The RAF Regiment is the ground fighting force of the Royal Air Force which provides worldwide Force Protection to UK air assets. It is the cornerstone of the RAF Force Protection organisation delivering a range of specialist capabilities.
Aircraft, and the personnel, facilities and equipment necessary to maintain and operate them, are particularly vulnerable to attack on the ground. The RAF Regiment's squadrons, other units and advisers are trained and equipped to prevent a successful enemy attack in the first instance; minimise the damage caused by a successful attack; and ensure that air operations can continue without delay in the aftermath of an attack.
The RAF Regiment are also experts in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) defence and are equipped with advanced vehicles and detection measures.
The deployment of 5 Force Protection Wing comes at the end of an intensive six month pre-deployment training period, which culminated in a final battlefield exercise, held in June 2008.
The exercise allowed the troops to put into practice all the skills that they had learned over the training period and use some of the equipment that they will have while deployed in Iraq. The troops were faced with scenarios which included patrols and very realistic first aid situations, with the casualties being 'played' by real amputees.
Wing Commander Derek Read, the Officer Commanding 5 Force Protection Wing. said of the equipment the wing will deploy with:
"I have been with the RAF Regiment for 22 years and have deployed many times; this is the best personal equipment that I have been issued."
Flight Lieutenant Michael McGregor, explained, following the training, how the troops were feeling about the imminent deployment:
"Most are feeling slightly apprehensive and will miss their families. However, we are all looking forward to getting out there and doing the job we have been trained for."
Leading Aircraftman Matthew Fletcher, from 51 Squadron, who is deploying on operations for the first time, spoke as he prepared to board the Tristar leaving Lossiemouth yesterday. He said:
"I'm a bit apprehensive about what to expect, but it's harder for my family. There's lots of experience on the squadron, some of the guys have been out more times than they can count, so they will be able to help those of us who are going for the first time."
|
