Provost

Parade Issue 2 2013

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We offer cull/management stalking for experienced and novice stalkers, catering to your requirements. 01922 722988 or 07958 942960 [email protected] www.keithshighseats.co.uk Contents Provost Parade Editorial Team Chairman of the Journal Foreword and Editorial...... 4 Gp Capt M S Sexton PM(RAF) 95991 6066 Coordinating Committed, Responsive and RAFP-HQ PM Adaptive Force Protection p11 Force Elements...... 5 Editor HQ Air Force Protection Sqn Ldr A J Porter Commitments Staff...... 5 95991 6176 RAFP-HQ A3 A9 SO2 HQ RAFP Relocation to the Force Protection HQ at RAF Honington...... 6 Assistant Editor WO S Coppard 83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF Police....8 95991 6131 RAFP-HQ PMWO British Forces South Atlantic Islands - RAFP Operation NEWCOMBE ...... 22 Dog Trials...... 11 Provost Parade Shop Manager Op Helvetic G8 Summit...... 24 Covert and Scientific Support Flight...... 12 FS Paul Symons Exercise WINTERMARCH 2013...... 26 93835 4852 Life at The Defence Animal Centre...... 13 02392 284852 603 Sqn Aviation Nights...... 28 Batoning Down Personal Safety...... 14 Postal Sales Manager 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron Royal Cpl Dallinger MoD Corsham - Joint Cyber Unit...... 15 Auxiliary Air Force Update...... 29 93835 4356 02392 284356 OP ATALANTA - RAF Police Support to Air Command Force Protection Force Anti-Piracy Missions...... 17 Development...... 30 Curator of the RAF Police Museum Sgt Wilkinson RAF Cosford Airshow...... 18 RAFP Reflections from the Past to the 93835 4803 Present...... 31 Keeping the Peace at RAF Waddington.20 02392 284803 Triple Crown Challenge...... 32 DCPG-TrgWg-CDT-RAFPPSSME p26 Charity news...... 33 Future Submissions Address: The Battle of the Editor Provost Parade Lincolnshire Ashes...... 37 HQ RAFP SO2 A3/A9 Force Protection HQ Mod Corsham Field Gun Crew...... 38 RAF Honington Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP31 1EE Tel: 01359 239560 ext 6176 Email: [email protected]

Provost Parade is not an official publication and the views expressed in this magazine, unless otherwise stated, do not reflect MoD, Command © This magazine contains official information and should be or Station policy and are the personal views of treated with discretion by the recipient. No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine the authors. No part of this publication may be can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith. Published by Forces and Corporate reproduced without the permission of the editor or Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU. publisher. While every effort is made to ensure that Tel: 01933 419994 Fax: 01933 419584. advertisers are bona fida, no responsibility for the E-mail: [email protected] quality of goods or services offered by them can Managing Director: Ron Pearson Managing Editor: Katie Mordue be accepted by the publisher or editorship of the Sales Manager: Amanda Mains Cover picture: magazine. British Forces South Atlantic Islands Provost Parade 3 Commander RAFP / Provost Marshal (RAF)

y the time that you read this, I will skills deployed on numerous complex and and every one of you and your partners and have come to the end of my tour as extremely high profile investigations and a families who provide you with unstinting BCommander RAF Police and Provost raft of high-end counter-intelligence and support and love. Marshal (RAF) and will have been replaced by security outputs in support of major events, Gp Capt Kevin Bailey as I depart for a 6-month red-teaming and the routine activity of the The remarkable characteristics and traits of tour at the Afghan National Defence University, Service. What makes it even more impressive is the men and women who together form the Kabul. It has been a great honour and privilege that all this has been achieved throughout an Branch and Trade will continue to serve us well to command the Force for the last 2 years, unparalleled period of operations and against a as we look towards a future beyond HERRICK, throughout which it has continued to excel backdrop of redundancies, the Olympic Games, for which we are exceptionally well-placed. across its huge spectrum of operational outputs Force reorganisation, diminished resource The operational pedigree and performance of on enduring and contingent operations in and the wider dynamics of global insecurity. the Force, its delivery of integrated FP, security the UK and around the world. The immense YOU – the multi-skilled, professionally qualified and policing effects alongside other elements contribution that RAF Police men and women and experienced, agile and adaptable men of Air FP, the seamless operation of the Force’s make to the efficient and effective delivery and women of the RAF Police - are at the heart command and control within the integrated of integrated Force Protection effects for of all that we do and provide the Force with FP Force HQ and the continuing hard work to Air is gaining substantial recognition within its fighting edge which is key to current and refine structures and develop new and existing the Air chain-of-command, across Defence future success. I have been hugely impressed capabilities within wider Air FP for the future and Government and amongst the general throughout my visits to stations and squadrons operational environment stand us in excellent public and is something of which we should with the selfless commitment and forbearance stead for the future. The next few years offer all be justifiably proud. And those effects are of the RAF Police, collectively and individually real opportunities that you should embrace delivered day in and day out, on ops and in at all levels. The professionalism and capability wholeheartedly on equal terms and also many the UK and across a huge spectrum of general of all members of the Force shines through, challenges which you should face as one under and specialist tasks. Much of the focus has but so does the morale, fighting spirit, esprit de the leadership of Gp Capt Bailey, capitalising on rightly been on the operational sphere and corps, robustness and resilience, without which and developing the unique skills, identity and the outputs of TPS and the other units and the RAF Police could not consistently deliver ethos of the RAF Police. My very best wishes individuals employed right at the sharp end of so successfully against the unrelenting cycle of to all of you and my sincere thanks for your Op HERRICK, Op NEWCOMBE and in support operations. And I am acutely conscious of the outstanding performance and loyal support of the Middle East Exercise programme on human costs associated with all of this: the very throughout my tour. I will continue to watch WIS, CS, MWD, CISU, SIB, APSS, Avn Sy, GPD and sad loss of Brent McCarthy, Mick McConnell’s future developments with a very keen and other duties. But we have also maintained an life-changing wounds and the injuries suffered active interest. outstanding level of support to Air in the UK, by others; and the pressures and stresses that Fiat Justitia providing GPD coverage, specialist investigative the operational tempo has imposed on each Group Captain Mark Sexton Editorial write this having taken over the Provost involved and on the front foot in being As you will see, your Parade “baton” from Sqn Ldr John Duffy prepared to support Expeditionary Air Wing Iwho over the past two years has compiled Force Protection operations and the wider support to exercises an excellent array of varied, interesting and UK Defence effort for operating effectively professional publications and I hope to in the Future Operating Environment. such as Ex CAPABLE follow in his footsteps to ensure that the EAGLE at RAF Leeming full spectrum of Committed, Adaptive and As you will see, notwithstanding the Responsive operational deployments, tasks operational outputs and maintaining core has not faltered, and wide variety of other commitments policing and Protective Security capabilities across the globe, are illustrated and within homeland units, your sporting ensuring that the RAF articulated to be representative of what we endeavours, support to charities, Force Police are actively achieve and excel in as a Branch and Trade. Development events and other activities In this, my first edition of the Provost Parade, has been impressively broad reaching. involved and on the I have received tremendous support from front foot in being across the Trade to ensure that our broad On a final note, thank you for your plethora of activities are accurately recorded contributions which provides the readership prepared to support and proudly reflects what we have been with full situational awareness of the involved in, supported and delivered in mission critical and invaluable efforts, Expeditionary Air terms of operational Force Protection, both achievements and support that the RAF Wing Force Protection overseas and within the UK and shaping for Police is delivering across the globe and in Contingency operations. the UK home bases. operations and the Squadron Leader Avril Porter, SO2 A3/9 wider UK Defence Preparing for, and maintaining readiness for Contingency operations whilst still effort for operating maintaining the support to Op HERRICK and the other OOA posts is a challenging task effectively in the and we are very aware of the burden this Future Operating places on you all. However the flexibility and proactive approach shown from all corners Environment. of the Force to ensure we have the agility to support UK Air ops anywhere in the world has been impressive. As you will see, your support to exercises such as Ex CAPABLE EAGLE at RAF Leeming has not faltered, ensuring that the RAF Police are actively

4 Provost Parade he FP Cts pod at Air Command Air Warfare Centre. The Cts team then make will certainly make our lives that bit easier Commander RAFP / Provost Marshal (RAF) requires a split personality and we’re an assessment of the current mitigation in when the two co-located component HQs Tnot just talking about the four RAF place to determine the residual threat that join together as the Integrated FP FHQ in Regiment and RAF Police officers who remains and then propose an appropriate 2014. make up the Team. On the one hand the level of Force Protection to the ‘Ops’ Chain Team represents Air Cmd for all Air Force of Command. The final point is that we know that both Protection-related operational matters operations cells (and the Force Elements) (mainly by providing A3 (Operations) Planning activity can be diverse and involves fear our Friday afternoon phone calls, and A5 (Plans) staff with subject manner a wide range of organisations outside of however, please understand that we are expertise) and, on the other, the Cts pod is Air Cmd. Where possible, FP Cts seeks to but a small cog in a much larger wheel. the Air Cmd and 2 Gp tasking authority for ‘outsource’ such planning activity to the The cog begins to turn on a Monday when the FP Force. FP Force for further development and the Ops Directorate get a task in from the refinement; however, often such planning Cabinet Office or another government Whilst the Main Effort remains Op HERRICK is not far enough advanced to be passed department. It takes them until late and ensuring that deployed Air FP is fit on and, in many cases, it can easily come Tuesday/early Wednesday to refine the for purpose as threats and circumstances to nothing as plans undoubtedly change detail and task PJHQ who then take a day change, time is increasingly taken up with and evolve. or two to determine how they want the planning for Contingency Operations task to proceed and to issue their direction. that sit squarely in the Responsive and The FP Cts pod is the single point of contact Hence we usually receive this direction on Adaptive areas of the RAF Command Plan. for many other HQ Air Cmd branches and a Thursday night or Friday morning and Add in a number of routine, but often ad units from the wider Royal Air Force seeking will work as quickly as we can to pass on hoc jobs, such as high threat Avn FP tasks Air-related FP advice. A good working any task that has been endorsed by the Air and you can see that FP Cts can be pulled relationships with the other FP staff pods (Trg, Comd chain of command to the Force HQ in several directions at the same time. Plans, PSyA, CBRN and Cap Dev) and the two for action. While we all feel this pain, the For all tasks, the need for accurate threat (RAF Police and RAF Regt) operations cells pain caused to the FEs is understood and information is key. This is acquired from at the FP Force HQ are crucial to provide the every effort is made to reduce it. Air A2 staffs or the FP Threats Team at the right answer to the numerous enquiries. It Sqn Ldr Simon Manvell

Coordinating Committed, Responsive and Adaptive Force Protection Force Elements… HQ Air Force Protection Commitments Staff

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Provost Parade 5 HQ RAFP Relocation to the Force Protection HQ at RAF Honington here has been talk of the merger with a somewhat awkward layout in places – it started life in the depths of the Cold War as an of HQ RAFP and the RAF FP HQ aircrew briefing facility and certainly wasn’t T- essentially the RAF Regt’s HQ - designed to house a FP FHQ, so creativity was for as long as most of us can probably required. However, the nominated ProjOs remember. from HQ and RAFP and FP HQ assembled their respective teams and a building layout and After all, we train together, we deploy together, shared floor plan was devised. there is a significant overlap in the broad FP effect that we collectively deliver, and both Unfortunately, however, the full relocation branches have been commanded by the project had to be placed on temporary hold same 1* Air Officer for several years. However, in early 2013; owing to uncertainty over future rumour turned into fact in March 2012 with basing plans for both the Army and the RAF, the release to the RAFP Force via a brief from final approval for the relocation from the Cdr RAFP: this brief relayed direction from AOC Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), who 2Gp that a single, integrated FP Hub was to be control the entire military estate, was yet to be Wg Cdr Stowers, FHQ COS welcomes Wg Cdr formed at RAF Honington and, therefore that granted and it was clear that the planned FOC McCleery, DPM to the headquarters. HQ RAFP and the RAF FP HQ were to merge. date of Apr 13 was not able to be met. Despite This direction was in line with the process this snag the infra work which was already taking place across the RAF in the wake of the underway to prepare the FP HQ building for The next step will be to formally integrate the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) the arrival of the remainder of Cdr RAFP’s 2 HQs into one FP Force HQ - which will be in 2010, namely that 1*-led Force HQs (FHQs) staff continued apace, and the RAFP A3 team a greater challenge than simply getting us were being stood up, each delivering a key continued to work solely from Honington. here into the same building. Work is already element of Air Power. The Air Mobility FHQ at underway toward determining the command Brize Norton and the ISTAR FHQ at Waddington May 13 saw the release of the Army’s future structure that the HQ will adopt, and it is led the way with this process and are now both basing plan, and in turn DIO approval that HQ anticipated that some staff outputs - for firmly established. RAFP could officially relocate to Honington. example logs and plans - may be ready to fully AO FP immediately issued an implementation integrate ahead of the FOC date. Planning and Initial Moves order directing that HQ RAFP was to co-locate Planning for the move commenced during with the FP HQ by 30 Sep 13, and that the fully What will it mean to the Force? Spring 12, with a timeline set for achieving integrated FP FHQ was to be fully operational Aside from phone numbers and contact Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by 1 Dec by 1 Jun 14. We were set to move, and plans addresses for HQ staff changing, the relocation 12; IOC would comprise the co-location once again swung into action. will have very little impact on the RAFP Force. of key elements of HQ RAFP within the FP With infra work and IT installation in the FP HQ What it is already delivering is more efficient HQ to deliver an effective joint ops output. building set to be complete by mid-August, and joined-up planning and execution of FP Full Operating Capability (FOC) was initially the date for the relocation of HQ RAFP – our tasks, which is already having a positive impact programmed for 1 Apr 13 – namely the own IOC - was set to Mon 2 Sep 13. Under the on the delivery of integrated Air FP in support integration of all HQ RAFP elements into the direction of the HQ RAFP ProjO, HQ elements of UK Air ops. new FP FHQ. were tasked to begin the process of packing The first element of HQ RAFP moved across up their offices ready for a physical move to Furthermore, there are plans to also bring 3 to Honington in Dec 12. That was the A3 Honington in the last few days of August – all, Police Wg and its Force Elements over from element – the element of our HQ that works of course, whilst maintaining the busy output Henlow to Honington. The RAF Strategic most closely with the current FP HQ Current of the HQ and without detriment to the Basing Plan sees the Service drawing back Commitments Team to generate RAFP and support we provide to the Force. from RAF Henlow, and 3 PW represents the RAF Regt personnel for FP operations. SO2 A3 single largest RAFP Force Element. Its location (at the time Sqn Ldr John Duffy) and his A3 Full HQ Relocation can be expected to have a significant impact team made the move across to Honington in At 0800 on Thu 28 Aug 13, a MAN SV 8-tonner on how it operates in the future RAF FP Force. the weeks prior to Christmas and immediately wagon from 1(T)PS pulled up outside the With around 200 personnel to accommodate, began working out of an open-plan office historic HQ RAFP building at Henlow. As the the move of 3PW depends upon the departure adjacent to their RAF Regt colleagues in FP morning progressed, a working party of HQ of 1 Royal Tank Regiment from Honington Current Commitments. staff and 1TPS personnel steadily lifted and and significant redevelopment of working shifted the contents of the HQ offices – from accommodation – planning work is ongoing Planning the move of the rest of the HQ security cabinets and boxes of archive file but a definite decision should be made shortly. required more work – specifically to reconfigure to desk fans and coat stands – and loaded In the meantime, HQ RAFP is pleased to be the internal office spaces in the FP HQ to them into the awaiting vehicle. Once loading here and is wasting no time in embedding accommodate an additional 27 people, and was complete, a uniquely distinctive convoy itself into the stn; already, our personnel have enable best use of what is an unusual building of the 8-tonner followed by a column of been formally dined-in to both the Officers’ standard-issue grey Vauxhall Astras hit the and SNCOs’ messes respectively, and there road to Honington, where our new offices have been no shortage of social events and quickly filled with familiar furniture and office engagement opportunities for strengthening décor. Although the move was physically our bonds as the RAF’s FP Force alongside our challenging and manpower-intensive, it was RAF Regt counterparts. very straightforward as we were moving to offices pre-equipped with IT, desks, and chairs, Leaving Henlow brings with it some sadness; and sharing the building with an established HQ RAFP has been located there since 2005 and well-found FP HQ (of which the most and there is a significant amount of our history welcoming part, after the drive over from associated with the station, and particularly Henlow, was the fully-stocked Tea Bar). Bldg 143 - the seat of Cdr RAFP and his Execs, and for many years before the seat of HQ On Mon 2 Sep 13, Initial Operating Capability P&SS. However, at the time of writing this (IOC) was officially declared by Cdr RAFP – HQ article - just one month since our first day here RAFP was now co-located with the FP HQ as at Honington - it can be said without doubt directed by AO FP, and it had been achieved that HQ RAFP has firmly made its mark within FS Phil Brown moving artefacts one month ahead of schedule. We are now the FP HQ and is set for the next challenge of from Henlow to Honington. working side-by-side whilst retaining the integration. existing separate chains of command. Flt Lt M J Rankine 6 Provost Parade HQ RAFP Relocation to the Force Protection HQ at RAF Honington Animals First & Foremost I work with dogs from many disciplines including working dogs, gun dogs, agility, racing etc. Remedial massage has been successful in helping dogs return to their work or sport in a much quicker time than would have been expected. 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Provost Parade 7 83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF Police

