What Are The R.A.F. Regiment For?
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What Are The R.A.F. Regiment For?
As one does on Friday afternoons I was reading Arrse where there is a posting in which the majority of people were being extremely rude about the R.A.F. Regiment. I disagreed with much that was said, but it got me thinking. What is the role of the R.A.F. Regiment? I had always assumed that it was “to defend airfield and the assets that go with said airfield”.
I have got to thinking about the matter. Not deeply, but I did start. The more I think about it though, the more I wonder how correct/ accurate I am, and how much has the R.A.F. Regiment role changed since the 1980’s. Am now going to ask a number of questions that I hope can be answered, and shall also make some comments.
1/ Defending an airfield obviously requires deployment away from airfield (e.g. ground to air defence). Up to how far away does this deployment take place? Also this deployment and any replen will necessitate defending. Routes to provide replen will require defending. Position changes will also be needed. This seems to mean that the actual “airfield to defend” is not the airfield at all, but the airfield and much countryside.
2/ Are any materials that are required to be delivered to the station considered as assets that require defending? E.G. POL, food, munitions. If so, at what stage do they become defendable by that station? What about the depots where the materials are stored? Or even the vehicles that are used to deliver them.
3/ Any roads or rail tracks that are required for replen? I presume these must also be defended. To what depth?
4/ Do the R.A.F Regiment utilise any persons (other than R.A.F. Regiment members) at all to defend the boundaries and within the station? Do R.A.F. trades that participate in airfield defence (same as used to done in Tacevals) come under R.A.F. Regiment command and control?
5/ Some R.A.F. units are currently “defended” by Civilians, the army or MOD Plod; at what stage does this situation change, and how? Or do these units continue to operate/ integrate with the R.A.F Regiment in times of need? In fact do the R.A.F. Regiment get involved at all?
6/ There is much I have not said or written. If anyone feels they have relevant comments please make them
Finally; do people consider that the R.A.F. Regiment have sufficient manpower and resources to carry out their role (as it should be). Somehow I do not think so.
I gave up thinking at this point, and have missed much out, but the brain hurted.
Thanks, and have a good weekend.
I have got to thinking about the matter. Not deeply, but I did start. The more I think about it though, the more I wonder how correct/ accurate I am, and how much has the R.A.F. Regiment role changed since the 1980’s. Am now going to ask a number of questions that I hope can be answered, and shall also make some comments.
1/ Defending an airfield obviously requires deployment away from airfield (e.g. ground to air defence). Up to how far away does this deployment take place? Also this deployment and any replen will necessitate defending. Routes to provide replen will require defending. Position changes will also be needed. This seems to mean that the actual “airfield to defend” is not the airfield at all, but the airfield and much countryside.
2/ Are any materials that are required to be delivered to the station considered as assets that require defending? E.G. POL, food, munitions. If so, at what stage do they become defendable by that station? What about the depots where the materials are stored? Or even the vehicles that are used to deliver them.
3/ Any roads or rail tracks that are required for replen? I presume these must also be defended. To what depth?
4/ Do the R.A.F Regiment utilise any persons (other than R.A.F. Regiment members) at all to defend the boundaries and within the station? Do R.A.F. trades that participate in airfield defence (same as used to done in Tacevals) come under R.A.F. Regiment command and control?
5/ Some R.A.F. units are currently “defended” by Civilians, the army or MOD Plod; at what stage does this situation change, and how? Or do these units continue to operate/ integrate with the R.A.F Regiment in times of need? In fact do the R.A.F. Regiment get involved at all?
6/ There is much I have not said or written. If anyone feels they have relevant comments please make them
Finally; do people consider that the R.A.F. Regiment have sufficient manpower and resources to carry out their role (as it should be). Somehow I do not think so.
I gave up thinking at this point, and have missed much out, but the brain hurted.
Thanks, and have a good weekend.
What Are The R.A.F. Regiment For?
Having said that, some are fantastic, but let down by the majority who are clinically brainless and full of their own self-importance.
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With the best will in the world, the army don't have a clue about aircraft operations - fact.
The RAF Reg are a specialist force that are specifically trained to protect the critical areas around an airfields. They do it very well and not without loss of life. Without them, terry would be sat at the end of the runway with a manpad.
