Original subtitles

When you're flying a fighter jet,

you need to be confident in your own abilities.

you need to be confident in your own abilities.

But sometimes I feel like I'm an idiot, I'm an impostor.

But sometimes I feel like I'm an idiot, I'm an impostor.

But sometimes I feel like I'm an idiot, I'm an impostor.

You can't help but start to think, "Am I made for this?"

You can't help but start to think, "Am I made for this?"

Because, to take a life,

you have to be 100% sure in what you're doing.

you have to be 100% sure in what you're doing.

There can't be any doubts.

The RAF is on high alert.

The RAF is on high alert.

The world, at the moment, is not in the best of places.

The world, at the moment, is not in the best of places.

The Russian vessel running along at ten knots.

The Russian vessel running along at ten knots.

Everything's happening

with Russia and Ukraine, it's like a tinder box.

with Russia and Ukraine, it's like a tinder box.

You're doing an important role protecting from Vlady the Baddy.

You're doing an important role protecting from Vlady the Baddy.

You're doing an important role protecting from Vlady the Baddy.

With conflict in Europe and the Middle East...

With conflict in Europe and the Middle East...

..British warplanes are poised to face any threat.

..British warplanes are poised to face any threat.

..British warplanes are poised to face any threat.

We are one trigger press away from starting World War III.

We are one trigger press away from starting World War III.

Only when you've sat in your own pee

for about two hours over Mosul have you really made it.

for about two hours over Mosul have you really made it.

It's what you don't see on Top Gun.

Can you get your hands out of your pockets, please?

Can you get your hands out of your pockets, please?

You know, if you've got cold hands, that's why we issue you gloves.

You know, if you've got cold hands, that's why we issue you gloves.

You know what I'm going to say, don't you?

The cleaners haven't picked all that up this morning. That's the boys

The cleaners haven't picked all that up this morning. That's the boys

and girls that have chucked that in there last night.

and girls that have chucked that in there last night.

Morning, morning, Rob, how are you, mate? You OK?

Morning, morning, Rob, how are you, mate? You OK?

Not too bad, yourself? Living the dream, thanks, pal.

Not too bad, yourself? Living the dream, thanks, pal.

My name's Warrant Officer Rob Moylan.

My name's Warrant Officer Rob Moylan.

I am the Station Warrant Officer here at RAF Lossiemouth.

I am the Station Warrant Officer here at RAF Lossiemouth.

I am the Station Warrant Officer here at RAF Lossiemouth.

What gets my back up is people that are disrespectful.

What gets my back up is people that are disrespectful.

That, and seagulls get my back up as well but, you know what I mean,

That, and seagulls get my back up as well but, you know what I mean,

when you're at Lossiemouth, that's par for the course.

when you're at Lossiemouth, that's par for the course.

The Station Warrant Officer, known as the SWO,

The Station Warrant Officer, known as the SWO,

is responsible for RAF discipline across

is responsible for RAF discipline across

the whole of Lossiemouth Airbase.

the whole of Lossiemouth Airbase.

So, when I was a junior rank, there was always

So, when I was a junior rank, there was always

a degree of apprehension when you saw the SWO coming.

a degree of apprehension when you saw the SWO coming.

More often than not, you'd try

and turn round or find a side alley

to get down before you actually got collared by them.

to get down before you actually got collared by them.

Things aren't too dissimilar now,

Things aren't too dissimilar now,

especially when you're walking down a long drag like this.

especially when you're walking down a long drag like this.

You can normally see people coming

and, if they see you,

they'll probably try and take an alternative route.

they'll probably try and take an alternative route.

Get off my garden!

Gents, have you got your IDs on you?

The Station Warrant Officer role is to be the exemplar...

The Station Warrant Officer role is to be the exemplar...

Happy days, thank you.

..for service discipline.

OK, you've got a lanyard there,

can you stick it round your neck, please?

can you stick it round your neck, please?

You set the standard.

This is the combined mess,

so this is one of the high footfall areas,

we've got a Costa Coffee, Subway, and the like in here,

we've got a Costa Coffee, Subway, and the like in here,

but it's heavily used by personnel from across the station.

but it's heavily used by personnel from across the station.

When you're on a main operating base like RAF Lossiemouth, we

When you're on a main operating base like RAF Lossiemouth, we

need to know who everybody is at all times.

need to know who everybody is at all times.

IDs are imperative, so that's why we wear them on display.

IDs are imperative, so that's why we wear them on display.

Where's your ID at?

Where's your ID at?

So, so right.

So, so right.

So, that's not acceptable, is it? You know what I mean?

So, that's not acceptable, is it? You know what I mean?

RAF police are the main people on this station to deal

RAF police are the main people on this station to deal

with security, you're not cutting around with you ID on.

with security, you're not cutting around with you ID on.

All right? You need to nail that. All right?

All right? You need to nail that. All right?

Just remember, it's on a lanyard,

Just remember, it's on a lanyard,

it goes round your neck for a reason. All right?

it goes round your neck for a reason. All right?

