GO
Supporting Reserve Forces and Cadets in the South East
  1. 21/09/2020
  2. 15/09/2020
  3. 18/08/2020
  4. 15/08/2020
  5. 07/08/2020
  6. 04/08/2020
  7. 20/07/2020
  8. 16/07/2020
  9. 14/07/2020
  10. 13/07/2020
  11. 09/07/2020
  12. 06/07/2020
  1. IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: THE 7 RIFLES BATTLEGROUP RECEIVES THE UNFICYP MEDAL
    21 September 2020

    IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: THE 7 RIFLES BATTLEGROUP RECEIVES THE UNFICYP MEDAL

    IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: THE 7 RIFLES BATTLEGROUP RECEIVES THE UNFICYP MEDAL

     

    The 7 RIFLES Battlegroup, which has been keeping the peace on Cyprus since March, has be...

    [+] Read More
    IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: THE 7 RIFLES BATTLEGROUP RECEIVES THE UNFICYP MEDAL

    IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: THE 7 RIFLES BATTLEGROUP RECEIVES THE UNFICYP MEDAL

    IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: THE 7 RIFLES BATTLEGROUP RECEIVES THE UNFICYP MEDAL

     

    The 7 RIFLES Battlegroup, which has been keeping the peace on Cyprus since March, has been awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) medal for serving the cause of peace as they come to the end of their sixth-month tour of duty.

    The battlegroup, whose approximately 240 personnel represent the largest deployment of the Army Reserve as a single formed unit under its own command, arrived on the island in March to take over responsibility for Sector 2 of the United Nations Buffer Zone.  The Buffer Zone is the 180km tract of land that stretches across Cyprus, dividing the Turkish North from the land still directly administered by the Republic of Cyprus to the South.  Sector 2 is located in the centre of the Buffer Zone, in and around Nicosia, Europe’s last divided capital.  7 RIFLES have spent the past six months patrolling the sector, monitoring the activities of the two opposing forces on the island, maintaining the integrity of the Buffer Zone, and ensuring the safety of civilians from both sides.

    ‘Today represents the culmination of months of hard work,’ said the battlegroup’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) James Gayner, ‘I have been immensely proud of the work we have been doing and the battlegroup has chalked-up a number of notable successes that will make a lasting difference to the UN mission.  A huge 93% of my command are Army Reservists – largely from my battalion, 7 RIFLES, and 5 FUSILIERS – and they can be proud that they have proved the concept of the Army Reserve, not just to the British Army, but also to our international partners in the United Nations.’

    The British contribution to UNFICYP is the largest single UK blue beret deployment.  British soldiers have been serving the cause of peace on the island of Cyprus since 1964 and took over responsibility for Sector 2 in 1993.  Peacekeeping on Cyprus demands an intuitive understanding of what remains a delicate situation, intense grasp of detail, and a diplomatic approach to both of the opposing forces. 

    Speaking after receiving his medal, Rifleman Nick Eatwell, of 7 RIFLES, from Oxfordshire, said, ‘being awarded the UNFICYP medal means a lot.  Like most of us on parade, this is my first operational tour and my first medal.  We have had a fascinating but also demanding six months on the island.  I speak for us all when I say that I will always be proud to have done my bit to keep the peace on what is a beautiful, but also in recent history quite tragic, island.’

    The battlegroup mobilized for what the British Army calls Op TOSCA 32 in February and will handover responsibility for Sector 2 at the beginning of October to another Army Reserve-heavy battlegroup led by 6 RIFLES.

  2. 501 Squadron CAREER MILESTONE FOR BRIZE NORTON RESERVISTS
    15 September 2020

    501 Squadron CAREER MILESTONE FOR BRIZE NORTON RESERVISTS

    On Saturday 12 Sep 2020, during a visit to Brize Norton, Group Captain Jo Lincoln, the A4 Force Element Commander award the 3rd Clasp to the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal...

