RAF Reserves – “There really is a place for everyone.”
Kathryn decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and join the Royal Air Force, but as a part time Reserve. Now, Air Specialist Class 1, Kathryn Corbett is a part time Volunteer Reserve (PTVR) Driver based at 504 Squadron, RAF Wittering. She’s been a member of the Squadron since 2019.
Kathryn Corbett, a full-time uniformed protective services teacher at West Notts College in Mansfield, realised she had some spare time and wanted to do something for herself in 2019 when her children entered their teens. She said: “I was looking for something completely different to my day job that would give me some new experiences, a part-time role that would fit in with my family and work.”
After completing basic recruit training and trade specialist training, Kathryn first mobilised in 2022 in support of the Commonwealth Games, working alongside over 100 Reserves from all three Services, providing security for the venues and the athletes’ village. A short while later in 2023, Kathryn mobilised again, this time with 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron (2 MT) based at RAF Wittering. 2 MT provides specialist and heavy haulage support to Military operations and exercises across the UK and Europe. During this mobilisation, Kathryn was involved in numerous driving tasks across Europe but of note, was her involvement delivering a specialist firefighting vehicle to RAF Wittering, to be delivered to Ukraine. Kathryn also paraded with the RAuxAF contingent at Coronation of King Charles III.
Fantastic experiences
Kathryn added: “I love the extra opportunities that come my way as a Reservist. The role is great. I’ve had some fantastic experiences driving vehicles and taking part in tasks.”
Her most notable achievement to date is her recent recognition in the New Year Honours list and being awarded a 2 Star Commendation for her dedication and commitment.
Kathryn loves all the fantastic experiences that are available to her as a Reservist. Aside from her main role as an RAF Driver, Kathryn has taken part in so much more: mountain biking, sea kayaking, range days, firing live weaponry, employment engagement events, recruitment events and heritage visits. She is also a member of the RAF Digital Eagles, where she learnt new media skills that led her to become the Squadron’s media representative.
Aiming higher
Kathryn has now set her sights even higher and is about to embark on an Internal Commission, Kathryn will start her commission journey in June 2024 and hopes to become an RAF Reserve Logistics Officer.
Kathryn said: “There really is a place for everyone. There’s so much flexibility within the Reserves to fit around your family and work. Everyone’s journey is different. The experiences that you can get are unique and the people who are in the Reserves, are the icing on the cake.”
For further infornmation visit the website: www.recruitment.raf.mod.uk/reserves
Spare Time Reserve: 0345 606 9069 (Mon-Fri: 9am to 5:30pm)
You could also use the live chat function on the website via: recruitment.raf.mod.uk/contact