As the nation comes together to celebrate Armed Forces Week, Reserves Day provides an opportunity to shine a light on the vital contributions of our Reserve Forces.
The world is changing, we are in a new era of digital warfare, which demands a new era for Defence. Our forces need to be more technologically advanced, integrated, and war ready. A new generation of reservists is crucial to tackle these threats and defend the UK.
Meet No. 6 Cyber Reserve Squadron, who are defending Defence and the Royal Air Force's (RAF) networks from evolving cyber threats.
We are a Specialist Reserve Squadron and the RAF's dedicated component of Strategic Command’s Cyber Reserve Force, based at RAF Digby. Our mission is to protect the UK's air and space power from the persistent threat of cyber-attacks.
Our role in Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) is critical to achieving warfighting readiness, and safeguarding the networks, data, and systems that underpin the RAF's operations both at home and across the globe. We ensure that the UK remains secure in this digital age. Specialists from No. 6 Squadron were brought in to do just that.
So how do you test if a ‘Digital Fortress’ system or network is secure?
“Imagine you’ve built the world’s strongest system to protect your most valuable treasure,” Sergeant ‘Flo’ explains. “To be sure you haven’t missed anything you get in a team of digital professionals to try and break in! Their mission isn’t to steal the treasure but to test every single defence and give you a report on any weak spots they find. That way, you can fix them long before any real-life villains come knocking.”
Sergeant Flo’s analogy reflects the real-life process of penetration testing, where trusted experts simulate attacks on a system to uncover vulnerabilities before real attackers can exploit them. This process, often called 'ethical hacking,' is a key part of the ‘Secure by Design’ approach. Secure by Design means building security into systems from the very beginning.
By identifying and fixing weaknesses early, we make sure the systems we rely on are resilient and ready to face modern threats and ensures that the personal data of our service personnel and operations are protected to the highest standards, reinforcing trust in the very systems that underpin our Armed Forces.
“Being a part of a team that stands on that virtual front line is a profound responsibility,” says Sergeant ‘Hex’ on the Squadron. “We are a small but vital cog in the machine that keeps the UK safe, and I’m immensely proud of the role we and the other Cyber Squadrons play.”
We are not your typical reservists. By day, we are industry leaders, innovators, and cyber-practitioners. On duty, we are a vital component of the UK's operational capability, able to solve complex security challenges and protect critical national infrastructure.
Sergeant ‘Al’ reflects on the transferrable skills between day jobs and the reservist role, “in my day job I protect a company’s data within the Financial Technology (FinTech) sector. Here you’re on a completely different level. Knowing that the skills I use every day are directly contributing to the defence of the UK, protecting our people and our assets, it’s a feeling of purpose and you just don’t get anywhere else. You’re not just and employee, you are a guardian.”
What makes our Squadron unique is our approach to recruitment. We see out individuals with ‘exceptional verifiable cyber skills’, valuing technical expertise and real-world experience. This allows us to leverage a pool of talent that we would not otherwise have access to, ensuring that the UK stays ahead of its adversaries.
The experience benefits those involved, as Flight Sergeant ‘Byte’ notes, “the RAF and wider Defence has invested in my leadership and planning skills. I take that experience directly back to my employer. They get a more effective, resilient leader and I get the privilege of serving. It’s a true win-win.”
While much of our operational work remains necessarily out of the public eye, a recent, tangible example of our vital contribution is our work on the SERVE (Service for Experienced, Re-joiner and Volunteer Engagements) platform.
SERVE is the established digital gateway for all potential and current reservists, accessible via the Find Forces Jobs website, making it a critical piece of our national recruitment and engagement infrastructure. This platform makes it easier for thousands of reservists and applicants to see what opportunities are available.
“The team here at ‘6’ is incredible. I have the honour of working alongside the best of the best within the cyber industry area. When they are in uniform, they are one team with a single purpose. The threats we face as a nation are constantly evolving in the digital space.”
We are the "digital war fighters" the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) envisions, providing a capability that is essential for national security in the 21st century. Those with the requisite skills are encouraged to explore opportunities to serve with this us via the Joint Cyber Reserve Force recruitment page.
On Reserves Day, we recognise the immense dedication and professionalism of our people in the No. 6 Cyber Reserve Squadron, the wider Cyber Reserve Force and other Specialist Reserves. Reserve’s commitment is vital to ensuring Defence remains resilient and ready. They are a testament to the modern, integrated force that protects our nation, and we are proud to have them in our ranks.
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