Chelsie Piddington’s Rise in the RAF Reserves
As the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, we turn our focus to the incredible women who are part of the Reserve and Cadet Forces. Today, we spotlight Chelsie Piddington, an inspiring Part-Time Volunteer Reservist (PTVR) with the RAF Reserves, whose remarkable journey demonstrates the perfect balance between civilian career, personal life, and military service.
When Chelsie joined 505 Squadron in November 2018 as a PTVR Logistics Supplier, she was the first to admit that she was a shy, reserved young woman who preferred to stay out of the limelight. But what started as a quiet introduction to the Reserves quickly transformed into an extraordinary journey of personal and professional growth. From the very beginning, Chelsie embraced the challenges of her new role and threw herself into her training. She volunteered for assignments at RAF Coningsby and RAF Wittering, determined to make the most of her time in the Reserves.
Taking the Leap into the Unknown
In 2021, Chelsie took a leap that would change the course of her career. She made the bold decision to leave her civilian job and embark on a mobilisation to the Falkland Islands. It was a decision that not only opened her eyes to the world of military service but also ignited a passion for foreign deployments.
The sense of fulfilment she felt during her time in the Falklands was unlike anything she had experienced before, and it motivated her to plan her next mobilisation – this time to Romania.
An Unstoppable Drive for Excellence
Chelsie’s passion for growth and challenge did not stop there. In 2023, she undertook three back-to-back mobilisations, gaining invaluable exposure to RAF operations across the globe. The unique nature of her service – where she could effectively choose her next assignment based on her stellar reputation – spoke volumes about her exceptional dedication and capability.
While stationed at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, Chelsie demonstrated an unmatched attention to detail and commitment to efficiency. Her meticulous review of over 800 Discrepancy Reports saved Defence more than £70,000, and her role in streamlining processes contributed to significant savings for the taxpayer. For her exceptional work, Chelsie received a Commanding Officer’s Commendation for consistently performing at a level beyond her peers – both regular and reservist.
Making a Difference Wherever She Goes
Chelsie’s achievements did not go unnoticed. In autumn 2023, after returning from her deployment, she gave up much of her post-deployment leave to mobilise to the Robson Resilience Centre in Bavaria, Germany, an Adventurous Training Centre. There, Chelsie’s immediate impact was felt as she identified areas for improvement within the supply processes. Her recommendations led to an increase in trainee capacity and turnover, demonstrating her ability to lead and make a difference in a variety of environments.
Her dedication to excellence was further recognised when she was promoted to Corporal in November 2023. Not long after, she was named RAF Supplier of the Year – a remarkable achievement for someone who had only joined the RAF Reserves five years earlier.
A True Role Model
Today, Chelsie continues to inspire others. Currently on mobilisation to RAF Waddington, she remains a role model to fellow Reservists, showing how hard work, resilience, and a passion for service can lead to extraordinary success. 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.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we are proud to highlight Chelsie’s achievements. Her journey exemplifies the power of determination, resilience, and the extraordinary impact that women can have in both military and civilian life. Chelsie’s story is a reminder that anyone can overcome challenges, break down barriers, and achieve greatness.
