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Regular, Reserve, Retired: One man’s incredible 45 year career in the RAF

Warrant Officer Steve Warner joined the RAF in March 1974 where he had an illustrious career that took him around the world. In 1997 he took retirement from the RAF but couldn’t leave the Service entirely, instead choosing to join 7010 (Volunteer Reserve) Intelligence Squadron as a Reserve and serve at the weekend whilst working full-time during the week for the NHS.

WO Warner during one of his tours

Steve explained: “I wanted to retain the camaraderie and continue to use the skills and knowledge I had attained over the previous 24 years but on a part-time basis.

“I would recommend both Regular and Reserve service to anyone. To my mind they both give very good value for money for training and job satisfaction. There are plenty of trades to choose and you can always go on to be a Regular or take a step back and become a Reserve, it’s really very flexible.”

During his time in the Regulars Steve took part in operations in Iraq, Turkey, Belize and the former Yugoslavia. Since joining the Reserve he has further increased his operational deployments in Iraq and Qatar.

Steve said: “The highlight of my Reserve career was being accepted to be the Detachment Commander of a deployment of Regular Service personnel in the Tactical Imagery Wing at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. For a part-time volunteer Reserve Warrant Officer in my trade that was a first.

“I was also taking part in a mobilisation at home, acting as Officer Commanding of a regular Flight while I was a Flight Sergeant, and received an outstanding achievement award. But really all deployments are notable as you wouldn’t get the chance to do anything like that in Civvy Street.”

WO Warner on deployment

To mark his retirement from the Service, 7010 (VR) Intelligence Squadron held a top table lunch in the Officer’s Mess to celebrate his career.

Squadron Leader Andy Fennell, Officer Commanding 7010 (VR) Intelligence Squadron said: “As squadron Warrant Officer, Steve has made a unique contribution to the Squadron, bringing a wealth of specialist experience which has contributed to the personal development of a generation of its members and the Squadron’s ability to deliver support to the RAF when it has been called upon to do so. We all wish him the very best for a long and happy retirement.”

The RAF Intelligence Reserves are currently recruiting, find out more about joining by calling 0345 606 9069 or visiting www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment