Senior Aircraftwoman Kirsten Tulloch, an RAF Reservist on No. 4624 Movements Squadron based at Royal Air Force Brize Norton, has recently deployed on Operation Shader in Cyprus.
Kirsten became a Reservist in 2014 and in 2019 was mobilised for eight months in support of Operation Shader, based at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.
“Mobilisation was a truly exciting experience where I was very pleased [ and relieved!] to find I was able to contribute effectively alongside my regular counterparts.”
Senior Aircraftwoman Kirsten Tulloch
Number 4624 Movements Squadron
Whilst deployed, Kirsten had many fantastic opportunities including spending six days of her “down-time” assisting the University of Leicester team with an archaeological dig on the Station. She learned not just how to dig, sieve and clean; but how to properly document, including photography and drawing. In addition, Kirsten volunteered on 84 Squadron for helicopter sea rescue practice and undertook mini flare training to qualify for this.
Since joining the RAF Reserves, Kirsten has inspired her children to join the military way of life. In 2017, her son John joined the RAF to become a Chef and whilst Kirsten was deployed, her other son, Hugh, inspired by his twin brother and his mum and his insatiable love of military history, realised his ambition to join the Army as an Infantryman.
Kirsten returned from Cyprus specially to attend Hugh’s passing out parade, Kirsten said:
“The 26-week infantry training course was gruelling, and it was wonderful that the whole family turned out in force to cheer him on.”
Hugh has joined The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who are currently participating in Exercise Wessex Storm, in preparation for 2020 when 3 SCOTS will take up their NATO role as part of the High Readiness Joint Task Force in Estonia.