Accepting lower standards in certain areas

Accepting lower standards in certain areas

that may not be viewed as important -

that may not be viewed as important -

might be dress, it might be discipline.

might be dress, it might be discipline.

Is that, then, going to migrate into lower standards in engineering?

Is that, then, going to migrate into lower standards in engineering?

Is that, then, going to migrate into lower standards in engineering?

In how we operate our platforms on our safety-critical functions?

In how we operate our platforms on our safety-critical functions?

In how we operate our platforms on our safety-critical functions?

That could result in a failure to deliver on operations.

That could result in a failure to deliver on operations.

Might seem like, now, we're just chilling out,

but we're always on standby.

You never know what could happen.

We're always on our toes.

Lossie departures, jedi one-one flight four.

Lossie departures, jedi one-one flight four.

Lossie departures, jedi one-one flight four.

I don't know what else we've got today.

Craig, it's Colin, upstairs.

Could somebody come up and look at a radar clutter please?

Could somebody come up and look at a radar clutter please?

Beat us to it. Thank you.

Always ready because, like I said,

it could go from nothing to everything.

Where's Lewis with these brews, eh?

Am I lifting you up? I thought it was a bit heavy.

Am I lifting you up? I thought it was a bit heavy.

From mechanical engineers to armourers...

From mechanical engineers to armourers...

Can you just pull that? Watch that cable doesn't pull out, though.

Can you just pull that? Watch that cable doesn't pull out, though.

..every year, key Lossiemouth personnel must deploy for up

..every year, key Lossiemouth personnel must deploy for up

..every year, key Lossiemouth personnel must deploy for up

to six months on overseas operations.

to six months on overseas operations.

Do you want a hand getting your bags? Yeah, cheers, mate.

Do you want a hand getting your bags? Yeah, cheers, mate.

200 members of one squadron,

200 members of one squadron,

including Typhoon pilot Ben Chergui,

including Typhoon pilot Ben Chergui,

are heading to the Mediterranean to support

are heading to the Mediterranean to support

the ongoing battle against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

the ongoing battle against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Do you think everything you've done airborne

will have prepared you for anything you could see?

will have prepared you for anything you could see?

I don't think you can ever be fully prepared.

I don't think you can ever be fully prepared.

Yeah, I can't... I don't think you can ever replicate

Yeah, I can't... I don't think you can ever replicate

those stress levels and that fear.

those stress levels and that fear.

I think you've just got to go out there and do it.

Which is what I'm looking forward to - finally getting out there.

Which is what I'm looking forward to - finally getting out there.

See you in four months. And I'll catch you soon.

See you in four months. And I'll catch you soon.

Sounds good, mate. See you in a bit.

So, this is the first time

I'm going to be flying over Badlands, if you will.

I'm going to be flying over Badlands, if you will.

Which, you know, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly nervous.

Which, you know, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly nervous.

Known as Chergs,

this is his first operational

deployment after seven years of training.

deployment after seven years of training.

Those voices in your head are,

Those voices in your head are,

you know, constantly questioning.

you know, constantly questioning.

You can't help but start to think, "Am I made for this?"

You can't help but start to think, "Am I made for this?"

"Am I good enough?"

Although defeated territorially in 2019,

Although defeated territorially in 2019,

Although defeated territorially in 2019,

Islamic State fighters remain in Iraq and Syria.

Islamic State fighters remain in Iraq and Syria.

Operation Shader is a coalition mission,

Operation Shader is a coalition mission,

working with local and international forces...

working with local and international forces...

..to eliminate the remnants of the terror group.

..to eliminate the remnants of the terror group.

Right, so, the mission today is operating in

Right, so, the mission today is operating in

the eastern side of Syria, western part of Iraq,

the eastern side of Syria, western part of Iraq,

in counter-ISIS operations.

in counter-ISIS operations.

You're on the front line, so the pressure is definitely there.

You're on the front line, so the pressure is definitely there.

Chergs' first mission at RAF Akrotiri is

Chergs' first mission at RAF Akrotiri is

to fly 600 miles east into Syria,

to fly 600 miles east into Syria,

where coalition forces

and innocent civilians have been

targeted by a spate of mortar attacks.

targeted by a spate of mortar attacks.

Primary risks we're going to be looking at today is any sort

Primary risks we're going to be looking at today is any sort

of surface threat, ISIS activity,

of surface threat, ISIS activity,

and just reacting

to any intelligence that we receive throughout the mission.

to any intelligence that we receive throughout the mission.

You know, not getting excited is kind of the key to that

You know, not getting excited is kind of the key to that

because, if everyone starts shouting, it just spirals

because, if everyone starts shouting, it just spirals

and, at the end of the day, people start dying.

and, at the end of the day, people start dying.

When you walk towards an aircraft

and it's fully armed with bombs and missiles,

and it's fully armed with bombs and missiles,

it definitely focuses the mind.

it definitely focuses the mind.

