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| Formation Training Group | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Formation Training Group |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Role | Training |
| Garrison | RAF Cranwell |
| Motto | "Exempla Ducimus" |
| Notable commanders | Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, Air Marshal Sir Christopher Moran |
Formation Training Group
Formation Training Group provides specialist Royal Air Force training, delivering officer and aircrew education, doctrine development, and synthetic training support. It integrates doctrinal instruction with practical aircrew conversion, partnering with institutions across the United Kingdom, United States Air Force, NATO, and allied services to prepare personnel for expeditionary operations. The group contributes to capability development linked to platforms and formations involved in major operations such as Operation Shader, Operation Telic, and NATO collective exercises.
Formation Training Group comprises training squadrons, schools, and simulation units focused on aircrew, weapons, and command-level instruction. It interfaces with establishments including RAF College Cranwell, Royal Air Force College, No. 1 Flying Training School, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and multinational centres like the NATO Defence College and Joint Forces Command. The group supports conversion for types operated by No. II (AC) Squadron, No. 617 Squadron RAF, and other frontline units, aligning curricula with doctrine from Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), tactical studies from Royal United Services Institute, and operational lessons from campaigns such as Gulf War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).
Origins trace to post-World War II reorganisation when training elements at RAF Cranwell and RAF College were consolidated to professionalize aircrew development under directives influenced by reports like the Fisher Inquiry and policy shifts after the Cold War. During the 1990s defence reviews including the Strategic Defence Review (1998), the group expanded simulation capabilities inspired by developments in the United States Air Force training system and lessons from the Balkan Wars. In the 21st century, the formation adapted to expeditionary requirements evident in Operation Herrick and integrated remotely piloted aircraft training influenced by MQ-9 Reaper operations and doctrine from the Joint Helicopter Command.
The group is structured into squadrons and wings co-located at bases such as RAF Cranwell, RAF Waddington, and RAF College, with subordinate units analogous to No. 57 Squadron RAF and training elements that mirror structures from No. 3 Flying Training School. Command reports align with higher echelons including Air Command (United Kingdom) and coordination with Joint Forces Command (United Kingdom). Liaison exists with civilian academic partners like the University of Nottingham, defence contractors such as BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin, and multinational partners from Royal Australian Air Force and United States Navy for exchange and interoperability programs.
Programs cover officer commissioning syllabi from RAF College Cranwell, aircrew basic and advanced training reflecting standards from No. 1 Flying Training School, and tactical instruction for fast-jet, transport, and rotary platforms similar to syllabuses used by Empire Test Pilots' School and Defence Helicopter Flying School. Curriculum includes tactics drawn from operations such as Falklands War lessons, electronic warfare methods parallel to doctrine used by National Air and Space Intelligence Center, and command training akin to modules at the UK Defence Academy. Simulation and synthetic training use techniques pioneered by Crown Commercial Service procurements and contractor-led initiatives with CAE Inc.
Training fleets encompass platforms used historically and in conversion training: variants related to BAE Hawk, Hawk T1, training elements for Eurofighter Typhoon, and rotary training reflecting types such as the Westland Wessex heritage and successors related to AgustaWestland AW159. Synthetic training employs full-mission simulators comparable to those for Panavia Tornado and Lockheed C-130 Hercules, alongside instrumented ranges and mission rehearsal tools used in exercises like Exercise Red Flag and Red Flag – Alaska adaptations for UK needs.
While primarily a training formation, personnel and units have deployed as instructors and advisers to theatres where British forces operate, embedding with commands during Operation Granby, Operation Telic, and Operation Shader. The group provides mission rehearsal for units deploying to NATO operations such as KFOR and ISAF, and contributes to multinational training efforts exemplified by participation in exercises including Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Cobra Warrior.
Alumni include officers and aviators who progressed to senior appointments across the Royal Air Force and allied services, such as leaders who commanded Air Command (United Kingdom), held posts at Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), or contributed to doctrine at institutions like the Royal United Services Institute. Notable names associated with training leadership and aviation development include figures comparable to Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon and Air Marshal Sir Christopher Moran, as well as test and evaluation leaders who moved to roles at BAE Systems and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
Category:Royal Air Force units