HQ 83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF Police The RAFP deployed across the Middle East are in a variety of locations and - is it a HQ? Is it a Police Flt? It’s neither if are conducting a variety of tasks to support the expeditionary nature of UK it’s both: it’s a showcase for the diverse and flexible can-do attitude of the RAF Police. Air operations. Here, the RAF Police personnel across the different locations We are talking about the RAF Police element provide an insight into their operations and taskings…. of 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG), the headquarters of the UK Air Component in the Middle East and Afghanistan. 83 EAG is wait: there’s more! 83 EAG’s RAF Police also regarding Force Protection related responsible for four expeditionary air wings ‘double hat’ as 901 EAW A Flt’s Police Flt, so in occurrences in the Joint Operating Area. based in the Middle East: 901 Expeditionary addition to the HQ responsibilities they take Once the information has been gathered Air Wing (EAW) A Flt, 901 EAW C Flt, 902 on the day to day running of a Unit that has it’s pushed out in an open-source digest for EAW and 906 EAW – themselves just part of around 160 personnel at any one time, all individuals to read at their leisure. It’s an 83 EAG’s responsibility, which also includes on an operational footing. There’s absolutely important function ensure that all personnel 903 EAW at Camp Bastion and 904 EAW at no time for complacency. Deadlines are are aware of the open source media and Kandahar Airfield. tight. Additional responsibilities come in the social networking regarding their specific form of vetting, security furniture, security location. Together the EAWs cover a Joint Operating briefings, passes and permits, volume Area (JOA) of some 8 million square miles – of crime, and the real challenge: off-base force We take Force Protection extremely seriously. which 83 EAG’s RAF Police flight covers the protection security patrols. There is a threat to personnel here, and whole of the Middle East. So what does life however lucky we are to enjoy relatively hold for RAFP on a 6-month tour in a HQ role Today, more than ever, RAFP personnel are comfortable facilities here we never forget in the Middle East? As you will see, it’s not expected to be multi-skilled, and 83 EAG is a that it’s up to us to make sure people are entirely the ‘holiday tour’ some people think! great test of those skills. Thankfully the RAFP always kept safe and secure. has a superb ‘can do’ attitude, so wherever the Cpl Dale Penn Being part of the HQ means that the current team works in the Middle East it works hard – incumbents – Theatre Provost Marshal and making sure air power can be delivered safely 902 EAW SO3 A3 Sy Flt Lt Neil Lawrenson, FS A3 Sy FS where and when it’s needed. From its base in the Middle East, 902 EAW is Ian Warren and 83 EAG Crime Manager Sgt Sgt P Hitchen focused on supporting ongoing operations in Phil Hitchen, are responsible to the UK Air Afghanistan and aiding transition to Afghan- Component Commander and AOC 83 EAG, led control of security there. With that aim, Air Cdre Philip Beach, for all Policing and 901 EAW C Flt 902 EAW personnel provide the ground Security issues around the Joint Operating How many hats can a RAF Policeman wear? and technical support that allow its force Area. Come to the RAF Det here at C Flt and you’ll elements, totalling around 200 personnel, to certainly find out! The unstoppable, Dynamic deliver air power where required. This means the day-to-day running of all RAFP Duo of Cpl Dale Penn and Sgt Pete The 902 EAW RAF Police Section currently Police elements including dealing with Donaldson find themselves responsible for a comprises one SNCO, currently Sgt Scott changes to infrastructure and the security whole range of duties. All they’re missing are Campbell, Protective Security (PS) JNCO Cpl implications that they present, Security Risk the capes! Richie Malia, and two JNCO General Police management, short notice Aircraft visits, Duties (GPD), Cpl Dave Johnson and Cpl Kelly contingency planning, Protective Security The team does all the basic functions of RAFP Bielby. assurance visits, Technical Evaluations, on Det such as Force Protection, Counter investigation of serious crime and ensuring Intelligence, Provost Operations, and ATSy, Scott is the Establishment Sy Officer for all other crime is correctly reported, but they also have the lead on activities such 902 EAW, responsible for providing security investigated and recorded. Add on to that the as CBRN co-ord, Information Technology advice and guidance to the 902 EAW execs on management of the administrative matters Security Officer Duties, VVIP/VIP Moves and a range of subjects from the aircraft guarding of 12 RAF Police personnel at deployed Fire Marshal – to name but a few. commitment to advice for 902 personnel locations. It’s more than enough to keep taking part in activities away from the unit. three coppers out of trouble and away from Another of the tasks undertaken by Cpl Penn the sunshine! each week is the collation of open source Richie’s role in the PS section requires information him to conduct security surveys, But inspections and audits and initiating PS investigations. He also interviews the

FS Warren completing Air Transport Security duties.

8 Provost Parade 83 Expeditionary Air Group RAF Police The RAFP deployed across the Middle East are in a variety of locations and Lest We Forget are conducting a variety of tasks to support the expeditionary nature of UK Air operations. Here, the RAF Police personnel across the different locations On 30 September, a small working party from provide an insight into their operations and taskings…. 906 Expeditionary Air Wing Force Protection & Security Flight, consisting of FS Bromell, Sgt Owen & Cpl Walker from the RAF Regiment and RAF Police Sgt Leigh Proctor and Cpl Ewan Howieson carried out cleaning and maintenance of a memorial to an RAF Airman who had been killed in the UAE during WW2.

Flt Lt Neil Lawrenson getting Wellington Mark 1C, serial HX748, was on the busy with the ATSy wand. 906 EAW RAFP conducting Air Transport Security. strength of the Aircraft Delivery Unit, No. 4 Ferry Control Unit, Middle East Command. On locally employed civilians as part of a vetting and training element of the flight which is led 13 February 1943, it landed at RAF Sharjah, program. The PS role can become quite by Flt Lt Katy Steed. Trucial States (the UAE’s previous name) en challenging at times, especially as all three Our role here is easily likened to that seen route from England to India. At 0900hrs on 14 services have different ways of doing things at Camp Bastion: we are at the forefront of February 1943, it took off and 30 minutes later, (and don’t always understand that the RAFP security provided to the numerous flying when over the sea, the pilot noticed oil on the way is the right way…). sqns and high volume of tri-service and multi- reduction gear casing of the port engine. This, national personnel who operate here. The coupled with a visibility of only 2 miles, led Dave and Kelly, as the GPD element, are majority of personnel employed on the FP & him to decide to return to RAF Sharjah. After responsible for providing crime prevention Sy Flt form a guard force employed heavily on about 7 minutes of the return journey, the port advice and dealing with volume crime. Whilst flight line and personnel security. Alongside propeller flew off the engine. The pilot, losing thankfully crime is low due to a proactive this duty, the RAF Police amongst us also offer height, was forced to land on the coast at Seh approach, they help maintain a high standard an exemplary policing capability to the unit. Dhadnah, with the result that the aircraft was of discipline. Our other regular task includes badly damaged and the navigator – Sergeant conducting ATSy duties twice a week on The Counter Intelligence Field Team, William Donnelly of 244 Sqn – was killed. Sgt all UK Military and MOD chartered aircraft comprising Sgt Lee Proctor and Cpl Ewan Donnelly was buried by the crew near the and passengers. Howieson, display another strength that aircraft. Later, despite extensive searches, it was the RAF Police have to offer by providing an not possible to locate the grave as it had been As a team we are all responsible for up-to-date threat analysis of the whole area washed away in floods, and a memorial was conducting Force Protection patrols of the of operations, which can see them visiting erected to Sgt Donnelly in 2010. perimeter fence around the unit and on the numerous locations per day to make sure that domestic and technical sites. Along with the personnel travelling off unit know to avoid Attempts are being made by Cpl Howieson to Force Protection on unit, we also carry out any potentially dangerous areas. locate the relatives of Sgt Donnelly and to pass regular Force Protection and Security Team on photographs of the memorial. (FP&ST) patrols of the local areas that service In addition to PS and ATSy duties, team of Cpl Howieson personnel are permitted to visit. Sgt Paul Scott and Cpl Carl Payne maintain Policing, Guarding and contractual issues. The rough comes with the smooth and the Showing patience and diplomacy, they play advantages of FP&ST is that the RAF Police a big part in making sure there is a smooth have the opportunity to visit some of the host relationship between British and Host Nation nation’s spectacular locations. This tour isn’t Forces. Afghanistan, but while we make the most of the opportunities we’re lucky to have we’re All in all the RAF Police conduct themselves committed to making sure our colleagues competently and proficiently demonstrating, never, ever let down their guard. We’re as ever, why our trade is vital in today’s operational, and that’s exactly the attitude we Air Force – and certainly in this theatre stick to. of operations. Cpl K Bielby Cpl M Pattinson Sgt Phil Hitchin working hard.

906 EAW 906 Expeditionary Air Wing operates in support of Middle East operations as the hub of RAF air transport in the region and into Afghanistan. As always the professionalism and versatility of our trade means we are able to turn our hand to a variety of tasks and we certainly have done here by forming an integral part of the FP & Sy Flt. The RAF Police here provide FP, PS, ATSy, GPD, SIIB and CIFT capabilities to name but a few.

The Flight is made-up of a hybrid team of specialists incorporating Airman Any Guards, each bringing their own area of expertise and qualities to the group, ensuring we provide a well rounded and highly skilled team. As is often the case, the RAF Police and Regiment continue to work well integrated together in the Force Protection field and form the HQ

Provost Parade 9 New Afghan National Army - Regional Corps Battle School Opens n Afghan soldier proudly 215 Regional Corps Battle School displays a certificate (RCBS). Wing Commander James Aawarded for his efforts at the Penelhum, RAF Police the officer- new battle school (Pictured right: in-charge of the RCBS, said: Sergeant Dan Bardsley, Crown The concept is to deliver a copyright.) sustainable training institution for The facility is close to Camp 215 Corps of the Afghan National Bastion and will provide Afghan Army, which is the element recruits who have completed their of the ANA that operates in basic training with more advanced Helmand province. skills, such as firing mortars. Soldiers from 4th Battalion The The school has just opened and Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 we have 7 infantry courses and 10 SCOTS) have deployed to take the combat service support courses lead in training and mentoring running – that means things like Afghan National Army (ANA) food services, combat transport troops at the newly-established and weapons maintenance.

fghan troops on parade instructional role. at the opening ceremony The battle school is seen as a test Aof the 215 Regional Corps model for the rest of the country. Battle School (Pictured left: Wing Commander Penelhum said: Sergeant Dan Bardsley, Crown Over the next couple of months copyright.) we’re receiving a lot of visits from The recruits on the current course other regional headquarters and are being instructed by a team of other Afghan officers from other nearly 100, including soldiers from corps, who are coming to see 4 SCOTS, the US Marine Corps and how this has been set up and civilian contractors. Afghans are identifying lessons. also learning how to take over the

