Exercises

RAF ground forces train for conflict with near-peer adversary on Exercise Auxilium Fort

Watch: RAF ground forces respond to major incident during simulated conflict

High-readiness teams from the RAF's Global Enablement Organisation – made up of personnel from engineering, logistics, force protection, air security, air movements, communications and medical – have tested their skills in responding to a major incident in a simulated conflict with a near-peer adversary.

The various specialists, known collectively as force elements, need to adapt to emerging situations and possible threats, with "enabling air and space power at the core of our mission", said Air Commodore Thompson, Commander RAF Global Enablement.

Exercise Auxilium Fort, held at the Complex Air Ground Environment Training Area at RAF Honington, involved 95 personnel reacting to a range of scenarios from security breaches to fixing broken vehicles, administering medical care and setting up fuel stores.

Exercise director Wing Commander Steve Micklewright said: "Exercise Auxilium Fort 24 is the culmination of seven months of intensive planning by the Support Force's exercise planning team, with fantastic support from colleagues across Global Enablement.

"For many, this has been their first experience of such conditions and I have been delighted by the way they have responded.

"Their enthusiasm, flexibility and teamwork has seen them through to success and enhanced their readiness for high-tempo operations."

On the exercise were elements from 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, 1 Air Mobility Wing, 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, 3 Mobile Catering Squadron, 90 Signals Unit, 5001 Squadron, Tactical Medical Wing, 1 Tactical Police and Security Squadron, RAF Police Military Working Dogs and Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transport Squadron.

Global Enablement consists of more than 8,000 individuals, whose main responsibility is to provide the specialised skills needed to support worldwide operations.