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Royal Air force Joint Exercise with the Royal Navy Reserve

Over the weekend, members of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Flight from 600 Squadron took part in a joint Exercise with Royal Navy Reserves (RNR) from HMS Collingwood at the Browndown Training Area near Portsmouth.

The purpose of the Exercise was for ICT technicians to develop their trade skills in the field environment and knowledge-share with their RNR counterparts. All the skills practiced on the Exercise will help the technicians from both Reserve services operate more effectively in the field when required for Operations.

The Exercise was a great success, allowing the organisation to build joint working practices and share knowledge in their specialisations. The 10 members of ICT Flight who took part were joined by 3 medics from the Squadron who provided excellent scenario-based training and instruction for first aid in the field.

ICT technicians have been redesignated Cyberspace Communications Specialists, to reflect their growing role in the cyber battlespace.

Wing Commander Steve Duddy, Officer Commanding 600 Squadron, attended the Exercise and met with the RNR Commander, discussing ways that the Units could collaborate more closely on Exercises and Operations.  He said: “Reserve units working together and combining resources can enable healthy retention-positive Training and Development opportunities whilst reinforcing a true joint Service mindset.

This Exercise held at HMS Collingwood and Browndown Training Camp, led by 600 Sqn and supported by our medics, builds on the support provided by us during the successful RNR Exercise Crowborough Challenge 2019.

Commander Eugene Morgan, Officer Command Communications and Information Systems for the RNR, said: “This joint training has enabled both organisations to develop their core competencies and build confidence in the use of equipment, procedures, and joint working. We will continue to build on this exciting start with future collaborations.”

Sgt James Duncanson, ICT Flight Coordinator for 600 Squadron, helped to plan and execute the Exercise.  He said “During Exercise Crowborough Challenge, we identified that there were gaps in the RNR knowledge base, particularly around field radios, installation of antennas, operation of Bowman radios and also issuing 9-liner reports for incidents.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and offer some meaningful training scenarios to the Reserves from both Services that took part.  The 600 Squadron medics facilitated the first aid incident scenarios which exercised the technicians first aid skills and also gave them the opportunity to practice organising and sending a 9-liner incident report over the radio.

This was a great collaborative event and really demonstrates how Reservists from each Service can work together to support each other.”