPRV allows us to meet these targets due to itself having a larger capability in comparison to its predecessor (RIV). In terms of the way we deploy, under truck spray nozzles to deal with any hazardous substances such as fuel and larger tanks that can withhold 4550 litres of water and 650 litres of foam. Firefighters on duty have a strict training package to follow every month to recognise and assess the skills and knowledge people need to perform
effectively in the job role. Training enables firefighters to learn new skills and techniques to make their jobs safer with the right training some of the risk to fire personnel can be managed. Training enables firefighters to respond more efficiently, reducing further damage. This can be essential in situations where fire damage to the community could be substantial. All personnel have therefor been subsequently trained on these highly specialised vehicles in order to foster change by resolving incidents involving aircraft and buildings. These additions of new Airfield Rescue and Firefighting vehicles begin a new era for the RAF fire service. Creating a progressive, consistent platform with the very latest enhanced capability required for modern day aviation firefighting. Change can bring various opportunities, I personally feel these trucks are a fantastic addition to the trade as it allows the capability to carry out my job in a more effective, safe and efficient manner.
Hope to see you soon. Sharon and the Lovely Team xx
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SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 19
CLAY PIDGEON SHOOTING SPORT We are travel consultants providing specialised and outsourcing services. Spending time and adding value to find your perfect holiday. Services include determining client’s needs and suggesting suitable travel packages. Organising travels from beginning to end, including tickets, accommodation and transportation. If you have already found your perfect holiday we can beat any price saving you many pounds!
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Shooting Ground Introduction With Covid finally winding down its time for RAF sports to ramp up! This means updating some old Admin Orders and getting some well-deserved time away to have some fun. In past times the RAF Clay Pidgeon Championships have always been held in the spring at the Nottingham District Shooting Ground. This year however, due to Covid, they were held slightly later, being put on in October instead. This gave the team captain, Flight Sergeant Alan Sharpe, extra time to begin selecting and training his elite crew of crack shots to take the fight to Notts! As a new holding officer at Benson, this presented an excellent opportunity to get stuck in with a new sport, and for better or worse be chosen to represent Benson against the rest of the RAF in the continued quest for lucrative silverware. Not to mention the opportunity to escape for a day every fortnight to go ‘smoke some clays’! With months of practice in hand and a forecast of great weather, the team set off north with high hopes. Day One (Thu 7 Oct) Sporting The first day kicked off with my favourite discipline, ‘Sporting’. Made up of twelve different stands showing a range of targets from simple straight driven birds, to wide arcing crossers which tested the skills of every gun to their limits. The clays on a sporting layout are designed to mimic the style of shooting found on a live game shoot. This is especially challenging as a shooter will only get the opportunity to shoot each target a few times before having to move on, minimising the time available to ‘get your eye in’. Day Two (Fri 8 Oct) Down The Line (DTL) Day two sees the start of the trap shooting phase of the championships. For DTL, five shooters arrange themselves in an arc around a clay trap that is facing away from them. The trap is obscured from the view of the shooters whilst moving along a horizontal plane, such that when a shooter calls ‘pull’ the clay fires out in an unpredictable direction. This is the easiest of the four disciplines at the champs, but this means that the stakes are high. So, to add some variation into the scores, each clay is scored on how many shots it takes a shooter to hit the clay, three points for first barrel, one point for second, nothing for a miss. DTL is a game of concentration and endurance as each shooter must work through four DTL traps of twenty-five clays a piece!
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A good shot can get all twenty-five, but the real champions can get all twenty-five on the four different traps, not dropping a single target! Karaoke At the end of the second day is the infamous karaoke night! All participants gather in the shooting lodge in the evening for an excellent spread of food, drink refreshments, and karaoke! To kick off the party was our very own Al Sharpe with a striking performance of Sweet Caroline to get the crowd going for a good night of relaxation! Day Three (Sat 9 Oct) Skeet And so began the third day of the champs, ‘Skeet’. The layout consists of two targets on traps at the three and nine o’clock positions pointing towards each other. Shooters take turns moving from the nine o’clock position through to the three, transitioning across seven different stands to see the targets from all angles. Like the previous days shoot, Skeet consists of twenty-five clays on four different stands for a total of onehundred clays. Managing the sore heads around the shoot was vital for maintaining any advantage generated from the previous days’ competition! Day Four (Sun 13 May) Automatic Ball Trap (ABT) ABT is by far the most infuriating of the four events! Most shooters will end up wasting all their cartridges firing into thin air, missing clays, and generating little more than highly colourful language. Taking a similar style of trap shooting to DTL, six shooters arrange themselves in an arc around a trap facing away from them. But this trap isn’t just moving on a single plane, it’s moving in a figure eight pattern which means clays can come out at any angle! Then to make matters even worse, the power of the trap is doubled so the clay shoots twice as fast and twice as far! Four traps, twenty-five clays per trap.
Rounds complete Just like that, four excellent days of shooting came to an end. A wide range of shooters made up the Benson team ranging from experienced veterans to complete novices. All told, a relaxing and hospitable atmosphere combined with some healthy competition to make for an excellent long weekend away! Al Sharp Jack Burnett Nige Scaraffe Shaun Polley Lewis Blabber James Townley Steve Watling Chris Burrows Wayne O’Reilly Rob Caldicott Jon Zippo Fei Du
8th 14th 16th 20th 23rd 24th (Novice) 25th 29th 34th 37th (Novice) 47th (Novice) 54th (Novice)
The RAF Clay Pidgeon Shooting Association (CPSA) is always looking for new up and coming shooters; a future RAF champion could be reading this right now, is it you? For anyone interested in taking up Clay Pigeon Shooting please contact Flight Sergeant Al Sharp P2MF on Ext 7763 or e-mail: alan.sharp689@ mod.gov.uk.
SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 21
JOB EVALUATION TEAM VISIT
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A4 Joint Services Job Evaluation Team (JSJET) Visit Personnel of all ranks from across the Logs (MTD) Trade attended a Job Evaluation (JE) Benchmark visit (BMV) and Showcase hosted by RAF Benson, MT Section.
The one-day programme was focused on showcasing all the varied roles and abilities the Logistics (Driver) Trade (TG 6) could provide Defence with an insight to various specialist Units and platforms. It was an opportunity for TG 6 to demonstrate MT capability pillars to the JE Judges who represented all three services. Benson MT volunteered to host the event as it was easily accessible for many Units across the UK to attend and had not previously held a BMV; providing a JHC perspective of the MT operating environment. The score produced by the JE is important for the trade to ensure consistency of pay treatment for similar roles.
Kitchener’s is a unique Suffolk charity offering guest house style accommodation overlooking the sea in South Lowestoft, to British and Commonwealth veteran and serving armed forces, merchant sea personnel, blue light services, and their families. Holidays and short breaks are available on either a bed & breakfast or half-board basis.
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Kitchener’s is centrally located between Great Yarmouth and Southwold with easy access transport links and a host of places to visit and things to do for both adults and children alike. You will find a warm welcome from the resident Manager, Ash, who served in the armed forces, and his wife Caroline. Amongst both regular and new guests, Kitchener’s has a solid reputation as being a place to relax and unwind amongst likeminded people; there’s nothing like the camaraderie and humour of those who have served our country, no matter in what capacity. With regular guests such as Royal Chelsea Pensioners and Normandy D-Day Vets, there are often stories to be heard from conflicts past. They too, love to speak with the younger veterans and serving personnel to hear about what is going on now and how things have changed. It is not uncommon to find a group gathered in the bar exchanging stories.
enquiries@kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk www.kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk
If being outdoors is more your thing, you will find plenty to do in the local area. As Kitchener’s is located on the seafront of the East coast, there’s plenty of opportunity for watersport activities. Alternatively, a short distance away, you can hire a boat for a day trip on the Norfolk Broads.
Registered Charity Number 230090
A stay at Kitchener’s is offered at a substantially discounted price for our veterans and serving armed forces and their families which is subsidised by grants and charitable donations. This allows us to offer a warm, friendly ‘home from home’ stay at an affordable price.
After collecting the JE Judges from the Officer’s Mess, the day opened with a first live demonstration. With the support from 230 Sqn, a mock Puma blade change utilising a MAN SV 15T fitted with a Crane Attached Lorry Mounted (CALM) was organised. This enabled us to showcase a multitude of skills. For example, how MT work effectively with other Trade Groups and Sections, the safe working practice controlling a CALM, a written load plan iaw Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the ability to train personnel as a CALM operator with qualified instructors. This then led to the second live demonstration of the day as the JE Judges experienced a simulated driving test and discussed how we promote Road Safety (RS) across the Station. Utilising trained Defence Driving Examiners (DDE), the Judges carried out a 20-minute practical driving exam. This allowed them to see, first-hand, how this test has changed over the years and how the examiners remain current throughout www.raf.mod.uk/rafbenson
the year to perform exams. They also had the chance to experience the Road Safety Simulator. Specific scenarios were utilised to demonstrate the dangers of driving whilst using a mobile device and how much time and effort goes in to promoting RS across the Station and Local Community.
After a working lunch the Judges were taken to the vehicle static display, which was staffed by Drivers from across the RAF including specialist Units. This was an opportunity for the Judges to engage with Drivers and see the vast and varied work carried out by the Trade. Such displays included involvement from 2 Mechanical Transport Sqn, Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) and Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Sqn (JARTS).
This part of the programme allowed TG 6 personnel to showcase logistical and operating knowledge, skills and experience needed for individual posts including the complexity and mental challenge of the job. The final live demonstration, a Rotors Running Refuel was conducted by TSW. This provided an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to deploy anywhere in the world, across any terrain or hostile environment in order to support flying operations. The visit was a success by all involved and feedback from the JE Judges was very positive. A week after the visit and once the scores had been finalised, they were released. With much delight, the Logistics (Driver) Trade scored higher in points than the previous BMV in 2015.
SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 23
SANTA RUN
RAF Benson Logistics Squadron 10km Santa Run On Fri 10 Dec 21, nine members of RAF Benson Logistics Squadron will each don a Santa hat and take part in a 10km fun run around a local route, in order to help raise funds and awareness for Helen and Douglas. Each member has pledged to raise at least £50 each for the charity, while also raising as much awareness and support for Helen and Douglas as they possibly can. 32-year-old Cpl Rob Thomson, originally from Glasgow, decided to put together a Logistics Squadron team for this event, following the success of their last event, where 23 members raced from the North Pole, running a combined total of 1960 miles between the 21 Nov and 19 Dec 20, raising an amazing £700 in the process. Cpl Thomson has been an avid supporter of Helen & Douglas since 2017,
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organising several events on their behalf and raising £11,000 to date. He explains: “Following the success of the recent event and knowing how busy a time of year this can be for Helen and Douglas; I thought the 10km Santa Fun Run event would be a great way for RAF Benson Logistics Squadron personnel to show support for the hospice. I have personally visited Helen and Douglas to deliver donated Christmas gifts; however, owing to the current restrictions and how vulnerable the children at the hospice are, I don’t think that will take place this year.
They do amazing work at the hospice, working tirelessly to provide care and support for terminally ill children and their families – I feel privileged to be able to support such an amazing cause and hope that our efforts and fundraising can help them in some way! Keep an eye out for some festively dressed runners around Benson on the 10 Dec 21”. If you are able to support the team, please visit their JustGiving page - https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robrafbensonls
SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 25
RAF FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL 2021
STN NEWS SKATEBOARDING CLUB
Skateboarding Club
RAF Festival of Football 2021
The RAF’s first skateboard club is officially up and running.
A first for RAF Benson FC!
With 18 military personnel and 10 dependents, we are fast growing into a sizeable club and with thanks to the Regiment Section for the use of their hall and Jim Fielding for lending his ramps to the club, we now have an indoor venue. This means fully coached sessions can be run over the cold winter months. We were sad to learn that Daisy (9), one of our young members, had her new skateboard stolen only a day after she had bought it with her hard-earned pocket money. Surprisingly this happened on base. As a gesture of goodwill, the club members ‘chipped-in’ and bought her a like for like replacement enabling her to attend sessions. Needless to say, she was over the moon when presented with her replacement. If you’re interested in starting skateboarding, either from scratch or up picking up an old hobby, get in touch with the OIC - SAC Dom Brown at dominic. brown147@mod.gov.uk. We welcome any standard and the club has equipment for new members to borrow before committing to purchasing your own.