This isn't training,

and this isn't the time to make a mistake.

and this isn't the time to make a mistake.

To take a life, you have

to be 100% sure in what you're doing.

to be 100% sure in what you're doing.

There can't be any doubts.

That's what I want to get right,

That's what I want to get right,

and that's what keeps me awake at night.

Chergs is heading towards

the region where Islamic State mortar attacks have been on

the region where Islamic State mortar attacks have been on

the increase.

Needed overhead for six hours

to support coalition ground troops below,

to support coalition ground troops below,

the Typhoons must first take on extra fuel in mid-air.

the Typhoons must first take on extra fuel in mid-air.

the Typhoons must first take on extra fuel in mid-air.

Air-to-air refuelling is one of the most insane things.

Air-to-air refuelling is one of the most insane things.

Flying at 500mph,

pulling up behind a massive tanker,

pulling up behind a massive tanker,

plugging your probe into a basket

the size of a dinner plate.

The most dangerous thing you can do is look at

The most dangerous thing you can do is look at

the basket and make a last-minute lunge for it.

the basket and make a last-minute lunge for it.

It's a game of patience.

It's a game of patience.

And all of this comes under

the mounting pressure of running out of fuel,

the mounting pressure of running out of fuel,

that's the time where you earn your money.

that's the time where you earn your money.

It's a big moment, the first time you enter a war zone.

It's a big moment, the first time you enter a war zone.

This country that you've seen on the news

This country that you've seen on the news

so many times before, growing up.

All the people that have died there,

and all the, you know, conflicts and wars that's happened

and all the, you know, conflicts and wars that's happened

and now you're in a fighter jet, flying over it for the first time.

and now you're in a fighter jet, flying over it for the first time.

and now you're in a fighter jet, flying over it for the first time.

Oh, my God.

I don't know why I am sweating so much, man.

I don't know why I am sweating so much, man.

It's like - whole body's just rigid.

In a hanger on the north side of the base,

In a hanger on the north side of the base,

troops from across RAF Lossiemouth are preparing

troops from across RAF Lossiemouth are preparing

to be inspected by the SWO.

to be inspected by the SWO.

One more after this individual.

One more after this individual.

It's all right, you're not the last one, and you're not late yet.

It's all right, you're not the last one, and you're not late yet.

Under scrutiny is their ceremonial uniform,

Under scrutiny is their ceremonial uniform,

known as their number ones,

ahead of Remembrance Day.

Most of them have never done

Most of them have never done

a parade at unit level before,

so the reality is they are probably

so the reality is they are probably

a little bit unsighted on what

a little bit unsighted on what

the standard that they should be achieving is.

the standard that they should be achieving is.

So, the detail that we need to focus in on,

So, the detail that we need to focus in on,

it's really important.

This is just another facet of military discipline.

This is just another facet of military discipline.

Troops, can I just ask that you start giving yourselves

Troops, can I just ask that you start giving yourselves

the once-over so that when we get through to

the once-over so that when we get through to

the number one inspection it's a fairly painless affair?

the number one inspection it's a fairly painless affair?

OK, so just start helping one another out.

OK, so just start helping one another out.

Have you got braces on? No, no, I don't.

Have you got braces on? No, no, I don't.

On the right marker, then. Right tallest on the right,

On the right marker, then. Right tallest on the right,

shortest on the left. Assume the right size.

I think the number ones inspection, for everyone in

I think the number ones inspection, for everyone in

the Armed Forces, puts the fear of God into them.

the Armed Forces, puts the fear of God into them.

All right, what's going to happen, then, this morning, is you're

All right, what's going to happen, then, this morning, is you're

going to have your number one inspection,

that will include your shoes.

that will include your shoes.

So, if there's anything I need you to work on over the next couple

So, if there's anything I need you to work on over the next couple

of days, then please take that on board and make sure it happens.

of days, then please take that on board and make sure it happens.

What I don't expect to happen is we get

What I don't expect to happen is we get

to Sunday morning, and I'm coming back down here

to Sunday morning, and I'm coming back down here

and picking people up, because Sunday is, "Go, no go." All right?

and picking people up, because Sunday is, "Go, no go." All right?

I will not let them go on parade

I will not let them go on parade

if their standards are below where they should be.

if their standards are below where they should be.

if their standards are below where they should be.

You on Movember, are you? I am, sir. Yeah, all right.

You on Movember, are you? I am, sir. Yeah, all right.

I'm trying my best, sir. You're trying your best.

I'm trying my best, sir. You're trying your best.

Well, you've got till Saturday.

If it looks totally turd on Saturday,

If it looks totally turd on Saturday,

don't be parading looking like a wally.

don't be parading looking like a wally.

How long have we had you for at Lossie? Three weeks.

How long have we had you for at Lossie? Three weeks.

Three weeks. All right, no dramas at all,

fresh out of the wrapper. Happy to be here? Yes. Correct answer.

fresh out of the wrapper. Happy to be here? Yes. Correct answer.

