Page 29 - RAF Magazine

responsibility that becoming an officer would bring. has only ever lived in the city. You have to lead a team because
that’s what you will be doing for the rest of your life. You
Tell us about being a logistician have to navigate, co-ordinate within scenarios – dangerous
Charles: We’re the people who get equipment to the right scenarios, peacekeeping operations
place at the right time in order for operations to continue in or being attacked and having to fire back. It’s
times of peace and times of war. It’s that link again between about human beings and how we can work together.
the humanitarian aspect and taking care of our troops and Charles: My most significant
being able to assist in different parts of the world. We have a moment is also achieving
direct impact on things on the ground. the Queen’s Commission.
Colin: “I don’t see We graduated in March from
What opportunities does it afford you? many black male Cranwell, Lincolnshire, the
Colin: Educationally we’re encouraged to want to do officers in the ranks same military academy
something spectacular every year. If you want to do a certain as Princes William and
course and funds are available you can do that. If you want just yet, but the RAF Charles. But in terms of the
to be an engineer you can train up to degree level… If you has recognised this journey, they are building
are a sportsperson and you want to play football at a certain and my brother and you spiritually, physically,
level you are encouraged to do so. You can even represent I are part of the RAF intellectually.
your country, compete in the Commonwealth Games or
the Olympics. And you are paid from the very beginning, BAME network – we What does the 100-year
throughout the training process. are ambassadors” anniversary mean to you?
Charles: Friends of mine are going to Japan to play volleyball Charles: You can see the
for two weeks and they get paid for that. And I’d add the ability evolution of flight, where
to travel as well and have an impact on international relations. technology has changed and
When young people see the decisions they make can have an impacted so much. 100 years of endeavour, of indefatigable
impact on their community and the wider world, that opens spirit, of the chance to improve and learn from lessons of the
their minds to think bigger. past and believe you have a future to do better things.
Colin: It tells us that we are the first responders, the first
How does the RAF benefit from all of this? people in time of crisis, from right through our history.
Charles: It gets people who can lead and manage people. An
18-year-old who has an idea for a trip can influence ten or What advice would you give to someone considering a
20 people to go with them – already they are building certain career in the RAF?
skills and that person is a leader. Charles: This is an extraordinary organisation that’s willing
to invest in you if you will do the same with them. You get what
What is it like as a person of African heritage within you put in.
the ranks? Colin: Absolutely. Ask questions, do your research, think about
Colin: I’m very focused on the educational attainment of black where you want to be.
males. I don’t see that many black male officers in the ranks That’s what we
just yet, but the RAF has recognised this as an issue and so are here
my brother and I are part of the RAF BAME network - we for.
are ambassadors. It’s our aim to link with schools and other
organisations. If we sold what we do to kids in the inner
cities, these opportunities for sport, travel, education,
would be enjoyed by all.
Charles: My experience has been brilliant. We all go
through a lot of diversity training. I feel that I am
respected. Yes, there are fewer black people but we
are trying to get more young men and women of a
BAME background to join the service because we
bring something extra.
Colin: We’re realists. It’s not racism but some
people have never seen a black officer before,
that’s the truth. There’s probably still a long way
to go but I haven’t experienced racism and I
am very comfortable. We all bleed blue in the
Air Force.

What are you most proud of?
Colin: Definitely attaining the Queen’s Commission.
It’s not attained easily. I learnt a lot about myself, it’s all
about human endeavour. You have certain exercises you
have to pass. I’ve lived in the woods for a week with nothing,
no toilets, no mod cons, only a ration pack, and I’m a guy who
COLIN IHE

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