RAF Benson FC took an 8 man team to compete in the annual RAF Festival of Football at Shrewsbury Town FC on the 21st Oct and were victorious in winning the Trophy for the very first time. SAC(T) Todd Thackray was charged with organising Benson’s involvement in the annual event and with the support of a breadth of sections across the unit he arranged the transport and accommodation at RAF Shawbury for 2 nights. Making the most of the opportunity, the team travelled up the night before the event and bonded over a meal with a few beers in the local sports bar discussing their chances of success. The Festival of Football had just returned from a 2 year lay-off due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was held at Shrewsbury Town FC for the first time. The facilities were fantastic, and the event would take place on 6 4G AstroTurf pitches purpose built for this type of tournament. After arriving at the event, fresh from a good 8 hours sleep in the finest transit accommodation the RAF has to offer, we scoped out the opposition. A tough initial group stage laid ahead with Wittering, Bulmer, Coningsby and Valley all vying to make it into the top 2 spots. Dominating proceedings Benson made light work of all
but Wittering where a 2-2 draw proved a more positive result than we first realised. SAC(T) Dom Anderson and SAC(T) Adam Grice played a pivotal role in the rotation required in such a frantic tournament, stepping in with ease when required to shore-up the victories. Heading into the knock-out stages after topping the group Benson displayed immense resilience in two of their three games after going behind 2-0 and 3-0 against Shawbury and Northolt respectively. Trusting each-other with the ball and being patient in attack, Benson fought back to win the fixtures with impressive displays from both SAC(T) Brodie Gray and SAC(T) Luke Preen. The final was a tense affair, made more-so by the remaining teams circling the pitch and delivering a raucous level of banter. Our opponents were our old foes of the day, RAF Wittering! In our first encounter Wittering demonstrated their ability to impose an aggressive nature to their play and using this to our advantage this time round Benson’s game plan was to move the ball quicker and be patient with our chances. For all of Wittering’s aggression, Benson were by far the superior footballing team and by keeping the ball from the opposition we soon took the lead with a typical strike from Preen. With only 4 minutes left to play and after a string of outstanding saves all day by PTE Steven McMullen in the Benson goal, Wittering equalised with a deflected long range,
last ditch effort to score. Remaining calm, patient and resolute Benson were not prepared to lose their only game of the day, especially not in the final. A strong performance from SAC(T) Sam Beales controlling the pace of play and organising the team’s shape, we set about moving the ball quickly and dominating possession again. The atmosphere was electric with ‘polite encouragement’ echoing from the crowd, when in the dying seconds of the game the ‘player of the tournament’ prize recipient Gray clinically slotted the ball past the helpless Wittering keeper to round off an exceptional days play. Charged with taking care of the brandnew trophy the team ensured it was kept well hydrated throughout the course of the night’s celebration in some of Shrewsbury’s finest and not-so finest establishments. Written by Sgt Mike Jeffrey RAF Benson FC player-manager.
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SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 27
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SPRING 2022 LION’S ROAR 29
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maturity through to responsibility and leadership. We have a strong relationship with the RFEA and have worked alongside them since we started in 2014. The RFEA’s CTP Employment Engagement Team plays an instrumental role at the front end of our recruitment process - enabling the service leaver to take that first step in the commercial sector and increasing our talent pipeline. Ultimately, this helps to iron out the transitional process for service leavers and veterans.’’ Danielle Sandy Head of Recruitment – Ex-Forces Programme, FDM
including vacancy search, CV preparation and review, and interview techniques training • Vocational skills acquisition, including accessing training funding provided by other charities • For those who have wider life skills and functional obstacles we work closely with other charities, including RBLI’s Lifeworks, the Warrior Programme for motivational programmes, and Combat Stress and Walking With the Wounded's Head Start Programme for those who need mental health support • Once the individual is ‘job ready’ we provide direct jobfinding support, brokering vacancies with potential employers
ONLINE JOBS BOARD
RFEA THE FORCES EMPLOYMENT CHARITY RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
F
ounded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.
