RAF base sees regiment's first female officers graduate

RAF Honington saw its first female RAF Regiment officers complete a 25-week course and graduate to become members of the RAF Regiment, on Friday.

During the last six months, the 13 men and women junior officers overcame considerable physical and mental training with the additional challenges of maintaining safety under Covid-19 to join the commissioned ranks of the distinguished Corps.

One of the graduates, Flying Officer Juliette (Jules) Abson, said to other women looking to join the regiment: "I would recommend they explore their interest and get on as many visit days or speak to as many people as possible.

“If it is what you want, go for it and don't let anyone’s opinions hold you back.”

The Junior Regiment Officers’ course consists of three modules: basic soldiering, basic command and advanced command.

Recently commissioned RAF officers are taught, developed and assessed in all the necessary skills and traits, from gunner to flight commander, to enable them to successfully graduate into their first tour of duty.

Air Commodore Scott Miller, said: “The Junior RAF Regiment Officers’ Course is exceptionally challenging and its standards are unremitting.

"Those graduating today, including our first female officers, have demonstrated exceptional skill, fortitude and resilience, and I am proud to welcome them into our Corps.

"They have earned their right to wear the RAF Regiment ‘mudguard’ and to join our front-line.

They will now be posted to one of the RAF Regiments Field Squadrons where they will lead RAF Regiment gunners on important missions.