More about this squadron

2623 Squadron is a force protection squadron, primarily made up of Gunners. However, we also have a limited number of posts in supporting trades, serving on part-time Reserve terms.

All Gunners are trained to provide ground defence to prevent attacks on airfields. However, our Gunners also receive additional specialist CBRN training in anticipation of a requirement to mobilise them to provide support to the Defence CBRN Wing, which is also based at RAF Honington.

Therefore, our Reservists can support the RAF in two demanding roles:

• As Gunners, they may be mobilised to support any of the RAF Regiment Field Squadrons in their Air-Minded infantry role for current Operations.
  
• Additionally, they may be mobilised to support the Defence CBRN Wing in a range of specialist CBRN roles should such a threat develop.

History and heritage

Our squadron was formed in 1979 and tasked with the ground defence of RAF Honington to prevent Soviet Special Forces from disrupting flying operations. We then formed an integral part of RAF Honington's war-fighting capability for the next 15 years.

Following a brief period of disbandment in the 1990s, we changed roles twice, first to provide centralised training to Reserve field squadrons and then to provide support to the RAF Regiment’s Ground Based Air Defence Force, operating the Rapier surface-to-air missile system.

In 2003, we were deployed to the Falkland Islands to take over the air defence of the islands. Following the 2004 Defence Review, we relinquished our Rapier systems and resumed our original ground defence role, but with added CBRN training; initially as a key element of the Joint CBRN Regiment and then more recently as part of the Defence CBRN Wing.

In 2010, Her Majesty Queen awarded us our Squadron Standard. This was an extremely proud moment, since there are only four squadrons eligible to receive one within the RAF Reserves.

Roles and specialist skills

As a Gunner, you are part of a highly mobile and heavily armed team, trained and organised to protect RAF assets and counter threats to the RAF’s aircraft and bases. You will form part of a range of groups, from vehicle-mounted patrols to CBRN Warning and Report Cells.

You will have to master a range of skills, which include infantry tactics, covert observation, target acquisition and close combat skills. Gunners receive specialist weapons training, so you will become expert at handling everything from a bayonet to an anti-tank missile. You will also receive additional training to enable you to carry out the range of specialist roles to support the Defence CBRN Wing.

Combat training is physically and mentally demanding and can take place anywhere in the world, from the jungle to the Arctic. You need to be fit, active and prepared to endure difficult and demanding situations. For reasons of combat effectiveness, women cannot be accepted for this role

Recent deployments

Since 2003, many of our Reservists have been deployed on operational tours to the Falkland Islands, Kuwait, Iraq (for Operation Telic) and Afghanistan (for Operation Herrick).

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