    [+] Read More
    501 Squadron CAREER MILESTONE FOR BRIZE NORTON RESERVISTS

    501 Squadron CAREER MILESTONE FOR BRIZE NORTON RESERVISTS

    On Saturday 12 Sep 2020, during a visit to Brize Norton, Group Captain Jo Lincoln, the A4 Force Element Commander award the 3rd Clasp to the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal, to Senior Aircraftsmen ‘PJ’ Smith and Roly Mills who are members of No 501 (County of Gloucester) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

    The award of the clasp marked over 35 years’ service that these airmen have given to the Royal Air Force. They originally joined No 4624 (County of Oxford) Movements Squadron in 1984 and served with them until coming across to 501 Squadron in 2014 and 2015 respectively. During the last 35 years they have seen the developing involvement of Reserves in current operations and were first mobilised to participate in OP GRANBY (First Gulf War) in 1991, and more recently Afghanistan.  

    PJ Smith who is a Movement & Transport Driver in 501 Squadron, is currently employed by Air Tanker in the ground handling role, but prior to that, he worked for SERCO Group in the Air Cargo Section at Brize Norton during the period of increased support to Operations in Middle East and Afghanistan.  Roly Mills is also an Movement & Transport Driver, both in 501 Squadron and in his civilian career where he works for a defence related transport company. Both have mobilised during their careers, Roly has mobilised eight times the most recent ones being in Kandahar, Akrotiri and for the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron.

    Officer Commanding 501 Squadron, Squadron Leader Andy Marshall RAuxAF commented “I have known both airmen for over twenty years and have previously commanded them in the Air Movements world. It is a significant achievement to reach 35 years’ service in any career, and it is good to see these lifelong friends reach this significant milestone and receive their clasps together”.   

  3. 53 soldiers from 124 Transport Squadron RLC completed Nijmegen Challenge
    18 August 2020

    53 soldiers from 124 Transport Squadron RLC completed Nijmegen Challenge

    53 soldiers from 124 Transport Squadron RLC

    [+] Read More
    53 soldiers from 124 Transport Squadron RLC completed Nijmegen Challenge

    53 soldiers from 124 Transport Squadron RLC completed Nijmegen Challenge

    53 soldiers from 124 Transport Squadron RLC completed their own Nijmegen Challenge in which individuals marched 30km 40km & 50km best effort each day over a period 4 days.   

     

    The Nijmegen 4 Day Marches is the largest walking event in the World, with an astounding 47,000 participants. People from many countries come to walk in and around the city and through the surrounding towns and villages.  Soldiers had planned to take part in the 2020 event however were unable to do so due to COVID19. 

     

    The soldiers raised £2,444 for the Army Benevolent Fund.  Simon Ferrier ABF Liaison Officer Collecting the check on behalf of the soldiers charity.  Major Paul Herlihy Officer Commanding 124 Transport Squadron said “The soldiers were determined that the current crisis was not going to stop them marching.  Instead of travelling to Nijmegen individuals picked routes around their local areas to complete the distances based on their best efforts.  The event not only raised money for the soldiers charity it also provided  an opportunity to exercise”.

  4. VICTORY OVER JAPAN (VJ) DAY (15 AUGUST 1945) – YOUR LOCAL REGIMENT
    15 August 2020

    VICTORY OVER JAPAN (VJ) DAY (15 AUGUST 1945) – YOUR LOCAL REGIMENT

    VICTORY OVER JAPAN (VJ) DAY (15 AUGUST 1945) – YOUR LOCAL REGIMENT

    Both VE Day and VJ Day are notabl...

    [+] Read More
    VICTORY OVER JAPAN (VJ) DAY (15 AUGUST 1945) – YOUR LOCAL REGIMENT

    VICTORY OVER JAPAN (VJ) DAY (15 AUGUST 1945) – YOUR LOCAL REGIMENT

    VICTORY OVER JAPAN (VJ) DAY (15 AUGUST 1945) – YOUR LOCAL REGIMENT

    Both VE Day and VJ Day are notable anniversaries for the United Kingdom and the World; marking the end of horrific experiences and great sacrifice.  2020 would have marked significant 75th commemorations, which have obviously been adversely affected by Coronavirus 19.

