Supplier
Name: Rob Cooke
Age: 24
Rank: SAC
Base: RAF Benson
Whether it’s an everyday station Squadron, or a deployment of RAF troops on NATO detachment, the RAF can’t operate effectively without supplies of food, fuel and equipment. That’s where Suppliers come in.
Altitude spoke to SAC Rob Cooke about his experiences as a Supplier, his life in the RAF and bowling a few overs for the RAF cricket team.
Q. What made you choose the RAF?
A. I’d worked in the civilian hospitality industry for a few years, but I was unfulfilled and so when I hit 20, I took control and researched the career opportunities the RAF offered. I visited my local Armed Forces Careers Office and talked through my options.
I looked at the Supply trade and decided it would suit my personality. Teamwork is essential to the job and I like working with people and socialising a bit too! Working on a computer is also important and I had previous experience of that.
Q. What was training like?
A. Like all new recruits I started at RAF Halton, the home of basic recruit training. I had the best nine weeks of my life. I met lots of like-minded people and made some great friends.
Then I did my Supply trade training. There was lots of information to take in because the trade covers such a big area, but I enjoyed the challenge and revised an hour or so each evening to make sure I passed all the tests.
Q. What do you enjoy most about RAF life?
A. The cricket and the travel! I’m a bowler on the RAF cricket team, and have played against the Army and Navy, as well as some county cricket teams.
With the cricket team I get to travel around the UK. I've also been to Germany on a skiing expedition and Wales on adventurous training. Fairly soon I will be flying to the Ascension Islands in the South Atlantic and doing some more outward bound activities – I‘m looking forward to that.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. I’m going to work towards a promotion to Corporal. Then I’d like to work on the Mobility Supply Flight at RAF Benson, which flies out to some far-flung destinations. I’d relish the challenge of doing my job in an operational environment because it’s what I joined up for.
Q. Any advice for people looking at an RAF career?
A. My advice to anyone considering a career in the RAF is to choose the right trade and take the opportunity to do something a bit different.
Is RAF Supplier the trade for you? Find out with the Altitude RAF career quiz
