Two drivers from Royal Air Force Wittering are experiencing their first military exercise as No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron deploys for Exercise Resolute Convoy.
Senior Aircraftman (SAC) Kayleigh Coleman (27) and SAC Ashleigh Wandless (30) joined the RAF two years ago and Resolute Convoy is their first exercise since qualifying as drivers. The aim of the exercise is to keep the Squadron’s military skills up to scratch by simulating a deployment to a hostile country.
RAF Wittering’s Vigo Wood training area is the venue for the exercise, where a military checkpoint and forward operating base have been recreated in almost perfect detail. In addition to their driving roles, both SAC Coleman and SAC Wandless have been assigned sentry and patrol duties.
Full military gear is required for this exercise, as it would be on an operation. Despite the unusually warm September weather, neither Ashleigh nor Kayleigh find the clothing and equipment uncomfortable. Kayleigh said: “It’s not as bad or as heavy as you’d think, you can adjust the webbing to make it work for you.”
2MT was first formed during the Battle of Britain. The Squadron’s mission was to ferry aircraft spares and supplies to the fighter stations in the south of England. Today 2MT is the Royal Air Force’s road-going heavy lift capability and operates a fleet of specialist vehicles from tankers to all-wheel-drive trucks.
The Squadron is part of the RAF A4 Force. Ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, the A4 Force is comprised of specialist engineering and logistics squadrons that support military air operations and exercises in the UK and abroad.
RAF Drivers operate a range of vehicles throughout the UK, Europe and on worldwide operational deployment or field exercises, both on roads and over rough terrain. SAC Coleman and SAC Wandless went through training together and recently returned from an extended deployment to the Falkland Islands.
Ashleigh, who previously worked in the oil and gas industry, has no doubts about her career choice. She said: “I joined two years ago, almost to the day, and absolutely I’d recommend it. They’re very sociable in 2MT and really helpful.”
Exercise Resolute Convoy will run for the remainder of this week. For SAC Coleman, the exercise seems realistic enough. She said: “I would think so, but tensions would be higher, but it’s really about learning.”
Wing Commander Wayne Tracey is Officer Commanding No 85 Expeditionary Logistics Wing, of which 2MT Squadron is a part. He said: “Although still early in their careers, it’s great that SAC Coleman and SAC Wandless have risen to the challenge of operating in this type of environment. Without doubt, this experience will benefit them both and their unit in the long term.”
Group Captain Jo Lincoln, Station Commander at RAF Wittering and Commanding Officer of the A4 Force Elements, said: “Acclimatising to life on a high-readiness unit like 2MT is a challenge, but exercises like this make all the difference. Training in realistic environments keeps our people mentally and physically prepared, and it’s encouraging to see how well Ashleigh and Kayleigh are adapting.”