Originally from Great Barr, Birmingham, where his parents still live, Phil went to Dartmouth High School, and afterwards he joined the Marines as a ‘boy soldier’ in 1996.
“I had a fantastic time in the Marines and wouldn’t change my time with them but flying a Tornado GR4 is as exhilarating as you would imagine it to be!” said Flt Lt Rossiter.
While the Tornado jet is capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons including Brimstone and Paveway IV, with breathtaking accuracy, it is in the role of tactical reconnaissance in which this aircraft excels.
Using RAPTOR (Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for Tornado), the aircraft can provide high resolution images from distances in excess of 25 miles, allowing intelligence to be gathered unnoticed. The aircraft’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance role is vital in the battle against deadly Improvised Explosive Devices.
A system called Litening III provides real time imagery to soldiers on the ground, enabling them to see areas where the soldiers cannot, such as round corners and overhead into Taleban compounds.
Flt Lt Rossiter has found his tour in Afghanistan rewarding. “It feels good to directly support the troops on the ground. I have an enormous send of pride in what I do and I know I am doing something worthwhile.
“The intensive pre-deployment training has prepared me well for flying in this challenging environment. There is a sense of accomplishment having completed my first operational tour and supporting the Afghan people to achieve security and peace.”
Flt Lt Rossiter returns home this month and said: “I have missed my family and friends. Rather strangely I have even missed the Lossiemouth weather! After 6 months in blazing sunshine I hope to go skiing when I get back.”
Speaking about his experience over the last few months, he said: “I want to continue flying on the frontline; after all, that is what I joined to do!”
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2009.
RAF News
From Ground Force to Air Force
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Former Marine takes to the skies to become RAF fighter jet ace over Afghanistan.
From ground force to Air Force, ex-Royal Marine, Flight Lieutenant Phil Rossiter has been playing a vital role in the fight against Improvised Explosive Devices and all from 40,000feet above Afghanistan.
Flt Lt Phil Rossiter, 29, from 14 Squadron, based at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, Scotland, flies a state of the art tornado G4. He is on his first operational tour as an RAF officer. However, having served at Bagram as a former Royal Marine he is no stranger to being out on the ground in Afghanistan,
”I joined the Royal Marines for the physical and mental challenges, but after several years of service I decided I wanted to be tested in a totally different environment. The Royal Air Force offered me this challenge and I joined in 2003.