RAF Wittering News

Military Drivers Tested At Royal Air Force Wittering

Two drivers from Royal Air Force Wittering are experiencing their first military exercise as No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron deploys for Exercise Resolute Convoy.

Cross country driver training during the exercise
Cross country driver training during the exercise
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson

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.

SAC Kayleigh Coleman on sentry duties during Exercise Resolute Convoy
SAC Kayleigh Coleman on sentry duties during Exercise Resolute Convoy
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson

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.

The patrol base for Exercise Resolute Convoy
The patrol base for Exercise Resolute Convoy
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson

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.”

SAC Ashleigh Wandless on patrol duties during Exercise Resolute Convoy
SAC Ashleigh Wandless on patrol duties during Exercise Resolute Convoy
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson

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.

Sentry duty at the patrol base
Sentry duty at the patrol base
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson

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.

Left to right: SAC Coleman and SAC Wandless
Left to right: SAC Coleman and SAC Wandless
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson

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.”

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