FEDERATION
Life as a Part Time Reservist By Todd Fellows, RAF FF Reservist specialist
SAC Gemma Davis is one of 2630 personnel1 currently Serving as a Part Time Volunteer Reservist (PTVR) on an Auxiliary Logistics Squadron. SAC Davis (38), a mother, grandmother and guardian of six children, talks to Todd Fellows on what life is like for her as part of No. 504 Sqn RAuxAF at RAF Wittering but soon to be deployed to RAF Waddington.
SAC Davis joined the RAuxAF in October 2014, having had no previous military experience. The Squadron consists of three fl ights of logisticians: Drivers, suppliers and chefs.
Gemma is due to be mobilized and deployed as a logisitics Driver to RAF Waddington to ‘back-fi ll’ for regular personnel who are deployed on various operations around the world.
On asking Gemma what she was looking forward to most in her fi rst deployment, working full time alongside the regulars, she replied:
“I am looking forward to putting into practice the training I have received. I will be nervous initially, and I want to know if I can perform as required when the time comes. I will be living-in at RAF Waddington during the working week, which will include weekends and shift work but that will allow me to take a full and active part in service life while I am there.”
28 Winter 2016
Asked what made Gemma want to join the RAF Reserves, she said:
“I have always had the feeling that I am capable of achieving more and by being a Reservist, it has helped me to gain a great sense of self. The inner happiness that I have felt from the achievement of my goals and, more importantly the ability to demonstrate to my children that if you want something, anything is achievable.”
Mechanical Transport Offi cer (MTO), WO Linda Hughes, who is currently Gemma’s line manager says:
“SAC Davis has been part of the team at RAF Waddington since September and has
been an invaluable member. Tasked on a myriad of jobs
she has driven coaches, LGVs, covered night shifts with her civilian counterparts and driven the Station Commander on numerous occasions. Always smiling and happy to please she has been a pleasant addition to the team and has received laudatory comments from the Execs. Working with the RAuxAF has been a fantastic
experience for the MT personnel at Waddington and proves that there is no difference between regulars and reserves; we are all good at our jobs and come together to make the perfect team!”
Graduating SAC Davis completed her two weeks’ basic training course at RAF Halton in May 2015 and went back again in the September to take part in her formal graduation alongside regulars and other members of the RAuxAF. Members of 504 Squadron’s management team, together with her family were also there to witness this momentous occasion. This was the culmination of a lot of hard work and also the start of a different life to the one she was used to.
On her general trade training, Gemma commented on thoroughly enjoying every minute of the training undertaken. With some trepidation to start with, she soon found her feet and was rightfully proud of completing the courses. She especially enjoyed her time at Normandy Barracks, or as some of us oldies will know it, RAF Leconfi eld, the Defence School of Transport. A little worried at fi rst, being a Reservist, in the RAF and female, she was somewhat daunted by her fi rst foray into the world of the Army. However, she needn’t have worried. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there, “it was a great feeling, not just being part of the RAux AF, but also a welcomed and valued member of the British Armed Forces. We just seemed to help each other through it.”
Great support at home
With six children at home, ranging from 5 year old Brooke through to 20 year old Roy, with Emily, Gracie, Mary and Terry in between, Gemma wouldn’t be able
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