RAF Force Protection Centre

Embracing Innovation and Partnerships

The multinational Exercise GLOBAL EAGLE 22 was hosted by the Force Protection Centre in June comprising 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, US Air Force 823rd Base Defence Squadron and French Commando Parachutiste de l’air 20. As the main objective of the Exercise is exchange an understanding of tactics, techniques, procedures and operational knowledge across all nations the participants were split and mixed to form 3 multinational teams to conduct defensive tactics, Air Transport Security procedures and Close Quarter Battle tactics. Counter Improvised Explosive scenarios and Patrol Base Operations utilising each nation’s Remote Piloted Air Systems followed. Wg Cdr Mitchell, OC Force Protection Centre, presented at an awards ceremony, where outstanding individual achievements were recognised. During these closing elements of the event, the benefits from this exercise became obvious with relationships between allies being re-established after the two-year hiatus caused by COVID. Following the end of training, all participants were invited to the RAF Honington Boxing evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The European Air Group, based at RAF High Wycombe, is an independent defence organisation, formed by the Air Forces of its 7 member nations: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. Each year the European Air Group hosts a multinational phased Force Protection Exercise – VOLCANEX is the generic name for a series of exercises which are training vehicles for the component forces of the Group. This year the Synthetic – Complex Air Ground Environment Team from the Force Protection Centra provided Command and Control training expertise and technical advice to the Exercise Hosts at King Albert Camp, Marche-En-Famenne Air Base in Belgium.

The Force Protection Centre remains dedicated to embracing innovation and ensuring that we develop tactics, increase agility, and explore today’s technology to protect our air assets and personnel. The Force Protection Force outlined its future capabilities vision at the 2022 Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference to the RAF Senior Leadership and their international counterparts. With Force Commander, Air Commodore Thompson leading the way, representatives from the RAF Regiment and RAF Police compiled a stunning array of equipment that will ensure that we remain ahead of our adversaries. An electric bike demonstrated a silent, green and highly agile transport option, whilst the PHOLOS armed Remotely Piloted Air System demonstrated an option for future precision munitions. The Ghost 4 Remotely Piloted Air System was presented, which demonstrated a myriad of functions thanks to its Artificial Intelligence enabled software. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Wigston, was introduced to the vision and shares the belief that embracing innovation will ensure that Force Protection Force remains ever more relevant in the delivery of Air Power. The Counter Threats Team deployed to Entebbe, Republic of Uganda to deliver support to the Department for Transport. This deployment saw representatives from the Metropolitan Police, British Airways and the Force Protection Centre conducting a training needs analysis in Uganda. This was completed by reviewing airport security alongside a capacity building programme, allowing the UK representatives to share best practice with the Ugandan delegation.

The summer saw another busy period for Training Squadron. The Global High Threat Course ran repeatedly during Ex GLOBAL

RAF FP SMEs provide mentoring support to the Belgium led multi-national FP Battle Staff. Sgt Ganley

FPC Counter Threats Team in Uganda. Sgt Coleman

EAGLE as well as during the hottest weeks, consistently preparing students to deploy on their high threat deployments. Specialist Training Flight conduct three Specialist Police courses throughout May and July, with the CounterIntelligence Field Team conducted its training in the local area, exposing the students to realistic exercise scenarios. The Military Aviation Protection Officers Course continues to train personnel from the Aviation Security Flights. These teams routinely deploy on many different operational taskings alongside RAF transport aircraft. They were thrust into the international spotlight during the non-combatant evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021, which saw a total of 13,000 people withdrawn safely.

The Force Protection Centre delivered the first pilot of a series of defensive tactics courses. Defensive Tactics meets the needs of the current training gap between ‘shout’ and ‘shoot’. It places emphasis on mental and physical resilience through proven techniques from our US, French and German allies. Conducted throughout February and April, the courses included the Basic and Trainer courses. The Basic Operator course is the first step for all members of the RAF Regiment to learn defensive techniques in preparation for any potential volatile scenarios whilst on operations. Those who took part in the pilot have commented on the quality of the course and how they looked forward to progressing their training. Further courses are planned for the autumn and early in 2023.

FPC personnel brief the CAS at the GASCC. Flt Lt Price.

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