A WOMAN’S career opportunities have taken off after becoming a reservist at RAF St Mawgan.

Chelsie Piddington’s life has changed from restocking shelves in a supermarket to supporting global missions after spotting an online advert for a 505 Squadron Open Day.

Chelsie has received numerous awards during her time in the reserves (Picture: Ian Biddiscombe)

Her curiosity led her to finding a welcoming team and a wide range of trade options.

Chelsie felt drawn to the role of becoming a supply specialist as she had a background in logistics.

“The team sat down with me, explained everything and made me feel like I belonged,” Chelsie recalls.

Chelsie’s route into the Reserves was smooth and structured around her civilian job. Over five weekends at RAF St Mawgan, she completed her initial training learning basic military skills, fieldcraft, navigation and team-based problem-solving.

A two-week intensive phase at RAF Halton followed, where Chelsie stepped into a leadership role, leading her cohort in marching drills. What struck her most was the diverse mix of people on the course from teens to those in their 30’s, paramedics to teachers, all united by a shared sense of purpose.

Images of Corporal Chelsie Piddington working in the Reciept and Dispatch department of the Logistic Squadron as a suppler at RAF Waddington. Corporal Piddington is a Permanent Voluntary Regular Reserve for the Royal Air Force.
Corporal Chelsie Piddington working in the Receipt and Dispatch department of the Logistic Squadron (Picture: AS1 William Moulton RAF)

Post-training, Chelsie embraced deployment opportunities head-on. She volunteered for a five-month tour to the Falklands, where she thrived in a busy, team-oriented environment. Upon returning to the UK, she then decided to mobilise full-time with the Reserves, taking advantage of the career flexibility it offers.

She has gone on to supporting NATO's Air Policing in Romania, participated in school talks, helped transfer the Red Arrows between bases, and even worked in the Adventurous Training stores in Bavaria.

Chelsie has also worked at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, RAF Wittering in Peterborough, RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and is now working at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.

In her time in the reserves Chelsie has received a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for making substantial savings for the taxpayer whilst at RAF Akrotiri, has been promoted to Corporal and, in 2023, was named RAF Supplier of the Year.

Her recent recognition with a Chief of the Air Staff’s Commendation in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List further highlights her outstanding contributions.

Images of Corporal Chelsie Piddington working in the Reciept and Dispatch department of the Logistic Squadron as a suppler at RAF Waddington. Corporal Piddington is a Permanent Voluntary Regular Reserve for the Royal Air Force.
Corporal Chelsie Piddington working in the Receipt and Dispatch department of the Logistic Squadron (Picture: AS1 William Moulton RAF)

Based at RAF St Mawgan, 505 Squadron is the hub of RAF Reserves activity in the Southwest of England, from Somerset to West Cornwall. It’s a tight-knit unit with access to adventurous training through the Robson Resilience Centre, offering everything from mountain biking to high ropes courses.

Reservists commit to 27 days service a year, 15 of which are normally done at main operating bases with the remainder at monthly training weekends, but the Squadron recognises the pressures of civilian life and provides flexibility for those who need it.

The Squadron also plays a vital role in local events; from Remembrance Day parades, Airshows and Armed Forces Days to the Royal Cornwall Show, rooting its members firmly in the Cornish community.

Chelsie said: “To anyone considering it just go for it.

“You’ll build confidence, leadership skills and lifelong friendships. Plus, you’ll make a real difference.”

Find 505 Squadron on Facebook to find out what they’re up to and to keep an eye on when their next Open Day is.