    Your local Regiment of London and the South East, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR), the Tigers, remembers the sacrifices made by its forebear regiments in the Second World War.  Six of our forebear regiments (seven battalions’ worth) were involved in the war against Japan:

    • 1st Bn Queen’s Royal Regiment, India and Burma.
    • 2nd Bn Queen’s Royal Regiment, a Chindit unit, which went deep behind enemy lines on deep penetration patrols.
    • 2nd Bn Buffs.  1944-45. Burma.
    • 2nd Bn East Surreys.  Malaya, then fall of Singapore.
    • 9th Royal Sussex.  1944-45. Burma.
    • 4th Bn Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, a Territorial battalion, which defended Kohima and included the courageous actions of Lance Corporal Jack Harman VC.  A Kohima Corporal is appointed in every PWRR battalion, each year, to acknowledge his bravery and the recent success of the appointed individual.
    • 1st Bn Middlesex.  Fall of Hong Kong.

     

  5. A Cadets from Surrey Army Cadet Force uses Lifesaving Skills!
    7 August 2020

    A Cadets from Surrey Army Cadet Force uses Lifesaving Skills!

    A Cadets from Surrey Army Cadet Force uses Lifesaving Skills!

    Jake was travelling home during rush hour approaching a very busy set of traffic lights. ...

    [+] Read More
    A Cadets from Surrey Army Cadet Force uses Lifesaving Skills!

    A Cadets from Surrey Army Cadet Force uses Lifesaving Skills!

    A Cadets from Surrey Army Cadet Force uses Lifesaving Skills!

    Jake was travelling home during rush hour approaching a very busy set of traffic lights. Minutes before Jake arrived, there had been a very bad road traffic accident that involved a lady who had been hit by a car. Although there were several adults at the scene already, Jake observed that none of them appeared to be tending to the lady. Jake stopped and asked if there were any trained first aiders at the scene. As there were not Jake took control of the situation. The lady had multiple injuries including a very bad head injury, an open fracture of the leg and arm injuries. Jake stemmed the flow of blood from the severe head injury, reassured the lady and even though she was barely conscious, he kept her awake by asking her questions and managed to ascertain that she had no underlying medical conditions and when she had last eaten so he could pass this information to the paramedics and air ambulance crew when they arrived.

    Jake admitted when he got home that he had to dig deep at the time to hold it together as he had never seen such bad injuries in a real life situation.

    Jack’s Mother said, “We are obviously incredibly proud of Jake for his actions yesterday as he could have just driven on by, but I want to thank the Army Cadets for all the incredible skills and experiences that they teach to the young people. Without Jake's knowledge of first aid and leadership skills, both of which he has learnt through cadets, he would not have been able to help yesterday and take command of the situation until the professionals arrived. It just goes to show you never know when you need to put your learning into practice.”

  6. 28 South East Employers have been recognised in the 2020 Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Awards
    4 August 2020

    28 South East Employers have been recognised in the 2020 Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Awards

    The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces’ Community, and align their values with the Armed Forces’ Covenant.

    SERFCA are proud to announce, 28 employers have been awarded the pre...

    [+] Read More
    28 South East Employers have been recognised in the 2020 Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Awards

    28 South East Employers have been recognised in the 2020 Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Awards

    The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces’ Community, and align their values with the Armed Forces’ Covenant.

    SERFCA are proud to announce, 28 employers have been awarded the prestigious Silver Award. The Award Ceremony should have taken place aboard the historic ship HMS Victory Portsmouth in early September. Despite the current restrictions of COVID-19, SERFCA will continue to host a virtual ceremony congratulating the awardees.

    The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq will virtually present 28 businesses (21 private, three public and five not for profit organisations) with their Silver Employer Recognition Award.

    “I would like to congratulate each of the 2020 Silver Employer Engagement Award winners. The quality of nominations was again extremely high this year and to make the final selection is a real testament to their company’s dedication, enthusiasm and hard work to support and advocate for the Armed Forces community. As President of the South East Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association, I am sorry that I was unable to thank these individuals in person due to covid-19, however it should not steer away from the importance of the positive and tangible help these businesses give to the armed forces family and their wonderful support to defence." – HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq

    The following businesses are now recognised as Silver Awardees:

