Royal Air Force and United States Air Force reservists have been training together in Scotland.
Exercise Galloway Defender saw the RAF Regiment Force elements of 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron and 2622 (Highland) Squadron work alongside personnel from the 101st Security Forces Squadron of the US Air National Guard, practising Agile Combat Employment (ACE).
The exercise reflected the need to rapidly deploy air power and then be able to protect the air assets with robust Air Force Protection.
The exercise, at Kirkcudbright Training Area, gave the reservists the chance to put their training into practice. It was also an opportunity to share experience and knowledge with NATO allies.
"The United States Air Force Security Force is a more reactionary force, so it’s been really beneficial to train with the RAF Regiment and be part of scenarios that require a more offensive mindset. It’s been a fantastic experience."
Technical Sergeant Drown
101st Security Forces Squadron, Bangor, Maine
The reservists practiced Close Quarter Battle, ambush, and flight-level attacks before bringing it together in a full exercise scenario, over a total of nine days.
"Integrating with the Americans has been really easy. If we deploy overseas, it’s likely that we’ll be working with partner nations, so this experience is vital for future operations."
Lance Corporal Nicholas
603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, Edinburgh
Galloway Defender was 603 and 2622 Squadrons’ joint Annual Continuous Training (ACT) exercise. ACT enables part-time reservists - who usually train at weekends - to put the skills they learn throughout the year to the test over a longer period of time. This helps them stay ready to mobilise alongside regulars if required.
The exercise scenario saw the gunners clear the ground near the Forward Operating Base to allow aircraft to forward-deploy to the simulated theatre of operations.
"While my day job as a social worker, working with children and young people, is really rewarding, it can be quite sedentary, so I joined 2622 Squadron when I was looking to do something more active.
My employer really values the leadership skills I’ve gained through my reserve service and they support me in a number of ways, including with the additional leave I needed to attend ACT, which has been fantastic."Air Specialist 1 Alade
2622 (Highland) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth
There are eight RAF Reserve squadrons across the UK where you can serve in the RAF Regiment Reserves. Find out more at www.recruitment.raf.mod.uk
