Air Specialist 1 Arbury
Logistics Driver
No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron
My career highlight so far
I recently spent a month working with Ukrainian forces, driving them to and from training and welfare facilities whilst they were being trained on new equipment in order to assist in their conflict back home.
It was really interesting to meet them, to hear their stories and to learn first-hand about their experience on the front lines of conflict. They were really easy to get along with and had a fantastic sense of morale and humour.
The best thing about my current role
Without a doubt the variety of the job. I started one week by working alongside the US Marine Corps to transport some equipment and then by the end of that same week up I was supporting hospitals or the ambulance service on a MACA tasking. Other weeks I could be transporting equipment across several foreign European countries! There aren't many jobs out there that will give you the opportunities that the RAF does.
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Corporal Sandle
RAF Police
1 Tactical Police Squadron
My career highlight so far
I have been fortunate to enjoy countless incredible experiences thanks to the RAF. Mountaineering in Bavaria, parading in front of the Royal Family during the Festival of Remembrance, and volunteering as a Military Co-Responder with the Ambulance Service, to name a few, makes it hard for me to pick out a leading highlight. However, I would have to say being deployed to Kabul during Op Pitting has been the most rewarding point of my career. I played a critical part in the delivery of Air Transport Security in Kabul Airport during the evacuation, by conducting thorough passenger and hand luggage searches of all evacuees before they were permitted to board RAF Aircraft. Knowing that my work during the airlift directly contributed to the successful evacuation of more than 15,000 people, is an emotion like no other.
The best thing about my current role
The best thing about my current role on Tactical Police & Security Sqn is the incredible travel opportunities. The Sqns primary role being the delivery of Air Transport Security to the RAF’s Air Mobility Force means that I find myself flying to a different location around the world, almost every week. So far, in just under 2 years, I have already visited over 40 Countries with the RAF, from operations in Afghanistan, Mali, and Iraq, to exercises all over North America and Europe. I also provide security for the RAF’s VIP flights, on which I have met HM King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Boris Johnson.
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Flight Sergeant Childs
Intelligence Analyst
RAF Officer Training Academy
My career highlight so far
The highlight of my career so far is being part of the Modularised Initial Officer Training No 6 Royal Graduation. To lead the Squadron on to the parade square and march them past Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, before giving them their first salute as they slow marched up the steps of CHOM. This is a privilege not afforded to all RAFOTA Sqn staff and is undoubtedly the highlight of my career to date.
The best thing about my current role
The best thing about my current role is the variability and being part of their journey into the RAF. One of my reasons for applying for the role at RAF Officer Training Academy was down to the inspirational flight staff I had during Ph1 training, and I wanted to pay that back. Everyone that walks through the doors has a story and getting to know them, mentoring them, and playing a part in the first chapter of their RAF career is an absolute honour.
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Flight Lieutenant Cammy Dalziel
RAF Regiment Officer
603 Squadron RAuxAF
My career highlight so far
My career highlight has been the involvement in Her Majesty The Queen’s funeral procession as Flight Commander for 603 Squadron’s marching contingent. When I joined the Reserves I never imagined I would have the opportunity to undertake such a prominent role and I feel immense pride and honour to have been a part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Following closely is graduating from RAF College Cranwell where I was awarded the MacRobert Sword of Honour as top Reserve Officer Cadet for 2018.
The best thing about my current role
Being an RAF reserve in the regiment is a complete contrast to my civilian role where I’m an Engineering Consultant. I’d say the best thing about it is being able to develop and mentor my Gunners to achieve things they would never achieve in the civilian world – giving them the means to build a set of transferable skills and to help them grow as confident and capable individuals.
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Air Specialist 1 Euan Hussey
Air Cartographer
No 1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit
My career highlight so far
Out of the many career highlights I’ve had in my four years of service as an Air Cartographer, there are two that especially stand out. The first one was my time overseas to the UAE. The second was having the opportunity to sit on the ramp of a Hercules C130J as it flew low level through the Mach loop. That was such an exhilarating moment.
The best thing about my current role
As an Air Cartographer at No 1 AIDU, I work within the Digital Mapping section. One of our jobs is to produce aircraft cockpit mapping, which is the digital display that the pilots see in the cockpit showing them all the essential flight data. The best part of my job is the visible impact I have on the frontline squadrons which I work very closely with, such as Typhoon. Being able to see where my work is being used within the wider Air Force is extremely rewarding.
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Warrant Officer Carol Russell
Aircraft Technician (Avionics)
My career highlight so far
My career highlight so far has to be getting the opportunity to fly in the Lancaster during the Display Season on Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). As 'Warrant Officer Engineering', I travel with the aircraft when it lands away from the Main Operating Base for the weekend, ensuring any issues are captured and dealt with to enable the aircraft to continue to fly.
