Introduction

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Training to become an RAF Regiment Gunner involves taking one of the RAF?s most physically demanding courses.

Recruits spend 22 weeks at RAF Honington where they are put through their paces - taking part in tough exercises that will test their physical fitness as well as their ability to keep it together under intense pressure.

We've given cameras to four recruits and the training staff of 2 Section, Juno Flight. The footage they record will be edited each week and posted here. For each of the 22 weeks, a main film will show what goes on during training, and there will also be four shorter films that show how each recruit is feeling about the course.

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Week 1: Start of course

The trainee Gunners meet their instructors, get their kit and settle into the accommodation block – their home for the next 22 weeks.

They are also introduced to some of the most important parts of the course, including physical training, drill and weapons training. And they start to get to grips with general Service knowledge – an insight into the RAF’s history, values and procedures.

"One of this week’s highlights is the Attestation that happens on the first day. This is when you get sworn in and start to feel like you’re part of the RAF Regiment for the first time."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 2: The basics

This week, the trainee Gunners spend lots of time in the classroom where they learn more about the weapons they’ll use later in the course. There’s also more drill and physical training to prepare them for the tough challenges ahead. This week also includes the trainees’ first taste of the assault course.

‘We should start to see an improvement in drill. Fitness levels will also get better as you train harder and start to get competitive!"
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 3: Marching on

The pace picks up this week and the trainee Gunners are expected to master drill ready for an assessment at the end of the week.

There’s also more general Service knowledge and weapons training, and the physical training goes up a gear too.

"We’re looking to see that your physical fitness is much better than it was at the start of the course. We also expect you to be ready for your drill assessment when you’ll be tested on marching as a squad."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 4: Heritage and home

As well as brushing up on general Service knowledge and keeping up with physical training, the trainee Gunners get to find out more about the Royal Air Force when they visit the RAF Museum in London.

And on Thursday, the trainees get a chance to show off some of their new skills on the assault course and during drill to members of their families. At the end of Families’ Day, the trainee Gunners are allowed three days’ home leave.

"This week marks the end of the first part of the course. You now have many of the basic skills used by serving RAF Regiment Gunners every day."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 5: Adventure training

This week’s adventure training takes place in Crickhowell in South Wales where the trainee Gunners have their fitness levels and teamwork skills developed as they kayak, mountain climb and abseil.

"In previous years, trainee Gunners have said that this is one of their favourite weeks. You’ll get to try out some extreme sports and find out how you work in a team situation."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 6: First Aid

This week’s training covers some of the most important first aid skills, from dealing with shock and transporting casualties to identifying fractures and resuscitating someone who’s stopped breathing.

"It’s vital that you have the skills to help anyone who’s suffered an injury. First aid can make a difference to you or to another person, and you never know when you might need to use your training."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 7: Battlefield first aid

Building on the knowledge gained last week, this part of the course focuses on the effects of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The trainee Gunners are told what to do in the event of an attack and how to deal with the effects of these types of weapons.

"There’s quite a bit of theory to this part of the course and we also look at some of the protective clothing and equipment that can make a real difference in the event of a nuclear, biological or chemical attack."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 8: Live firing

The first part of this week is spent learning about grouping and sighting with the rifle, and practising live firing at a range of 25 metres. This is the trainee Gunners’ first experience of live firing and it will be built on in the coming weeks.

In addition to firing and weapon handling, the trainee Gunners continue to build on their physical training, learn more general Service knowledge and have a lesson on night training in preparation for next week’s exercise.

"This is a busy week. The main focus is getting you to fire the rifle safely at a 25-metre range before we increase to 300 metres in week 10 and 400 metres in week 11."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 9: In the field

Fieldcraft is a vital part of a Gunner’s role. This week is focused on the basic skills that trainee Gunners need to survive in the field.

During this non-tactical exercise, the trainee Gunners set up two-man shelters and learn some important survival skills. They also practise patrol skills, personal camouflage and concealment, and become very familiar with the contents of a ration pack!

‘On this exercise, you’ll learn some of the survival skills you’ll use throughout your career as a Gunner. You’ll practise everything from setting up a bivvy to cleaning your weapon in the field."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 10: Firing to 300m

This week’s live firing training builds on the basics covered in week 8. The trainee Gunners will learn to use the x4 magnification tritium sight – a skill that distinguishes the RAF Regiment from the rest of the RAF.

The training also covers the procedures that must be followed when challenging someone with a weapon.

"Knowing all the procedures that go along with carrying a weapon are really important. That’s why we spend some time this week making sure that you know about the verbal challenge you have to run through when you’re apprehending someone with a weapon."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 11: Firing to 400m

The trainee Gunners are taught how to use grenades and night vision equipment this week, as well as practising firing their rifle to a distance of 400 metres.