    • Aspire Oxfordshire, Oxford
    • Cherwell District Council, Banbury.
    • Content Guru, Bracknell
    • Diamond Light Source Ltd, Didcot
    • Forces Family Finance, Chatham
    • The HPower Group, Windsor
    • i3 Gen Ltd, Alresford
    • ITURRI, Banbury
    • Made to Measure Mentoring Ltd, Leatherhead
    • Mobile Broadband Network Limited, Reading
    • MLL Telecom, Marlow
    • Models for Heroes, Newbury
    • Quadratek Infrastructure Limited, Hartley Wintney
    • SDR Strength Ltd, Basingstoke
    • STS Defence, Gosport
    • Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing
    • Thames Water, Reading
    • UKCloudX, Farnborough
    • 3M UK Plc, Bracknell
    • BAM Nuttall. Camberley
    • Capgemini UK Plc, Woking
    • Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Abingdon
    • Costain Group Plc, Maidenhead
    • Lockheed Martin UK, London
    • Naval Families Federation, Portsmouth
    • NHBS, Milton Keynes
    • Oracle Corporation, Reading
    • The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Portsmouth

    “I am the Managing Director of MBNL and empathise with many of my ex-Military colleagues that the transition from being a member of the armed services into a civilian job and life can be hard for some. This is why I have continued to ensure our recruitment policies support Reservists and am proud to have 10% of our colleagues being Veterans at MBNL. I am a great supporter of the work that the Armed Forces resettlement teams do and I hope that seeing MBNL’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant will reassure members of the serving and reserve Military that we are a great place to work.” – MBNL’s Managing Director, Gervase King.

    “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Silver ERS Award.  Through our engagement with Royal Navy and Royal Marines families we have a deep understanding of the challenges that they face with regard to securing meaningful employment and career progression. It is, therefore, incredibly important to us that we demonstrate good employment practice in support of this community.” – Naval Families Federation.

  7. 4624 SQUADRON reservists SUPPORT UK coronavirus testing
    20 July 2020

    4624 SQUADRON reservists SUPPORT UK coronavirus testing

    4624 SQUADRON reservists SUPPORT UK coronavirus testing

    Royal Air Force Reservists from 4624 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, ...

    [+] Read More
    4624 SQUADRON reservists SUPPORT UK coronavirus testing

    4624 SQUADRON reservists SUPPORT UK coronavirus testing

    4624 SQUADRON reservists SUPPORT UK coronavirus testing

    Royal Air Force Reservists from 4624 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, mobilised as part of the RAFs contribution to Operation RESCRIPT, MODs response to the COVID-19 pandemic, are currently deployed as a Mobile Testing Unit operating across Berks, Bucks and Oxon.

     

    As the RAFs only Reserve Movements Squadron, 4624 Squadron personnel will normally be found  moving equipment and personnel around the world in support of operations and exercises. However, for the last 5 weeks, 21 personnel from the Squadron along with colleagues from other RAF Reservist units have formed up into 12-person mobile testing teams, with the remit to test members of the public for the Coronavirus across the three counties.

     

    A short period of intensive training covering both practical and theoretical elements of the task ensured that the teams were well prepared for this and able to cope with any situation. Each day the team deploys to a different location, where they set-up the site from scratch prior to starting the testing. This involves a series of carefully rehearsed procedures and a highly disciplined approach to ensure the testing itself is undertaken safely, accurately and swiftly.  Of particular importance is the ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with the public to reassure them about the testing procedure and what it involves.

     

    The 4624 Sqn Team Leader, Flt Lt Scott Quayle, who works for Leonardo Aerospace (Helicopters) said: “I’m really relishing the opportunity to be involved in this important work and delighted to be doing so with a great team from my own Squadron and colleagues from other RAF Reserves squadrons.”

     

    Officer Commanding 4624 Squadron, Wing Commander Rich Evans said “I am extremely proud of everyone on 4624 Sqn, particularly those currently mobilised and deployed in support of COVID-19 testing, while not forgetting that we also continue to deploy our people on other operations both at home and abroad. Its been an outstanding team effort of a magnitude not seen in many years and it continues day-in, day-out. What we have achieved together has been immense.”

  8. Taking on the British Weather - from Radiant Sunshine to Gale Force Winds
    16 July 2020

    Taking on the British Weather - from Radiant Sunshine to Gale Force Winds

    Taking on the British Weather - from Radiant Sunshine to Gale Force Winds

    Members of the Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles put down their instruments this autumn for two weekends of their Adventure Trai...

    [+] Read More
    Taking on the British Weather - from Radiant Sunshine to Gale Force Winds

    Taking on the British Weather - from Radiant Sunshine to Gale Force Winds

    Taking on the British Weather - from Radiant Sunshine to Gale Force Winds

    Members of the Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles put down their instruments this autumn for two weekends of their Adventure Training. Their choice of weapon – a 34ft yacht chartered from the Joint Services Adventure Sail Training Centre (JSASTC).

