Centurion Fund Sponsors Trainee Gunners’ New Tracksuits

The Centurion Fund has helped fund a new look for Trainee Gunners at RAF Honington with regimental tracksuits that inspire and unite future RAF Regiment Gunners.

Regimental Training Squadron (Basics) approached the Centurion Fund with the idea of providing branded tracksuits for Trainee Gunners to wear when not in uniform. Having visited other training establishments among the other services, it was noticed by staff that recruits are provided with matching tracksuits to wear when not in uniform. The tracksuits provide the Trainees a sense of ethos and motivation during their training, distinguishing them from the rest of their Royal Air Force peers and helping them focus on their ultimate goal of becoming Royal Air Force Regiment Gunners.

The modern style tracksuits have been a big hit with the Trainees with several positive, unintended consequences. The tracksuit is seen as adding to the ethos started during the Potential Gunner Selection Course, where individuals are given a T Shirt with “Future RAF Regiment Gunner” on it. The tracksuit, with its crossed rifles and astral crown crest, continues this theme as they seek to earn their coveted “Mudguards”. It is also labelled with the Centurion Fund logo to engage with the Fund’s newest members at early stages in their career. The practicality has also been praised, meaning Trainees can wear it when going to the gym and don’t have to carry folded uniform in day sacks – undoing their efforts pressing it. They also comes in handy when recruits can go to breakfast without the fear of spilling beans down their uniform before inspection!

Overall the tracksuits have proved to be a big success. Over time each Trainee Gunner course will conduct a charity event, to raise money for the Centurion Fund of which they are now a part. The positive reception that these tracksuits have received will help put the Fund at the forefront of these young Gunners’ minds when considering charity events in the future.