Your belt is on back to front, all right?

Your belt is on back to front, all right?

You need to pay attention.

Have you got number one shoes?

They're in Glasgow? That's not great.

They're in Glasgow? That's not great.

They're going to need a bit more work, aren't they?

They're going to need a bit more work, aren't they?

So, Sunday, you're going to be number one on my list for inspection.

So, Sunday, you're going to be number one on my list for inspection.

Tip over.

PHONE RINGS

PHONE RINGS

That rings a bell. That's not what we want, is it?

That rings a bell. That's not what we want, is it?

You just fall yourself out.

You just fall yourself out.

Right, if anybody's got mobile phones on them,

Right, if anybody's got mobile phones on them,

take the opportunity to fall yourself out

take the opportunity to fall yourself out

and put your mobile phone over there.

and put your mobile phone over there.

What I don't want to be doing is making my way down the line

What I don't want to be doing is making my way down the line

and people's phones are ringing.

Because it upsets me.

Come on, then.

Troops, you need to start tuning in on this now.

Troops, you need to start tuning in on this now.

This is a parade practice. So, in essence, a parade.

This is a parade practice. So, in essence, a parade.

You would not parade with mobile phones in your pockets,

You would not parade with mobile phones in your pockets,

all right?

So, let's start tuning in.

Have you got braces on? No, I don't. You don't?

Have you got braces on? No, I don't. You don't?

Right, you need braces on with your uniform.

The reason why you need braces on is

because that's why you end up with

a big flump at the bottom there, all right?

So, braces on, please, for Sunday.

So, braces on, please, for Sunday.

Let's have a look. Right. This is what I was meaning.

Let's have a look. Right. This is what I was meaning.

So he's got braces on, he's got them set right,

and the way that they sit on the shoe, that's how it needs to be,

and the way that they sit on the shoe, that's how it needs to be,

all right? So that's what I expect from yourself on Sunday. OK.

all right? So that's what I expect from yourself on Sunday. OK.

So, there's a little bit more work to do there for certain areas,

So, there's a little bit more work to do there for certain areas,

you know, those individuals that have been asked

to improve areas, I'll obviously be

targeting in on you, on Remembrance morning, OK?

targeting in on you, on Remembrance morning, OK?

The reality is, is that we have got an opportunity to represent

The reality is, is that we have got an opportunity to represent

the Royal Air Force on Sunday,

the Royal Air Force on Sunday,

for Remembrance,

and that is something we should be exceptionally proud of,

and that is something we should be exceptionally proud of,

and no doubt that your friends

and your families will also be exceptionally proud of.

and your families will also be exceptionally proud of.

Does everybody understand that? All right.

Does everybody understand that? All right.

They're my eyes and ears.

If you're not hitting the timings,

and your attitude doesn't reflect then, obviously, you get

and your attitude doesn't reflect then, obviously, you get

to come and have a conversation with me,

which nobody particularly wants to have.

which nobody particularly wants to have.

Don't make it harder than it needs to be.

Don't make it harder than it needs to be.

For me Remembrance is hugely significant.

For me Remembrance is hugely significant.

It's the one time in the year,

It's the one time in the year,

where we can all come together as a nation

where we can all come together as a nation

and, you know, we can all show our respects together.

and, you know, we can all show our respects together.

By the centre, quick march. Left, left, left, right, left.

By the centre, quick march. Left, left, left, right, left.

By the centre, quick march. Left, left, left, right, left.

By the centre, quick march. Left, left, left, right, left.

Have you lost anyone close to you?

Have you lost anyone close to you?

Yes. They were both good guys.

Yes. They were both good guys.

Yes. They were both good guys.

Parade halt.

Parade halt.

They'd done multiple tours in theatre and,

They'd done multiple tours in theatre and,

yeah, unfortunately they didn't come home.

yeah, unfortunately they didn't come home.

This is not just all about the parade.

This is not just all about the parade.

The day itself is about remembering.

The day itself is about remembering.

When it's that two minutes silence after the Last Post,

When it's that two minutes silence after the Last Post,

just think about who they are, what they are,

just think about who they are, what they are,

what they're part of and our forebears,

what they're part of and our forebears,

you know, that did give that ultimate sacrifice. So, yeah,

you know, that did give that ultimate sacrifice. So, yeah,

that's certainly what I'm hoping for.

that's certainly what I'm hoping for.

If that doesn't happen then there will be hell on,

If that doesn't happen then there will be hell on,

do you know what I mean? They'll be back at it for weeks.

do you know what I mean? They'll be back at it for weeks.

Typhoon pilot Chergs is flying over a war zone for the first time.

Typhoon pilot Chergs is flying over a war zone for the first time.

Typhoon pilot Chergs is flying over a war zone for the first time.

I wanted to be a pilot ever since I was about three or four.

I wanted to be a pilot ever since I was about three or four.

