On 23rd November, Community and Religious Leaders from the Birmingham area visited RAF Brize Norton for a familiarisation event, highlighting the wide range of branches available to the young adults in their communities.
The group visited many sections and areas across the Station, to better understand the opportunities that the Royal Air Force can offer, and included a tour of a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, hosted by Number 99 Squadron. The event was designed to, not only demonstrate the wide range of careers, but to raise awareness of the lifestyle with a tour of the Junior Ranks and Officers’ mess, the sports gym and the accommodation. Throughout the day personnel were available to talk about their personal experiences in the RAF.
“The people I have bought here today are from Birmingham and they have influence in our community, and the reason I wanted to bring them here is to show the opportunities that are available to our young people so by bringing parents and grandparents they can go back and share their knowledge. I served for 24 years and I experienced a wonderful time in my life, I got to travel and received good training. So far we are having a fabulous time and they are getting to ask lots of question.”
The Reverend Bryan Scott
Pastor, Cannon Street Memorial Baptist Church
(Former RAF Chief Technician)
“It’s important to understand the opportunities that are here and the warm welcome that we have received is one thing, but we have also asked difficult questions and there has been no hesitation to answer them. So, there is that commencement of the all-important dialogue crucial in terms of ensuring reflective representation.”
Bishop Desmond Jaddoo
“It’s wonderful to see what goes on in the background and to see how it all works, I have been speaking to a pilot who is 24 who joined when he was 18 which I think it absolutely fantastic. I am looking forward to seeing how people live as a community. I wish I had known about this when I was younger because it could have been a career move for me.”
Doleres Cameron
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to re-engage with the community and I am from a similar area in Birmingham so it’s nice to connect with people and explain what we do in the Royal Air Force, and break down some of the myths and stereotypes people may have regarding joining the military.”
Sergeant Neil Guest
Aircraft Technician
