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I passed my civvy driving test while at RAF Halton paid for myself, arrived at RAF Scampton where I got my QDB for most vehicles that were available on the OCU, do not remember being given a choice in that either. Early on I was asked if I would take a quick test through MT on a Bedford truck so I could drive the Oxygen wagon and the De-icer truck ( great in winter when all the other guys were outside removing the snow from the Vulcans, nice and cosy), this got me a QDB(H) (HGV on station only), both came in handy over the years on camp. The RAF put me through the RAF St Athan HGV course to gain a HGV licence for Chinook operations, again came in very handy both on and off camp.
The only issue I ever had with MT was after posting to St Athan we set up the remote wing change team, which when deployed used a Artic & trailer for one Airlogs trolley and two wing boxes, an 8 tonner for the second Airlog trolley and other kit/tools and a Sherpa for the troops. On the first deployment in the UK I approached MT for the two HGV’s plus drivers and I was told that I would have to drive the 8 tonner as they could not afford to send three drivers, I argued the toss and lost, have to say I had great fun driving the truck around UK.
The first trip to RAF Bruggen I went to book the vehicles and a driver for the Artic, they told me they would provide the drivers for the 8 tonner as well, I said no way as you would be hoisted on your own petard after their performance over me having to drive it in the UK, more arguments up and down the two chains of command which, guess what, I lost, still overall having a licence in my days was useful and there was some fun to be had as well.
The only issue I ever had with MT was after posting to St Athan we set up the remote wing change team, which when deployed used a Artic & trailer for one Airlogs trolley and two wing boxes, an 8 tonner for the second Airlog trolley and other kit/tools and a Sherpa for the troops. On the first deployment in the UK I approached MT for the two HGV’s plus drivers and I was told that I would have to drive the 8 tonner as they could not afford to send three drivers, I argued the toss and lost, have to say I had great fun driving the truck around UK.
The first trip to RAF Bruggen I went to book the vehicles and a driver for the Artic, they told me they would provide the drivers for the 8 tonner as well, I said no way as you would be hoisted on your own petard after their performance over me having to drive it in the UK, more arguments up and down the two chains of command which, guess what, I lost, still overall having a licence in my days was useful and there was some fun to be had as well.