I wanted to be a pilot ever since I was about three or four.

But I liked to mess around a lot in school.

But I liked to mess around a lot in school.

And to be a fighter pilot you need to pass the aptitude test.

And to be a fighter pilot you need to pass the aptitude test.

A six to eight-hour grilling on

everything from your verbal reasoning,

to, you know, your maths ability.

to, you know, your maths ability.

It's just your ability to multi-task.

It's just your ability to multi-task.

I failed the aptitude test on three occasions.

I failed the aptitude test on three occasions.

Which was really depressing

and frustrating just being told no.

and frustrating just being told no.

Failing it three times in a row,

that haunts me quite often,

and sometimes I feel like I'm an idiot, I'm an impostor.

and sometimes I feel like I'm an idiot, I'm an impostor.

and sometimes I feel like I'm an idiot, I'm an impostor.

Coalition troops on the ground have radioed

Coalition troops on the ground have radioed

Chergs after being targeted by a mortar.

Chergs after being targeted by a mortar.

The second you get near, it's a case of bringing out

The second you get near, it's a case of bringing out

the camera, all your sensors,

trying to look for that mortar position.

trying to look for that mortar position.

Equipped with a long range infra-red camera,

Equipped with a long range infra-red camera,

Chergs can monitor Islamic State

suspects from over five miles above.

suspects from over five miles above.

Dropping a bomb, it's the most serious thing we do.

Dropping a bomb, it's the most serious thing we do.

But ultimately, I've got a decision to make.

But ultimately, I've got a decision to make.

Am I going to have to take him out?

Typhoon pilot Chergs is monitoring a suspected Islamic State militant.

Typhoon pilot Chergs is monitoring a suspected Islamic State militant.

Typhoon pilot Chergs is monitoring a suspected Islamic State militant.

What is this guy doing?

What are those holes in the ground?

Is he setting up to fire another mortar?

Is he setting up to fire another mortar?

Is he getting ready for another attack?

These are all thoughts that are rushing through your mind and, at

These are all thoughts that are rushing through your mind and, at

the same time, you're trying not to force yourself into seeing

the same time, you're trying not to force yourself into seeing

something that's not actually there.

My biggest concern is that he's just set up

a new mortar position,

and now he's heading home where he can detonate it remotely.

and now he's heading home where he can detonate it remotely.

I've got a decision to make.

Either he's going to kill our troops or we're

Either he's going to kill our troops or we're

going to have to take him out.

It's a big deal.

Your heart is racing.

Your heart is racing.

You are ready to potentially kill someone.

You are ready to potentially kill someone.

All of a sudden, I see the ground starting to move.

All of a sudden, I see the ground starting to move.

Quickly, it all starts to make sense

that this individual is, most likely, a farmer.

that this individual is, most likely, a farmer.

It was good flying back that day,

feeling relief knowing that

an innocent person didn't lose his life.

an innocent person didn't lose his life.

We came really close, but we made the right choice.

We came really close, but we made the right choice.

His first mission is over,

His first mission is over,

but Chergs still faces another 16 weeks of operations before returning

but Chergs still faces another 16 weeks of operations before returning

but Chergs still faces another 16 weeks of operations before returning

to RAF Lossiemouth.

It is crazy to think I've gone from joking around at school

It is crazy to think I've gone from joking around at school

to now being involved in a war against one of

to now being involved in a war against one of

the most deadly terror groups in the world.

the most deadly terror groups in the world.

You need to be confident in your own abilities.

You need to be confident in your own abilities.

You need to be confident in your own abilities.

If you drop a bomb in the wrong area, there are

If you drop a bomb in the wrong area, there are

going to be repercussions that,

you know, could affect the entire world.

you know, could affect the entire world.

You've got low pressure between Iceland and Norway.

You've got low pressure between Iceland and Norway.

That's really dominating our weather for the next couple of days.

That's really dominating our weather for the next couple of days.

Morning. How are you this morning? Not bad, sir, yourself?

Morning. How are you this morning? Not bad, sir, yourself?

Living the dream, thank you.

Living the dream, thank you.

Nice sunrise this morning.

Nice sunrise this morning.

You don't get these anywhere else in the RAF, you see.

You don't get these anywhere else in the RAF, you see.

You only get them at Lossiemouth.

The joys, the glamorous role.

The joys, the glamorous role.

That's what? Five vehicles there

that should have been gone this morning.

And if the individuals are on the station

And if the individuals are on the station

and have just ignored the direction that was given,

and have just ignored the direction that was given,

then, obviously, we'll have a conversation then.

then, obviously, we'll have a conversation then.

then, obviously, we'll have a conversation then.

You driving? Yeah, I'll drive. Cool.

At least it's not raining, and sideways wind, mate.

At least it's not raining, and sideways wind, mate.

Still freezing, though.

Still freezing, though.

Just one Typhoon from Lossiemouth,

Just one Typhoon from Lossiemouth,

and it's clear to go out to Akrotiri.

and it's clear to go out to Akrotiri.

