View Full Version : RAF Regiment Info
alfred_the_great
30th Jan 2007, 20:20
All,
I'm after some info on the Regiment, and having searched the RAF web-site, forums and google have had no real luck.
Specifically, I'd like to know the following:
Details of trade training for both Officers and Gunners
How the squadrons are tasked - by the Regt CO, ACC or some-one else?
Who does the Regt CO report to whilst on Ops (i.e. what is his CofC)?
Is there a "Head of the RAF Regiment", and what role (if any) does he or she have over the operational use/tasking of the Regiment?
What is the highest rank a Regt Officer can reach, and how many do so?
I don't anticipate any OPSEC issues here, however please let me know if I'm wrong. Would appreciate a fair level of detail, so please PM if you feel that to be more appropriate.
I'm not looking to join the Regiment, nor do I want to start a thread that quickly devolves into either Regiment bashing or (pointless) comparisons to other units within the UK Armed Forces. I'm not a walt or a journo, it's just intellectual curiosity!
VMT
Al
Pontius Navigator
30th Jan 2007, 20:26
Try this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Regiment
and then possibly refine the question.
alfred_the_great
30th Jan 2007, 20:32
Without wishing to be a smart arse, already looked at that, and it doesn't provide answers to Q 2 - 5, and only limited detail on Q1.....
Rocket Chucker
30th Jan 2007, 20:47
Go here:
http://www.e-goat.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=20
quite a few serving gunners on it who may answer your questions - although prepare for a bit of baiting as well - it goes with the territory but don't bite back you'll get flamed.
RC
alfred_the_great
30th Jan 2007, 21:02
Joined e-goat, and will post same Q there. Any further info from this forum will still be appreciated.
Grimweasel
30th Jan 2007, 22:26
Not a rock but work at 'Rock HQ' in the depths of suffolk, so if you need details send me a PM and I may be able to help and even point you to some of the right people on the RRPT etc (Regt Recruiting Team)
A few easy open source answers are given here:
1. RAF Force Protection is divided into 6 FP Wings around the country with the Stn Cdr at Rock HQ acting as the 'Force Cdr'
They are controlled thru Strike Cmd at CHQ, High Wycombe.(inc the Jt CBRN Regt also based at secret Suffolk HQ!)
2. Trade Trg is too vast to explain here needless to say, they are a very professional bunch who are highly respected by the likes of the Secret Squirrels! ;)
3. Head of RAF FP is an Air Cdre (1star) who is also head of the police. Usually an ex-Stn Cdr at Honington in later career.
4. Not sure if they go higher than 1 Star. Well respected by forces all over the world and although given 'stick' all thru the RAF, are highly respected by aircrew et al for the vital role they perform in defending the Ground Defence Area (footprint around an airfield)
Any other Q's send me a PM
PS I always tell them in the Mess that the RAF Regt is full of people who were too scared to join the army and ended up in the RAF's infantry. Goes down a treat :)
Pontius Navigator
31st Jan 2007, 07:24
PS I always tell them in the Mess that the RAF Regt is full of people who were too scared to join the army and ended up in the RAF's infantry. Goes down a treat and still alive to tell the tale!
diginagain
31st Jan 2007, 07:40
Just don't tell anyone you want to join the SF 'Big Four'; Para, RM, SAS and RAF Regt.
timex
31st Jan 2007, 09:49
Never heard of the "Big Four".....Is that a RAF Regt thing?
Wader2
31st Jan 2007, 10:40
Just don't tell anyone you want to join the SF 'Big Four'; Para, RM, SAS and RAF Regt
Daughter was a member of one of the big four :). Actually what they did, which was training to operate in the porous friendly rear areas, certainly had elements of SF. Indeed they were given training by 21 SAS.
When on exercise in the States the Reservists they were working with could not get their heads around the Regiment role and thought of them as SF. They certainly could not understand the authority weilded by an SAC.:}
Also on one exercise in UK they cleared out an unmanned but otherwise active SAS hide much to the embarassment of the SAS.
The Burning Bush
31st Jan 2007, 11:26
PS I always tell them in the Mess that the RAF Regt is full of people who were too scared to join the army and ended up in the RAF's infantry. Goes down a treat :)
More like intelligent enough not to join the Army.;)
I must keep an eye out for you in the Mess.:E
Seriously though, not a bad post. The only thing I can add is we have had a 2 star, recently retired, and have several 1 stars on the up. So who knows.
OP, if you need some specific questions answered, send me a PM.
airborne_artist
31st Jan 2007, 11:27
SF 'Big Four'; Para, RM, SAS and RAF Regt. :confused:
Not wishing to belittle others, but D SF only covers 21/22/23, 18 Sigs and 63 Sigs, SBS, SRR and SFSG. SFSG is based on the former 14 Int Coy drawing from all Services. RAFR, mainstream RM and Para are not SF, by any stretch.
