RAF Regiment

RAF Regiment
source
Unit name	Royal Air Force Regiment
Caption	Cap badge of the unit
Dates	1942–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Type	Ground force
Role	Force protection, airfield defence, CBRN reconnaissance, parachute-qualified operations
Size	Regiment sized formation with squadrons and wings
Garrison headquarters	Royal Air Force Station Honington
Motto	Per Ardua
Decorations	Battle honours, gallantry awards
Notable commanders	Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Coghlan

RAF Regiment is a specialist ground force unit formed to protect air power assets of the Royal Air Force and to secure airfields and installations worldwide. Established during the Second World War, it developed doctrine for airfield defence, ground-based air defence, and expeditionary force protection, integrating airborne and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) capabilities. Personnel operate alongside elements of the British Army, Royal Navy, United States Air Force, and numerous allied air arms during coalition operations and humanitarian relief.

History

Raised in 1942 in response to Luftwaffe raids and German paratroop operations after the Battle of Britain and concerns following the Dieppe Raid, the unit provided airfield defence for RAF stations in the United Kingdom, North Africa Campaign, and the Italian Campaign. During the Second World War it fought in the Battle of El Alamein and supported operations during the Normandy landings. Post‑war demobilisation was followed by Cold War reorganisation to confront threats from the Warsaw Pact and to secure forward bases in Germany during the Berlin Airlift era. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries the regiment deployed to the Falklands War, Gulf War, Balkans, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan, adapting to counter‑insurgency, force protection, and CBRN roles in multinational contexts such as NATO and UN missions.

Role and Organisation

Core tasks include airfield defence, ground-based air defence, CBRN reconnaissance, and specialist parachute and air assault operations to seize or deny aerodromes. Organisationally it comprises wings, squadrons, and flights based at stations like RAF Honington, RAF Leeming, and RAF Marham, and maintains deployable force elements under No. 2 Group RAF and joint expeditionary commands. It works closely with units such as the Household Cavalry, Parachute Regiment, Royal Artillery air defence units, and the Royal Logistics Corps to protect deployed air assets and sustain operations. Command relationships frequently place squadrons under tactical control of expeditionary air wings and coalition battle groups.

Training and Selection

Selection begins with Basic Recruit Training at RAF training establishments and is followed by specialist courses at training centres aligned with CBRN instruction, infantry skills, and ground‑based air defence. Candidates undertake weapon handling, small unit tactics, urban operations, and airborne qualification with links to the Parachute Regiment and training exchanges with the United States Army and French Air and Space Force. Continued professional development includes leadership courses at staff colleges, CBRN certification aligning with NATO standards, and advanced training with organisations like Defence School of Policing and Guarding and joint exercises with NATO Response Force elements.

Equipment and Vehicles

Personnel are equipped with small arms such as variants of the L85A2 family, general purpose machine guns similar to the L7 GPMG, and designated marksman rifles for precision roles. Ground‑based air defence systems, reconnaissance sensors, and CBRN detection suites support the force, alongside lightweight anti‑armour weapons like the NLAW and missile systems interoperable with allied platforms including the Patriot missile system in integrated air defence tasks. Mobility is provided by vehicles such as the Land Rover Wolf, light armoured patrol vehicles, and logistics platforms for expeditionary operations; heavier manoeuvre support has included armoured vehicles interoperable with British Army formations.

Operational Deployments

From the Second World War through Cold War commitments, the regiment has been repeatedly deployed to contingency operations. Notable campaigns include airfield defence during the Falklands War at RAF Mount Pleasant, force protection and convoy security during the Gulf War and Operation Telic, and persistent deployments in support of Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. It has also contributed to humanitarian and stability missions in the Balkans under NATO, Iraqi reconstruction under multinational coalitions, and counter‑Daesh operations in coordination with the United States Central Command.

Insignia and Traditions

Insignia feature the badge incorporating an eagle and crown motifs reflecting affiliation with the Royal Air Force and historic links to airborne operations; cap badges and stable belt colours symbolize squadron lineage and battle honours from campaigns such as El Alamein and Normandy. Ceremonial traditions include participation in commemorations at the Tower of London and association with RAF ceremonial events at RAF College Cranwell. Regimental customs observe anniversaries tied to wartime formations and maintain associations with veteran organisations like the Royal British Legion.

Notable Units and Personnel

Prominent squadrons have included those raised in the Second World War that later earned distinctions in North Africa and Europe; individual personnel have received gallantry awards such as the George Cross, George Medal, and other decorations for valour and leadership in theatres ranging from the Falklands War to Afghanistan. The regiment has produced senior officers who have taken joint and RAF command appointments, and has fostered exchange officers embedded with the United States Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and NATO headquarters, influencing expeditionary force protection doctrine.

Category:Royal Air Force units