The best thing about my current role
Having the honour and privilege to meet the veterans throughout the year, hearing their stories of courage, adventure and loss. Understanding the true meaning of the word Hero which affirms the reason why BBMF is so important. Seeing their faces light up when the aircraft start up, brings a smile and tear to even the hardest person on the flight.
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Flight Lieutenant Katharine Morten
Engineer Officer (Aerosystems)
RAF Odiham
My career highlight so far
This is a really difficult question because there have been so many. I've been very fortunate in my career to be involved in international aid and humanitarian operations in the Caribbean, travel all over the world including the Middle East, the Falklands and Japan, and face loads of engineering challenges that have helped me develop myself professionally as an engineer. Through all of that I've been able to represent both the RAF and the UK Armed Forces on the hockey pitch, which has been an absolute privilege. But the common thread throughout all of it is the people that I've worked with. There are too many examples to count of how they have consistently demonstrated how awesome we are as an organisation.
The best thing about my current role
I'm currently working within Engineering and Logistics Wing at RAF Odiham in support of the Chinook Force. I work with a relatively small team of technicians and interface with all of the Chinook Squadrons, Defence Equipment at Support, and our partners at Boeing Defence UK in order to keep the UK Chinook fleet flying safely whilst maintaining our operational output. For me it's the perfect balance of fast-paced military operations management and in-depth technical problem-solving, and because of the size of our team we are able to work in a way that is very collaborative and that brings out the best in everyone. In this role I've been able to achieve Chartered Engineer status as a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society, which is probably my greatest professional achievement so far, and it's given me the opportunity to really stretch myself.
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Air Specialist Class 1 Dan Davies
Survival Equipment Specialist
RAF Benson
My career highlight so far
The highlight of my career so far is being able to be part of the LGBTQ+ Network as their Media and Comms Lead. This has allowed me to be part of Pride in London in 2022 and 2023, once marching in uniform then as support staff. Both times has been incredible, and it makes me proud to be a member of the Royal Air Force. Saluting the cenotaph at the end of the parade is something I will always remember.
The best thing about my current role
In my current role I am part of a small team helping deliver safety equipment to RAF Bensons aircrew and aircraft. Doing this role has allowed me to show my reactivity and adaptability with crew coming in with last minute requests. This has allowed me to gain rapport with aircrew and during detachments I have been flown in both Puma and Chinook flying over the London Heli-Lanes. Being a “Squipper” is a varied and rewarding role and it has allowed me to continually develop as a person and a service person.
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Flight Sergeant Rob Allbrook
RAF High Wycombe
My career highlight so far
Choosing just one highlight from a career spanning nearly 30 years is quite challenging. One occasion would be a back seat trip in a Tornado GR4 on a low-level sortie from Lossiemouth to Loch Ness and the West Coast of Scotland, an opportunity I never would have imagined. Others are associated with many trips overseas from Europe to the Middle East and the United States either for Operational deployments, Exercises or Adventurous Training.
The best thing about my current role
The Air & Space Operations profession has the advantage of so many varied roles. I currently work at UK Space Command where I recently led the UK planning team for Ex Space Flag in Colorado Springs. Space is congested and a competitive domain with many hazards from space weather and debris, and also threats from nefarious activity. It’s rewarding to see the plans executed by our frontline units, who excel alongside their coalition colleagues. Then post exercise it’s time for me to review and identify lessons to improve on the process for the next time.
Flight Lieutenant Daniel Roper
Personnel Support Officer
RAF Cranwell
My career highlight so far
I have been fortunate to have had an extremely varied career, transitioning from fourteen and a half years as a Trade Group 1 Mechanic into life as a Personnel Support Officer. Commissioned life has brought with it lots of variety, opportunity to live all over the UK and a holistic view of the RAF. When I came through Cranwell on Initial Officer Training at age 33 back in 2014, I decided that a job in the Academy was something I would aim to achieve, and I have been lucky enough to have worked at RAF Officer Training Academy for 2 ½ years. This job is the highlight of my career so far.
The best thing about my current role
Within the Academy there is no fixed roll for any one individual during their tenure. Throughout my time I started as a Flight Commander, then transitioned into a Deputy Squadron Commander position and then for my final role, I undertook the position of Deputy Chief of Staff. The best way to answer this question would be two-fold, firstly the variety that accompanies it, but probably more importantly would be the people I work with. They are driven, positive and committed to what they do and the cadets that come through the Academy are enthusiastic and full of drive and anticipation for the future, this genuinely is a great place to work.
