H Hour #243 Mandy Hickson – Tornado jet fighter pilot

Mandy Hickson joined the Royal Air Force in 1994 and was the first woman to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line.

 In this conversation, Mandy discusses the evolving dynamics of military culture, particularly focusing on the balance between appropriate banter and political correctness. She reflects on her journey to becoming a pilot in the Royal Air Force, the challenges faced by women in the military, and the biases present in recruitment testing. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on youth perspectives, the importance of ethical decision-making in combat, and the collaborative training experiences in the military. 

Topics in this conversation:

• Mandy has been a motivational speaker for 12 years.
• The journey into speaking was driven by demand.
• Authenticity is crucial, especially in male-dominated fields.
• Confidence and experience play significant roles in self-acceptance.
• Banter can easily cross the line into bullying.
• It’s important to recognise the impact of social perceptions.
• Women often feel judged in professional settings.
• The military can teach introverts to be more extroverted.
• Historical contexts should not overshadow personal experiences.
• Bystander intervention is key in addressing poor behavior. Banter can enhance camaraderie but must be appropriate.
• Online interactions can lead to misunderstandings in social norms.
• The journey to becoming a pilot can be transformative.
• Bias in testing can hinder recruitment of qualified candidates.
• Women in the military have faced significant barriers.
• Expectations of military service can differ from reality.
• Recruitment challenges arise during periods of low operational tempo.
• Youth today have diverse career path options beyond traditional routes.
• Social media influences youth perspectives on success and career choices.
• Ethical decision-making is crucial in military operations. Living in close quarters teaches valuable social skills.
• Military personnel often excel in communication across all levels.
• The skills gained in the military are highly transferable to civilian roles.
• Reality TV can be a challenging social experiment.
• Transitioning from military to civilian life can be complex, especially in aviation.
• Mentorship can significantly impact young people’s career choices.
• Everyone has unique value and skills to contribute.
• Making a difference in one person’s life can be more impactful than large audiences.
• Understanding the backgrounds of individuals in the prison system is crucial.
• Charity work can play a vital role in community engagement and support.