The delights of what you get in the cockpit.

There's no point risking it on how many pee bags you want to take,

There's no point risking it on how many pee bags you want to take,

last you think you want is to be one short.

last you think you want is to be one short.

And the trick is always to have something

to put them into afterwards.

The domestic living in a cockpit is

The domestic living in a cockpit is

a humbling part of being a fighter pilot,

a humbling part of being a fighter pilot,

Only when you've sat in your own pee for about two hours over

Only when you've sat in your own pee for about two hours over

Mosul have you really made it.

Mosul have you really made it.

It's what you don't see on Top Gun.

Happy? Happy. Yeah, mate, happy days.

Happy? Happy. Yeah, mate, happy days.

I once slept in the same bed as Prince William.

I once slept in the same bed as Prince William.

Whoa.

A friend of mine hosted William at his house

A friend of mine hosted William at his house

and had stayed in his spare room and, since then,

and had stayed in his spare room and, since then,

it was known as the Royal Room.

And I stayed round at this mate's place one time,

and, of course, was in the spare room, and it was like,

and, of course, was in the spare room, and it was like,

"You've got the Royal Room." Nice.

"You've got the Royal Room." Nice.

So, yeah, you know, shared the same bed as Prince William.

So, yeah, you know, shared the same bed as Prince William.

Not at the same time.

My name is Zane Sennett. I'm a squadron leader.

My name is Zane Sennett. I'm a squadron leader.

I've been flying in the military for just over 25 years now.

I've been flying in the military for just over 25 years now.

I've been flying in the military for just over 25 years now.

As a former Red Arrow,

and veteran of four tours of Afghanistan,

and veteran of four tours of Afghanistan,

Zane is one of the most experienced pilots at RAF Lossiemouth.

Zane is one of the most experienced pilots at RAF Lossiemouth.

It's demanding, particularly at the moment.

It's demanding, particularly at the moment.

There's a lot going on.

The invasion of Ukraine has caused

The invasion of Ukraine has caused

the whole stability of Europe,

the whole stability of Europe,

and, one could argue, the whole wider world, to be thrown open.

and, one could argue, the whole wider world, to be thrown open.

If things were to escalate, or if any situation escalates,

If things were to escalate, or if any situation escalates,

where I'm being called upon to drop weapons in defence

where I'm being called upon to drop weapons in defence

where I'm being called upon to drop weapons in defence

of those troops that you are directly in support of,

of those troops that you are directly in support of,

of those troops that you are directly in support of,

you need to be all over it.

Your execution needs to be flawless and perfect.

Your execution needs to be flawless and perfect.

As a Squadron Leader,

Zane must prepare junior pilots in case

Zane must prepare junior pilots in case

the UK is pulled into the conflict.

the UK is pulled into the conflict.

OK, 07:30 Zulu.

OK, 07:30 Zulu.

Our aim - safe, effective and timely

Our aim - safe, effective and timely

air-to-surface attacks.

Added onto that,

exciting times for you, your first live drop.

exciting times for you, your first live drop.

How are you feeling about it?

Yeah, excited, slightly nervous.

But we're going to go out and do

what we've practised to do with dry weapons and,

what we've practised to do with dry weapons and,

yeah, excited.

My name is Matt and I'm a pilot on

the Typhoon force on 6 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth.

the Typhoon force on 6 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth.

It's a big deal for me on a personal level today.

It's a big deal for me on a personal level today.

It's a big deal for me on a personal level today.

Something that I've been training for, for a long time.

Something that I've been training for, for a long time.

It is live weaponry, you know.

However, nothing changes on that. All the checks, balances, rules,

However, nothing changes on that. All the checks, balances, rules,

procedures that we snap-to remain the same.

procedures that we snap-to remain the same.

But just cognizant, it's your first time that you're

But just cognizant, it's your first time that you're

going to release something live from the jet.

going to release something live from the jet.

Target is Cape Wrath Garvie Island.

Target is Cape Wrath Garvie Island.

Matt's mission is to fly 90 miles northwest,

Matt's mission is to fly 90 miles northwest,

to Cape Wrath, where all

to Cape Wrath, where all

Lossiemouth pilots must master precision bombing.

Lossiemouth pilots must master precision bombing.

Once you've done it, you know, the picture paints a thousand words.

Once you've done it, you know, the picture paints a thousand words.

So, OK with that, any further questions?

So, OK with that, any further questions?

No questions. We'll crack on.

Matt qualified as a Typhoon pilot

Matt qualified as a Typhoon pilot

shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.

The recent invasion of Ukraine, is not only upsetting,

The recent invasion of Ukraine, is not only upsetting,

but something that's scary to see.

but something that's scary to see.

Not seen something of this scale,

Not seen something of this scale,

and certainly it's the closest that Europe has ever been to being at war

and certainly it's the closest that Europe has ever been to being at war

and certainly it's the closest that Europe has ever been to being at war

with Russia. And something that could just be around the corner.

with Russia. And something that could just be around the corner.