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Air Specialist Class 1 Nile Austin
Photographer
RAF Waddington
My career highlight so far
My career highlight so far would be covering Exercise Cobra Warrior 23-1 at RAF Waddington. Being able to go out and be creative around both RAF and Foreign aircraft everyday was brilliant. We also got to learn about how other Air Forces operate. The Indian Air Force brought their own chefs so I was able to eat amazing food everyday while going out and photographing some amazing people and aircraft!
The best thing about my current role
The best thing about my current role is definitely the fact that I do what I love every day. Before joining the RAF, I did photography as a hobby. However, now I do photography every day and get to travel to some amazing places with the RAF. On top of that we have access to the best camera kit in the world, which makes our job more dynamic.
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Sergeant Ryan Brindley
Communications Infrastructure Technician
RAF Leeming
My career highlight so far
In the 11 years since joining, I have had the opportunity to travel to some extremely remote areas. Although a trip to Everest Base Camp as part of an Adventure Training team is up there, my highlight would have to be a two-month secondment to the British Antarctic Survey. I was working on the Antarctic Ice Shelf conducting mast and tower inspections, surrounded by mountains, wildlife and icebergs.
The best thing about my current role
The best thing about my current role on Tactical Communications Wing is the variability and diverse work that we conduct day-to-day. One day, we could be working up a tower at heights of over 100m, and the following day be installing communication links in a new state of the art building. As a squadron, we often have our people deployed all over the world, supporting Operations and Exercises by providing them with network links back the UK.
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Corporal Chelsea Davidson
Dental Nurse
RAF High Wycombe
My career highlight so far
I have had many career highlights during my 6 years of service; one that particularly stands out would be my deployment to the Falkland Islands back in 2021. I got the opportunity to sit on the ramp of an Atlas A400M as it flew low level conducting maritime reconnaissance and was a passenger on the Voyager as it provided air-to-air refuelling for two Typhoon jets. It really was incredible to have a front row seat, witnessing some of the RAF’s aircraft demonstrate their immense capabilities.
The best thing about my current role
In my current role I am the Practice Manager of the Dental Centre based at RAF High Wycombe. I initially joined as a Dental Nurse, and previous to this I worked as a Dental Nurse within the NHS and private sector for 2 years. Managing a Dental Centre is a complete contrast and a huge leap from being in a primarily clinical role. This has allowed me to face and overcome many challenges, learn new skills, take on additional responsibilities and the opportunity to develop my leadership skills. I would say the best thing is being in a position that allows me to develop and mentor my staff, giving them the guidance and confidence to build their skills and help them achieve their goals and future aspirations.
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Flight Lieutenant Chris Marshall
Engineer Officer (Aerosystems)
No 1 School of Technical Training, RAF Cosford
My career highlight so far
My career highlight so far is having been part of the military contingent that supported the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla. I commanded No 53 ½ Company; comprising staff and trainees of the No1 School of Technical Training, and provided ceremonial route lining duties in front of Parliament Square in London. This once in a lifetime event was an opportunity to honour our new Commander in Chief and was a day of immense pride for myself and all those who took part.
The best thing about my current role
My current role is that of Deputy Squadron Commander of Aerosystems Training Squadron at the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering, RAF Cosford. Responsible for the management and development of Phase 2 engineering (Avionics) trainees, it is a tremendous privilege to oversee and support their learning journey and professional growth. Helping to support and nurture future RAF engineering talent and witnessing their transformation from newly inducted Air Recruits to front line ready engineers, is truly rewarding.
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Reverend Philip Wilson
Chaplain
RAF High Wycombe
My career highlight so far
I’m really blessed in having had way too many highlights. There have been ceremonial occasions such as Remembrance, which can be incredibly moving and a privilege to lead. Then there have been deployments – I’ll never forget Christmas in the Falklands, Midnight Communion in a cram-packed church just after sunset; or deploying in the Middle East as the first Covid lockdown struck – figuring out what to do and how to do it. Actually, probably the most satisfying period was three years at Cranwell journeying alongside Officer Cadets as they developed through Phase 1 training, realising their true potential.
The best thing about my current role
My brand-new role at HQ Air is Staff Chaplain to the Chaplain-in-Chief. It gives me a brilliant opportunity to see what’s happening across the Air Force and to figure out how Chaplaincy can meaningfully help others. Previously, I was a parish minister for ten years, and have served in the RAF now for another ten. Parish Church, Station Chaplain, or staff work, it’s all a similar vocation: “to serve and not to be served”, as our Profession motto says. Helping people, wherever they’re at, whether religious or not, is what it’s all about!
It’s an amazing honour to serve.
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