WHY VETERANS? There are many reasons why veterans are a great fit for any company, some of which include being able to thrive under pressure, delivering against tight deadlines, and an ability to cope with change. There are many advantages of hiring veterans; here are just a few.
SKILLS AND TRAINING Ex-Forces personnel are trained and skilled to the highest levels. 54
Expertise ranges from senior executive leadership, through operational management, to technical and supervisory skills. The Armed Forces train and develop specialist skills including: • Business Services • Information Technology • Transport and Logistics • Engineering • Security • Physical Training
COMPETENCIES A career in the military promotes flexibility, loyalty, self-discipline, reliability, a strong sense of duty and commitment, the ability to use your initiative. Core competencies include: • Communication skills practised with internal and external stakeholders • Organisational skills • Leadership and management skills • High degree of professionalism
• Problem-solving • Self-motivation • Health and Safety, Security awareness and best practice • Team working
WHAT WE OFFER EMPLOYERS Access to military talent Ex-Forces are one of the largest sources of talented potential employees in the country. Service leavers and veterans are highly trained and skilled individuals who have worked within a motivated culture with exceptionally strong teamwork. We work with 20,000 Service leavers and veterans every year, meaning that we can support employers to recruit when they need high volumes of people to join their organisation. Our recruitment service
On average, we work with over 9,000 employers every year, ranging from the largest multi-national companies through to regional and local businesses. We work with employers in every sector including construction; engineering; technology; financial services; cyber security; telecoms; leisure; sport; forestry; waste management; energy and many more. "Since 2014, the FDM Ex-Forces Programme has helped well over 500 ex-services personnel transition into the business world. It’s an exciting process, with candidates relishing new career challenges and bringing significant value to FDM Group and our clients. We recognise that individuals who have served in the Armed Forces have many transferable skills, ranging from adaptability and
RFEA AND STEP INTO HEALTH
Deborah Poneskis, Programme lead for NHS Step Into Health, says: “Having reached the rank of Colonel in the British Army, I have RFEA is proud to witnessed first-hand the highly work with many transferable skills that those who organisations who have served in the Armed Forces recognise the invaluable support veterans bring to the have to offer. I have also been civilian workforce, including the Step into lucky enough to have benefitted Health Programme. It supports members from the incredible support offered by one of RFEA’s many of the Armed Forces Community to programmes – the Military Women gain employment in the NHS. NHS Programme – to help me further organisations pledge to commit to my civilian career. I encourage making their recruitment processes others to look into the many types more forces-friendly and to offering of help and support that are out work placements and insight days. The there to ensure ex-Servicemen and Step into Health programme highlights women can secure meaningful the transferable skills and values and sustainable careers in their which members of the Armed Forces civilian life.” community can bring to the NHS.
The Armed Forces charity directory
RFEA uses the Career Transition Partnership’s RightJob, an online jobs board that is dedicated to jobs for Service Leavers and Veterans. RightJob promotes your organisation and your vacancies to 20,000 service leavers and exForces personnel who are actively seeking jobs. RFEA’s TechVets programme has an additional jobs board with opportunities directly from employers that link talent gaps in industry with the skills veterans and service leavers are developing through TechVets. The Families Programme also works closely with the Forces Families Jobs Board, set up by the Families Federations, and also uses RFEA’s extensive network of over 9,000 employers who actively recruit service leavers and veterans.
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR CLIENTS RFEA offers a number of unique programmes that provide tailored support to clients, from those who are in need of ‘light touch’ guidance such as CV review, through to those in need of more specialist support to tackle barriers to their career journey. What people can expect from RFEA’s Employment Advisors? • We undertake a needs assessment to understand individual’s needs and the obstacles to employment. This enables an employment action plan to be agreed which determines vocational goals and develops a support pathway. • Depending on the needs of the individual this support will include: • Career guidance and advice using talent matching and seven-point planning techniques • Job search technique guidance The Armed Forces charity directory
Lee Johnston, Families Employment Advisor at RFEA says, “Whether it’s in terms of welfare, family or deployment, I can completely empathise with the challenges our clients face, because, as the wife of a Royal Marine, I’ve experienced them myself. That’s why I am so passionate about getting our clients to where they want to be.”
