Gunners

Airmen in the RAF Regiment are known as Gunners. They make up the bulk of the Corps and range in rank from Leading Aircraftman (LAC) to Warrant Officer (WO).

A civilian candidate applying to become a RAF Regiment Gunner must attend and pass the [link not available] (PGSC) prior to being made an Offer of Service and commencing the 31-week Trainee Gunner Course. The Trainee Gunner Course is made up of Recruit, Trained Soldier and Combat Infantry phases and is designed to give a young Gunner all of the skills that he will require in order to become an effective section member on an operational RAF Regiment squadron. The course concentrates on practical soldiering skills and has 10 seperate fieldcraft exercises. Subjects taught include field living, weapon handling and marksmanship, battlefield first aid, fighting in built-up areas, battlefield surveillance and working with helicopters. The course culminates with the arduous Exercise OMEGA, which includes tactical manoeuvres using live ammunition.

Typically, a Gunner will serve on an operational squadron during his first few years of service as a rifleman on a Field squadron. He may then diversify into a specialist role, such as Mortar Fire Controller, Sniper or Command Post Signaller or apply to serve on a specialist unit, such as the Support Helicopter Force or a Tactical Air Control Party. Gunners r, can volunteer for parachute duties with II Squadron RAF Regiment or ceremonial duties with the Queen's Colour Squadron.

Promotion prospects are good in the Corps, with many Gunners attaining the rank of Lance Corporal after 3 years' service. Lance Corporals and Corporals on squadrons typically command sections of 8 Gunners, but also serve as instructors on Ground Defence Training sections and at RAF initial training establishments.

Gunners who are promoted to senior non-commissioned officer level (Sergeants and Flight Sergeants) take on a wide range of management responsibilities, from managing and training flights of 30 Gunners to advising senior officers on Force Protection matters.

The senior rank that a gunner can attain is Warrant Officer. Warrant Officer's are employed in a variety of management roles on a RAF Station or RAF regiment Squadron. A Warrant Officer is the link between Commissioned and Non Commissioned personnel.

For more information on Gunner career opportunities click on this link to rafcareers.com

For detailed information on the Potential Gunners Acquaintance Course, which all Gunner candidates must attend before commencing the Trainee Gunner Course, click [link not available].