You still got three greens?

It was a big step to sign up,

it was unknown territory for me and for my family and friends.

it was unknown territory for me and for my family and friends.

Yeah, that should be fine. Brakes on.

Yeah, that should be fine. Brakes on.

I don't come from a military background at all.

My family were, especially my mum, slightly nervous about some of

My family were, especially my mum, slightly nervous about some of

the things that we would potentially be asked to do in

the things that we would potentially be asked to do in

a war zone, on operations.

But it's something that they have come to terms with.

But it's something that they have come to terms with.

I think that there is a bigger picture,

I think that there is a bigger picture,

it's scary, but it's something that I need to be ready to go and do.

it's scary, but it's something that I need to be ready to go and do.

It's quite difficult to mentally prepare yourself

It's quite difficult to mentally prepare yourself

to employ a weapon for the first time.

to employ a weapon for the first time.

I can still remember, and I'm sure it'll be the same,

I can still remember, and I'm sure it'll be the same,

the adrenaline that he will feel. A certain amount of anxiety.

the adrenaline that he will feel. A certain amount of anxiety.

But it needs to happen,

we need to bring on our young people,

we need to bring on our young people,

to eventually conduct operations.

It's nerve-racking, but I need to be able to drop those bombs.

It's nerve-racking, but I need to be able to drop those bombs.

I hope that I have what it takes.

Parts of Northwest Scotland have been used by

Parts of Northwest Scotland have been used by

the military as a firing range for over a century.

the military as a firing range for over a century.

Attempting to drop his very first live bomb,

Attempting to drop his very first live bomb,

is fighter pilot, Matt.

is fighter pilot, Matt.

But first, he must ensure

the targeting system is working correctly.

the targeting system is working correctly.

It's part of the training process for us being ready for operations.

It's part of the training process for us being ready for operations.

It's part of the training process for us being ready for operations.

There is a huge element of trust within yourself.

There is a huge element of trust within yourself.

What we're being asked to go and do is massive.

What we're being asked to go and do is massive.

We need to be ready to hit anything from a static target

We need to be ready to hit anything from a static target

to a moving vehicle.

This will start with ensuring the laser ranging is completed.

This will start with ensuring the laser ranging is completed.

It's a high-tech bit of kit that costs a lot of money,

It's a high-tech bit of kit that costs a lot of money,

and it allows us, from many thousands of feet up,

and it allows us, from many thousands of feet up,

to precisely hit targets.

to precisely hit targets.

to precisely hit targets.

Only once all systems have been checked

Only once all systems have been checked

can Matt move on to his target.

can Matt move on to his target.

A five-meter square on Cape Wrath's Garvie Island.

A five-meter square on Cape Wrath's Garvie Island.

A five-meter square on Cape Wrath's Garvie Island.

If Matt misses,

he won't be allowed on overseas operations.

he won't be allowed on overseas operations.

The skill of low flying is very relevant at the moment.

The skill of low flying is very relevant at the moment.

The current conduct of operations across eastern Europe has,

The current conduct of operations across eastern Europe has,

I think, brought low-level flying back to the fore of

I think, brought low-level flying back to the fore of

a relevant tactic,

for ingressing into enemy territory.

for ingressing into enemy territory.

And one that the typhoon force needs to be practised at.

And one that the typhoon force needs to be practised at.

Flying at 450mph,

Flying at 450mph,

just a thousand feet off the ground,

just a thousand feet off the ground,

is how pilots practise low-level attacks.

is how pilots practise low-level attacks.

The stakes are extremely high.

The stakes are extremely high.

If my task is to deliver a bomb in a particular area,

If my task is to deliver a bomb in a particular area,

perhaps at a particular time,

perhaps at a particular time,

if something goes wrong

and I drop that bomb in the wrong place,

and I drop that bomb in the wrong place,

the responsibility in what you're about

the responsibility in what you're about

to deliver has got to be there.

If you haven't done that you've done the enemy's job for them.

If you haven't done that you've done the enemy's job for them.

Within my lifetime, this is the closest Europe has been to war.

Within my lifetime, this is the closest Europe has been to war.

It's scary.

Some of the things that we are asked to do,

there's a lot of pressure involved within that.

there's a lot of pressure involved within that.

We are the people in the cockpit,

we are the people pressing the button,

and that's something that we need to come to terms with.

and that's something that we need to come to terms with.

So, as the Station Warrant Officer, you're there to set the example,

So, as the Station Warrant Officer, you're there to set the example,

so as far as having the shiniest shoes,

so as far as having the shiniest shoes,

I'll always try my hardest to have those shiniest shoes.

I'll always try my hardest to have those shiniest shoes.

I'll always try my hardest to have those shiniest shoes.