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To place an order, discuss a commission or a workshop please contact Jo on M. 07896989752 T. 01947881232 W. www.eviemousecreations.co.uk E. [email protected] 10 Provost Parade 10 Provost Parade British Forces South Atlantic Islands - RAFP Dog Trials he RAFP Dog Section people deliberately coming onto currently deployed in an area to cause damage, dealing Tthe Falkland Islands have with lost drunken personnel recently undertaken a rigorous and any other potential incident and demanding Dog Trials inbetween, handlers had to competition, testing and be prepared for anything. The challenging every element of scores for this night work were the handlers and their dogs combined with the ‘Protection of and further enhancing abilities, Critical Assets” Test, for overall Best confidence and skills that the Night Work. A trophy won by Cpl handlers can take forward through Don Herriot. their careers and on future other operational deployments. Cpl Jos Next, Cpl Jos Hickman took the Hickman gives his account of the trophy for Best Windscent after a beat up training period and the fantastic indication from his dog, tests completed throughout the Air Dog Flint. The team located the course of the trials… missing persons on the very first leg of their search of the area at a ‘A chance for you all to show off distance exceeding 200 metres. your dogs and get something back for all your hard work’ was how Sgt Cpl Matt Gleadle won the Hutchison described the Dog trials Obedience part of the competition that were being planned for the with Air Dog Fitz after a close resident dog handlers currently competition with his brother manning the dog section in the Air Dog Flint. The sterling effort Falkland Islands. shown by Cpl Gleadle sealed ‘Yeah right’ was the general the win as he competed with a attitude of nearly every handler severe knee injury from falling on the section, ‘more like just off his bike and being ran over more work and pressure on us’. by a van the week previously on As it happens both were right. RnR. Yet he still managed a near As the weeks went on and trials perfect performance. loomed closer it became apparent attitudes were changing. The Cpl Hickman then training work rate picked up took a close win strong effort throughout the and people began to feel the during the Criminal whole competition and was competitive edge creeping in. Workout. Effectively evidently thrilled with his Runner Whether people were playing it subduing and Up Trophy. cool or a bag of nerves, by Monday controlling two morning everybody was anxious ‘criminals’ found Finally the most prestigious prize to get the competition started. on the area. The of all and the one everyone purpose of the was desperate to be crowned The Trials began with Dog Team exercise was to – champion! Who was called inspections and 12 spotless dogs gain control of the forward? Well after a solid week with 12 handlers all under the situation by utilising it was (me!) Cpl Jos Hickman intense scrutiny of the Sergeant. both dog and rifle effectively. teams prepared themselves for and my dog A/D Flint who were Points were knocked off here and a demonstration. In attendance named Trial’s Champions. there for little mistakes. A missed The Biathlon was fiercely would be the Commander BFSAI hair on a uniform, a speck of dirt competed and eventually won and 80 other people including All that was left now was the on the handler’s kit or an incorrect by Cpl James Prior. Having only many high ranking officers, families customary post trials function. The answer given to a question on the recently completed his basic dog and even Falkland Islands TV. big three trophies were presented dog’s records was enough to be course, Cpl Prior used this to his The demonstration went smoothly again to the winners, this time by the difference between success advantage scoring high points showing the dog section in a OC JSPSU, Sqn Ldr John Duffy. The and failure. during the question stage of the fantastic light and afterwards all OC also presented other trophies Cpl Laura Armstrong took victory course. He was also able to utilise 12 teams marched out to see who to the winners of each individual as Best Turned Out and the what he had learned during his would be crowned ‘Champion’. exercise which took place competition was moved onto time on the No 1 (Tactical) Police throughout the week. Night Work scenarios. This involved Squadron completing his Weapon The results were in and despite going out to patrol one of our Handling Tests efficiently and having to compete with an injury, A thoroughly impressive usual areas and dealing with making quick time around the third place went to Cpl Matt performance from all of the Dog situations that could potentially course itself. Gleadle and he was called forward Teams and underlines the high occur. While the basic premise to collect his trophy from CBF. level at which these handlers was kept the same to keep it The scores went unknown until Next taking was a well earned operate and these are skills that fair, the details of scenarios were presentation day and tensions silver for the out of trade handler will be easily transferred to any changed to keep people guessing were running high as dog SAC(T) Tommy Stopper. SAC(T) operational deployment in the and prevent any cheating! From Stopper put in a consistently Future Operating Environment. Cpl Jos Hickman Covert and Scientific Support Flight pl Ellie Marriot from the Image piece of kit is the 360 degree camera; Processing Section at the Covert & we’re using it for all large crime scenes CScientific Support Flight explains as it can provide far more information how the relatively small but very than a standard still image. Once all the important Trade Group 14 Photography panoramic images have been taken we Branch support RAFP operations and stitch and map them together so that a investigations. moving image is created, you can literally walk someone through a crime scene. I’ve been a photographer for nearly The turnaround time is extremely quick 11 years and I always get asked the and it enables the investigating officers same question ‘what does the RAF to brief people quickly and efficiently and need photographers for?’ We’ve got an provides a far better perspective than a extremely varied job and no day is ever book of individual images. the same. As a trade our role is to support RAF When we’re not attending crime scenes activities and undertake a variety of we’re normally trying to promote duties ranging from identity photographs, ourselves a little more by doing PR engineering faults of ground and air imagery. As well as making our section equipment, crime scene/forensic, dental look good via the photos on the wall and medical and sport. In Northern Ireland and keeping on top of our skills it also we process and print intelligence images helps for us to compete for the RAF for interpretation, this is the only air Photographic competition. The photo imagery and wet film we are involved with. comp is held each year and is entered We also provide PR imagery of deployed by every photographic section in the troops in all operational environments RAF. There are numerous categories and help to promote the forces at every from engineering and sport, to an open opportunity. video category and ‘RAF Operational Experience’. This was the first year that Trade group 14 is not very large, in total IPS had entered the competition as a there are about 120 photographers, we are section and I’m proud to say that we did an extremely close trade and always try to well! SAC Matthews won the Technical help other station photographers where and Engineering category and came we can. It is one of the few careers within 3rd in Sport. I got third place for the the RAF where you have the opportunity RAF Photographer of the Year with a to work with all ranks and trades, Members portfolio of 4 images that I entered. I of Parliament and the Royal family. We see feel like we’ve firmly put IPS on the RAF every aspect of being in the Armed Forces, photography map and shown that even good and the bad. No day is ever the same when you’re not on a flying unit it is still in our job and that is the thing that I love. possible to produce quality PR imagery worthy of awards! We’ll be attending the We have several specialist posts within the prize giving ceremony with the Scientific RAF and the Image Processing Section at Support Manager FS Pullen at the RAF the Covert and Scientific Support Flight at Club in London on the 22 Oct 13, and, RAF Henlow is one of the positions where be presented our awards by the Chief little is known about it until you arrive. Our of The Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir main role is to provide operational and Andrew Pulford. technical support to the RAF Police and other agency investigations; we do this If anyone reading this thinks that they through training and attending incidents might be good enough to win a prize and crime scenes wherever possible. We at the competition there is a ‘Best also process imagery that has been taken Amateur Military’ category for non by either RAF Photographers or RAF Police RAF Photographers. If you’d like any from the UK and overseas and produce information please ring a photographic proof print and supplement booklets section for details. for the investigating officers. Our latest Life at The Defence Animal Centre s my time at the Defence On the 21 Dec 12, 6 Belgium articles or tracking a person over Animal Centre (DAC) Malinois (Mali) puppies aged varied terrain. Aapproaches a year, I look 8 weeks arrived, followed by back at what a busy 12 months 2 German Shepherd puppies, By 20 weeks old all dogs were it has been. Arriving in Jun 12, procured on the 9 Jan 13, aged 10 successfully converted to I found myself going straight weeks. hunting for a Kong reward. In onto an Army Instructors Course June we were able to move at Pirbright; a new course The dogs were given a couple them on, under the guidance designed to teach students of weeks to settle into their new of the SME, to a new Juvenile how to be more interactive home routine, before starting the 4 programme. This allowed the instructors, reducing the week environmental programme. introduction of new disciplines absolute reliance on PowerPoint During this period the dogs were such as article search, speak delivery and primarily relying exercised together in the DAC work and early tracking on group interaction such as training room, allowing periods of exercises. So far we have found group discussions and activities. socialisation with each other and the new puppy programme to The moment I returned to Unit interaction with different members be very successful, producing I was putting this into practice, of the section. This time also keen and highly driven YMWDs. instructing both the Kennel allowed the dogs to get up to date Assistant and QPD2 courses. with their vaccinations. Life at the DAC is varied and The timing of instructing on challenging and on a personal the QPD2 course could have At 12 weeks, the Environmental play between the dog and trainer. note, as a keen hockey player, not been any better, as I was Training began, consisting All drive training is conducted I have found myself very busy subsequently offered the of visiting as many different with high energy and lots of verbal throughout the evolution of the opportunity to join the Young locations and experiences as encouragement to reassure the programme, with the hockey Military Working Dog (YMWD) possible, starting off at small dog and develop further drive season in full flow by January. I program as section IC, with a quiet places, such as local parks / excitement for play. Once the was recently presented my RAF new litter of puppies due to before exposure to larger and dogs maintained their hold on colours by Commanding Officer arrive in December. louder areas, once the young the rag, the ‘prey’ was kept ‘alive’ DAC, Lt Col Pope, and the DAC dogs were confident enough. using various movements, with have supported me throughout Without a tried and tested Once environmentally prepared, the emphasis on allowing the dog the sporting season; enabling puppy program in place, and the young dogs were confident to win the ‘tug of war’ game. If me to commit to all of the RAF the arrival of the 8 YMWD and strong enough to move on to any of the dogs showed signs of and Combined Services fixtures fast approaching, we found drive training. becoming disinterested, a second and training. ourselves under vast pressure rag was introduced in the same to find a new programme that Under the new programme the manner, repeating the whole A posting to the DAC is would produce the capabilities dogs were encouraged to play process again swapping the undoubtedly different to serving needed for a successful Military with chamois rags, which were dog between the two chamois. at a RAF station. Working on Working Dog (MWD). After moved across the floor vigorously Once the young dogs grasped a Joint Unit brings with it new viewing and testing several in order to stimulate the dog and the concept of playing with the and different working practices, external agencies’ training enhance their prey drive, without rags, we made the sessions more but things that can quickly programs it was decided, placing them under any undue difficult, hiding the chamois out be adapted to. The benefits that most programs were not pressure at this vital stage in the in a room and allowing the dog to of working at the DAC are the specifically targeted at the young dog’s life. The young dogs go and find it. Again this increased possibility of courses and the needs of Defence. Eventually were encouraged to chase, grab drive and taught the dogs to use experience of working with a it was decided to modify the and hold the rags, thus promoting and trust his/her nose without variety of different dogs and High Assurance Search Dog placing them under to much working practices. Having (HASD) puppy program. With pressure at such an early age. been involved with the YMWD the emphasis on environmental section has broadened my conditioning and drive/ At 16 weeks old the dogs were training knowledge massively, hunt training, this training all assessed by the Police Dog as no where else would I would suit all types of young training Section, allowing them have had the chance to train dogs that enter the YMWD to view the dogs at this stage and a dog from 10 weeks old to project regardless of overall express any concerns before the relatively full trained. Moving classification. This would allow dogs were converted onto a Kong on to promotion in October, all YMWDs to be fundamentally reward. The Kong is a vital training I leave with a better training trained in the same way, aid used to reward adult dogs in knowledge and understanding providing continuity and training such has when searching of what is required to train dogs quantifiable standards for the and locating a person hidden in all disciplines. section. within a building, searching for Cpl J Webb

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Provost Parade 13 Batoning Down Personal Safety Training

f one issue within the Policing world sets one group arguing What nobody can take away from you Iagainst another, it is the issue of when and how to use force. It is your right to defend yourself. Even the is a contentious issue and one that is rightly spoken about and manual of guidance will tell you that you examined carefully. can use ANY force or any 'thing' to defend To put it into context, no matter yourself, as long as you can justify it. what rank you are, or what role you fulfil within the trade, you are first and foremost a RAF Policeman ground. These techniques formed since it opened in 2005, prior to or woman and as such could be the basis of the new guidance that, the package was taught at called upon to don your stab manual. This manual was then RAF Halton, so this is by no means jacket and personal protective given to a panel of medical experts a new concept within training. equipment and respond to who reviewed the contents and As part of the course, students an incident. offered their collective opinions are taught conflict resolution, as to likely medical implications to conflict management and tactical How you conduct yourself within both subjects and also the officer communication strategies as well the first few minutes of meeting carrying out the technique. as a comprehensive lesson on your “client” can be the difference In March 12, the ACPO PST Manual legislation covering the uses of between resolving the issue of Guidance 2012 was rolled out to force. We make sure we cover the peacefully or, placing them into all HOPF’s. legislation, prior to commencing the back of the van with a pair of the practical training. This is done cuffs on! More importantly, those What does all this have to do with for a reason, underpinning the use minutes when you are wrestling the Service Police then? of any force must be within the with your new friend could result The carriage of extendable correct legal framework. in you standing in the dock trying batons and rigid handcuffs for to explain and justify why you use by Service Police Personnel When the students arrive at the carried out the techniques you did. was authorised on 01 May 1997, gym, a comprehensive unarmed following Ministerial approval on package is delivered, followed In April 2009, London was chosen 06 Feb 1996. by baton and then cuff work. as the city to hold the second All equipment carried and This then culminates in a realistic meeting of the G20 Summit, the techniques used however were to training scenario at the end of the leading heads of state met to be approved by both the Home week. When students leave the discuss the state of the financial Office and Armed Forces Minister. school they are qualified as PST markets and the world economy basic users, this competency lasts as a whole. This led to widespread To that end, all Service Police for a year, and it is then a legal protests around the capital. During are trained in Personal Safety requirement for them to carry out one of the protest marches on 01 Techniques using the PST Manual annual refresher training. This will April 2009, a gentleman named Ian of Guidance as our accepted be overseen and delivered by PST Tomlinson was struck with a baton teaching guide. Unit Instructors (UI). and then pushed onto the floor by a member of the Metropolitan The biggest issues regarding the All 3 Service Police PST UI’s are Police TSG unit; the force used was use of force normally arise when trained here at DSPG. They are enough to bring on a heart attack. policemen are asked to justify trained over a 2 week period; The first post mortem carried their individual actions. ANY force the first week is the Defence out 2 days later concluded that used must be proportionate, Instructional Techniques (DIT) Tomlinson had died of natural necessary and reasonable in the course. This is a mandated causes, however a subsequent circumstances. To put it simply, if requirement for anybody carrying post mortem concluded that you need the sledge hammer to out any service instruction. The two situations ever run the same Tomlinson had died as a result of a crack the nut, you have to have a UI’s course is one of the few which way, and all will depend on how blunt force trauma received to the good reason! is totally rank ranged, all we ask you approach the incident. Like abdomen. In May 2011 charges is that you have at least a years every martial arts drill, repetition of manslaughter were brought People often forget that worth of experience out on the is the key, keep practicing every against Harwood. He was found policemen have to put themselves ground, after that, as long as you chance you get so that hopefully not guilty of the offence on 19 July in harms way on a day to day basis, are medically fit for course you when you need to use your skills in 2012 at Southwark Crown Court. the lines between self preservation can apply. We are always short of anger, the muscle memory will not and upholding the law can often instructors, so if you fancy it, get in let you down! What this and various other become blurred and confused in touch with your Sqn trainers. incidents did however was force times of stress. What nobody can If anybody ever has a PST related how PST was trained and delivered take away from you is your right to Other things currently in the question or query, please feel free to be examined under the defend yourself. Even the manual pipeline; a weapon retention to get in touch. spotlight in great detail. In August of guidance will tell you that you programme is currently being 2009, the Association of Chief can use ANY force or any “thing” to worked on to allow cascade Sgt Simon Wilkinson Police Officers ordered a total re- defend yourself, as long as you can training to be delivered in regard PST Force Coordinator write of the PST guidance manual, justify it. to keeping hold of your rifles and DSPG, MOD Southwick Park all of the HOPF’s were consulted pistols, if the need arises. 93835 4803 on what was considered “Best The week long PST package has practice” and what was routinely been taught to the RAFPIC & The world of PST is quite an utilised by officers out on the RAFPOC students here at DSPG organic one, it has to be as no

14 Provost Parade 14 Provost Parade MoD Corsham - Joint Cyber Unit

he RAFP Cyber Subject or disable computers and Matter Experts currently computer systems often giving Tat MoD Corsham, give a unrestricted access to third party quick insight into what some see users. Some of you may be as a “Dark Art and explains the shocked to hear there are bad impressive capabilities that they people out there in the Cyber provide to Cyber Defence to the world and they want to steal MoD and aims to dispel some of the information housed within the myths of Cyber… our networks. Unfortunately every computer system has In a small town out in the midst one very large weakness…the of Wiltshire are quite possibly user! Malware generally relies some of the best kept secrets in on users to introduce it to the the RAFP. Here at MoD Corsham system by ignoring SyOps and (formerly RAF Rudloe Manor using unauthorised hardware and HQ RAFP for the old and or clicking on email links. bold amongst us) there are When this happens TVT are 9 RAF Police personnel, from called into action; our primary Substantive Cpl to WO, in 4 task being one of Computer different organisations. They Network Defence. We have are; WO Ian Pratt – Labyrinth delegated responsibility from System Security Officer, FS Jason CDS to protect MoD networks Trevorrow – FS Joint Security and its data worldwide; Co-ordination Centre (JSyCC) directly supporting force and Sgt Barron – UK National protection efforts. Distribution Agency. However the best unit and there is no bias So where do TVT-F slot into involved, is ours, Joint Cyber Unit the picture? (Corsham) (JCU (Cor)). Located When an incident occurs on the within the Global Operations network we are called upon to Security Control Centre, JCU deploy, potentially worldwide, to (Cor) has 6 RAFP posts within the location where a MoD system J2 and J3; FS Dominic Sarrazin has been infected by Malware. – FS JCU J2 Fusion, Cpl Daniel Our main priority is to quickly Fairbrother – JCU J2 Fusion, establish what areas have been FS Wayne Stafford – FS JCU J3 targeted / infiltrated and capture Threat Verification Team (TVT) the memory of the system (very and us in JCU J3 TVT-Forensics useful evidence for incident what information may have nature then all details are (TVT-F). Our team consists of response and a good hiding been compromised; allowing for evidentially recorded and sent one Sgt (Martin Heyde) and place for advanced Malware). mitigation action to be taken. to the RAFP Force Intelligence two Cpl’s (Dale McGleenon and We will then acquire a full Sadly these processes are not as Bureau for consideration Chris Jones). forensic image (an exact copy) of depicted on programmes like of a criminal investigation We work closely with two other computer hard drives attached NCIS and take a lot of time, often being initiated. sections, Sensors (TVT-S) and to the infected system and begin days, before in-depth analysis Malware (TVT-M), which are evidence handling procedures. can commence. Within Cyber forensics everyday staffed with personnel from RAF Whilst at the scene we can also is a learning day with a plethora TG4, British Army Royal Corps assess any other networked When the sensors alarm to of courses and self study of Signals and Royal Navy LCIS. assets for signs of infection. Malware, Internet traffic is pulled required to keep up to date TVT-S deal with the configuration back from the network and with advances in computer and management of the sensor On return to JCU (Cor) we TVT-F are able to reconstruct technology and new Malware. fleet deployed on MoD networks; will begin the analysis phase the web session; allowing sites Normal working hours are 8:30 think of it as an alarm system during which we will locate the the user was browsing, internet to 5, but normal is hard to find for the network. TVT-M deal offending Malware and copy it so searches and images viewed here! We have all found it to be with the reverse engineering that our colleagues in TVT-M can to be analysed. If the browsing an extremely challenging yet of Malware and the technical work their magic using ‘dynamic is deemed inappropriate then highly rewarding specialisation. reporting that follows. analysis’, reverse engineering this would be reported to the For any aspiring ‘computer geeks’ to tell us what the Malware JSyCC for wider distribution to out there and those of you who To understand TVT’s role you is designed to do and what the appropriate WARP’s and like a challenge, keep an eye need to understand what actions it can take on a system. onwards to unit ITSO’s, with a out for openings and annotate Malware is. Short for malicious Where we differ from TVT-M is view to the account holder being your interest using your JPA software, most of you will have that we conduct ‘static analysis’ investigated for breach of Sy posting preferences. heard of it being called Viruses, allowing us to report on the Ops and JSP 740 (Acceptable Trojans or Worms; which is exact effects of the Malware on Use Policy). If the browsing Cpl D McGleenon and software intended to damage that particular system, including is deemed to be of a criminal Cpl C Jones.