There are also some weapon tests to check that the recruits are keeping up with their new knowledge and skills.

"This week’s grenade lessons will prepare you for the live grenade training that takes place in week 19. It’s important that we cover the basics here and that we review your progress in the weapon tests."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 12: Skills at arms

This week’s focus is on different ‘skill at arms’ lessons and joining the Royal Air Force. The trainee Gunners learn about station security, rules of engagement and arrest and detention. There are also lessons and exercises on control of entry and searching vehicles.

Weapon training also continues, with the Trainee Gunners using bayonets for the first time.

However, by the end of the week, all objectives will have been completed to enable the recruits to become fully fledged members of the RAF.

"By the end of the week, the lads will have completed a major stepping stone in reaching their aim. They will now have passed recruit phase and be awarded their certificates by the Wing Commander."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 13: Forest training

This is the second week of fieldcraft skills. The week’s exercise focuses on defending a base in a woodland environment, including forming a reconnaissance party and undertaking a hasty ambush.

The trainee Gunners also get to practise their ‘jungle aim’ and learn how to set up a tripwire.

"As in week 9, you will be practising your survival skills but this time the exercise will also test your defensive skills. There’s also some close quarters battle training and practice."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 14: Built-up areas training

The first part of this week is spent on more fieldcraft, this time with a focus on fighting in built-up areas. This includes an exercise that involves assaulting a village and dealing with battlefield casualties.

The trainee Gunners are then given a long weekend (starting on Friday) so that they can have a well-earned rest!

"Fighting in built-up areas is one of the real highlights of the course. You get to put lots of your skills into practice, including brushing up on your first aid."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 15: Navigation

Map reading is a very important skill for Gunners. This week, the trainees are taught all aspects of map reading including grid references, understanding contours and measuring distance.

Once they’ve been given basic instruction, the trainee Gunners go out on exercise where they are put in pairs and tested on their map reading and navigation skills.

"As well as learning all the basic map reading skills, you’ll also learn how to use the sun and stars to tell which direction you’re moving in."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 16: Patrol skills

This is the final week of fieldcraft and the trainee Gunners go out on an exercise that will test their defence and patrol skills.

As well as occupying a defensive position, the trainees will need to demonstrate their understanding of camouflage and concealment. They’ll also be expected to dig battle and communication trenches.

"This is a tough part of the training but it’s really important that you are able to dig trenches and defend them properly."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 17: Air operations

One of the highlights of this week is a visit to RAF Marham where the trainee Gunners learn more about air operations and what goes on at a flying squadron.

The end of this week is taken up with fitness assessments and preparations for next week’s exercise.

"The visit to RAF Marham will help to show you how your role fits in to the wider RAF. As a Gunner, you are part of a specialised fighting force responsible for protecting RAF personnel and bases."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 18: The final exercise

Exercise OMEGA brings together all of the skills learnt so far on the course. Trainee Gunners are expected to use their weapon training, battle preparation and patrol skills. They’ll also be expected to set up field communications and protect the camp from any potential ambush.

"Every skill that’s been taught on the course will be put to test during Exercise OMEGA. You’ll definitely get to see just how far you’ve come since you started training 18 weeks ago."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 19: Grenade training

During the first part of this week, the trainees get to learn more about grenades and take part in live throwing.

At the end of the week, the focus turns to advanced live firing, where trainee Gunners get to practise using their rifles at night.

"Grenades are a vital piece of kit and you need to be able to use them safely and effectively. This week will give you everything you need to know before you move on to next week’s field firing."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 20: Field firing

This is the week when you get to fire real bullets and throw live grenades. As well as practising in daylight, the trainee Gunners will also test their skills on a night shoot.

"This week is all about practising live firing in a tactical situation. This is the final part of weapon training and means that you are now able to handle your individual weapon like a qualified Gunner."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 21: Key skills

The trainee Gunners head back to the learning centre this week for training on important Key Skills including information technology, communication, maths and evidence gathering.

"This isn’t the most exciting week of the training, but it’s really important that you brush up on some of the Key Skills you’re likely to need during your first tour."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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Week 22: Graduation

This is one of the most important weeks in every Gunner’s life.

The week is spent preparing for Friday’s official graduation, and trainee Gunners practise arms drill and prepare their uniforms for the big day.

On Friday, the trainees’ families watch the graduation parade and see the top students receive rewards for their achievements.

"This will be a massive deal for you. It’s the culmination of more than six months’ preparation and you will – quite rightly – feel really proud to finally be an RAF Regiment Gunner."
Corporal Glenn Risebrow, Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

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