The newest members of the RAF Regiment have graduated at RAF Honington this week.
Congratulations go to the 15 members of Trainee Gunner Course 5-21, El Alamein Flight: the latest cadre of recruits sworn into the Royal Air Force.
Each graduate is welcomed into a family which is constituted a Corps, styled a Regiment, and truly dedicated to the delivery of Force Protection to Royal Air Force assets on a global scale.
On the hottest day of the year so far, the new graduates were joined by loved ones on the Parade Square.
Squadron Commanders and Warrant Officers from RAF Regiment Units receiving the new Gunners also met and welcomed new arrivals and their families after the event. They were on hand to answer any questions that the graduates or families might have before they arrive at their new Squadrons.
On graduating, the Leading Aircraftmen are posted to either 1 Sqn RAF Regt at RAF Honington or 15 Sqn RAF Regt (RAF Marham).
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 and SAC LUDERS CHAMPION SHOT TROPHY: Leading Aircraftsman Woodward
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 SAC Luders Champion Shot Trophy was also won by Leading Aircraftsman Woodward. 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
THE RAF REGIMENT ASSOCIATION TROPHY FOR DRILL AND DEPORTMENT: Leading Aircraftsman Chalmers
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
WARRANT OFFICER RAMSEY PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT CUP: Leading Aircraftsman Vickery
This prize is awarded to the Trainee Gunner who achieves the greatest improvement during the physical development course.
LAC BEARD RECRUITS’ TROPHY: Leading Aircraftsman Swain
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
CORPORAL BRADFIELD TROPHY: Corporal Garwood
The Corporal Bradfield Trophy preserves the example of the past embodied by Corporal Bradfield, in the standards set by the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer’s 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.
Photographer: Cpl Dave Blackburn, RAF UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022
