Members of RAF Regiment’s 1 Squadron have conducted a large-scale live-firing exercise whilst deployed as part of 140 EAW on exercise SAIF SAREEA 3.
The ‘Live-Fire Tactical-Training Flight attack’ involved B Flt, followed by C Flt, conducting a challenging clearance patrol which allowed them to utilise both mounted and dismounted tactics that they have been honing for the previous month whilst deployed in Oman.
“It is imperative that the first time our troops use live ammunition in this kind of terrain, it isn’t the time at which their lives, and those of their colleagues, depend on it.”
Flight Lieutenant Graham Ivison
1 Squadron’s Operations Officer
During the patrol, they were supported by UK Typhoons and RAFO F16, both providing Close Air Support for the Flight Commander. 1 Sqn RAF Regt must have the skillset and ability to rapidly close with and defeat any enemy threat, in order to defend UK Air Assets anywhere in the world.
1 Squadron’s Operations Officer, Flt Lt Graham Ivison said: “Live-fire exercises are a challenge for the Squadron’s leadership and safety staff as there are many moving parts, but the risks are evaluated, with strict control measures implemented to mitigate the risk. These kinds of exercises, however, are invaluable as they allow the troops to prepare for contingency operations; they get a chance to experience and understand, first-hand, the pressures that any combat scenario in an operational environment could produce.”
