Congratulations go to the 35 members of TG 4-20, Salalah Flight; the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated here at RAF Honington.
Reviewing Officer Air Commodore SM Miller, RAF FP Force Commander and Commandant General RAF Regiment said:
The Trainee Gunner Course is exceptionally challenging and its standards are unremitting. Those graduating today have demonstrated exceptional skill, fortitude and resilience. I am proud to welcome them into our Corps. They have earned their right to wear the RAF Regiment ‘mudguard’ and to join our front-line. Here they will work alongside exceptional men and women, on a vitally important mission to enable the RAF and its Air & Space Power in the face of adversity and threats. Demanding but hugely varied and rewarding careers await them.
The Trainee Gunners are posted to the RAF Regiment Training Wing at RAF Honington to conduct their 20-week Phase 2 training having completed their Phase 1 training at RAF Halton. They are taught basic combat tactics in the Air/Ground Environment, the fundamentals of Air Force Protection and advanced fieldcraft skills, further live-fire ranges are also conducted. The progressive Physical Training programme continues to build up strength and fitness from Phase 1 training in order to prepare the recruits for the demanding final exercises.
The latter part of the course is physically and mentally demanding and it leaves the successful student with a justifiable sense of pride in their achievement. They have now earned the right to wear the RAF Regiment Corps ‘Flash’, known informally as ‘mudguards’, and join the ranks of a unique Corps.
Station Commander Group Captain Dutch Holland said:
The Trainee Gunner course is always a tough and demanding experience – and rightly so – but this course has been particularly challenging due to the Covid pandemic. The Gunners graduating today have well and truly earned their coveted RAF Regiment ‘Mudguards’ and they proceed into operational service for the RAF rightly proud of their superb achievement.
On graduating from this course, the Leading Aircraftmen are posted to either 1 Sqn RAF Regt here at RAF Honington, 2 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Brize Norton),15 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Marham),34 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Leeming), 51 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Lossiemouth), or 63 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Northolt). They will be trained to such a level that they can immediately commence Mission Specific Training for contingency operations.
Further congratulations go to the Prize Winners:
Frank Sylvester Trophy: LAC McCormack
To commemorate her late husband’s dedication to the Corps and in particular to the training of young Gunners, his widow presented the Frank Silvester Trophy for award to the best all-round Trainee Gunner of each course.
The RAF Regt Association Trophy for Drill and Deportment: LAC Johnson
This award is made to the Trainee Gunner who has developed an excellent military deportment, assessed both on and off duty, on the parade square and, most importantly during field exercises
WO Ramsey Physical Development Cup: LAC Wilkie
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
LAC Beard Recruits’ Trophy: LAC Whiteford
This trophy is awarded to the Gunner who has been voted by his peers on the Course as the most inspirational and supportive member of the Flight. The recipient of this trophy has provided loyalty, dependability and motivation to those around him during the toughest moments of the training
SAC Luders Champion Shot Trophy: LAC Mortimore
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who has shot consistently well throughout the course. He would also be the student who has shown consistent military awareness, on battle and field-firing exercises, in the selection of his shooting positions and use of cover. He would also be one who has demonstrated consistently a high standard of weapon handling and safety awareness throughout the course
Cpl Bradfield Trophy: Cpl Killa
The Corporal Bradfield Trophy preserves the example of the past embodied by Corporal Bradfield, in the standards set by the JNCOs of today. It is awarded to the Corporal Instructor who has displayed leadership, motivation and above all else has set an exemplary standard for the recruits to follow.
