Monster: What made you want to be a Supplier?
Cameron: I had a job in a small logistics company and enjoyed it, but wanted a bigger challenge and the possibility of travel. When I looked at the RAF it appealed, there are different areas of logistic work using the latest storage methods, some outside in the open with heavy equipment, some inside but not in an office with material handling equipment and some in an office using the latest techniques on stock control.

You could work anywhere in the world as part of the Tactical Supply Wing supporting others so they can do their job.

What skills and education are essential to your job? 
When I looked into the education qualifications I needed I was surprised as GCSE at grade G or above in Maths and English was the basic requirement.

You need to hold at least a provisional driving licence and you need to be have been a citizen of the UK, the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland since birth. The main skills the RAF are looking for include being able to work in a team, use up to date IT, give accurate up to date information,
be flexible and respond quickly to changing situations and keep calm under pressure.

You will learn about how the RAF supply chain works, operate the IT systems involved and receive, store and issue equipment. Once more experienced you could find yourself becoming trained in the handling of specialised items like explosives, fuels lubricants and gases, dangerous goods or Information Technology. You have the opportunity to take an Modern Apprenticeship in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations. 

What advice can you offer someone wanting to become a Supplier? 
The best place to start is to visit your nearest RAF Careers office to speak to the advisors there. You can apply to be a RAF Supplier when you reach 16 years of age and the quicker you join, the quicker you can develop the skills you need to have a successful career.

What are the best and worst things about your role?
As a RAF Supplier you may be working at anytime night or day in any part of the world where the RAF have assets. It can be hard, but everyone around you is in the same position so you just get on with things and support each other to get the job done.

You get a huge feeling of being part of a team; you just don’t get that feeling of comradeship in a regular company. My first deployment was in the Gulf region supporting a flying squadron last year. The training I had before I went prepared me well. The skills I put into practice in a fast moving operational environment were satisfying, I learnt a lot about working with other forces.

Are there any perks to the job?
Every station has gym and recreation facilities that are free, as the RAF encourages fitness and adventure training. Adventure training can take place all over the world, you could be hill walking, motorcycle racing, gliding, sailing or snowboarding. I have been snowboarding in Canada, motorcycle racing in Germany and taken part in sailing expeditions in the Mediterranean. I want to go hill walking in Scotland next summer.

What is the end goal in your career? 
I would like to complete a full career in the RAF;  and at some point gain an apprenticeship and some work related NVQ’s qualifications and possibly join a professional organisation. These qualifications and the experience I gain could help be get a job in civilian logistics company when I leave the RAF.

Finish this sentence. "This week I have been mostly..."
“…working as part of a support team responsible for refuelling visiting aircraft before and after missions."

Fancy following in Cameron's footsteps? Check out our latest Supplier jobs or see the latest jobs from the Royal Air Force.