The latest position on the Fire School. Please note that it is not run by the RAF.
Following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent RAF withdrawal from Germany, Manston became surplus to RAF requirements and the airfield was sold in 1999 to become today’s Kent International Airport. However, FSCTE was retained, becoming an enclave set within the former RAF Manston domestic site. Ownership of FSCTE was originally vested in HQ Strike Command at RAF High Wycombe. However, an era of significant change began in September 2006 when the MOD’s firefighting capability was reorganised under a single integrated, Army funded headquarters known as the Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) embedded within the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) at Andover. DFRMO reports to Commander Regional Forces (CRF) within HQ LAND at Wilton. In turn, FSCTE governance is vested in HQ DFRMO in respect of budgetary delegation and specialist training functions, whilst most essential administrative support functions are derived from HQ 2 (SE) Brigade at Shorncliffe garrison, Folkestone.
Governance changes aside, Firefighter training has been carried out at Manston in various forms since 1958 and we are extremely proud of the excellent reputation that the school enjoys both home and overseas. Many of our training facilities are available for lease under the ‘Wider Markets’ initiative.
Finally, we cannot escape the fact that the MOD and the UK Armed Forces are undergoing a significant period of change and it may come as no surprise therefore to learn that the future of FSCTE is presently under review. The results of a definitive study into the future of MOD Firefighter training delivery are expected circa 2009 with implementation scheduled for 2011. This may see FSCTE move elsewhere, but it is equally true that it could reaffirm FSCTE within the Manston site for many years to come. For now though it is very much business as usual.
D I LAINCHBURY
Wing Commander, RAF
(ex)Commandant, MOD FSCTE