Monster: What made you want to be a Regiment Gunner?
Gavin: I considered the Army but I liked the fact that the RAF Gunners receive such an array of specialist training in infantry tactics and weapons, from pistols, rifles and light machine guns, to mortars, anti-tank missiles and heavy machine guns. They are the elite fighting force for the RAF.

What skills and education are essential to your job? 
You don't need any specific educational qualifications. It helps if you have experience of working as part of a team, whether that's in a sporting environment or at work.

A good level of physical fitness is really important as this is very much a hands on sort of job. The Gunner training course was really challenging; I knew it was going to be quite tough, but it was absolutely mind blowing. It’s a progressive training programme, but it’s daunting to think “my god, I’m going to have to do a 10 mile run at some stage...with weights!” They build up your fitness and teach you essential skills such as shooting and how to live and fight in the field.

Later, you’ll learn to use more advanced weapons and tactics. You’ll also do your driving test if you don’t already have a license, Gunners need to be able to drive a variety of vehicles, quad bikes and motorbikes – so if you don’t have a driving license you’ll earn one in training and you will also gain an NVQ in Security. Being a good Swimmer can also help. A good level of determination is essential, the RAF Regiment is like no other trade in the RAF, there’s a pride and competitiveness that’s a part of everything we do. 

What advice can you offer someone wanting to become a Regiment Gunner? 
The best place to start is to go down to your nearest RAF careers office and speak to the advisors there. Alternatively, there’s loads of film footage on YouTube on what being a Regiment Gunner is all about. You can apply when you reach 15 years and 9 months and you will then be eligible to undertake the Potential Gunner Acquaintance Course from age 16.

What are the best and worst things about your role?
As the RAF Regiment need to operate 24-hours-a-day in any weather the hours can be hard, but the friendships I have made are like nothing I ever felt on Civvy Street. You work together, you fight together, you go on operations together. We’re responsible for each other’s lives, so you bond in a really strong way. I enjoyed my deployment in Kuwait. We patrolled the border between Kuwait and Iraq making sure both stayed on their own side. It felt good because you’re putting your skills to the test.

The one thing training doesn’t prepare you for though is the heat! You don’t really notice it until you get off the plane, you step out and it’s like “my god, that’s hot!” To prepare you for combat operations our training will take you all around the world on exercises in places like Belize, Canada and Cyprus. I came from a small town where a lot of people have dead end jobs. I was watching the news about Sierra Leone one day and the next month I was parachuting into it!

Are there any perks to the job?
We get free access to all gym facilities at all military bases, I’ve been to Wales a few times to do adventurous training, also Germany and America. I’ve tried parachuting, hill walking, canoeing and sailing. My last trip was to the south of France where I did a bit of wakeboarding.

What is the end goal in your career? 
I hope to have a full career in the RAF, and have also considered using the qualifications and experience I have gained from the RAF to work in security outside the armed forces.

Finish this sentence. "This week I have been mostly..." 
"...on exercise. We've been living out in the field and practising a lot of manoeuvres with equipment we will be taking with us to Iraq later this year."


Fancy following in Gavin's footsteps? Check out our latest Regiment Gunner jobs or see the latest jobs with the Royal Air Force.