Provost Parade 15 Less is

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16 Provost Parade Training Exercise with Mauritian Authorities.

peration ATALANTA, also known as the meet the ship, check the evidence European Union Naval Force Somalia packaging and statements, arrange O(EU-NAVFOR-ATALANTA), is a current for the local CID and State Counsel military operation undertaken by the European to meet the ship and review the Union Naval Force which comprises part of a case file before taking over custody larger global effort by the EU to prevent and of the pirates for prosecution. combat acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia. Following the handover, every court FS Chris Roberts gives his account of how the case for captured pirates is attended RAFP have supported this operation during his and reported back to numerous recent deployment. large organisations, including EUNAVFOR HQ Northwood, NATO The mission launched in 2007 with a focus and the Pentagon. on protecting Somalia-bound vessels and shipments associated with a regional Attending court was the most peacekeeping mission operated by the African arduous of tasks. The Kenyan legal Union, the World Food Programme (WFP), and process dictates that all persons select other vulnerable shipments. In addition, arrested for an offence have to Op ATALANTA monitors regional fishing activity. appear before the Magistrates the In 2012 the scope of the mission expanded to next morning. Mombasa has 20 include Somali coastal territories and internal courts within one building and waters so as to co-ordinate counter-piracy every offender brings his whole operations with Somalia’s Transitional Federal family to the court. Pirate cases have A typical confused day in a Mombasa Government and regional administrations. no primacy over other offences; Court. Prison guards and police in the therefore the EULLO has to endure a foreground, with the Suspected Pirates Since 2010 the RAF Police has been part of a large number of other cases before sat behind in the dock. tri-service rotational post based in Mombasa, the pirate case in question is heard. Kenya in support of Op ATALANTA performing Many hours were spent crammed into the numerous to mention, but with piracy attacks the role of European Union Legal Liaison Officer oppressively hot and malodorous public areas reducing significantly over the past 18 months (EULLO). This is a standalone post with no “in of the court! and with many court cases now complete, country” support, either welfare or operational. this post may soon be disestablished. The The EUNAVFOR HQ is at Northwood and Mombasa has a reputation for being a fact that attacks have reduced so significantly given the time difference coupled with dangerous place, which is entirely unfounded can be directly attributed to the success of communication difficulties this added and no more dangerous than certain parts of the operation and coordination with other complexity to an already challenging situation. other main European cities. There is always operations in force along with the measures the threat of minor terrorist attacks from Al put in place by the merchant companies with a On 14 Oct 12 FS Chris Roberts deployed as Shabab or the Mombasa Republican Council vested interest in eradicating piracy to maintain the EULLO taking over duties from a WO1, (MRC - who are a Muslim organisation fighting an effective supply chain. RMP. Responsibilities included liaison with the for an independent coastal region of Kenya) but Kenyan State Counsel Prosecutors and Kenyan these attacks are fairly minor with little or no FS Chris Roberts CID along with many other organisations coordinated plan. Despite this, the recent attack involved in the peacekeeping mission, WFP in Westlands, Nairobi, has proven that with and other anti-piracy missions which included minimal planning an attack on a busy public NATO and the US. The multinational nature area can be highly successful. of the operation created challenges in itself as each mission and each individual country The climate is tropical with 2 dry and 2 wet has their own processes in place concerning seasons per year giving temperatures between evidence collection and production. 30 - 35 degrees throughout and humidity at a high of 90%. Temperatures for the most part at Once a warship brings captured pirates into night are 30+. Mombasa Harbour, Djibouti, Seychelles or Above all a very fulfilling tour with Repackaging clothing prior to the Mauritius, it is the responsibility of the EULLO to opportunities away from the workplace too takeover of Suspected Pirates from the French Frigate FS Surcoff. OP ATALANTA - RAF Police Support to Anti-Piracy Missions Provost Parade 17 Getting RAF Cosford Airshow safely and securely off the Ground

FS Phil Lloyd, SNCO IC RAFP Flt requires months of planning. at RAF Cosford gives an insight Critical to the success of the into the policing and security day are the MPGS who manage efforts required to ensure that three vehicle entry gates and one RAF Cosford’s Airshow in June pedestrian gate, SSgt Daz Phillips, this year, passed off safely and MPGS Plt Cdr, had a monumental without incident. task of ensuring that vehicle searches are carried out effectively Having just returned from Op without compromising security or HERRICK 17 and posted to RAF causing congestion on the main Cosford, Flt Lt Chrissy Siczowa had artery routes into Cosford. Just and are all called upon to carry the promise of excellent weather a challenging first week in post, a single minute of unnecessary out these tasks and therefore meant the Airshow organisers which involved having to organise delay at the gate will result in two a request is made to No 6 Sqn were expecting maximum and deliver the final Policing and miles worth of tailback on the RAF Police to provide a further 8 attendance, in short the small Security Plan for the Cosford M54 motorway and hundreds personnel to support the Policing number of RAF Police could Airshow 2013. The usual routine of of frustrated spectators. To assist and Security Op. Thankfully expect to be extremely busy. utilising the first few days to settle the MPGS in vehicle searching at NCOs from Wittering, Shawbury, Being the first boots on the in and get to know your new Unit the gates, No 6 Sqn RAF Police Halton, Wyton, High Wycombe ground at 0600 with both BRONZE and Police Flight had to be shelved were able to deploy three Vehicle and Henlow assisted and greatly and SILVER Control respectively as the new OC attended high level Search (VS) Dog Teams, adding improved our capabilities. These manned by Sgt Arnie Mcmorran meetings with West Mercia Police, to the security footprint of the additional personnel arrived the and Flt Lt Siczowa, the RAF Police the Highways Agency, Shropshire event. Cpl White (Marham), Cpl previous day and were familiarised would remain on post until 2300 County Council and finally last Thomas (Coningsby) and Cpl with the airfield and their some two hours after the public but not least with the Airshow Jeeves (Waddington) and their specific duties, then introduced had left and the gates closed to Organising Committee. Held dogs searched over 350 vehicles to their partnered Cosford NCO the public. The day had its usual annually, the RAF Cosford Airshow and found countless items who would provide situational fast balls including the Shawbury attracts up to 60,000 spectators including a machete and over awareness of the ground. Land Rover deciding that its travelling the length and breadth 100 shotgun cartridges in a bag, a gearbox would give up, however of the UK to see the aircraft and sterling contribution which greatly In 2013, the appearance of the luckily a loaned Discovery from events on display. As one of the enhanced the search capability impressive Vulcan bomber, the Land Rover PLC ensured that the largest events in Shropshire, of the MPGS and ensured the usual Red Arrows spectacle and Incident Control Point patrol was second only to the ‘V Festival’ (or security and safety of the airshow. as crusty FS’s like to call it ‘the big pop concert down the road’) Flt At Cosford the RAF Police provide Lt Siczowa had quite a task on her core responsibilities during the hands however with her previous Airshow which include General 2(T)PS knowledge and being Police Duty patrols within the responsible for securing Camp public area, policing alongside our Bastion earlier this year, she had West Mercia Police counterparts, nothing to worry about! VVIP escorts and security using our two motorcycle assets, mobile Cosford’s unique location coupled patrols around the airfield and with the high volume of public an Incident Control Point in the attending the event mean that event of a major event within the every element of the security flying display area. RAF Cosford and policing of the Airshow site has only 12 RAF Police personnel 18 Provost Parade functional throughout. The Chief Squadron HQ went without any of the Air Staff (CAS) was stationary incident. Cosford’s reliance on in a Shropshire country lane and motorcycles for the success of unable to move due to grid locked the day is tried and tested having Getting RAF Cosford traffic, only the motorcycle teams previously escorted HRH Prince could get to CAS and a clearway Michael of Kent during an official was eventually made and the VIP visit at Shawbury and also HM the Airshow safely and escorted into Cosford. However, Queen during the 2012 Diamond he was not the only VVIP arriving Jubilee Shropshire Pageant. that day, 48 hours before the day Flt Lt Siczowa was informed The 2013 Cosford Air Show proved securely off the Ground that HRH Prince Harry would be to be a highly successful RAF undertaking his first Apache flying Police Operation, which could not display, no-one was aware of have been achieved without the this development except the Stn fullest cooperation of all No 6 Sqn Cdr and OC Police and the RAF Flt Cdr’s who graciously allowed Police were requested to arrange their personnel to assist. Thank you entry by road for the Royal. The to everybody who assisted. motorbike team were once again put to task and a seamless FS P Lloyd escort through the thousands SNCO IC RAFP of spectators to the Apache RAF Cosford

Sgt Sargeant - CAS Commendation

gt Richard Sargeant was awarded Chief of the Air Staff’s SCommendation in the New Years Honours, for his outstanding performance whilst in post as A/FS, SNCO IC RAF Police at RAF Northolt, over the period of Op OLYMPICS; during which the Stn was directly responsible for supporting the Air Security Plan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This involved the forward basing of an additional 13 military aircraft, comprising 7 different types, including 4 Typhoon fast jets, as well as other military units in support of the wider security effort. In addition to his duties within the service, Sgt Sargeant manages a First Response scheme, providing in excess of 70 volunteers and raised £75,000 to purchase six fast response units, responding to 999 medical emergencies on behalf of London Ambulance Service. Through his recent example Sgt Sargeant has upheld the high standards of the RAF Police, and core ethos and values of the RAF.