Not a rock but work at 'Rock HQ' in the depths of suffolk, so if you need details send me a PM and I may be able to help and even point you to some of the right people on the RRPT etc (Regt Recruiting Team)
A few easy open source answers are given here:
<snip>
2. Trade Trg is too vast to explain here needless to say, they are a very professional bunch who are highly respected by the likes of the Secret Squirrels! ;)
Having done a tour at the Rockery, I can say JROC* must be fairly tough given the number of CROWs** littering the place. A US exchange officer who went through JROC before taking his exchange post told me it was tougher than the US Ranger School.
* Junior Regiment Officers' Cse, one of the most apt abbrvs going
** Crippled Regiment Officer Wannabe
3. Head of RAF FP is an Air Cdre (1star) who is also head of the police. Usually an ex-Stn Cdr at Honington in later career.
4. Not sure if they go higher than 1 Star. Well respected by forces all over the world and although given 'stick' all thru the RAF, are highly respected by aircrew et al for the vital role they perform in defending the Ground Defence Area (footprint around an airfield)
When I was posted into the Depot the Commandant General of the Regiment was an Engineer, much to the disgruntlement of many Rocks. I think he still wears mudguards. The Rocks have become masters at getting their foot in the door in lots of Ops Spt (Any) and Any Branch jobs, so I wouldn't be surprised if they can go higher.
claude liardet
31st Jan 2007, 13:09
Alfred,
Check your PMs.
BluntedAtBirth
31st Jan 2007, 14:38
Slip of the keyboard AA? SRR were '14 Int' and JSFSG our very own 'Rangers' based on 1 PARA with RM and RAF Regt elemts, according to open MOD sources :).
airborne_artist
31st Jan 2007, 14:44
Slip of the keyboard AA? Yes, BaB, I should have gone to bed last night....SSR is ex 14 Int Coy, and SFSG is formed by elements of RM, Para and RAFR :8
Yes, BaB, I should have gone to bed last night....SSR is ex 14 Int Coy, and SFSG is formed by elements of RM, Para and RAFR :8
We've got reservists in SFSG? :)
Note to original poster: the Rocks are always abbrv'd to RAF Regt, as RAFR is already taken by the Royal Air Force Reserve.
Grimweasel
31st Jan 2007, 20:01
Burning Bush...
I take it that your Mrs is a red head then??? :}
I'll look out for u in the Bar then? Not that I'll be at the 65th anniversary dinner on Thurs 1 Feb as I am mudguardless!!
The Helpful Stacker
1st Feb 2007, 06:06
Apparently when the RAF Regt aren't too busy popping around to J1 village for another Subway in their very shiny WiMK's or sat around the back of their tents topping up their tans they actually provide airfield defence (or Short Range Desert Group as its known in proper infantry circles), although they have a slightly more dubious link to actual aviation than even my beloved trade.:rolleyes:
The Burning Bush
1st Feb 2007, 06:24
Burning Bush...
I take it that your Mrs is a red head then??? :}
I take it you didn't go to Sunday School then.;)
The Helpful Stacker
1st Feb 2007, 09:30
OMG. All this from a person who issues socks for a living.
Yes, an ex-Rifleman who now issues socks for a living (but not for much longer).
Never fear though, whilst the RAF Regt were 'too busy' at Basrah us humble stackers were providing the escorts up to Al Amara for the aviation fuel convoys.
Right tool for the job?:ugh:
I pitched up at Catterick in 1981 for the 'J' Course as it was then known, having just (literally) graduated from Cranwell. It was June so slept with my window open, enjoying my first night in an Officers Mess as a commissioned bod. Never forget waking up with a shock at 0530, having just been tw@tted across the head with the Flt Sgts Pace Stick (he was leaning in through the window) and being told to get my fat @rse out of bed so I could double across to the Airmens Mess for breakfast.
I lasted 9 weeks. Never again.:{
PPRuNeUser0211
1st Feb 2007, 13:49
Ratty, get a grip! Everyone knows a stacker doesn't actually issue socks... He merely tells you you can't have any! In line with the current policy on rollnecks.... "They'll be available in December sir...." come december....
"Come back in January sir".... come january "Come back in march sir" "But I'm leaving the country in 2 weeks and really need some now!" "Well you can have some in extra small sir..." (The biggest joke I've heard all year for those that don't know me!)
Seeing RM, Para and RAFR mentioned in the same sentance, now that is one for this http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=262336 thread.
:eek:
Still not sure why they are mentioned in the same breath.........;) ;)
The Helpful Stacker
1st Feb 2007, 17:57
Yes, I suspect you were the right tool for the job
Very good, I see what you did there. How very clever.
Climebear
1st Feb 2007, 18:31
Neither swift nor bold though HS ;)
1 Feb 07 - Forward the Rifles
The Helpful Stacker
1st Feb 2007, 18:43
The Light Division goes back to its roots.
