502 (ULSTER) SQUADRON RAuxAF SPRING UPDATE

502( Ulster) Sqn Royal Auxiliary Air Force has continued its consolidation as an RAF  General Service Support Sqn, providing trained individuals for a range of disciplines as part of the whole force. The Sqn is based at Aldergrove Flying Station and now sits under RAF 1 Group (based at RAF HQ High Wycombe). Recruiting continues to be strong, with a total of 211 applications in 2015 of which 53 candidates have been attested on to the Sqn providing a conversion rate of 1:4, set against the UK average of 1:8.

Current Sqn Part Time Volunteer Reserve (PTVR) Strength is 134 although 23 await termination, due to a range of personal, work or fitness reasons. 502 Sqn’s excellent recruiting record has led to an establishment increase from 111 to 203 with the addition of up to 50 Medical posts, Logistic (Supplier) and RAF Police. Other disciplines on the unit include PTIs, Catering, Media Ops and Intel.

In the training field, Phase I completion = 56 recruits; Phase II Entry into training = 67 recruits and Phase II Completion = 11 recruits. Three recruits successfully passed Officer and Aircrew Selection assessment at RAF Cranwell in the report period.

502 Sqn presently provides one officer on deployed operations (Op TORAL) and provided other personnel on short term support in the UK and deployed Out Of Area, including Cyprus and Ascension Island. The Sqn provides a cadre of volunteers for RAF Medical Services Medical Emergency Response Training (MERT) who gain experience of exercise combat scenarios and helicopter flying.

Photographs taken at RAF Medical Services Training exercise – 502 personnel participating and achieving great exposure to miltary helicopters and patient extraction under “fire” .

In terms of outreach, the Sqn has provided a presence at commemorations, including a large light blue footprint at memorials across NI on Remembrance Sunday. The Sqn has also had great support from its veterans who are keen on promoting awareness of their “re-born” 502 Squadron – stood up again in 2013 after an absence of 56 years. Successful visits to the Somme Nursing Home and adoption of care to the service graves in St Catherine’s Church are just some ot the Sqn’s outreach activities, as is the raising of nearly £500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Marketing campaigns during the 1st quarter of 2016 are focusing on attracting Ex-Regulars. Outreach marketing and recruiting is also ongoing focusing on small groups of individuals with specialist skills such as photography.

502 Sqn remains confident in delivering its mission and its success has meant administrative pressures which need to be addressed in terms of further FTRS HQ posts. Resolving this is a priority.

Alison M Moodie
Wg Cdr
A/OC 502 (Ulster) Sqn