Provost Parade 19 Keeping the Peace at RAF Waddington hilst all members of the starting with the establishment In light of the protester threat, clothes with their Special Branch Armed Forces are well of a semi-permanent peace camp and also taking the murder of counterparts to act as discrete Waware their actions protect opposite the station fence line, Drummer Rigby in Woolwich into spotters within the crowd in order the democratic freedoms of the comprising a caravan bedecked consideration, senior commanders to identify and head off problem citizens of the United Kingdom, with flags and slogans which required enhanced security behaviour before it started. it is a dichotomy that those expressed displeasure with the measures at the RAF Waddington freedoms include the right to drones. Of greater significance has International Air Show 2013, Command and control at all levels disagree with the policies of Her been protestor marches, ranging where some 150,000 civilians was also unified, thus ensuring Majesty’s Government, including from small groups of Quakers would be in close contact with that the correct resources could those policies that dictate how the congregating at crash gates to military personnel and equipment be deployed rapidly in response to Armed Forces operate. hold prayer meetings, to full over 2 days. A complex policing any scenario. In the event, the blown marches with hundreds of and security plan was therefore Air Show passed off without Within the UK, where RAF Force participants. developed and activated. This significant incident. We will Protection is an RAF Police lead, brought together the specialist probably never know whether nowhere is this contrast clearer The worst-case scenario actually capabilities and overlapping the high profile and extensive than at RAF Waddington, where happened in June, when policing jurisdictions of the RAF policing and security presence in RAF Police and MPGS personnel protestors cut through the fence Police, the Ministry of Defence place during that period deterred from 5 RAF Police Sqn are to trespass on the unit. With the Police (MDP) and Lincolnshire planned hostile activity. That said, committed 24/7/365 to protecting airfield active, this represented Police. Nearly 200 personnel from a number of criminal intelligence the RAF’s Combat Intelligence, a risk to not only their own lives, these Forces, including many from leads were developed during that Surveillance, Target Acquisition but also to the safety of the across 1 RAF Police Wing, were time and they will be exploited and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) hub. aircraft, and therefore to the deployed. Joint Service/Civilian in due course through continued safety of all personnel within Police patrols, both inside and liaison between the policing The majority of Waddington’s the vicinity. The RAF Police and outside the wire, were the norm agencies. conventional aircraft fleet are not MPGS response was immediate throughout the event. The Air Show represents the controversial, being in the main and Lincolnshire Police support most visible and highest profile militarised versions of civilian was also quickly on-scene. The In addition to general policing, of RAF Waddington’s outputs, counterparts adapted for the ISTAR protesters were arrested, thereby specialist units were deployed. but does not detract from the role. However, Waddington is now removing the immediate threat Lincolnshire firearms units work throughout the year. With home to two squadrons of Reaper that they represented to life and provided an armed response Stn aircraft supporting some 10 Remotely Piloted Air Systems who air operations. capability, while MDP provided overseas air exercises to date this routinely fly operational missions their Protestor Removal Team, year and conducting operations over Afghanistan, controlled from Reaction to such threats is not acknowledged experts in safely worldwide in theatres as diverse ground stations on the unit. These haphazard. The first stage is the removing protestors who as Africa, the Persian Gulf and unmanned vehicles, often referred maintenance of an excellent conduct ‘lock-ons’. RAF Police Afghanistan, the operational to in the media as ‘drones,’ are a working relationship with the dogs provided a mix of search tempo is as high as anywhere in significant bone of contention local Home Department Police and patrol effect and Counter the RAF. 5 (RAFP) Sqn continues for anti-war protestors and, as Force, in this case Lincolnshire Intelligence operators from to act as a key enabler, providing such, Waddington has found itself Constabulary. This in turn leads the 1 RAF Police Wing Special timely security and policing increasingly the focus of anti- to the sharing of key intelligence, Investigations and Intelligence services in order to allow drone protester activity. the production of a joint threat Branch, specially trained in civilian commanders to fulfil their training This activity has included many assessment and ultimately to co- police behavioural detection and operational missions. standard protestor activities, ordinated response to incidents. techniques, deployed in plain RAF St Mawgan…. 70, Not Out! reetings and salutations around 5000 Defence personnel These problems are not confined The Proms in the Park event from sunny RAF St Mawgan. in survival training per year. On to RAF St Mawgan, and the was a major success with 1000+ G“Is that still open?” I hear you top of this it has the pleasure of RAF Police frequently have to members of the public attending shout. Indeed we are and ‘Cornwall accommodating around 2000 liaise closely with members of to see attractions like the central Command’ is still going strong. soldiers of the NATO Allied Rapid the Devon and Cornwall (D&C) band of the RAF, the QCS on Despite losing the UK’s widest Reaction Corps (ARRC) on exercise Constabulary. Working with the parade and a fireworks display. military runway in December over the winter period, many D&C police force is important in The event served to demonstrate 2008 and the Sea King Search and of whom are from other NATO another aspect, as off-unit married that RAF St Mawgan is still a busy Rescue squadron earlier that same nations. quarters are widely dispersed in and relevant part of the RAF year celebrations have been in This presents a series of unique civilian areas. Issues with crime landscape. The RAF Police, and full force culminating in the 70th challenges to the RAF Police and anti-social behaviour in the MPGS guard force provided anniversary Proms in the Park contingent resident on the camp, these areas often require a joined an integral security and policing extravaganza on 7 September 13. formed of a WO (OC Police and Sy), approach. This brings with it a element in this in order to The unit has reinvented itself Sgt, GPD Cpl, PS Cpl and 3 A/Cpls. diverse scope of policing and you protect the various critical assets several times in the preceding For visiting units the temptation never know whether you will be at the unit and maintain the years and is now a major training of attempting to forge close ties spending your day ‘managing’ the RAF’s good standing in the local unit providing a home for with drinking establishments in movement of stray farm animals, community. Not only was this the Defence Survival Training the seaside town of Newquay, robustly policing alcohol fuelled achieved successfully but to the Organisation (DSTO) as well as a ten minute taxi drive away, is servicemen or liaising with Wildlife dulcet tones of Ray Quinn of X a base for units on adventurous too much to resist. This brings Crime Officers. I certainly thought Factor Fame. Well we certainly feel training and decompression. It with it all the usual problems it was a crank call when asked to blessed! St Mawgan OUT! parents around 3000 personnel associated with alcohol and anti- go to the bat cave! throughout the region and trains social behaviour. 20 Provost Parade From RAFP Basic Training to Op HERRICK - the Debden Flt Development n Friday 15 Mar 13, Debden Flight same day we met the Individual Augmentees passed out of the Defence School (IAs) who had recently joined the flight to Oof Policing and Guarding (DSPG) create the full Squadron. The briefs to follow at MOD Southwick Park, becoming the were very informative; they confirmed which newest members of the RAF Police. Whilst Flt we would operate on whilst on Camp graduation day marked the formal end of Bastion, depicting our specific roles and trade training, it symbolised something far responsibilities. The main roles of the tour more significant; our right of passage into that we will undertake are on the MEP, Flt the wider RAF and the start of 5 exciting, Line or Ops Team. Those of us on the Ops challenging careers. Cpls Hodson, Reeve, Team are likely to have the opportunity Tabor, Watkins and Wilkins prepared to switching between theory and practical. to work alongside 51 and 58 Sqn RAF start Mission Specific Training (MST) for Op Using the Op BARMA lanes at RAF Henlow, Regiment, especially the females who are HERRICK 19 with 2 Tactical Police Squadron (2 we took it in turns to use the Vallon to detect in demand to carry out searches on female TPS) at RAF Henlow. metal objects hidden below the surface, Afghan Nationals. which could be a component part on an Theatre Orientation Briefs IED. All of a sudden the training became Exercise FIGHTING PENTA MST officially began in April with two weeks very realistic. Furthermore we went on The penultimate task of MST was to complete of Theatre Orientation briefs at RAF Leuchars to simulate working on the MEP at Camp was Exercise FIGHTING PENTA. This was 51 alongside 58 Sqn RAF Regiment. We returned Bastion on the training area at Defence Sqn’s Final Training Exercise (FTX) at STANTA. to RAF Henlow in good spirits after gaining Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) The 5 of us, alongside Cpls Harding, McKie an insight into the upcoming tour and Chicksands. and Theobald, were privileged to be the first having got to know the Flt better. ever RAF Police personnel to embed within Cat 2+ an RAF Regiment Sqn on exercise. The eight Language Training For the Cat 2+ course we returned to DISC of us were split down into pairs, one pair The next part of MST involved learning the Chicksands. Until this point we had only for each of the four flights, for the duration basics of the Pashtu and Dari languages. rehearsed how to retreat from the enemy. of the week long exercise. Our field skills They were intense courses since we learnt Throughout the week we learned a plethora were tested as we spent the week within our vocabulary equivalent to that of a whole of TTPs including foot patrols, advancing sections carrying out missions including Op school term in just one week for each onto the enemy, casevac drills and Close TESSERAL patrols, counter-threat patrols, language. Thanks to the imaginative teaching Quarter Battle (CQB) techniques. Cpl’s Reeve quick reaction force (QRF) duties, a reccé of techniques of Operational Training Flight and Watkins were praised for operating Talanabad (the mock Afghan village) and (OTF) instructor, Cpl O’Malley, we found stealthily as they carried out the patrol in a final mission involving the entire Sqn. ourselves in a field pretending to stop and utter silence, communicating using only Sleep was a luxury we were often deprived search each other at the Main Entry Point hand signals. of since most nights we were abruptly (MEP) of Camp Bastion, using a bank of disturbed by the sentries’ urgent bellows of phrases and comical hand gestures. The most intense morning of the course ‘STAND TO! STAND TO!’ and blasts of gunfire. was the bayonet training. The morning Unanimously, we found the exercise an RAF Team Medic began on the airfield at RAF Henlow with a extremely useful eye-opener as we took part Next we travelled to Keogh Barracks for the brutal combat phys session so exhausting in rehearsals of operational tasks real-time RAF Team Medic course. We spent the week that we would have preferred a beasting dressing up as gory casualties, treating each from an Army PTI at DSPG Southwick Park. Now, we are almost at the end of MST. other and simulated rescuing injured people That morning we were thrashed for a good Regardless of this, we are keeping very from a road traffic collision. These skills are 2 hours before beginning the bayonet busy with last-minute arrangements for our really beneficial to remember in normal day- tuition. The bayonet teaching commenced own FTX and Mission Rehearsal Exercise to-day life as well as on tour. but only after leopard crawling, monkey (MRX), Dining Out Night and Families’ Day. running, sprinting and marking time in After completing such a thorough training CAT 2 Training helmets and body armour. The Flight then programme, we are eager to put into action Moving on, 2 weeks of CAT 2 training briefs lined up beside bayonets and fitted them to all that we have learned for Op Herrick 19. and practicals came to follow. Much of the the muzzle of our rifles. The RAF Regiment We aspire to return from our first tour with a course content had already been covered but instructor, Cpl Yates, kept our adrenaline high better understanding of the Afghan culture we found it useful to revise our drills, skills and under his orders, we sprinted to ‘Pork and a more detailed knowledge of the RAF and TTPs. To say the least the Environmental Pie’ (the orange cone 50m away) between Police’s role and responsibilities within the Health (EH) brief was harrowing! As this each demonstration and practical. When we country. Hopefully we will develop our own is written, Cpl Wilkins is squirming at the weren’t viciously stabbing the sand bags, we personal confidence and leadership qualities, thought of being infected with Leishmaniasis relentlessly marked time whilst shouting ‘ON in order to prepare us better for future by a diseased sand-fly, which causes oozing GUARD!’ and ‘HIGH PORT!’ challenges throughout our careers. boils and volcano-like lesions if left untreated after the initial bite. Op Herrick 19 Specific Briefs and Meet IAs Cpl’s Tabor, Wilkins, Watkins, The Counter Improvised Explosive Device Then we attended Op HERRICK 19 specific Reeve and Hodson. (C-IED) training was an intense course, briefs from OC 5 FP Wg and OC 2 TPS. On the No1 (Tactical) Police Squadron - Operation NEWCOMBE lements of No 1 RAF departed on 11 March to Senegal carriers to Tata jeeps. We were ourselves within Bamako, Mali, (Tactical) Police Squadron and upon arrival there was a large on the ground for approx 5 hours for ease of transportation and Ewere attached to No. 4 RAF presence of allied forces consisting processing and searching the thus saving time. A challenging Force Protection Wing to provide of Italian, French and Germans. vehicles prior to them boarding and demanding environment Air Transport Security and FP The FPIAO Team met the British the aircraft. FS Drummond found faced the Team and aircraft crew for RAF C17 (99 Sqn) and 146 troops stationed in Senegal and a stash of drugs hidden in the with temperatures reaching (32 Sqn) aircraft in support of arranged a refuel for the C17 so dashboard of a vehicle; these 50 degrees celcius and tented the logistical role for the French the airframe could continue on drugs were confiscated and accommodation near the French intervention, delivering personnel task. The task was briefed by the handed over to the Nigerian fighter jets, so any sleep was and equipment as part of Op Captain that the next 14 days they Police. interrupted by the loud noise NEWCOMBE. These deployments would be making 10 trips into of engines! varied from three days to four Mali carrying vehicles, equipment Over the course of the first weeks depending on the needs of and personnel. week they encountered many Upon successful completion of the French forces. issues due to severe weather the task, the aircraft, crew and The team continued on task into that grounded the aircraft. This FPIAO Team returned to the UK, In March 13, a Force Protection Kaduna, Nigeria, to collect the put the task behind schedule knowing that their efforts had Integrated Air Operation (FPIAO) first 4 vehicles to be transported but also put pressure on the secured the UK Air asset and Team, of RAFP from 1 TPS and into Mali along with 10 Nigerian French intervention. Eventually provided significant support to RAF Regt were deployed on Op soldiers. The types of vehicles it was decided that they would the Op NEWCOMBE effort. NEWCOMBE. The FPIAO Team ranged from safari people continue the task by basing

Cpl HUTCHINS on Op NEWCOMBE FPIAO task.

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22 Provost Parade No1 (Tactical) Police Squadron Force Protection Integrated Air Operations s the co-located Force did not warrant a full FP Wg HQ conduct a week long Command Regrettably, despite months of - Operation NEWCOMBE Protection HQ stands up deployment, several individual Post Exercise and demonstrate the arduous work in preparation for Aat RAF Honington, with augmentees were deployed size and shape of the full panoply CAPABLE EAGLE, on 28 August RAFP and RAF Regt HQ elements from the FP Wg HQ, in addition of FP capability. Under the JFAC Trg 2013, No 4 FP Wg HQ were working alongside each other to providing 24 hour mounting Team, AGILE EAGLE put MC EAW deployed at 24 hours notice to deliver FP to UK Air Ops both support to other Force Elements through their paces; simulating a to Cyprus amidst the growing in the UK and overseas, here we that deployed. By the end of deployment to an austere air base tensions surrounding Syria. see the RAFP at the very front April 2013, No 4 FP Wg HQ had in support of overseas counter- end of these operations with a mounted 169 personnel from the insurgency operations. Following a FP review conducted perspective from Flt Lt Jon Bird, RAF Police, RAF Regiment and by Wg Cdr Rawsthorne, OC No currently serving with No 4 Force RAF Medical Branch in support On return from North Yorkshire, 4 FP Wg, at RAF Akrotiri, his Wg Protection Wing HQ at RAF Brize of Operations throughout Africa the FP Wg HQ immediately began HQ deployed to RAF Akrotiri Norton. and the Middle East. To date, planning for the final confirmatory to support the Station and 121 commitment to Contingency exercise; CAPABLE EAGLE, which is EAW. Conducting a British Forces Flt Lt Jon Bird arrived on No 4 has seen the Wg HQ mount 232 aligned to be an integral part of a Cyprus island-wide FP review; Force Protection Wing (FP Wg) HQ personnel in support to wider multinational, tri-service exercise, providing FP C2 and FP ground in January 2013 as the resident contingent Operations, including Exercise JOINT WARRIOR, involving FEs for deploying Air assets; RAFP Junior Officer and assumed a total of 139 personnel in support over 800 personnel. Preparations and providing RAF Akrotiri with the Ops Officer (Security) role of Operation NEWCOMBE. saw recces carried out and several security assurance for existing immediately and had to hit the ongoing liaisons with MC EAW structure and process. The FP Wg ground running as the FP Wg J5 Plans is a FP Wg HQ’s core and the JFAC Trg Team. A further HQ was bolstered by personnel was embroiled in the developing business and planning for No preparatory exercise, EAGLE FLAG, from 1 Sqn RAF Regt and the RAFP tensions in West Africa. 4 FP Wg has been diverse and saw Flt Lt Bird deploy to Joint Base Contingency Force Elements, unending - from internal estimate McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New under the Command and Control France had offered military training to Non-Combatant Jersey, USA. During this week long of 4 FP Wg, providing security support to the Malian Government Evacuation Operation (NEO) deployment, along with a small to defend critical assets. Current in order to aid in repelling an planning groups, No 4 FP Wg team of MC EAW personnel, Flt Lt commitment from No 4 FP Wg insurgent uprising working its way HQ have remained consistently Bird worked alongside the USAF to this contingent operation, and from the North of the country, involved. This included an element Contingency Reaction Group many others like it, looks set to closer to the focus of French of training at the RAF FP Centre improving his understanding of continue. With the international interests in the South. The UK were at Honington on the FP Estimate, how contingency operations were situation appearing to remain tasked with providing support in which, as global dynamics and conducted by the USAF. While uncertain for the future, one thing the way of Air Transport (AT) to the tensions strained, was interspersed the resources may not be able to remains certain; the RAFP will French forces deploying to Mali; with real-time NEO planning be replicated (in sheer numbers continue to play an integral part this task would later expand and in an integrated environment of personnel and dedicated in Force Protection for Contingent AT support would also be provided encompassing both RAF Police equipment - some 30 C17 loads Operations in the future to other African nations in the and RAF Regiment specialists. alone for the HQ!), some of the operating environment. movement of their personnel to planning considerations and support the military operations The RAF’s contingency lessons can be, with some useful Flt Lt Jon Bird, OpsO Sy, in Mali. construct aligns a FP Wg with ideas and experiences returned. 4 FP Wg HQ an Expeditionary Air Wg (EAW), No sooner had the FP Wg took who undergo training to assume Cpls Parry and Curtis on Sovereign receipt of its new RAF Police readiness for a fixed period - in No Base Area Maritime Patrol. Officer than the task had begun. 4 FP Wg’s case, the RAF Marham Based at RAF Brize Norton, No 4 FP and RAF Coningsby combined Wg HQ is ideally located to both EAW (MC EAW). No sooner provide Subject Matter Expert had the tempo of Operation advice to the Force HQ and Air NEWCOMBE reduced, the Wg Transport squadrons, whilst also found itself heavily involved in acting as the Mounting Centre the preparation for MC EAW’s for FP Force Elements who depart transition to holding contingency from Brize Norton and directly readiness. The training programme operate in support of those involved a series of EAW exercises deployed assets as part of Force as well as significant amounts Protection for Independent Air of planning in support of those Operations. The first quarter of exercises. The second exercise 2013 highlighted the importance of the series was AGILE EAGLE of this unique relationship; while which saw the majority of 4 FP contingent operations at the time Wg HQ deploy to RAF Leeming to

