Suffolk’s Royal Air Force station hosted an event both for successful Reservists and Defence-minded local employers last month.
RAF Honington is the home of 3 Royal Air Force Police (Reserve) Squadron. Its personnel provide specialist Reservist support to operations and are fully trained in RAF Police (RAFP) capabilities.
Beginning in April this year, Reservists on Course 24.2 completed six weekends and a continuous two-week period of intensive RAFP training. Delivered under franchise from the Defence School of Policing and Guarding in Portsmouth, that training equips Reservists with key law enforcement and security skills, culminating in written exams and practical assessments.
Personnel who passed those tests could then attend a graduation ceremony presided over by Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro CB CBE TD VR DL ADC, Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) and Director Reserves.
During his address, AVM Munro told the graduates: “Congratulations! Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have brought you to this moment. Carry forward the legacy of those who came before you and inspire those who follow.”
The newly qualified RAFP reservists were also led by Wing Commander Matt Smith, Deputy Provost Marshal (RAF), in taking their RAFP Oath, allowing them to carry an RAFP warrant card and serve in Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons around the country.
In a first for 3 Royal Air Force Police (Reserve) , the graduation ceremony doubled as an employer engagement event, facilitated by the RFCA. Civilian employers with an interest in supporting the Defence community had the chance to meet both reserve and regular RAFP personnel, building on already strong links between the Armed Forces and local businesses.
Guests at the graduation could also celebrate two special awards. AVM Munro presented 3 Royal Air Force Police (Reserve) training team with the Director Reserves Team Commendation they received in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024.
And Flt Lt Hymers received both his RAF Long Service and Volunteer Reserve Service Medals during the ceremony.
Photos: AS1 Williams, 3 Royal Air Force Police (Reserve) Squadron