There's a whole cadre of Warrant Officers across

There's a whole cadre of Warrant Officers across

There's a whole cadre of Warrant Officers across

the organisation, whether that's RAF,

the organisation, whether that's RAF,

Army, Navy, that will judge you on

Army, Navy, that will judge you on

the standards of your uniform. And actually,

the standards of your uniform. And actually,

it's one of those that, you know,

it's one of those that, you know,

you don't want to let the badge down.

you don't want to let the badge down.

You know, the big badge is the Royal coat of arms,

You know, the big badge is the Royal coat of arms,

so it's... You know, it's a big deal.

so it's... You know, it's a big deal.

So when you've got your uniform on,

you should be rightly proud to wear it. But also,

you've got to make sure that uniform is to

you've got to make sure that uniform is to

the absolute best standard that it can be.

the absolute best standard that it can be.

I've had quite a varied number of deployments.

I've had quite a varied number of deployments.

I've had quite a varied number of deployments.

Rob has served for 25 years as an RAF firefighter.

Rob has served for 25 years as an RAF firefighter.

Rob has served for 25 years as an RAF firefighter.

Served in Iraq, served in Afghanistan.

Served in Iraq, served in Afghanistan.

2010 was a particularly kinetic year, and you know what?

2010 was a particularly kinetic year, and you know what?

We lost a lot of men and women that year.

We lost a lot of men and women that year.

My two friends that lost their lives on operations,

My two friends that lost their lives on operations,

they were both operating in

a particularly dangerous area of Afghanistan,

a particularly dangerous area of Afghanistan,

and they did so, you know,

in service of their country, on operations.

in service of their country, on operations.

They helped me out no end when

They helped me out no end when

I'd been working in that forward location,

I'd been working in that forward location,

I'll always remember that.

There is no timescale on how that affects different people.

There is no timescale on how that affects different people.

There is no timescale on how that affects different people.

It doesn't matter if you were in

the Second World War

the Second World War

or, you know, Kosovo, Bosnia,

or, you know, Kosovo, Bosnia,

first Gulf War, second, Afghanistan,

first Gulf War, second, Afghanistan,

there is that minute's silence where the hairs on

there is that minute's silence where the hairs on

there is that minute's silence where the hairs on

the back of your neck stand up.

the back of your neck stand up.

Are you ready for my inspection, then?

Are you ready for my inspection, then?

Wait, you've got belt faff, have you?

Wait, you've got belt faff, have you?

Take your blue belt off,

and put your ceremonial belt on.

and put your ceremonial belt on.

How are you, bud? Tache is coming on nice, innit, now.

How are you, bud? Tache is coming on nice, innit, now.

Yeah, it's growing. How are you, Sarge?

Good, thank you, sir, how are you?

You need to get shorter. Intimidating me, being so tall.

You need to get shorter. Intimidating me, being so tall.

Right, I'm going to pick the spider that's off your neck.

Right, I'm going to pick the spider that's off your neck.

I could feel it the whole time. Could you feel it the whole time?

I could feel it the whole time. Could you feel it the whole time?

There we go, well done, you, for not moving, though.

There we go, well done, you, for not moving, though.

You're all right with that belt as well.

All right, good effort, well done.

Right, listen, then, troops. Good effort this morning so far.

Right, listen, then, troops. Good effort this morning so far.

Start putting the game face on now, all right?

Start putting the game face on now, all right?

Good luck, enjoy it.

Good luck, enjoy it.

You should be exceptionally proud,

A - of the effort that you've put in but B -

A - of the effort that you've put in but B -

of how you turned out this morning.

of how you turned out this morning.

Represent not just Royal Air Force Lossiemouth,

Represent not just Royal Air Force Lossiemouth,

but the Royal Air Force as a whole as well.

but the Royal Air Force as a whole as well.

# Let us go now

# Let us go now

# My darling companion

# My darling companion

# My darling companion

# My darling companion

# Set out for the

# Set out for the

# Set out for the

# Set out for the

# Distant skies. #

# Distant skies. #

# Distant skies. #

# Distant skies. #

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun,

At the going down of the sun,

and in the morning, we will remember them.

and in the morning, we will remember them.

They were outstanding in

the way that they delivered that parade in front of thousands

the way that they delivered that parade in front of thousands

of people in the community,

of people in the community,

paying our respects for

the ultimate sacrifice that's been made by those that went before us.

the ultimate sacrifice that's been made by those that went before us.

It just hammers home exactly what we're in the business of.

It just hammers home exactly what we're in the business of.

It just hammers home exactly what we're in the business of.

And the importance of what we do.

And the importance of what we do.

We have a different way of engaging with death,

We have a different way of engaging with death,

to most people, and we know what it is.

to most people, and we know what it is.

And we know about losing people in that way.

And we know about losing people in that way.

It can be difficult sometimes

It can be difficult sometimes

but, you know, when it comes to it,

but, you know, when it comes to it,

and they go out the door on operations,

and they go out the door on operations,

they do do it in the defence of our nation.

they do do it in the defence of our nation.

Fall out!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

Subtitles by Red Bee Media