Provost Parade 23 Op HELVETIC G8 Summit - Release The Hounds… or those who are unaware, that we’re trying to develop for was established four RAFP Arms and AES handlers across the Force. In on 9 Jun which FExplosive Search (AES) 2012, the HELVETIC AES Section determined the handlers operate from Flying was heavily involved in clearing start of the search Station (FS) Aldergrove the entire route through Northern taskings for the carrying out AES support for Ireland for the Olympic Torch and Op HELVETIC 38 (Irish) Bde Royal Engineer for venue clearances for the visit handlers. The Search Advisers (RESA), as of Her Majesty The Queen during welcome face of well as the Police Service of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Cpl Nat Grimer Northern Ireland (PSNI) and At the other end of the spectrum AES Dogs, RAF other members of the Security however, we’ve been involved Lossiemouth was Forces. While we are officially with searches with RESTs where drafted in to assist rostered on 2, 8, 48 and 72 there have been live devices the Aldergrove hours NTM, many of our tasks laying in wait for members of the handlers with the come in with ‘we need you to Security Forces. Our tasks can be workload over this period. next 10 days; the third team with be ready to go in half an hour’. anything from a couple of hours Nat Grimmer working the outer Ready to go generally means on a route search to in excess of Working closely with the Royal cordon were located at the TA get a briefing from the RESA, 12 hours, returning to unit in the Engineer Search Teams (REST), Centre in Enniskillen. grab kit depending on the type small hours. Cpls Claire Bullen, Nat Grimer and of task and be ready to move. Jimmy Wood travelled with them With the outer cordon in place For the most part we’re off in An already busy period for the in convoy on 10 Jun to establish the magnitude of this security the ice-cream van-type search AES Dog Handlers working on Op a FOB at the Lough Earne Resort. operation was evident when we vans, but in some instances for HELVETIC was about to become Sgt Mike Mortimer remained as had a tour of the resort to locate the more interesting jobs, we even more so. On 18-19 Jun 13 the lone Op HELVETIC handler the Incident Control Points, Main deploy in our dedicated Snatch the G8 Summit was held at the continually travelling between Entry Points, perimeter, Out vehicle, armed with pistols and Lough Earne 5* Resort, Enniskillen. FS Aldergrove and HQNI, Lisburn Of Bounds areas and messing with body armour, escorted by The immense security task was when not on task, while Cpl Andy facilities. For this enormous resort PSNI through some unfriendly initiated to ensure the smooth Duke assisted with G8 taskings at that houses 2 golf courses, a areas of the Province. The running of the event, which JHC FS Aldergrove. After settling in vast perimeter fence had been duties can involve anything involved international security to a derelict holiday home at the established that was manned 24/7 from a venue clearance for agencies, PSNI, various Police heart of the resort, the 2 search with security personnel on stag at a dignitary visit to searching forces from the mainland and teams and handlers working the 50m intervals. During the tour, we for buried devices, using the HM Forces to name but a few. inner cordon based themselves at also met with PSNI officers, Police ‘ground scenting’ capability The outer cordon at the venue this FOB for all taskings over the Search Advisors (POLSAs) and PSNI RAFP CONTINGENCY FORCE 3 gt Chris Hall has recently rushed around squeezing in CCS, to be reinforcements to the EAW returned from a 4 month the RAF Fitness Test and the GSR by means of the creation of a Sdetachment as part of Respirator conversion course Force Protection and Security the RAFP Contingency Force 3 we were as ready as we could Flight (FP & Sy Flt). Within days and offers his insight into the be by completing the Individual the Section began to take shape deployment and the integrated Contingency Readiness Training. and by the end of our first week RAF Regt and RAFP delivery of The first couple of weeks seemed and for the remainder of our tour Force Protection and Security to pass quickly when we were we were providing control of as part of 906 Expeditionary Air waiting for our date to deploy, I entry to UK Areas of Responsibilty, Wing at Al Minhad Air Base. was checking my phone every mobile security patrols, Flight Line Being informed that I was so often wondering if I’d missed Security, Air Transport Security, a nominated for a six month any breaking news. Then during dedicated Counter Intelligence spell on the RAFP Contingency the first week of April, late on a Field Team (CIFT), running a Force 3 (CF) was not the most Friday (it always seems to happen Main Guard Room and a Physical welcome of news. The prospect on a Friday) the call we’d all been Security office. The RAF Police and of preparing for the unknown waiting for eventually came “Looks the RAF Regt worked together was certainly a challenge in itself. like we’re going to Minhad, see alongside the RAF ‘Any’ trades Before I’d had time for the news you at Brize in two days’ time”. I who were primarily employed on to sink in, training at RAF Henlow suppose it was better that way, guarding duties and did so with commenced and in true RAF no time to ponder and no time to impressive enthusiasm. Within Police style a chance to catch up worry if everything was packed. weeks the FP and security posture with quite a few familiar faces. Arriving at Brize and being on 906 EAW had significantly There were a few raised eye introduced to our CF counter parts increased and improved. Whoever brows from the RAF Regt training who had been drawn from all said that Minhad was an easy team as we took to the 300m trades of the RAF, was the start of sunshine tour was wrong! ranges. There was me thinking our journey and a chance to begin After a few weeks we received there was only one five o’clock to get to know each other. news that our deployment was in the day!! The opportunity to Minhad is situated approximately going to be for four months. show our competency on these 40 minutes South of Dubai and Having started with literally ranges was grasped with relish, as many will appreciate is the nothing (what is now the Guard as we can shoot and can shoot stepping stone in and more Room was once little more than great deal of the Emirates on my well. The screams of ‘when can I importantly out of HERRICK, with a storage room) there was a real CIFT duties along with meeting collect my marksman badge’ was assets there providing critical sense of achievement throughout some quite astonishing and heard from many a firing point functions for the second ALOC. the team. We had created an interesting people from various and the RAF Regt admitted to Because 906 EAW had more than effective and professional FP and parts of the RAF. being quite impressed. doubled in size due to recent Sy Flt set up. The high points Deploying to Minhad was a Spirits remained high during world events, the decision had certainly outweighed the lows and positive experience and another the beat up period and having been made that there needed I was fortunate enough to see a example of the RAF Police and

24 Provost Parade Dog Handlers who we would work dignitaries had left the Province. Op HELVETIC G8 Summit - Release The Hounds… with on various jobs requiring On 19 Jul all teams returned more than one dog and greater to Aldergrove for debriefs and manpower. re-org in preparation for the busy period which would consist From 10 Jun an array of defensive of: visits from The Prince of building, venue and area searches Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, began covering the entire The White Rock Parade, the grounds. Initially, Claire Bullen contentious 12 Jul Parade and and I had numerous outdoor The World Police and Fire Games. area searches working with Gwent Police Force and PSNI The security effort for G8, of search teams, whilst the REST which we had our small, but were ploughing through rolls of significant part to play, led to security seals doing all the utilities the Chief Constable of the Police throughout the grounds. As Service of Northern Ireland searches were nearing completion declaring that the Lough Erne G8 within the inner cordon Claire as ‘the most peaceful and secure’’ Bullen was moved to Thiepval in history, despite a continuing Contingency Force 4 – Barracks Lisburn to support Sgt terrorist threat. Mortimer with searches of The Cpl J Wood, JNCO AES Dogs Waterfront, Conference suite and Training with the Rocks primary school, all of which were being and Ready to Roll! visited by the s support to Contingency Operations begins to shape across US President, Air, WO Gary Owen gives his personal insight into the RAFP Barack Obama. AContingency Force 4 who stood to and took up a six month period of standby to respond to any FP operational requirement on 1 Oct 13. After the Volunteering as Contingency Force 4 (CF4) Warrant Officer in September completion of was another great opportunity for me to head a team of 40 professional, all scheduled agile and adaptable members of the RAF Police. The majority of the tasks, teams team had returned from HERRICK 17 in May and were still operationally remained at focused and sharp. Having PAT, AES, VS, MWDs and RAFP handlers, their respective Counter Intelligence Field teams, Specialist Investigators, Protective locations on Security teams, and NCOS with Force Protection, Biometric, Weapon standby until all Intelligence and Close Support operational experience demonstrates our strength and capability. The majority of the team commenced Individual Contingency Readiness Training at RAF Henlow in September. Sgt Matt Moon, No 3 Police Wing, Operational Training Flight, lead the instruction during the weeks RAFP CONTINGENCY FORCE 3 training; encompassing Glock conversion, ranges, CBRN, first aid, VCPs, search and variety of the crucial elements to prepare us for six months on CF4. The strength of the team was apparent from the outset and the Sections were nominated. The rest of the team have trained with other Force Protection elements and 8 have carried out CAT 2 training to provide a BCR capability for HERRICK 19. As this goes to press, Cpl Adam Camm will be in Afghanistan for a six month det: CF 4 producing the goods from the outset. In Oct, 18 members of CF 4 took part in Exercise Capable Eagle. Our years of operational expertise was evidenced from the outset; training and mentoring members of the EAW, providing RAFP defence in depth, and setting the standards for FP. Sqn Ldr Martin Doney, CF4 OC and Flt Lt Steve Forbes, CF4 2IC, have been an inspiration from the start. They have instilled a great sense of teamwork, pride, motivation and morale. We look forward to working for them over the six month duration. The next edition of the Provost Parade will cover where we deployed and what we achieved, prior to handing over to CF 5.

RAF Regt working closely and With an RAF Police foot print in so integrated together on operations. many operational theatres I believe The FP and Sy Flt is set to become this accurately reflects the utility a permanent fixture at 906 EAW. we offer to Force Commanders; The RAF Police CF proved that we through our specialisations, niche continue to deliver a powerful capabilities we provide a unique punch any time, any place, product within the Policing and anywhere. Security arena.

Provost Parade 25 Exercise WINTERMARCH 2013 xercise WINTERMARCH is a RAuxAF over the whole length, then ironing it well back into the wet, cold items just before Winter Survival Exercise sponsored by and buffing them with what appeared to be a setting off again. However, within a very short Ethe Norwegian Reserve Forces and has sandpaper block. Kitted out with Norwegian time I warmed up again due to the physical taken place for the last 43 years. A/Cpl Irene socks, M77 boots, sticks and skies, we were activity. It became clear to all of us, in the Lifke attended on behalf of 3 RAuxAF Tactical put into 3 groups for our first cross-country group, that without decent equipment, food, Police Sqn and a number of other personnel skiing patrol. Within minutes I discovered just stamina and guidelines one “wouldn’t last have participated in the past. how deep the snow really was when I fell. I long out here”. I was to go to Norway for my first visit to the must have looked comical in my attempts Later we were given a most informative talk country and to experience cross-country to stand back up because the snow reached explaining the difficult operation launched to skiing for the first time. A bit of a change from my waist. Once finally back up on my skies halt Hitler’s development of an atomic bomb walking into a classroom full of Secondary my mantra of “Don’t give up” came in useful. (which required heavy water). Doubtless, he Schoolchildren and as a Supply Teacher The rest of the afternoon was spent in ideal would have used this as part of his weaponry covering a range of subjects from maths or conditions for our first ever steps on deep, dry in World War II with disastrous effects. We music to multisports. I could hear them now, powdery snow. then watched a film called Kampen Om “Miss, are you really going to Norway to do Upon returning to our accommodation we Tungtvannet (Operation Swallow: The Battle cross-country skiing?” Well, there was no discovered that dinner was a barbecue. Funny for Heavy Water) a Norwegian-French film turning back and as I found out in the days how a cold beer and frankfurter can dispel from 1948. The story depicted the Norwegian to come there really was little ease in turning the tingling cold in one’s fingers when eating resistance group Company Linge and how around when wearing Nordic skis. outside between -10 to -15 degrees Celsius. it successfully destroyed the Norsk Hydro Later that evening we were given a Heavy Water plant at Vemork, Rjukan in 1943. Sunday 17 March 13 demonstration of the kit issued to the Learning that several of the people who My driver dropped me off at Heathrow and I ‘Heimevernet’ (Norwegian Home Guard). participated in this sabotage action had the ended up playing I spy, as I tried to detect any Sergeant N Skaalvik, explained each item same role in this film and that the presenter of the other 43 fellow Auxiliaries. We quickly and I was tempted to ask to swop “softies” personally knew some of the saboteurs made met up and on arrival at Oslo were taken to as theirs can be used successfully at this historical event all the more real. our accommodation at Rjukan Fjellstue. It temperatures of -20C. was a good 4 hour drive and our driver turned Thursday 21 March 2013 out to be non-other than the Exercise Leader Tuesday 19 March 13 We set off with Sub-Lt Moen and Sgt Skaalvik – Captain Odd B Johansen. We were shown how to build a fire in the as guides to follow the ‘saboteurs route’ snow, even though the temperature was across a valley and then up part of the Monday 18 March 13 -23C, enabling us to keep warm during stops mountain path which was pretty challenging. After a cold buffet breakfast and the and breaks. Weather conditions were immaculate with mandatory sandwich making session, our The weather was exceptional – a pretty blue lots of fresh, however newly laid snow first lesson was on preparing our Nordic skies cloudless sky with brilliant sunshine twinkling made the going (or rather skiing) more by applying layers of the green and blue wax on perfectly white snow but so deceptively difficult. We did manage to complete a good cold. During stops best practice demanded distance bearing in mind we lacked the changing out of the wet, skills, experience and adrenaline that those clothing and into dry courageous men had when carrying out garments to keep warm. Operation Gunnerside. Covering such a small Once on I could feel the section of the route and in daylight, made benefit because otherwise me realise how lucky our lives are now due to one could freeze during such incredible bravery. a long rest period. It did Afterwards we were given a lesson on require, though, some Avalanches followed by a demonstration discipline then to change outside. A Search and Rescue Dog was put

26 Provost Parade Exercise WINTERMARCH 2013

through its paces and found the buried displaying the Norwegian Military Police Overall, this was a most wonderful and Norwegian Officer fairly quickly. It takes 2-3 uniform and matching MP motorbike. It was unforgettable week. I now feel fairly years to train a dog, and any breed is suitable a real eye-opener for me to read that 50,000 confident on Nordic skies and managed to as long as it has a good and powerful nose. Norwegians had fought as part of British learn a few techniques, including walking Forces in WWII and on a more personal note up and down a steep snow hill (executed Friday 22 March 13 that Norway’s allies had also included Poland sideways on) and experienced some thrilling On the route back to the airport we were able as my Polish father had served in the Polish downhill moments following the epitomous to visit the Akershus Fortress now a Military Army during the war. “bending of ze ’nees”. Museum, complete with a mannequin

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Provost Parade 27 603 Sqn Aviation Nights o 603 Sqn RAuxAF operates for the tactics used to deliver the out of a splendid Town Vulcan over the Falkland Islands NHeadquarters (THQ) in 13 years later. The evening began Edinburgh. This was the recent with cocktails and finished with venue for the first of a planned wine and light refreshments, series of aviation-related talks. which were much enjoyed Aimed at military and civilian by all. 603 Sqn’s Honorary Air professional aviators or just Commodore, Lord James Douglas- interested parties, as well as Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas, some of 603 Sqn’s associates in described the evening as a great the region. On this first occasion, success and Tom’s delivery as ‘an the Squadron were fortunate enthralling talk’. to recruit Sqn Ldr (Ret’d) Tom Lecky-Thompson, a former Flight It is planned to hold further such Commander on 1 (F) Sqn who events in the future, including a gave an account of his 1969 presentation about the first flight record-breaking flight across the over Everest in the 1930s and the Atlantic. The flight was an entry in unexpected arrival of Rudolph the Daily Mail Transatlantic Blue Hess in Scotland during WW2. Riband Race from the top of the Post Office Tower in London to the Sqn Ldr Jerry Riley top of the Empire State Building in 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqn New York. Royal Auxiliary Air Force

What made this flight special was Above: that Tom flew the Hawker Siddeley XV741 taking Harrier, taking off from St Pancras off from St Railway station in the middle of Pancras Station. London (renamed RAF St Pancras for the event!) and landing in Manhattan, central New York some Right: Home 5.5 hours later. of 603 Sqn. Tom’s talk was fascinating and kept the audience’s attention as he Left: Sqn Ldr recalled the trials and tribulations Graham Williams of carrying out this amazing feat (left) and Sqn of aviation. The use of multiple Ldr Tom Lecky- Victor tankers to refuel the Harrier Thompson during the crossing paved the way (right). The Birthing Partnership By MMaureenaureen GGannonannon Expecting a Baby? Then you will also need to consider ththe bfibenefi tfts of CliClinicalil HiHypnosis. We are the only birthing specialists whose unique and exclusive programme combines Clinic Hypnosis with Antenatal Guidance and Education, to make the birth of your baby a wonderful memorable event. Conducted in the privacy and comfort of your home, and at your convenience, you and your Birthing Partner will discover how the use of our programme can: • Eliminate the pain of childbirth, and the need for drugs. • Reduce the labour time, tension, fatigue and stress. 01443 227743 • Allow for a natural birth with optimal foetal positioning. www.thebirthingpartnership.com • Induce a calm and peaceful birthing environment. [email protected]

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28 Provost Parade 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Update

he 1 April 2013 saw the Edinburgh Ice Rink. The Sqn has a re-role of 603 Sqn from RAF proven track record in excellence TRegiment to RAF Police. A in recruitment as was seen in Sqn rich in history set against the March when Gp Capt Kemp, beautiful backdrop of the City President of the 603 Squadron of Edinburgh commenced the Association, formally presented recruitment of RAF Police. The the Kemp Dirk, awarded annually re-role is due to be complete by to the RAuxAF sqn which has 2016 with the aim that 603 Sqn been deemed most successful will have a full compliment of 80 in Auxiliary recruiting, to the RAF Police Part-Time Voluntary Recruiting Team. Reservists (PTVR) taking the total Sqn strength including the HQ to To date the Sqn has attested 21 100. Flt Lt Victoria Clarke, Deputy potential RAFP Reservists, 7 of Squadron Commander details the which have remustered from other current and future plans for 603 trades - RAF Regiment and Flt Ops Sqn. - and 11 move into Phase 2 RAF Police training having successfully Until transition is complete, there completed the necessary Phase 1 will be a progressive drawdown requirements. On 28 August 2013, of the current 58 x RAF Regiment Cdr RAFP, Group Captain Mark PTVRs on the Sqn. There are many Sexton presented a RAF Police options open to them including Warrant Card to the first eligible remustering to RAF Police, of member of 603 Squadron - A/ which 5 have already done, other Cpl Bruce Finlayson. Due to A/ options include transfer to other Cpl Finlayson leaving the regular RAuxAF sqns or discharge. The RAF Police less than two years ago Sqn continues to support the RAF he was able to join the RAF Police Regiment Force with 8 members Reserves being exempt from of the Sqn currently mobilised Phase 1 and 2. As a consequence with 58 Sqn and deployed to A/Cpl Finlayson is the first member Camp Bastion. of the Sqn ready for deployment as a RAF Police Reservist. This Significant progress has been marked an important milestone in made since 1 April 2013 and the transition of 603 Sqn to a RAF the Sqn recruiters, FS Grimshaw Police Sqn. The newly designed and Cpl Henderson, have RAF Police Reserve Phase 2 course Force utilising ATSy trained (Tactical) Police Sqn and Individual switched focus from recruiting which will see the training reduce members for tasks to destinations Contingency Readiness Training RAF Regiment to RAF Police. from 18 months to 6 months such as Kenya, Nairobi and for the RAF Police Contingency The recruitment and marketing began on 12 Oct 13. The course Denmark in addition to supporting Force. Whilst in its relative infancy strategy cuts across an array of was designed in conjunction with 4 Sqn in the ATSy support to the utility of the Sqn is already mediums which have all seen 3 (Tactical) Police Squadron and the 6 Force Protection Wing being realised and as successful success, including national and will culminate in a joint training deployment to Afghanistan from recruitment and training continues local newspaper advertising, exercise in Apr 14. RAF Leuchars. As part of 3 PW, the the future of 603 Sqn is definitely recruitment stands at various FTRS RAF Regiment training staff bright. events including Knockhill race Having reached Initial Operating have supported the Operational days and Leuchars Air Show and Capability, 603 Sqn is already Training Flight in the delivery of Flt Lt Victoria Clarke leaflet and video advertising at contributing to the RAF Police Mission Specific Training for 2 DSC 603 Sqn

