FLT LT M K CARTER MC BEd RAF                

Joining the RAF Regiment

Joining the RAF was not always an ambition of mine; however, it was the best decision I have ever made. I initially trained as a Physical Education teacher then worked briefly as a builder before teaching for a year whilst applying to join the RAF. I initially wanted to become a Physical Education Officer in the RAF before finding out about the RAF Regiment and the diverse nature of this unique Corps. On successful completion of the Officer and Aircrew Selection Course and the offer of a permanent commission as a RAF Regiment Officer I joined the RAF in Oct 1998 and went to RAF College Cranwell for my 6 month Initial Officer Training.

Graduating from Cranwell I held for 2 months between training courses with II Squadron RAF Regiment at RAF Honington where I passed the physically demanding Pre-Para Course making me eligible for parachute training. I then completed the 6 month Junior Regiment Officers’ Course (JUNIOR REGIMENT OFFICERS’ COURSE); the arduous infantry training that must be passed to become a RAF Regiment Officer. The Course was spent living in the field during the winter months; however, there was respite in a week adventurous training learning to Sub Aqua Dive in the Red Sea. Awarded my ‘mudguards’ in Apr 2000 and completing the Field Flt Commanders Course, I was posted to 1 Sqn RAF Regiment, St Mawgan, Newquay. For a water sports enthusiast Cornwall was my dream first tour with many early mornings and summer evenings spent surfing before and after work! Whilst serving with 1 Sqn, I honed my infantry skills with live firing training and field exercises before I deployed to Kuwait on Op Resinate (South) defending the Ali Al Salem Air Base. I also enjoyed the active life the RAF has to offer, organising a Sub Aqua Diving Expedition to Cyprus for 3 weeks and began representing the RAF in Offshore Sailing, quickly making the ‘A’ Team.

Flight Commander

From Cornwall I was posted to RAF Honington as Officer Commanding the RAF Regiment Presentation Team. This job involved travelling around Britain giving presentations about the RAF Regiment to Schools, Air Cadet Units and Junior Leaders, as well as organising demonstrations at Air Shows. This was an enjoyable job promoting the diverse nature of the RAF Regiment amongst keen potential Gunner and Officer Recruits. I then progressed to work as Training Officer for a year and then Flight Commander for 18 months instructing on the Junior Regiment Officers’ Course. Here I planned the training and instructed the potential Junior Regiment Officers. I also assisted in rewriting the Further Training Courses for Corporals and Sergeants. During this busy tour I managed to settle down, buy a house and get married to Ali, my lovely wife. I also managed to get away on more adventurous training, skydiving in Florida for 2 weeks gaining Cat 8 qualification and a multi activity week in Corsica, mountain walking, mountain biking, sailing and canoeing. I also represented the RAF in the Laser Sports Boat European Championship at Lake Garda, Italy, for 2 weeks.

Forward Air Controller

Ali and I were posted to 16 Air Assault Brigade in April 2005 where I took the post of Officer Commanding 613 Tactical Air Control Party (TACP). I went directly on my Forward Air Controller Course, which included a trip in a Hawk fast jet flying Close Air Support missions. On successful completion I conducted a 6 month period of intensive training to become Combat Ready. Included in the work up were numerous exercises; 3 weeks in Texas, USA, dropping live ordnance from F18s, 2 weeks in California working with C130 Hercules for tactical air dropped resupply and many other exercises controlling multi national aircraft and visiting RAF Squadrons to learn in depth about our fast jet ground role aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft capabilities. Once the work up was complete training began immediately for Operation Herrick 4 in the Helmand region of Afghanistan. More courses on Battlespace Management and Airspace Management together with 6 months of exercises working closely with 3 PARA and 7 PARA RHA followed. By the time the TACP deployed on Op Herrick 4 the TACP under my command was fully trained and capable of controlling, integrating and deconflicting fires from 105mm Light Gun (artillery), 81mm Mortars, Attack Helicopters, Close Air Support fast jets, Support Helicopters, Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs) and any other airspace users; a very complex and demanding job. During this period Ali and I found time to have twin boys, Jack and Harry. On 11 Apr 2006, fully trained and ready for action, my TACP and I deployed on the advance party (first wave) to Afghanistan.

The Future

I originally joined the RAF Regiment because of the unique experiences and vastly diverse jobs that are offered. My experience has been truly diverse; working as a Flight Commander on a RAF Regiment Field Squadron, recruiting and training the future RAF Regiment Officers, then finding myself on the front line in Afghanistan Forward Air Controlling and fighting the Taliban. My next job will be different again, which keeps life exciting, unpredictable and absorbing.