7 Sqn pre-deployment Training Armed Forces Para-Snowsport

7 SQN PRE-DEPLOYMENT TRAINING

Written By: Flt Lt Nicholas Priest

Following changes to the theatre entry standards to 7 Squadron’s deployment to Op SHADER, RAF Odiham’s Force Protection Training Flight (FPTF) created and planned an Op SHADER predeployment training package (PDT). Subsequently, after obtaining a Force Protection Licence from The Force Protection Centre at RAF Honington, the FPTF executed the first ever Chinook Force Op SHADER PDT in January 22.

The package’s aim was to support the Squadron through a locally delivered course which mitigated the need for the Squadron’s Personnel to conduct RAF Honington’s 2-week Global High Threat Course. This ensured the Squadron could maintain its UK operational readiness state whilst guaranteeing all of the 7 Sqn deploying personnel had the required Force Protection skills for the Op SHADER Theatre. Moreover, the course was meticulously designed by Sergeant Kev Ford to not only train personnel up to IRT MOD 5 standard, but to also ensure every training serial had relevance to the FPTF’s customer.

The first element of the course saw 7 Squadron deploy to Bramley Training Area where serials such as First Aid, CBRN, land navigation and section level tactical awareness were taught and accessed. The assessments were conducted through a navigation exercise and 3 scenario’s which used the vehicles of ‘downbird’, Key Leadership Engagement and Survival Evasion Resistance and Extract (SERE) for assessment, in order to add relevance whilst assessing the FP skills learnt and developed throughout the week. This demanding training was well received by all, and the instructors highlighted the positive attitude 7 Squadron displayed towards training.

The second week saw 7 Squadron deploy to Longmoor Range Complex to complete an intensive range package. This included both Rifle and Pistol, commencing with basic firing and concluding with the Annual Combat Marksmanship Test. Finally, 7 Squadron Personnel completed the Fire and Movement Test, which is a stage 4 range consisting of a 300m run down the live range, followed by manoeuvring as a fire team from 100m to 52m point. Then on arriving at the firing point, the students had to achieve the pass standard. This was the highest level of shooting that most of the students had ever been exposed to. However, all passed due to positive attitudes and excellent instruction.

The PDT package was a resounding success evidenced by the instructor’s observations of the improvement of FP skills throughout the week and through the detailed student feedback which highlighted the confidence the course had given to the deploying cadre. The FPTF are looking forward to developing the course and their relationship with 7 Squadron further in order to build upon these initial successes.

CARMEN MEDAL MERITED TO CPL SMITH

The Worshipful Company of Carmen Court has announced that this year’s RAF Carmen Medal has been awarded to Cpl Smith of RAF Benson’s Logistics Squadron.

The award identifies the most successful Royal Air Force trainee among those attending the six 21-week Basic Movements Training Courses at the Defence Movements School.

A well deserving candidate, Cpl Smith had had an exceptional year in which she held acting higher rank. Despite the previous incumbent leaving the RAF and due to COVID-19, being unable to provide any handover, Cpl Smith displayed great strength of character and moral fortitude when reviewing all taskings, seeking guidance when required and quickly grasping the magnitude of the undertaking in front of her.

Her first action was to prepare the deployment of Puma Force and supporting many other teams on Exercise IMPERIAL ZEPHYR. This saw Cpl Smith identify and provide Movement’s personnel to redistribute and receive freight as part of the deployment. As the deployment needs changed, the complexity of the task grew. She acted as the spokesperson between the Force Headquarters, Puma Force and her Chain of Command, resolving a variety of issues, resource, and staffing shortfalls to facilitate the delivery of all freight to both the sea and air points on time.

Possessing strong leadership and management abilities she also identified sufficiently qualified and experienced personnel, identified workforce short falls and requested external assistance from 4624 Sqn thus displaying a full appreciation of the Whole Force principles and the benefits to be gained. Cpl Smith oversaw the preparations and utilised Mission Command principles to enable her staff to carry out their roles in the knowledge that they were supported by their hierarchy. Her management of this Ex allowed Puma Force to successfully complete environmental training, permitting them to hold crucial national standby commitments.

As changes to Custom checks and paperwork came into force, due to Brexit, she contacted the relevant governmental authorities directly, confirming how these changes affected documentation and implementing new process. She was directly responsible for the prevention and impounding of equipment, which enabled the sustainment of Puma Force on operations and exercises worldwide.

Guiding her team through an extremely turbulent and busy period, she oversaw the planning and delivery of two international and several UK based exercises. During this period, she helped to plan and execute the recovery of Op TORAL freight, coordinating the recovery of all the aircraft and auxiliary equipment.

Cpl Smith displays the utmost professionalism and her actions throughout the year demonstrate her worthiness of receiving the Carmen Medal.