Provost Parade 29 Air Command Force Protection Force Development

s the RAF Regiment and As the teams squared up to each necessarily a water tight solution. RAF Police prepare to other like heavy weights before Eventually both rafts were ready. Acollocate Head Quarters a boxing match, the Danesfield The teams lined up and waited at RAF Honington, the Force’s Air instructors, trying hard to hold for the klaxon….”On your marks, Command staffs conducted their back the laughter, established the get set, GO”. In a testosterone own integration event at the RAF rules. BLUF – the teams had 60 filled blur of activity the Regiment Watersports Centre Danesfield. minutes to build their rafts before took an early lead thanks to Sited on an idyllic stretch of the taking their positions on the start a more streamlined craft and River Thames between Marlow line and paddling to the south aggressive technique, meanwhile and Henley, Danesfield is a unique bank of the Thames, executing a the methodical Police worked facility run by the Royal Air Force 180 turn and returning to the start on a rhythmic stroke pattern that for serving and retired personnel, line for tea and medals. And so it they felt assured would secure and their families, with a mission began, the loud hailer sounded, success. As the teams approached to ‘Promote well-being, personal initial enthusiasm and misguided the turning point, disaster stuck, and Force Development through confidence turned into a group of the Regiment raft sliding like an sporting activity.’ men scratching their heads and out of control terrier dog, failed After a morning of table top kicking pine poles like car dealers to turn successfully and toppled discussions and a bite to eat, the checking the tyre quality of used over. The sight of sinking ‘rocks’ staffs prepared themselves for car. All of a sudden there was a spurred on the Police team who an afternoon of watersports and spark of activity from the Regiment had by now taken the lead; surely what would team, poles were positioned and there was no way for a Regiment without doubt ropes began to be tied. Shouts of recovery. As the Police team be the most “just copy what they’re doing” from started to relax, so unfortunately challenging the Police team were dismissed as did the ropes holding their craft and a heroic team leader emerged in together; the first barrel slipped potentially the shape of Wg Cdr Jan Knight. away, then the second, followed embarrassing Despite wild accusations as to why by the crew. With Autumn playing part of the Wg Cdr Knight was so skilled with in their heads, they gripped day….the ropes and knots, the Police team to various parts of the by now raft race. In made swift progress and were unrecognizable raft and started to the name of soon on an equal footing with the swim for the finish line determined ‘integration’ Rock Apes. to challenge the Rocks to the end. the teams As a group of unimpressed inevitably As the two teams worked on their spectators slow hand clapped the divided different raft designs, it appeared teams as they approached the themselves that the building phase would finish line, the final parts of the into a RAF potentially be over within 20 Police raft finally gave way and the Regiment minutes rather than the allocated Regiment secured victory. During team and hour….how naive. Over the next the post event BBQ, all agreed an RAF Police team (albeit the 30 minutes both teams tried on a that the day had been success RAF Police did manage to bribe number of occasions to test their and pending a Police enquiry Gp Capt Jamie Kendall to switch crafts on the river only to find what into sabotage congratulated the sides!). looked impressive on land, was not Regiment on their victory.

30 Provost Parade RAFP Reflections from the Past to the Present gt Simon Wilkinson, the current RAFP Gp Capt Kev Bailey. For our comrades in the RAF Police Museum Curator at the Defence School of We can open at any time when Association and those currently serving, SPolicing and Guarding at MOD Southwick requested and have introduced many what we ask of you is if you have any Parks, writes on the current museum and sends serving and retired servicemen of personal mementoes or articles out a plea for more artefacts… all cap badges and nationalities from your service, we would to the delights and various welcome them as well, either There is a common saying amongst historians roles undertaken by the RAF donated or gifted or, if you want “In order to know where you are going, it is Police over the years, right to loan them to us, we can important to know where you have been.” That up to current operational facilitate that as well. is true, no matter where we are, we are always deployments. walking in the footsteps of the RAFP who Currently, we are short of have gone before. The current home of the All phase 2 RAFP students items from WW1, the inter RAF Police collection is the Defence School of come into the museum war years, WW2, the 1950’s Policing & Guarding, along with the Royal Navy for their RAF Police history and from Op HERRICK. We Collection & the Royal Military Police Museum. lessons & career/ trade are trying to fill the gaps as Air Command Force Protection Force Development structure briefings, why use best as we can, so if anybody We are not a Bone Fide museum (although power point when they has any items you consider we do call ourselves one!), having researched can see and touch the real would enhance our displays, that pathway, the amount of work is huge thing. We also open up on please consider us and let us and unfortunately as with everything, their graduation days so that know your story. very EXPENSIVE!! the families can have a look around and absorb some of The museum is an organic We are however a proud collection, reflecting the history as well. thing; it will continue to thrive many years of progress and dedicated work long after my tenure here at by a vast amount of RAF Police personnel and The main reason behind this DSPG comes to an end, however it Kennel Maids. article is to try and drum up some can only grow if it is given your help. business!! Units, sections, flights The collection is spread over three rooms and and police clubs are moving around For further information or to discuss is broken down into specific areas all over the place from station to station, any museum related matters, please feel free Room 1 covers current operations, Northern from operational deployment to operational to contact me, I am the current curator, my Ireland, QPD & the Falkland Islands. deployment and this means that knick knacks, details are: Room 2 covers SD 814, RAFP throughout the photos and gizzits are always being taken Empire & WW2. down and put into a dark cupboard, often Sgt Simon Wilkinson, Room 3 covers RAFP training, SI, CI & never to be seen again! What I am asking Course Design Team Flying Complaints. is that you spare the museum a thought DSPG, MOD Southwick Park before you pack up your oddities. We will PO17 6EJ Currently there are 3 volunteers who run the take whatever you have, even if you think it is MIL 93835 4803 collection, Sgt Richard Gill, Cpl Ian Gallagher rubbish, box it up and send it down to us; we Civ 02392 284803 and myself. In overall charge of the project is will act as a recycling centre for you.

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Provost Parade 31 MPGS Take Part in March and Shoot - the Triple Crown Challenge 2013 his year for the first time "With howling winds, a Military Provost Guard TService (MPGS) team from driving rain and the RAF Halton entered the Annual Triple Crown Challenge which is female tent blowing held at Worthy Down; a section based event designed to measure down in the wee hours military skills and battle fitness within a competitive environment. of the morning, the The competition is undertaken by two ‘fire teams’ of four people; C chance of a good nights fire team takes part in the 12 mile March and Shoot phase, and D fire sleep was scuppered!" team enter the military skills and obstacle course phase. RAF Halton entered a four-man team into the March and Shoot. Privates’ Elliot Davies, Phillip Turner, Stuart Vaines and Kallidas Kambang, with Sgt Sean Staunton in reserve, started training is undertaken; accuracy great team spirit, not only were approximately six weeks before within the shooting we able to arrive at the finish as a the competition. Sgt Staunton element can influence complete team, but also in good said: “We were a late entry and got the overall score and it time. A thoroughly enjoyable and in just before the deadline so had is possible to out score a rewarding time was had by all”. limited time to train together prior faster team. to the event. We decided that we Private Elliott Davies said: “Having would do a ‘Tab’ a week building The Team knew that arrived the night before the event up to twelve miles a time, which they would not be in and settled down into our luxury we achieved with a few blisters a position to win the tented accommodation, I planned along the way”. event but certainly a good nights rest but events would not come in last, transpired to ensure this didn’t Throughout the March and Shoot to navigate the route which is a their intention was to happen. With howling winds, all team members carry 30lbs of mixture of roads and tracks and at take part for the fun of it with a driving rain and the female tent/ kit, helmet and a rifle and have a certain stage a live firing shoot consideration of a more serious marquee blowing down in the attempt in the future. wee hours of the morning, the On the day the competitive spirit chance of a good nights sleep kicked in and although it was was scuppered. That being said, enjoyable the fun element was the next morning with much pushed aside as the team dug improved weather and a full their heels in and ran home with English breakfast inside me, I was a time of 3 hours and 6 minutes ready and raring to go. Due to the which, considering the limited number of teams the start for the training time, was very reasonable. March and Shoot was staggered They all thoroughly enjoyed in intervals of fifteen minutes, ours the experience and are already was a reasonable nine thirty start. planning to enter again next year The course was quite challenging, but nothing compared to slogging Private Stuart Vaines said: “Around around Wendover woods and the the end of March 2013 myself local area we endured during our and four other members of the pre –event training, which in the MPGS at RAF Halton were invited long run put the team in the right to attend the annual AGC Triple mind set. Crown 12 mile March and Shoot As for the whole experience, I Competition in Worthy Down, enjoyed the challenge, although Wiltshire. With the event taking my feet would tell you other wise place around the middle of May, and would certainly be first in we had little time to spare, so with the queue to volunteer for next great support from the Station, years Triple crown. I guess this ex- through Sgt Staunton, we were Rockape just never learns.” issued with all the equipment needed to ensure we were able to Flight Lieutenant James Lambert, give it our best effort on the day. Officer Commanding Police and We arrived the afternoon before Security Flight, said: “The team and were immediately impressed performed very well and are a by the sheer scale and effort that credit to the Military Provost Guard had gone into this event, and Service, No 6 RAF Police Squadron as a result we were even more and the Station. With very little determined to give it a real go. time for training, they tackled We arrived at the start line the the challenge with the typical following morning and started off robustness and determination at a reasonable pace and quickly that they show every day whilst realised, due to the looming close providing critical security. Indeed, contours on the map, that this was their efforts are typical of all of the going to be no easy feat but as MPGS and RAFP personnel at RAF the miles passed it was apparent Halton. I am very proud of them that we were growing as a team and look forward to next year’s and were constantly encouraging entry.” and pushing each other. With this 32 Provost Parade London 2 Brighton - Sgt Ian Lapping, 1(T)PS Organise Advanced Training Sqn, DSPG Charity Prize n Sunday 16 June 2013 saw that latest thinking of having children! Some of the bikes running of the British Heart Foundation we saw cost more than my car. Having arrived at O(BHF) sponsored bike ride and my first the start area, I began to realise the enormity of Draw and attempt at the 54 mile ride from Clapham my undertaking, as I was confronted with a sea of Common to the sea front on Madeira Drive, riders eagerly waiting to set off. Approximately Brighton. London to Brighton has been 30,000 riders took part. My start time was 0930, Quiz Night something I had wanted to undertake for some the last start time of the day. We lined up, were time and being based at DSPG, a challenge that given last minute safety instructions, which were in Support of found its roots in a discussion during late 2012 absorbed as at no point are the roads closed to with RMP SIB and RN SIB colleagues as a “Tri- traffic, and duly set off. Service Police” endeavour. For a variety of reasons, The feeling of excitement, anticipation and Soldiers in Mind the three riders were not able to compete as a apprehension was palpable. Riders were team, so I decided I would continue with the able discussing the route, the terrain and how long assistance of SSgt Sam Irwin, RMP SIB, one of the they thought it might take to get to Brighton. The pl Van Der Woning and Cpl CSI Instructors at DSPG. initial stages took us through Central and South Abernethy of 1 (T)PS organised and presented a quiz night with Months of training followed, often in driving London into the Surrey countryside. The terrain C the aim of raising money for their chosen rain and biting wind around the Newark area was challenging enough as the course was a mix charity ‘Soldiers in Mind’ who helped Cpl where I live when not teaching Fraud, CID and ID of flat and undulating roads, though there was the Brent McCarthy’s family following their Procedures at DSPG. The week prior to the event, opportunity to “open up the legs” and get some sons tragic death whilst serving of Op my final training ride took me from Newark to speed down. From time to time, due to the very HERRICK. Soldiers in Mind help families Lincoln, Lincoln to Sleaford and back to Newark, narrow country roads we navigated, we slowed, coping with a death of a loved one killed a distance over 50 miles. My trusty steed was my almost to a stop as we began to catch up the in the line of duty. They work closely with Carrera Subway, purchased for £120 years ago groups that had set off earlier. Riders started at welfare teams and also educate families from a well-known High Street retailer. I could do 0630 and at 30 minute intervals till 0930. preparing to welcome home loved ones from Afghanistan. They also provide no more. As we rode deeper into Surrey and on into Sussex, memory boxes and combat teddies for My motivation, other than the physical challenge, it became apparent that it was a truly inclusive children who have been bereaved, using was once again my Father who suffered with event. I saw riders on tandems, one man on their loved ones uniform and personal a number of heart related ailments. Having a unicycle, two ladies riding bikes with wicker kit bits. entered, I set myself the goal of raising £500 for baskets, one even had a picnic and one young the BHF. Anything over that would go to the Blind lad riding a 3 geared Raleigh Chopper; Mad! Pub The event was supported by members Veterans Association, some of whom live in St stops, people selling cakes, burger vans, it was across 3(PW), 2 (T)PS and other members Dunstan’s, Brighton. all there. of the RAF Police and wider service I cajoled/hounded/begged as many of my current The descent into Brighton is steep and twisty community at RAF Henlow. Prizes on the night included an IPAD Mini, a Kindle, and former SIB & school colleagues as I thought and earlier on there had been a number of quite a Classic Car driving experience and a would be benevolent enough to pay up to make serious accidents, so we were held up for 45 mins Super Car driving experience. Squares an old man cycle all those miles. I even managed to allow the riders to descend safely onto the for the prize draw were sold at £5 and to get the Comdt DSPG to sponsor me (cheers bottom road and the run in to the sea front. the initial 100 squares were soon sold, Sir). The sea front itself was packed. Thousands had raising £500. On the night more squares On the day of the ride, (it is not a race) Sam and turned out see the riders into the finish. Not quite were sold as people got into the spirit I set off in a Land Rover kindly provided by the the finish to the Tour de France, but good enough and became extremely generous almost QM’s Dept and headed off up the A3 into the for us. The weather was very kind to us; the completing another 100 squares. heart of the capital. Driving through the streets of atmosphere was fantastic with a genuine rapport Tosh’s Tavern was full to capacity, so South West London, we passed many riders who between the riders which helps when you are much so that the patio was utilised as were dressed as though they were Sir Chris Hoy struggling. Crossing the line was brilliant. 54 miles an additional team area. At 2000hrs or Sir Bradley Wiggins. There was me dressed (as in 6 1/2 hours the Quiz Master, WO Huggins, set out pictured) in the obligatory padded cycle shorts, The ride back to DSPG wasn’t so enjoyable, the rules for the quiz and continued to not stylish, but an absolute must for any male especially when you are sat in the front seat on guide all participants and support teams a Land Rover and the through the different round of questions, lactic acid sets in. None much to the detriment of his vocal of that mattered when chords. Throughout the night Cpl’s Van you saw the looks on the Der Woning and Abernethy kept score, collected loose change from all, as well faces of all the riders and as fines imposed by the Quiz Master on you begin to realise the individuals for using profane language benefit your efforts might or their mobile phones to Google have. I hope to raise answers. At the end of the evening £500 for the BHF and a Wg Cdr Adrian Gillespie addressed all further £150 for the Blind those present and thanked the 2 NCOs Veterans Association. for their commitment and dedication I have secured my entry in the organising of a very successful for next year and intend event and then drew the first Draw Ticket. Refreshments flowed throughout taking part in the night the night, morale was high and spirit race. You don’t need to de Corp ever present with one winner be an Olympic athlete giving their prize to a friend. Once the to take part, nor do you Draw was completed it was time to need an expensive bike, announce the Winner of the quiz. The just the will to challenge winning team, the Old Codgers, received yourself. For that you their cash prize and then promptly get an enormous sense donated back to the charity. of achievement and At the end of the evening a total of a hugely enjoyable £1,191 had been raised and a letter of experience. Further thanks was later received from ‘Soldiers details can be found at in Mind’. Thanks you for your support, www.bhf.org.ok. both on the night and for helping raise Sgt Ian Lapping this substantial sum for the charity. RAF Police Northolt Raises Money for The Veterans Charity AFP personnel from RAF items they provide can be classed crew; Cpl’s Gittings and Malia, Northolt’s Police and as ‘modest’ or ‘non-essential’, the RAFP, tasked to ensure that the RSecurity Flt jumped at impact they have on the lives boss’ morale was kept in better the chance to put their left foot of those that they support can condition than his feet. forward and raise money for the be immeasurable. Day one went well, all participants Veterans Charity by undertaking One of the charity’s annual completed the route in good the formidable Forces March, sponsored events is the Forces time and remained relatively here they tell their story in March, an undulating all-road upbeat going into the first night blistering detail… route totalling 132 miles over 5 of camping. Day two however, The Veterans Charity was days; the route is based on the was a different story. All involved that we were doing it for. founded in 2008 to provide march undertaken by men of found it difficult to get out of their Day four, somewhat sunnier and support to Veterans of all the legendary Oxfordshire and sleeping bag and put their boots having broken the back of the generations. They focus on Buckinghamshire Light Infantry back on, the only consolation that march the day before, spirits were providing everyday items such during WWII. could really be taken from the day high, especially with the promise as clothing, household goods, The event attracts ultra-marathon was that it was the shortest route of an evening in the pub involved. communication equipment fans and long distance hill walkers out of the five. A shorter route of 24 miles and vital mobility provisions like as well as people who want to The team showed great seemed a breeze in comparison to wheelchairs, walking aids and challenge themselves and be determination to make it to the the day before. Sadly, on this day bath-lifts. Whilst many of the a part of something special. next camp, set a little further a few walkers had to pull out of apart than the previous day but the event due to injury but in true The 2013 event was appeared to speed up when Cpl military spirit, made themselves the fourth consecutive Gittings offered to do a beer run available to help elsewhere, albeit year that the event for later that evening. making the brews or putting up took place and tents. The walkers were cheered involved a seventeen The elements closed in on day on by passers by and provided strong team from RAF three as rain and strong winds sweets lovely old dears in their Northolt, including Gp battered the 31 mile route. Feet front gardens. Capt Tim O’Brien, RAF and knees began to swell, the An evening in the pub at the Northolt Stn Cdr and pace began to slow and morale end of the route was a welcome Flt Lt Rob Cook, OC began to slip. Tempers frayed; break from discussing the walk, Police, ably assisted by we really needed to dig deep and individual groups integrated and his personal support remember the incredible cause a great evening was had by all,