Have some respect.
The RAF Reg are a specialist force that are specifically trained to protect the critical areas around an airfields. They do it very well and not without loss of life. Without them, terry would be sat at the end of the runway with a manpad.
Have some respect.
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Firstly, respect to those out there defending us. Thanks fellas - and stay safe.
The bigger question is "would the Army choose to defend airfields if the RAF Regiment were binned" is as unclear now as it was in 1942 when the Wegiment was formed.
IF the Army want to take on these duties, then there is IMHO a very strong argument for transferring the Regiment to the Army. However, if not, then they'd better stay where they are.
And actually, the best possible reason is that without the Rocks then we'd have to have some sort of Army detachment for CCS - and imagine how much fun that's going to be....
S41
The bigger question is "would the Army choose to defend airfields if the RAF Regiment were binned" is as unclear now as it was in 1942 when the Wegiment was formed.
IF the Army want to take on these duties, then there is IMHO a very strong argument for transferring the Regiment to the Army. However, if not, then they'd better stay where they are.
And actually, the best possible reason is that without the Rocks then we'd have to have some sort of Army detachment for CCS - and imagine how much fun that's going to be....
S41
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Mud Clubber (which I suspect is an actually very accurate pseudonym)
How can you state that "The Army" don't have a clue about aircraft operations? Have you been alongside every regiment when they emplane/deplane from all aircraft in theatre? No, that isn't very likely is it, boy?
Yes, they do a difficult job in protecting airfields from manpads etc but the RAF Regiment are only a small part of a multilayered approach to defence. Important yes, showstoppers, no.
I have had the fortune to witness and be involved in the onload/offload of troops throughout the world from all 3 services and all 3 have had both good and bad amongst them. Don't be such a small-minded fool. You're not indispensable, boy.
How can you state that "The Army" don't have a clue about aircraft operations? Have you been alongside every regiment when they emplane/deplane from all aircraft in theatre? No, that isn't very likely is it, boy?
Yes, they do a difficult job in protecting airfields from manpads etc but the RAF Regiment are only a small part of a multilayered approach to defence. Important yes, showstoppers, no.
I have had the fortune to witness and be involved in the onload/offload of troops throughout the world from all 3 services and all 3 have had both good and bad amongst them. Don't be such a small-minded fool. You're not indispensable, boy.
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Stop Start,
Defending the EFI has cost more than a few lives over the last 18 months. Presumably those who have died flying your aircraft did so 'delivering pies to the EFI'? No, thought not.
Defending the EFI has cost more than a few lives over the last 18 months. Presumably those who have died flying your aircraft did so 'delivering pies to the EFI'? No, thought not.
Last edited by claude liardet; 19th Dec 2008 at 23:55.
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Well as a Techie I love the RAF Reg in the early days of my wage packet is bigger than yours and always being picked on as a Techie JT. Only realised the job of the regiment is to gas you once a year. But for many they do actually do a job and when GW1 started so many people ran to reg section asking to get redrilled on chemical drills etc etc . I dont like the RAF regiment they never liked me or anyone else but I give them there credit they do a great job OOA and for most people think of regiment at home on CCS/GDT (wankers) but OOA good lads.Airfield protection , Basrah for one the Reg guys when we were there never let a bad guy in so they done a good job to me , they could have used there larger than life wallets though to shelter us from the mortars but no , they chose to drink coffee in the Efi 
RAF Regiment , better looked after and respected by the RAF not Army , Army cannot judge a higher pay bracket ever (JAP - 100a -0304 says so )
RAF Regiment , better looked after and respected by the RAF not Army , Army cannot judge a higher pay bracket ever (JAP - 100a -0304 says so )
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Some fairly harsh banter fellas
Having worked alongside the RAF Regt from my early days in Aldegrove, through TELIC and HERRICK I have the upmost respect for the Rocks.
3 Sqn providing security in NI around the airfield.
Excellent refresher training in NBC, Colpro and AR5 procedures in the run-up to Iraq.
Outstanding FP around airfields in Afghanistan - look at the drop in IDFs since they took over from other units.
