Uniformed Protective Services students visit RAF Brize Norton

UPS students recently paid a visit to RAF Brize Norton. RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire, is the largest RAF Station with approximately 5,800 Service Personnel, 300 civilian staff and 1,200 contractors. The Station is home to the RAF’s Air Mobility Force, encompassing Strategic and Tactical Air Transport, and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) forces, as well as being host to many lodger and reserve units.

We arrived at the main gate to be met by a Squadron Leader Millar-Smith. The Sqn Ldr issued us with our passes and after a short time, we were allowed on the base. Students met the commander of the education branch and she explained the different roles that are available and the entry requirements for the different trades.

We were fortunate to be allowed on the airfield and sat inside an ATLAS, which is a massive aircraft that provides a tactical airlift and strategic oversize lift capability. The aircraft is operated by two pilots and a weapons systems operator.

After a lovely lunch in the sergeants’ mess, we learned about the roles of a chef and the role of the PTI and the sporting opportunities available to everyone working in the RAF. We were impressed with the facilities on the base, from the gym to the support for families. We had a tour of the officers’ mess and then went to the dog section and met many working dogs. We were briefed about their role and the difference between a working dog and a pet.

It was a very educational trip which gave an invaluable insight into the different careers and working life in the RAF.