    The two expeditions were organised by Musician Steph Hicks who recently completed her Day Skipper qualification at JSASTC. She bravely offered to take out two groups of novices with a sense of blissful optimism about teaching them to sail in the space of two days. What could go wrong?!

    With their beady eyes on the weather forecast, the crew arrived for each expedition awaiting the verdict on whether we would be able to sail. In true British fashion, the weather chose to throw at us the two situations in which sailing is most difficult – the blissful calm of a heat wave and the howling gales of a storm warning.  The conditions couldn’t have been more of a contrast!

     In September the crew arrived in shorts, clutching their speedos and fishing gear. Despite dubious looks from the Skipper, the weather was in fact calm enough for a dip in the Solent and some mackerel fishing off the back of the boat. The crew can take full credit for trying their best to blow some wind into the sails, but to no avail.

    In October the crew arrived in their fleeces and waterproofs, desperately trying to stay upright as the wind was blowing them sideways off the pontoon. After motoring out into the Solent to get a taste of the conditions we settled on sailing in the relative shelter of Portsmouth harbour with a storm sail equivalent to a large handkerchief. As we picked up the pace with our storm sail the crew began to understand why the Skipper had vetoed anything larger.

    So what went wrong? Well, nothing really! The aim of Adventure Training is to push people out of their comfort zone and build up their team-working skills – the crew certainly achieved that. Thankfully they also remembered to pack their sense of humour, no-one was left flailing in the waves of the Solent and we successfully navigated our way around the busiest waterway in Europe. Not only did both crews come on leaps and bounds in their sailing skills within boundaries of contrasting weather conditions, but they took on the challenge with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure.

    Musician Steph Hicks, Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles

  9. RAF BRIZE NORTON reservists train for coronavirus testing
    14 July 2020

    RAF BRIZE NORTON reservists train for coronavirus testing

    RAF BRIZE NORTON reservists train for coronavirus testing

    Royal Air Force Reservists from...

    [+] Read More
    RAF BRIZE NORTON reservists train for coronavirus testing

    RAF BRIZE NORTON reservists train for coronavirus testing

    RAF BRIZE NORTON reservists train for coronavirus testing

    Royal Air Force Reservists from 501 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton have been working with the Irish Guards to support testing for the Coronavirus.

     

    The 21 personnel from 501 Squadron, have joined with two other RAuxAF Sqns to form teams of 12 personnel, and have learnt how to set up a mobile testing unit and safely test members of the public for the Coronavirus. This is a significant change for 501 Squadron, whose primary role is the recruitment, training and deployment of RAF drivers, suppliers and chefs.

     

    The training involved both practical and theoretical elements including learning how to filter traffic, the correct use of personal protective equipment and communicating with members of the public. Training culminated in a complete run-through of how a mobile testing unit is set up and run.

     

    Sqn Ldr Andy Marshall is Officer Commanding 501 Squadron. He said: “This is a unique opportunity for reservist personnel. They have demonstrated an amazing willingness to volunteer and assist keyworkers with this essential task and I am incredibly proud of them.”

     

    501 Squadron is one of the four Reserve squadrons within the RAF's A4 Force Elements. The others are 4624 (County of Oxford) Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton, 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron based at RAF Wittering and 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron based at RAF Cosford.

     

    Commanding Officer of the A4 Force Elements, and Station Commander RAF Wittering,

    Group Captain Jo Lincoln said: “I am so proud of our Reservists. Running a mobile testing unit safely requires discipline, thoughtfulness, and an ability to reassure and relate to the people who are being tested. I know they will do a great job.”

  10. 151 Regiment RLC - Promotion
    13 July 2020

    151 Regiment RLC - Promotion

    [+] Read More
    151 Regiment RLC - Promotion

    151 Regiment RLC - Promotion

    151 Regiment RLC is pleased to announce the promotion of Reservist Simon Matthews. Simon 42, who is an Advertising Director in his civilian life, joined the Army Reserve in November 2011. Trained as an RLC Driver and then later completing Command Leadership Management Training, he has been serving as a Section Commander, before recently being selected for promotion to Sergeant.