DOG TAGS TO DATA TAGS: JUMPING INTO CYBER SECURITY
joining the Army in 1998 and always tried to remain current.
In 2005, paratrooper James Lugassy, 28 signed left the British Army to pursue civilian role in cyber security and the tech industry. He used the support of RFEA programme TechVets to help jump-start his new career.
What did you enjoy about the military? The adventure, the excitement, and the comradery.
Full name: James Lugassy Age: 28 Current job title: Information Security Manager When did you join the military? 1998 Who did you serve with? The Parachute Regiment What qualities did it give you to survive in the outside world? Self-confidence, a sense of self worth and a great work ethic. An ability to prioritise getting the job done (to a high standard), and never having a mindset of being slave to restrictive working hours.
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Why did you decide to leave? To pursue a career in the private security industry overseas.
If you are interested in finding out more about how ex-Forces talent could benefit your organisation, or have a vacancy you would like to fill, please call us on 0121 262 3058 or email info@rfea.org.uk www.rfea.org.uk
Did you always want to pursue a tech career? No, but I’ve always been interested in tech and have always been an early adopter of new technology. I was computer literate to a high standard before
EMPLOYING VETERANS CHANGES LIVES Commodore Alistair Halliday, RFEA’s Chief Executive, comments: “At RFEA we know that the qualities required for a career in the Services make ex-Forces personnel a fantastic addition to the civilian workforce, which is why our teams are so passionate about helping veterans, and their families, to find meaningful employment. We provide an invaluable, tailored support service to ensure our clients are equipped with everything they need to demonstrate the value and relevance of their experience to civilian employers. By doing so, we bring about life changing transformations for thousands of veterans, and their families, every year.
Nicki Bradley from Plymouth, a former Leading Naval Nurse in the Royal Navy, served from 1992 to 2006. After leaving the Service she struggled to transfer her valuable experience into skills that were recognised by civilian employers. RFEA was able to help her recognise the value of her skills and translate them into suitable job opportunities. With the support of her RFEA Regional Advisor, Nicki secured a job placement, which led to her being employed in her current role as a part-time administrator. Nicki says: “After 3 years of unemployment after being made redundant, my new job means I am able to come off benefits and be proud to be earning my own money once more. I feel I have purpose again and can convey this feeling to my children. I can now improve on
How has TechVets and the community supported you? A year ago, I decided to re-train as a security and risk practitioner. I could no longer ignore the growing threats found in the cyber domain, I joined TechVets, it was my first introduction to the cyber industry. The more I spoke to the other members and the more free training I undertook through the TechVets community made me realise that I wanted to move into a tech career full time. I started to understand that good Cyber Security came down to strong risk management, and realised I wasn’t as out of my depth as I first thought. The community not only reassured me that side-stepping into the industry was achievable, but also provided me with the training and advice that I needed to move my CV in a direction that fitted my end goals (the cyber domain is massive, so it’s good to understand it and take a focused approach to joining the industry). What are you doing now? Thanks to the help and advice of the TechVets team, combined with a year of studying and test taking, I have managed to side step from risk management into cyber risk management as an Information Security Officer.
skills I already possess as well as acquire new ones through workplace development courses.” Paul Ansell, who served in the RAF and later secured a role as a Trainee Thermal Installation Engineer, says: “My biggest challenges were trying to transfer skills I gained from the forces into the outside world. I found a lot of skills I had didn’t transfer, but with support from my advisor, I found I could use my skills in other areas of work which made me look at areas I had never thought of.”
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Kitchener s Holidays for Servicemen & Women
Charity Number 230090
We have organised a Tandem skydive on the 10th anniversary of James Ashworth VC 10TH Anniversary.
The James Ashworth VC Jump
13th June 2022 UK Parachuting, Beccles. All funds raised from this will go towards the upgrade of facilities in the Hotel for veterans who come and stay so that they will have the best experience possible.
To Donate Visit: https://localgiving.org/appeal/ jamesashworthvcjump/
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enquiries@kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk 10 Kirkley Cliff, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0BY
H175M in the tracks of the Puma