An RAF reservist from Fife is flying high after being selected to train with “regular” officers.
Shona Kennedy-Smith, 49, has been taking part in basic training for the air force at Halton, Buckinghamshire.
She is one of just 36 people to be selected for the process, honing her skills, including patrolling, targeting and living on ration packs.
During one exercise the recruits had the chance to fly in a Chinook as a part of a simulated extraction.
Shona works with children with learning difficulties and autism and has joined 612 Squadron RAF Reserves, Leuchars, to train as medic in her spare time.
She said: “I think it is extremely valuable working alongside our regular colleagues.
“There has been lots of support of one another and we have mixed well. I think there will clearly be benefits to that in the future.”
Admitting that the training was certainly no walk in the park, Shona said the experience was physically demanding.
She added: “If you have any thoughts of being too old or not fit enough to join the RAF, I will admit it is a challenge.
“It will push you and take you to the very edge, but there is great satisfaction from it.”
The brutally tough training regime has seen reservists such as Mrs Kennedy-Smith effectively live out in the field alongside their professional colleagues.
Full of praise, commanding officer Flight Lieutenant James Baldwin added: “We’re out here every couple of weeks running through this with the regulars, and having the reservists come out and integrate with them it’s been absolutely positive.”