RAF FORCE PROTECTION CENTRE

were tasked with refamiliarising 1 Squadron Remotely Piloted Air System operators. The team were able to refamiliarise 3 operators so that high powered day and night capable cameras could be deployed and safely operated if required.

Sqn Ldr Lawrence, the Officer Commanding Development Squadron led his team in conducting a knowledge exchange with RAF Leeming based Units. An opportunity was given to visit the 2 Counter-Uncrewed Air System Wing, 90 Signals Unit and the RAFX team who are at the leading edge of RAF innovation including space.

• 2 Counter-Uncrewed Air System Wing Wg provided a thorough brief on the leading equipment that they use within both Operational Theatres and UK based Military Aid to Civil Authorities tasks.

• 90 Signals Unit briefed on their capabilities that could assist in pushing forward with Force Protection tasks including NEXUS, which is a cloud based software that seeks to revolutionise how the RAF uses its information. More can be seen on this on the News Section of the RAF Webpage. In their support to the UK Strategic Command jHub, Development Squadron organised for members of the Combat & Readiness Force to deploy to Norway to support 16 Air Assault Brigade in Exercise JOINT VIKING. The team, including Cpl Waugh from the C-Threats team, conducted cold weather training before embarking onto the Setermoen Training Area. Using the Ghost Remotely Piloted Air System, they were able to capture vital Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance data to air decision making.

With the rapid deployment of 1 Squadron RAF Regt personnel to Sudan, Training Squadron

Sgt Clarke & AS1 Castle from the Synthetic Complex Air Ground Environment team attended the annual International Training Technology Exhibition & Conference (IT2EC) in Rotterdam, Holland. IT2EC showcases the latest simulation technology for military training. The team got to experience the latest developments and were able to question product designers and engineers. AS1 Castle even managed to experience Virtual Reality Close Quarter Battle, but he declined to comment on his performance. There were opportunities to network with other UK and allied military simulation users and the team were able to ‘deep dive’ into the latest iteration of the UK MOD simulation software, Virtual Battle Space 4 at the Bohemia Interactive Simulations exhibition stand.

Flt Lt Browning and FS Fisher from the C-Threats team enjoyed an opportunity to conduct international liaison with the Armed Forces of Malta which are tasked with primarily providing the defence and safeguarding of national sovereignty. Tasked with securing the military area of Malta International Airport the Maltese infantry has recently shifted its focus towards providing Air Force Protection duties to the Airport facilities including protection to VIP’s transiting to and from their aircraft. The team were requested to provide expertise in this field through a Training Needs Analysis assist during this transition. Outside of the demanding roles, some personnel enjoy participation and successes in representative sports. L/Cpl Jones of the Synthetic

Complex Air Ground Environment team recently won his third consecutive RAF F1 E-Sports championship, clinching the win during Race 18 of the season. Despite this incredible feat, he has not taken his foot off the accelerator as is now preparing to compete against the French Air and Space Force in the near future.

Cpl Smith of Training Squadron also maintains a busy calendar of representative sport. He uses his spare time to compete with the RAF Carp Angling Team and also the RAF Motorsports (circuit racing) teams. He has gained sporting colours, having competed during the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021 seasons. We also wish him luck in the coming season!

Around a busy schedule, members of the Force Protection Centre took a couple of hours from their afternoon for Force Development at the RAF Honington MotorCross bike club. After a brief by Flt Lt Penny, the team took to the track on the dirt bikes to blow off some steam!