I was speaking to a couple of old friends of mine in 1RGJ and they've noted how easy going many seem about the amalgamation. I suppose as they pre-empted being pushed into the decision the plans better took in the traditions and customs of the individual regiments.
Strangely the regiment I joined is now more like the original Rifle Brigade in which my great-grand father served.
Still, Celer et Audax.:(
Grimweasel
1st Feb 2007, 19:26
65th Anniversary of the RAF Regt Dinner tonight at Suffolk HQ.
Air Cdre Drissell just had the road outside of Spt Wg HQ named after him today..'Drissell Drive' , there's a motivational awe inspiring name to conjour up images of courage and valour... Seems like the weather here....wet and drizzley!! He joins 'Anderton Avenue' and the others.
Still, a brave man to boot who is leaving the service a la retirement. Best Wishes!
The Burning Bush
2nd Feb 2007, 05:40
Right tool for the job?:ugh:
Yes, I suspect you were the right tool for the job:E
My thoughts entirely expressed, and that goes double for Arrse as well.
The Burning Bush
2nd Feb 2007, 05:58
65th Anniversary of the RAF Regt Dinner tonight at Suffolk HQ.
Air Cdre Drissell just had the road outside of Spt Wg HQ named after him today..'Drissell Drive' , there's a motivational awe inspiring name to conjour up images of courage and valour... Seems like the weather here....wet and drizzley!! He joins 'Anderton Avenue' and the others.
Still, a brave man to boot who is leaving the service a la retirement. Best Wishes!
Umm, weather was fine.....choice of road, you have me there!!
Air Cdre Drissell just had the road outside of Spt Wg HQ named after him today..'Drissell Drive' , there's a motivational awe inspiring name to conjour up images of courage and valour... Seems like the weather here....wet and drizzley!! He joins 'Anderton Avenue' and the others.
Not to mention Bairsto Boulevard... I wonder what they're going to do when they get a CG with a name beginning with J or Y or somesuch..
Rocket Chucker
2nd Feb 2007, 20:11
Ther's only one thing worse than a stacker having a pop at The Regiment - and that's a bloody hobbly gobbly from 1RGJ.:ugh: :ugh: :ugh:
Luv from an ex Rock and Rifleman of 2RGJ - in at a time they were needing them - not feeding them
:ok:
PS King's Royal Rifle Corps became 2RGJ - Ox and Bucks LI became 1RGJ - Rifle Brigade were 3RGJ!!
The Helpful Stacker
3rd Feb 2007, 08:14
Actually 1RGJ as I joined it had been 2RGJ the year before, with a linage traced back through the KRRC to the 62nd Royal Americans and 2RGJ were the renumbered 3RGJ (and now 4Rifles), descendants of The Rifle Brigade, but yes I get your point.
And I resent your remarks on 1RGJ, never a finer unit served in Cyprus.:hmm:
RayDarr
3rd Feb 2007, 20:22
Stacker,
Wasn't it the 60th Royal Americans not the 62nd.
Sorry, just a bit of an Anorack on that stuff.
Suprised some greenjacket hasn't picked up on that one.
Climebear
3rd Feb 2007, 21:21
RayDarr you are indeed correct the Royal American Regiment (laterly the KRRC (http://www.army.mod.uk/royalgreenjackets/reg_heritage/former_regiments/krrc.html)) was the 60th. The regiment fought at Louisburg in 1758 and Quebec in 1759 in the campaign which finally wrested Canada from France; at Quebec it won from Wolfe the motto `Celer et Audax` (Swift and Bold - the motto of the current RIFLES).
Rocket Chucker - I resent the accusation against the finest Bn in the 'original' RGJ. The Ox and Bucks were the first regular troops to land on D Day (http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regts/the_rifles/history_traditions/battle_honours/pegasus_bridge.htm)in fine style that emphasises the effectiveness of Air Power (just to keep the moderators happy and include some vague link to military aviation).
The Helpful Stacker
4th Feb 2007, 08:54
Stacker,
Wasn't it the 60th Royal Americans not the 62nd.
Sorry, just a bit of an Anorack on that stuff.
Suprised some greenjacket hasn't picked up on that one.
There is some dispute over the actual lineage of the KRRC, later 2RGJ.
Many accounts see them raised as the 62nd Royal American Regiment of Foot in 1755, being renumbered as the 60th Royal American Regiment of Foot in 1757 after the disbandment of the 50th and 51st Regiments.
Pontius Navigator
4th Feb 2007, 18:10
Anybody else lost their quote button?
I suspect it is another of Danny's ploys to save bandwidth and endless repetition of earlier posts.:}
I noticed this a few days ago.
I guess it is also an attempt to educate us in the use of html.
Going back to one of the original questions:
Specifically, I'd like to know the following:
Details of trade training for both Officers and Gunners
Goto http://www.raf.mod.uk/downloads/sota.cfm and download Vol 1 Edition 6 of Spirit of the Air, in which you'll find a article on Gunner trg by a Flt Sgt from Trg Wg at Honington.