Understaffed GDT sections who can still provide CCS,IRT,Air FP,Stn Guard Trng,WHT and deployment advice all year round.
Those people who slag them off have obviously no real understanding of the role they provide.
God bless the Rocks who have lost their lives doing exactly what they were asked to do - defend airfields.
Just give them back Rapier and CVRTs!
Rant off
Having worked alongside the RAF Regt from my early days in Aldegrove, through TELIC and HERRICK I have the upmost respect for the Rocks.
3 Sqn providing security in NI around the airfield.
Excellent refresher training in NBC, Colpro and AR5 procedures in the run-up to Iraq.
Outstanding FP around airfields in Afghanistan - look at the drop in IDFs since they took over from other units.
Understaffed GDT sections who can still provide CCS,IRT,Air FP,Stn Guard Trng,WHT and deployment advice all year round.
Those people who slag them off have obviously no real understanding of the role they provide.
God bless the Rocks who have lost their lives doing exactly what they were asked to do - defend airfields.
Just give them back Rapier and CVRTs!
Rant off
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Having been shelled more than a few times on the ground, all I can do is thank the Regiment for removing the heads of a number of scumbags responsible, with a .357 Laupa magnum....
Having also been on the ground having heard a mine strike that killed 2 of our finest, whilst they were trying to protect aircraft, all I can say is this thread is highly inappropriate. The one or two of the lads may, at CCS, come across as knobbers at times, I know they dont particularly like late aircrew, but the service the boots on the ground provide is literally second to none. Those going into airfields without FP I am sure will testify to this. We need an organiszation that focusses on protecting the eggs in the basket, its a job I think they do extremely well.
Next time you are taking 10 shells a day into your airfield, think that that number would be probably multiplied by 10 if it werent for the regiment.
Having also been on the ground having heard a mine strike that killed 2 of our finest, whilst they were trying to protect aircraft, all I can say is this thread is highly inappropriate.
The one or two of the lads may, at CCS, come across as knobbers at times, I know they dont particularly like late aircrew, but the service the boots on the ground provide is literally second to none. Those going into airfields without FP I am sure will testify to this. We need an organiszation that focusses on protecting the eggs in the basket, its a job I think they do extremely well.Next time you are taking 10 shells a day into your airfield, think that that number would be probably multiplied by 10 if it werent for the regiment.
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Whilst the majority of us dislike IRT, CCS etc, etc. Like it or not the RAF regiment do a thankless task that we should all be gratefull for both at unit level preparing us for Ops and and deployed protecting us on Ops.
Guys keep up the good work!
Guys keep up the good work!
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Most of the RAF Regiment dislike CCS etc too!
I met up with some mates in Stamford yesterday and I reflected that it was good to have the best of all worlds - still be a part of what the Regt is all about but no longer having to pretend to be interested in what the likes of Minigun (can someone increase his cyclic rate of fire so that his brain can catch up with his typing finger?) are saying.
Best wishes to the clinically brainless and self-important out there, the majority of whom allow airborne ballast to safely get their sleep before waking up to ridicule them on the internet.
Per Ardua.
I met up with some mates in Stamford yesterday and I reflected that it was good to have the best of all worlds - still be a part of what the Regt is all about but no longer having to pretend to be interested in what the likes of Minigun (can someone increase his cyclic rate of fire so that his brain can catch up with his typing finger?) are saying.
Best wishes to the clinically brainless and self-important out there, the majority of whom allow airborne ballast to safely get their sleep before waking up to ridicule them on the internet.
Per Ardua.
Al R
I don't need to request your permission to express my opinion, neither do I need to express the same opinion as you. In fact, if we were all automons with the same 'party line' it would be a pretty boring world.
I respect your opinions, even when they differ from mine. To paraphrase Voltaire...
'I vehemently disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it'.
Peoples opinions are based on experiences, and everyones experiences will differ. I am out on a limb in guessing your now a civvy, in which case you now exist on second hand information.
Besides, I can't take anyone seriously when they sign off with 'Per Ardua'
I don't need to request your permission to express my opinion, neither do I need to express the same opinion as you. In fact, if we were all automons with the same 'party line' it would be a pretty boring world.
I respect your opinions, even when they differ from mine. To paraphrase Voltaire...