34 Provost Parade RAF Police Northolt Raises Money for The Veterans Charity helped along by the music festival At the end of the march there that happened to be being held in were various trophies and awards the pub garden. presented; RAF Northolt walked Day five began upbeat, primarily away with the Military Challenge due to 50% of the field being Cup (beating teams from 2RTR slightly inebriated from the night and the Rifles), awarded to before and the other 50% using the team supporting others the alcohol in their system as a throughout and showing the This year, Sarah completed the event in June, I hope you can local anaesthetic. The walkers highest degree of team spirit. Forces March on a hand bike, all show your support for the began at a blistering pace, eager This was particularly highlighted not easy considering Cpl Gittings Veterans Charity and the efforts to complete the hard work when assisting Sarah Piercy completed a lap of a car park of the RAF Northolt’s Forces that they had put in. With the from Devon, who was born hand cycling on the final day and March Team by going to the sun shining, it was rare to see a with a spinal condition that was left sweating! following link: walker without a smile on their means she is mostly reliant on a face. Fourteen of the seventeen wheelchair. Sarah has completed The Forces March collects www.justgiving.com/ began walking the final route, many events, including winning donations all year round and ForcesMarch-RAFNortholtTeam seventeen crossed the finish line the London Marathon in 2000. although we completed the to huge applause. Cyclists Fighting Cancer 100 Mile Ride team of five cyclists, two serving and three ex Aserving, RAF Police took part in the 2013 Cyclists Fighting Cancer charity ride on the 2 June. The Riders, Flt Lt Mo Pearce (Team Manager), FS Lee Close, Graham Mills, Vince Warrington and Troy Strand all completed the 100 mile epic journey with a great deal of determination and elation at the finish line. FS Close takes us through the 100 mile ride…

Starting at the Stratford upon Avon racecourse at 0820 hrs, in beautiful sunshine, we began as a group but knew from the start that we would struggle to stay together. The course followed the River Avon for the first 15 miles then we broke off into the countryside. We arrived at the first feed station (33 miles) in good shape and at a good pace of around 16mph. This was a false sense of achievement as we hadn’t really hit any hills by Within two miles of the feed beautiful villages passed us by got me across the line. this point. Filling our faces with station we arrived at the foot of allowing us to enjoy the views of The finish line was back at our as many calories as we could the longest of the three climbs, houses we could never afford to start point, for me this was and filling our water bottles in I can’t describe how much pain own. The final feed station came some seven hours 32 minutes readiness for the ascent to come, we went through on the way to at the 68 mile point, by this time I later. The feeling of elation at we looked ahead from the feed the top of the highest point in had hit my wall and was battling completing this mammoth ride station and were confronted with the Cotswolds, Stow on the Wold, with a number of aches but still was amazing and has made me the first of three large climbs. however, to say I had a tear at one determined to enjoy the downhill look at competition cycling in a point should that I knew would take me out of very different light. I would like to put you in the Cotswolds and onto the final thank all of those that sponsored the picture. stretch towards Stratford. our team. The final figure should ensure that four children suffering The descent The real difficulty I was struggling with cancer will be given adapted was short lived, with was the lack of energy, on bicycles to enjoy with their from Stow the ride it was estimated that we families in the time they have we remained would burn 6500 calories but we left. The Cyclists Fighting Cancer at moderate all struggled to eat at the required charity organises this event every altitude for the rate, the food stops provided us year so please go to their web site next 30 miles. with high calorie snacks but the and sign up for next years ride. Weaving last thing we wanted to do was The rides vary in length so you do through the eat, the energy drinks provided not have to do the 100 mile ride Cotswolds was were the way I topped up, along we suffered, I mean enjoyed! an absolute with nine bananas, two snickers FS Lee Close pleasure as and six energy gels this just about

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36 Provost Parade The Battle of The Lincolnshire Ashes - 5 RAFP SQN v RAFP SIIB(N) n Thu 5 Sep 13, at RAFC assisted him). Ben Youd was reply, however, before anyone total of 39. The accurate pace Cranwell, the RAFP SIIB(N) introduced into the attack and had time to draw breath, Forbes, attack of Flt Lt Dino Filo and Oselect X1 entertained a snared 2 wickets in two balls, Tatham and Prestwood were Tatham keeping the run rate No 5 RAFP Sqn select X1 for the however, regretfully opted to back in the hutch with the score down. Lincolnshire Ashes (a cricket take it ‘easy’ with his hat-trick on 8 for 3. The one cricketer match for those who wish to ball, letting his opponent off amongst the team, Ben Youd was SIIB(N) needed 40 off 12 overs read on). FS Mark Prestwood the hook. still there and all hope rested and opened with Cpl Kat reports from the crease… on his shoulders, however, he Goldie and Sgt Amy Atkins Growden continued on his merry succumbed with a score of 14 and the two of them showed The game was played on a way, losing partners quickly, of and although the tail wagged great bravery in negotiating beautiful afternoon with the particular note was the early briefly thanks to Cpl Joe Durrant, the barrage sent down by agreed duration to be 25 overs run out of Cpl Adam Camm who the final total of 49 was nowhere Messrs Collins and Mildon, per side. The two skippers, lacked the necessary speed to in the scheme of things. however, both were sent Sqn Ldr Ben ‘Boycott’ Youd and get back to his crease. packing without troubling the Sqn Ldr Andy Mildon met for Growden eventually succumbed As the game had finished ahead scorers. Caffrey entered the the toss with the latter being to the part time spin of Jon of time, a second match was fray and stuck around for what victorious and opting to bat. Caffery with a total of 57. FS Al agreed to consist of 12 overs seemed like forever, in order to ‘Suarez’ MacDonald added late per side with the batting order/ score 7. Further contributions The umpire, Sgt Paul Stafford impetus and 5 Sqn limped to bowling order to be reversed. from West, Prestwood, Youd complete with appropriate a total of 89 all out. Credit to and Durrant enabled SIIB(N) to headgear and a pocket full of Ben West for a faultless wicket 5 Sqn started their innings with come out on top. stones walked out to the middle keeping display, despite splitting Jo Nellist and guest player, Jo followed by the 5 Sqn opening his cargo pants mid way through Chadwick at the crease and Massive credit to the ladies batsmen and play commenced the innings. the two of them did really well that took up the challenge with FS Mark Prestwood sending putting to shame the majority and to Cpl Ed Growden who down a first over that could The SIIB(N) openers, Ben Youd of their male counterparts. The was presented with a bottle of only be described as dangerous. and Steve Forbes strode out to score moved along steadily, bubbly courtesy of OC 1 PW, No bouncers, just full on the middle and commenced the however, when Chris ‘Slogger’ Wg Cdr Darby, for his Man of head beamers! Collins came to the the Match display. crease, the run rate Cpl Ed Growden quickly picked up and his Special thanks to WO Keith settled in and battered score of 12 was the Wileman for his expertise the SIIB bowling to all top score. It should with the scorecard and Sgt parts of the ground, be noted that Andy Paul ‘Dicky Bird’ Stafford for with Flt Lt Steve ‘Flintoff’ Mildon applied bat an excellent umpiring display Forbes in particular, to ball for the first and his provision of the BBQ taking a pasting. Sgt time in his life and that followed. Alex Tatham delivered went onto score 4 some accurate bowling valuable runs. Late Next challenge TBA will take and was rewarded with contributions by place at RAF Waddington - a couple of wickets (his Walker and Lisowski Touch Rugby. Leeds Utd shirt clearly enabled them to set a

Provost Parade 37 Don’t jump the gun! Mod Corsham Field Gun Crew

pl Dan Fairbrother relives his weighed 110lbs experience as a member of I was starting to Cthe inaugural Tri-Service Field question why I Gun Team from MoD Corsham. had signed up At the end of 2012, I was posted however I got into J2 Mission Support (Tri- stuck in. Training service) within the Joint Cyber Unit Sessions increased (JCU) at MoD Corsham, providing to twice daily Open Source (OS) Intelligence to which meant more bruises and to the Unit. We support Op Metric and Computer blisters, not to mention everyone formed up in Network Defence (CND). fighting for crew positions as only the quadrangle, Being the new guy I was keen to 18 crew members could compete ready to step get involved in Station activities. I in the competition, and with a out in front of was asked by WO2 Trimble, Royal crew of over 30, I was determined thousands of Signals, Joint Security Coordination for a place. people to start Centre (JSyCC) if I would be On 27 May 2013, I was chosen to the final heats, interested in taking part in the deploy with the crew in order to this was it and Brickwoods Field Gun Competition train at HMS Collingwood for the all of our hard at HMS Collingwood. Previously week preceding the Field Gun work, sacrifices, being posted at Cosford, I knew competition. The competition cuts and bruises, Field Gun existed as they had a itself would take place at HMS the dedication team and were very successful, Collingwood’s Open Day with the had got us to however, that was as far as my Field Gun Competition being the this point. We knowledge went. Therefore I pinnacle of the day on 1 Jun 13. marched out thought ‘Why not, how hard can On the Thursday before the heats on to the track it be?’ took place, I was told I had made to the sound I went along to a briefing the final ’18’ and would represent of thousands organised for anyone interested in MoD Corsham on the track as the of people taking part of Field Gun, presented position of ‘No 5’ (Extractor’ part of screaming and by Lt Dave Bebbington, Royal the firing team on the Gun) I was cheering the atmosphere Navy. As the presentation went ecstatic, all the hard work had paid was electric making the on, I learnt the history behind Field off, just the competition to go! hairs on the back of my neck Gun and that it dates back to the Friday 31 May 13 was the day of stand. Again we formed at Boar War when the Royal Navy the heats. Six crews competing in the start line and waited, rescued the Army! In a nutshell each heat to determine which final “2, 3, 4, 5, Stand-by” the Field Gun was simply moving 1.5 they would compete in on the preparation commands tonnes of gun along an 83 yard Saturday in-front of the public on screamed by No 2, the track and firing 6 shells along open day. ‘banger’ sounded and off we the way and this is to be done Stepping out for the first time as went determined for a good as fast as possible with a crew a newly formed crew to Field Gun run, pushing harder than The final crew was a mix of of 18. Lt Bebbington a Field Gun all eyes were on us! Along with all ever before, hearing the screaming military personnel at Corsham and veteran and our ‘No 1’ trainer was the nerves and pressure we kept fans spurred us on more. nearby units with representation attempting to put together the our focus, stepped towards the Screaming ourselves as we pushed from several business units First MoD Corsham Field Gun start line, heads held high and ourselves through the pain barrier within Corsham, 600 Troop (15 Crew! I thought to myself this is prepared to ‘Run’ for the first time. we crossed the finished line. Signal Regiment), and 241 Signal a once in a life time opportunity On the sound of the ‘banger’ we ‘Puffing’ and ‘blowing’ we waited Squadron (10 Signal Regiment). especially being in the RAF Police charged forward and completed for the final result. The results were All ranks, rates and services were therefore I signed myself up. a successful run, legs pounding, in; our crew had been edged out represented from a Royal Navy In January 2013, first day back from lungs exploding we gave it of the Plate III final triumph by just Captain to a Signaller, with a the Christmas grant, the training everything. Heat after heat we 0.05 of a second to the Barbarians. guest appearance by a Major started, organised ‘Lung Busting’ kept going, digging deep every Our second place earned us the from the US Air Force. Just four PT sessions once a day, every time. On completion of the heats competition’s ‘Soapy Watson of the 23-strong crew that went week, until the Easter holidays. we had made it into the Plate Trophy’ and Lt Dave Bebbington, to Collingwood had previous The session consisted of sprint III Final. was presented with the Endeavour experience of a Field Gun circuits, core and strength training, The day of the competition, Cup for the efforts in generating competition and the races were followed by sprint sessions in everyone was nervous seeing the the inaugural crew. Even though watched by Information Systems boots and a healthy dose of Tri- public gathering in the stands, we didn’t win the competition and Services’ (ISS) new director Service banter along the way. knowing family and friends of we returned to the Unit proud of Gerry Cantwell, and I was proud After the Easter holidays the crew members were watching we our achievements and with a legit to be a part of the History we had ‘Gun’ arrived. Seeing it up close knew we were in with a chance of piece of silverware. created, MoD Corsham’s FIRST and discovering that each wheel bringing a piece of silverware back Field Gun Crew. Elan L ondon EXCEPTIONAL INTRODUCTIONS

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