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| No. 22 Group (Training) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | No. 22 Group (Training) |
| Dates | 1918–1920; 1937–1940; 1960–present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Type | Command |
| Role | Training and education |
| Garrison | RAF Halton |
| Notable commanders | Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Williamson, Air Marshal Sir Christopher Coville |
No. 22 Group (Training) is a command-level formation of the Royal Air Force responsible for delivering specialist training, recruit instruction, and continuing professional development across technical, ground, and flying trades. It coordinates training policy, establishes standards, and manages a network of wings, squadrons, and schools that link to institutions such as RAF College Cranwell, RAF Halton, and Royal Air Force Museum London. The Group interfaces with defence partners including Defence Equipment and Support, Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), and civilian higher education providers such as University of Birmingham and Bishop Grosseteste University for degree accreditation.
Formed originally in the aftermath of the First World War as part of the interwar expansion, the formation saw early links to the establishment of the Royal Air Force Central Depot. Reconstituted in the late 1930s amid the prelude to the Second World War, it played a role during the Battle of Britain period by standardising groundcrew and technical instruction. Post-war restructuring, influenced by lessons from the Berlin Airlift and the advent of jet aircraft such as the Gloster Meteor, led to a renewed focus on specialised training. During the Cold War era the Group adapted to NATO requirements alongside institutions like Royal Air Force College Cranwell and collaborated with allied air forces including the Royal Australian Air Force and United States Air Force on exchange programmes. In the 1960s and 1970s technological shifts driven by platforms such as the Avro Vulcan and avionics suites developed by companies like GEC necessitated integration with civilian engineering curricula. Modernisation through the 1990s and 2000s incorporated simulator training influenced by programmes seen with Eurofighter Typhoon consortium partners and interoperability doctrines tested during operations like Operation TELIC and Operation HERRICK.
The Group is charged with formulating training policy that ensures personnel meet capability demands across air operations, maintenance, logistics, and support trades. It oversees recruit training establishments linked to historic training doctrines exemplified by Lord Trenchard’s emphasis on professionalisation and works with accreditation bodies such as Higher Education Funding Council for England to validate qualifications. Responsibilities include curriculum development for subjects ranging from avionics reliant on suppliers like Rolls-Royce to cyber training that intersects with agencies such as Government Communications Headquarters. The Group also coordinates international training exchanges with partners like NATO and the Commonwealth of Nations and contributes to joint force readiness alongside commands such as RAF Strike Command and UK Strategic Command.
Structured into wings, schools, and specialist units, the Group reports to the Air Command (United Kingdom) headquarters and interfaces with commands such as No. 1 Group (Air Combat) for operational training requirements. Command elements include directorates for technical training, flying training, and ground support, each liaising with establishments like RAF Cosford and RAF Lossiemouth. The Group’s chain of command has included appointments reported to the Chief of the Air Staff and coordination with the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom for staff college inputs. Regional responsibilities have seen a distribution across stations in England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as collaboration with civil aviation bodies like Civil Aviation Authority on air safety instruction.
Key units managed or influenced by the Group include basic training centres at locations such as RAF Halton and technical schools at RAF Cosford, alongside flying training elements associated with RAF Valley and RAF Shawbury. Specialist schools under its aegis have covered ground engineering, logistics, air traffic control, and catering, with historic links to establishments like the RAF School of Cookery and the Armament School. The Group also maintains relationships with heritage and museum partners including Royal Air Force Museum Cosford for educational outreach. Overseas and exchange training has involved participation in courses at facilities such as Sheppard Air Force Base in the United States and training collaborations with Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
Although principally a training command, the Group has oversight of training aircraft types and simulators used in basic and advanced instruction. These have included piston and jet types historically like the de Havilland Chipmunk and Hawker Siddeley Hawk, as well as rotary-wing types used at RAF Shawbury such as the Airbus Helicopters H135. Synthetic training systems and full-mission simulators supplied by firms such as CAE Inc. and consortiums involved in the Joint Helicopter Command feature prominently. Ground training equipment spans avionics rigs, propulsion testbeds related to Rolls-Royce engines, and weapons training aids developed with industry partners like BAE Systems.
Commanders of the Group have typically been senior officers with experience in training, engineering, and operational command, reporting to senior leaders including the Chief of the Air Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff. Notable past commanders have included officers who later held appointments at Air Command (United Kingdom) and in NATO posts, and who contributed to training doctrine during periods aligned with operations such as Operation GRANBY.
The Group inherits insignia traditions reflected in RAF heraldry employed at stations like RAF Halton and historical mottos associated with training ethos epitomised by figures such as Hugh Trenchard. Ceremonial practices include passing-out parades at locations like RAF College Cranwell and commemorative events that align with wider RAF commemorations such as Battle of Britain Day.
Category:Royal Air Force groups Category:Military units and formations established in 1918