    When presented with his new rank slide by the Commanding Officer, Simon said: “The Army Reserves has given me the confidence to do things I never thought possible. The opportunities are endless and the leadership skills I have learnt have helped me in my civilian job”.

     

    Simon now takes up the appointment of Troop Sgt at 124 Transport Squadron and feels excited to embrace the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

  11. Brompton Academy CCF – Experience
    9 July 2020

    Brompton Academy CCF – Experience

    Brompton Academy CCF – Experience

     

    ...
    [+] Read More
    Brompton Academy CCF – Experience

    Brompton Academy CCF – Experience

    Brompton Academy CCF – Experience

     

    I signed up to the Brompton Academy CCF in mid-2014; I was only 13 at the time. I joined seeking new experiences, challenges, discipline and also to have some fun with my mates. Starting cadets was obviously a bit intimidating at the start, being surrounded by senior cadets and soldiers (Full time, Reserve & ex-forces).

    However, over the 5 ½ years as a cadet, being surrounded by these people i.e Capt. Knight, Capt Loughrey and many other fantastic instructors on the training team, I have been able to grow into the person I am today. They allowed me to build my confidence through promotion; allowing me to teach other new cadets and stand up in front of a class and give a lesson or presentation; whereas when I first started I was a stuttering mess. I also took part on many field exercises and annual camps, providing me with brilliant leadership skills, field craft/survival skills, weapon handling; and many others that I am still grateful for learning to this day.

    So what am I doing now? Well currently I am a Phase 2 Trainee soldier at the 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signals Regiment in Blandford; working my way to becoming a Communications Systems Engineer as a Lance Corporal in the Field Army. Every skill I have learned throughout cadets has helped me reach this point in my career and certainly helped me have an advantage over other recruits in basic training who hadn’t learnt this skills before.

    - Keane Smirthwaite

  12. Senior Aircraftwoman Geetha Ramesh supports the UK Military’s Response to COVID-19
    6 July 2020

    Senior Aircraftwoman Geetha Ramesh supports the UK Military’s Response to COVID-19

    Senior Aircraftwoman Geetha Ramesh supports the UK Military’s Response to COVID-19

     

    UNPRECEDENTED times call for unpreceden...

    [+] Read More
    Senior Aircraftwoman Geetha Ramesh supports the UK Military’s Response to COVID-19

    Senior Aircraftwoman Geetha Ramesh supports the UK Military’s Response to COVID-19

    Senior Aircraftwoman Geetha Ramesh supports the UK Military’s Response to COVID-19

     

    UNPRECEDENTED times call for unprecedented measures and none more so than the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.  From a UK perspective, where the NHS usually supports the Armed Forces in times of crisis, currently it is the Armed Forces providing essential support to key workers on the front line.  Operation RESCRIPT is the UK military’s response to the pandemic and includes the mobilisation of Royal Air Force Reservist personnel.

    Based at RAF Brize Norton, No. 4624 (County of Oxford) Squadron is the only Movements squadron within the Reserves and normally employs its specialist personnel to handle and move freight and passengers worldwide.  A busy squadron providing ongoing support to enduring operations worldwide, it has stepped outside of its usual role to mobilise 22 Reservists for Operation RESCRIPT within a very short timescale.  Initially held on 48 hours stand-by as part of the high-readiness contingency force, an element of the wider RAF contribution to MOD support to the NHS, 20 personnel have recently assumed responsibility for mobile testing in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire working alongside personnel from 606 Sqn, RAF Benson.

    Senior Aircraftwoman Geetha Ramesh, who works for Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs as an Intelligence Development Officer, volunteered to be mobilised and is currently deployed as part of one of the numerous Mobile Testing teams working on a daily basis around the three counties.  She joined the RAF Reserves in 2017 and Operation RESCRIPT is her first mobilisation. Geetha said: “As soon as I heard from the Squadron that they were seeking volunteers for COVID-19 operations, I consulted my managers in HMRC, who were very supportive with my intention to assist during the difficult pandemic times. I also cancelled my pre-booked holiday and organised domestic matters swiftly as I did not want to miss the opportunity to render my services to the nation.  I feel satisfied and proud that I am a little drop in the mighty ocean of selfless people helping the country to overcome this disaster”.

Copyright 2020 South East RFCA