2 Issue No. 42 When I took on the role back in September 2022, the RAF and the Corps was in a state of great change. In November 2022, the ‘old’ FP Force was reorganised, and the Combat Readiness Force (CRF) was formed. A new Headquarters, new roles and technologies and an ever changing threat forced the RAF to adapt its thinking about how we operate. Change is never an easy thing but one that is necessary. Some of you may have been at the AGM held in 2022 in Northallerton where I stood before the Association and spoke about how we must evolve or die. And evolve we did. Three years later and the Corps is engaged in operations across the world. Still providing world class protection for RAF assets and people. We are the Defence lead for Counter Uncrewed Ariel System (C-UAS) operations, we are also the Defence lead for new technologies such as Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) but we have not forgotten our roots. Our Gunners and Officers remain trained in high end Close Combat skills, mortars, sniping, anti-tank and heavy weapons. Our standards still remain high and our ethos unbreakable. I look back at my time and think of all the wonderful memories I now have because of the opportunity I was given. One particular highlight is attending the Association events and the AGM. Chatting to all of you and hearing the stories spanning almost the entire history of the Regiment was not only a pleasure but a great honour. Current serving members of the Corps truly do stand on the shoulders of giants. But the role has not been without its challenges. Increasing operational tempo, a dwindling workforce and an ever changing global landscape means that we have had the weather the storm and indeed, we are still sailing through some others. But let us not forget our Motto ‘Through Adversity’. When things get tough, so do we. We persevere and push on through. It’s more than a motto, it is a mantra to which we apply to our everyday lives. I have known Cashy for many years and I know he will drive the Corps forward to be the best it can be. I also move on safe in the knowledge that the Association and its members will give him all the support you have so kindly given me over the last few years. I want to say a particular thank you to the Association Committee past and present who tirelessly work hard, often in the background, with little recognition of what it takes to keep a group like this running. By the time this is published, I will have moved on to my new role as the Command Warrant Officer of No 11 Group who are the Global Air Component Command and responsible for all Air operations and exercises across the UK and rest of the world. It’s a new and exciting challenge that I am looking very much forward to. But I would be lying if I said that I won’t miss being in the thick of it with the Corps. I wish you and your families all the very best for the future. Thank you and Per Ardua, Gaz Where shall I start? Three years has absolutely flown by. I can say with all honesty that being the Corps Warrant Officer has been the highlight and greatest privilege of my career. A Fond Farewell – WO Gaz Elliott BEM
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