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Exercise Global Eagle

RAF Police peek behind wall to throw ball.

For the last two weeks the Royal Air Force have hosted a major international Force Protection exercise, known as Global Eagle.

Force Protection specialists from the RAF Police; 51 Squadron RAF Regiment; the French Air Force and the United States Air Force trained together in the exercise, based at RAF Honington, in Suffolk.  The exercise provided an opportunity to share tactics, techniques, and procedures for a variety of specialist capabilities that support Air operations worldwide.

Force Protection group photo with dogs.

"Exercise Global Eagle is a long-standing partnership between the UK and other nations, including France and the US, which allows each nation to exchange their knowledge and experiences."

Squadron Leader Lang
RAF Force Protection Centre

During the first week, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment and attending forces were split into teams to practice and demonstrate close quarter battle skills, defensive tactics and public order tasks.  RAF Police military working dog teams also showcased their dog handling skills to the visiting forces at the Stanford training area.

RAF Police work with military working dog.

"We are very excited to be a part of Global Eagle 22, sharing practices and protection techniques builds interoperability between each nation. This exercise will ensure a cohesive bond should these types of incidents or scenarios occur on operations."

Master Sergeant Frazier
US Air Force

The second week saw the teams move across the training area to conduct Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) operations and urban fighting skills.  The exercise culminated with a patrol, where teams from the RAF, US Air Force and French Air Force were assessed on their skills throughout the patrol.

Military working dog inspects brick rubble pile with RAF Police.

"Exercise Global Eagle provided an interesting opportunity to train and work alongside our UK and US counterparts and profit from their valuable experiences from operational theatres."

Lieutenant Granddidier
French Air Force

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