Herculean effort
Postman and RAF reservist Ian McAndrew, from Newport Isle of Wight delivery office, visited RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire as part of an Employer Support Day with his unit, 4624 Squadron.
4264 Squadron is the RAF Reserves specialised air transport unit. The unit’s personnel accept, prepare and load cargo and passengers for worldwide travel on RAF air transport, as well as coalition and charter aircraft.
The Employer Support Day was arranged to showcase what the squadron’s reservist personnel do in support of defence operations. It was also an opportunity to understand employer issues and concerns, especially the impact of mobilisation in the workplace.
Newport Isle of Wight delivery office manager, James Godolphin, also attended the event, which included a tour of the cargo, traffic and passenger terminals sections where reservist personnel work alongside their regular RAF counterparts.
The airside visit concluded with a guided tour of the Airbus A400M ‘Atlas’, one of the current military transport aircraft squadron personnel load and unload on a regular basis. Some healthy competition then ensued during a visit to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules simulator where visitors received the opportunity to perform take-off and landing manoeuvres – some more successfully than others!
A working lunch focused on the tangible benefits reservists take back to their civilian workplaces, such as leadership, communication skills and team working.
‘It was important that I was given the opportunity to show how reservists are involved in the RAF’s ongoing global operations and specifically, my role with 4624 Squadron,’ said Ian. ‘I welcomed the opportunity to help my line manager gain an understanding of the commitment reservists give, and identify how the training and skills can be transferred into the workplace at Royal Mail.
‘My minimal commitment to the RAF is 28 days of service a year of which Royal Mail support by providing 15 days of paid leave, and special leave whenever necessary. Liaising with my line manager is essential as it allows me to contribute to the ongoing role that 4624 Squadron provides the RAF.’
Ian’s manager, James, said: ‘I work closely with Ian to ensure that he is released for his training and placements. I knew little about his work for the RAF before I visited Brize Norton. But I now have a better understanding of the work performed by reservists and the very important role they undertake.’
Military reservists
Royal Mail has around 220 military reservists – one of the largest groups in the country – who combine working for us with protecting their country at home and overseas.
Our association with reservists stretches back into our 500-year history. We continue to do as much as we can to uphold this proud tradition of supporting armed forces personnel and their families, as well as those who have left the services.
A ‘special leave’ guide for colleagues, which includes information on how to apply, can be found here. Information on the rights and responsibilities for employers and reservists can be obtained here.