'I vehemently disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it'.
Peoples opinions are based on experiences, and everyones experiences will differ. I am out on a limb in guessing your now a civvy, in which case you now exist on second hand information.
Besides, I can't take anyone seriously when they sign off with 'Per Ardua'
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Minigun,
I didn't suggest that you asked for my permission, and stop trying to hide behind an intellectual argument that you seem to struggle with. Freedom of speech is a right that comes with responsibilities and if you can't be prepared to defend your position with anything more than an abstract teddy throwing exercise, best stay quiet.
For the record, I hope your attempts at hiding behind the RAF Regiment are better than they are hiding behind a Frenchman. Voltaire never said or wrote what you suggest - rather, Evelyn Hall was summarising the essence of his ethos and over time numpties have perpetuated the myth, trying to make themselves look clever.
Finally, you refer to second hand experience and information. Having served on 2 flying sqns, I wonder how many Regt sqns you've served on?
I didn't suggest that you asked for my permission, and stop trying to hide behind an intellectual argument that you seem to struggle with. Freedom of speech is a right that comes with responsibilities and if you can't be prepared to defend your position with anything more than an abstract teddy throwing exercise, best stay quiet.
For the record, I hope your attempts at hiding behind the RAF Regiment are better than they are hiding behind a Frenchman. Voltaire never said or wrote what you suggest - rather, Evelyn Hall was summarising the essence of his ethos and over time numpties have perpetuated the myth, trying to make themselves look clever.
Finally, you refer to second hand experience and information. Having served on 2 flying sqns, I wonder how many Regt sqns you've served on?
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I'm sure most of the Regt guys will take the majority of this thread as banter, but it is unfair to challenge them through this medium as they won't understand it 
(can't F*** it or fight it, so what's the point eh!)
They have protected me on many OOAs operating from the IPOD. On a few OOAs (ground tour) I have worked with them to protect the IPOD and seen exactly what they do to ensure everyones safety, I guarantee you wouldn't want to change places with them! There was the odd throbber, but there were many more excellent individuals and that goes for most other trades too. Most were top guys doing a hard job, much more arduous than many give them credit for.
Just because it seems nothing is happening, it doesn't mean they are not busy. Unfortunately it's difficult to quantify their success, each day or night without an attack might be due to no EF activity, but just as likely they deterred, observed or engaged them which is seldom broadcast to the masses. Keep up the good work
On Ops they are 100% focused on their mission, which is not an easy one given the assets. How long would that last if the job went to the Army?
(can't F*** it or fight it, so what's the point eh!)They have protected me on many OOAs operating from the IPOD. On a few OOAs (ground tour) I have worked with them to protect the IPOD and seen exactly what they do to ensure everyones safety, I guarantee you wouldn't want to change places with them! There was the odd throbber, but there were many more excellent individuals and that goes for most other trades too. Most were top guys doing a hard job, much more arduous than many give them credit for.
Just because it seems nothing is happening, it doesn't mean they are not busy. Unfortunately it's difficult to quantify their success, each day or night without an attack might be due to no EF activity, but just as likely they deterred, observed or engaged them which is seldom broadcast to the masses. Keep up the good work
On Ops they are 100% focused on their mission, which is not an easy one given the assets. How long would that last if the job went to the Army?
Last edited by Ivan Rogov; 20th Dec 2008 at 10:59.
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I wouldn't swap places with them, and I wouldn't want to operate without them .. But they are still wankers when they love gassing you at CCS time 
Being based at a secret Wiltshire air base, I have to say our Regiment flight is fantastic, the training they provide is second to none and delivered in an effective way with some good banter... Makes IRT etc that little bit more bearable!
.. But they are still wankers when they love gassing you at CCS time Being based at a secret Wiltshire air base, I have to say our Regiment flight is fantastic, the training they provide is second to none and delivered in an effective way with some good banter
... Makes IRT etc that little bit more bearable!
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RAF Regiment? Too smart for the Army, not smart enough for the real Air Force.
Calm down Al, calm down. It's a joke - a p*ss poor one, but a joke.
Calm down Al, calm down. It's a joke - a p*ss poor one, but a joke.