Across our region the Reserve Forces have been busy completing training, taking part in exercises and activities at their units and in the community.  Reservists from our only West Midlands based Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reserves at No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron have been no different.

As well as helping to support a number of community events, International Women’s Day, West Midland RFCA events and military match days, we caught up with the squadron to learn more about their activities in 2024 so far…

Two Reservists from 605 Squadron are standing in their RAF uniforms, smiling at the camera. Behind them is a black aeroplane in a hanger, at the No.1 School of Technical Training.

Annual training and fitness tests

In January 605 Squadron personnel completed their mandatory annual training, including IRT Mod 1, Human Factors, Fire, Security and Prevent training, along with receiving a presentation about Neurodiversity from a former member of the squadron. This was followed by the RAF Fitness Tests and team building sports.

Visit to No.1 School of Technical Training

Their Reservists visited No.1 School of Technical Training where they were given a superb and in-depth tour of the incredible Engineering facilities at Royal Air Force Cosford. They were even given the opportunity to sit in a real Red Arrow.

A large green military truck is driving with muddy water, which reaches halfway up its wheels. It is early evening so the sky is getting darker and the truck has its headlights on.

Defence Workplace Trainer Course

Six of their Reservists were given chance to step outside of their comfort zone by completing the Defence Workplace Trainer (DWT) course.

The three-day course is designed for those who deliver training in the workplace. DWT gives personnel the necessary skills to plan, prepare and deliver effective training, in line with Defence standards.

Despite this being the first time many of their Reservists have delivered training, they all managed to prepare and deliver some excellent and insightful presentations. In addition to enhancing their existing skill sets, and allowing career progression in the RAF Reserves, it is also one of the many transferable skills that Reservists will take back to their civilian employment. Well done all!

Intensive Repairable Management Flight Course

Logistics Suppliers from RAF Reserve Squadrons including 501, 505, 600 and 607 Squadron took part in an intensive Repairable Management Flight course this week. The course took place at 605 Squadron RAF Reserves Supply Training Facility and covered all aspects of the resupply of repairable items, RAF wide.

Air Specialist Class 1 Matt Holland from 605 Squadron is holding up two of his silver medals, smiling. Behind him is the indoor swimming pool in Doha which was used for the competition.

Off road driving skills

Logistics Drivers from the squadron deployed to the Bovington Training Area in Dorset to enhance their off road driving skills. By day and night their Reservists covered a multitude of lessons, including failed ascents, water crossings, traversing, summiting different types of hills safely (taking into account the risk of grounding), and off road driving under tactical conditions.

World Aquatics Masters medal haul

Congratulations to Air Specialist Class 1 Matt Holland from 605 Squadron who won two gold and two silver medals at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Doha, Qatar, representing the RAF as part of a five-strong RAF swimming team.

The Championship saw people from around the world compete in 10 days of swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming disciplines. In the 100m butterfly race in which Matt took silver, he only just missed getting the gold medal by 0.18 seconds…!

Three members of 605 Squadron are smiling and holding the Kemp Dirk Trophy, won by the squadron.

Kemp Dirk Trophy winners

Awarded annually to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reserves Squadron with the best recruiting and retention figures, 605 Squadron have scooped the award after a successful year.

 

Find out more about No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reserves. Based at RAF Cosford, they specialise in training their Reservists in logistics, chefs and RAF Police trades.

 

Published 15/04/24