RAF Regiment Association

On Mon 18 Jul, the Secretary of State for Defence announced the outcome of the 3-Month Exercise, the Future Reserves 2020 Study and the Basing Review. The purpose of this note is to clarify any subsequent impact upon the planned reductions in the Corps’ orbat announced by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) last October following the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). To recap, the SDSR headlines were a reduction of RAF FP wing headquarters and RAF Regiment field squadrons from 8 to 6 (or possibly 7) in 2015 (post-Op HERRICK), and a capping of RAuxAF strength pending the outcome of the Future Reserves 2020 Study.

My headline message is that notwithstanding recent announcements, no decisions have been made on any of the specific issues affecting the Corps, specifically:

- The requirement for 8 RAF FP wing headquarters and 8 regular RAF Regiment field squadrons until 2015 currently remains extant - this includes HQ 6 FP Wg and 58 Sqn RAF Regt, notwithstanding the decision to close RAF Leuchars in 2014/15. The presentation of 58 Sqn’s standard on 26 Jan 12 will proceed as planned. No decisions have been made regarding which two units will disband in 2015. Albeit base closures are a major determining factor, they are not the only factor, and with nearly 4 years still to run, it is important that we make the right decision - not a quick decision, on such an important issue. I anticipate greater clarity on this matter over the next 6-9 months as the current MOD Planning Round evolves.

- The RAF embraced the Whole Force Concept some time ago, and will continue to include a mix of regular and reserve units. The impact of the independent Future Reserves 2020 Study falls mainly upon the Army, and the MOD is now considering its recommendations. However, with the strategic direction of travel now clear, detailed planning for RAF Reserves can now proceed. Whilst no decisions have been made regarding the precise impact upon the RAuxAF Regt and FP-roled Operational Support Squadrons, the following principles should be noted:

- - The RAF FP Force will continue to require a mix of regular and reserve units.

- - Unlike our regular units, there is no ‘stay of execution’ until 2015 should adjustments be required, announcements are therefore likely in the nearer-term.

- - As with the regular units, a reduction in the number of FP force elements will occur. This does not necessarily mean disbandment of those squadrons affected, but could entail a re-roling within the overall RAuxAF orbat.

The RAF Regt is not immune from the prolonged air of uncertainty currently pervading Defence, but I must crave your patience for what I hope will only be a short time further. No effort is being spared in pursuing the clarity that we all seek, and I will make further announcements as soon as possible. Whilst frustrating, this uncertainty must be seen in the context of a comparatively modest impact of the SDSR upon the Corps, given the painful reductions to Defence and our parent Service. The Corps remains in a position of considerable strength, attributable to the sustained professionalism and commitment of all our personnel - for which I once again congratulate and thank you all. In conclusion, I remind you of the SDSR statement by the CAS last October:

“The RAF Regt has been and is doing a magnificent job on current operations and their professionalism, skills, fortitude and courage is internationally acknowledged. Post-Op HERRICK therefore, the RAF Regt will continue to be a vital element of our air power capability ….. it will take on broader responsibilities and continue to be pivotal to our overall ability to project air power around the globe.”

Signed: R W LA FORTE - Air Cdre – CG RAF Regt

 

Gp Capt Andy Hall MBE RAF will replace Gp Capt Nick Bray MA RAF as the RAF FP Force Comdr and Stn Cdr RAF Honington wef Fri 10 Dec 10. Gp Capt Bray will move to the Higher Command & Staff Course at Shrivenham as a student in Jan 11, after which he will deploy to Afghanistan for an operational tour there.

 

The Government has announced the headline results of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has written separately, at length, about the outcomes of the SDSR as they affect the RAF; this is essential reading for you all. The purpose of this note is to focus upon those aspects that affect the RAF Regiment. The headlines are that the RAF Regiment will reduce from 8 to 6 (or possibly 7) regular field squadrons and FP Wing HQs post-Op HERRICK, whilst the strength of the RAuxAF will be capped at about the same level as the force is today. Let me quote CAS from his SDSR message:

'The RAF Regiment has been and is doing a magnificent job on current operations and their professionalism, skills, fortitude and courage is internationally acknowledged. Post-Op HERRICK therefore, the RAF Regiment will continue to be a vital element of our air power capability and whilst the reduction in the overall size of the deployable Air Force will lead to a post-2015 reduction in the size of the Corps (one or 2 field sqns), it will take on broader responsibilities and continue to be pivotal to our overall ability to project air power around the globe.'

Commandant General RAF Regiment                                                           

 

 

To mark The Queen's Colour Squadron's 50^th year, the Sqn is now stocking 50^th Anniversary Commemorative Drillsman Port. Each bottle of Fine Regimental Tawny Port is fully engraved on both sides. The cost for each bottle is £25 and includes postage and packaging. If you are interested in purchasing a bottle from the Sqn, please contact Flt Lt Matt Bowerman via email on (Intranet) QCS 63FP-OC B Flt or (Internet) qcs63fp-ocbflt@northolt.raf.mod.uk or by phone on (GPTN) 95233 6087 or (BT) 0208842 6087.

 

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In what is undoubtedly a 'first' for the Corps, it has been announced that Air Vice Marshal Graham Stacey, RAF Regt, currently the Senior British Military Advisor to the Commander US Central Command in Tampa, Florida, is to become Commander British Forces Cyprus and Administrator of the Sovereign Base Area with effect from 4 November 2010. The Corps extends its sincere congratulations to Air Vice Marshal Stacey.

 

The Air Force Board Standing Committee (AFBSC) has directed that CBRN Operations Sqn (the OC is Sqn Ldr Barry Moss, based at RAF Honington) is to be numbered 26 Sqn RAF Regt with effect from 24 May 10.

The AFBSC has further directed that the recently formed 8th Force Protection (FP) Force Elements are to be designated 8 FP Wg HQ (the OC will be Wg Cdr Greg Burchill, based at RAF Waddington) and 58 Sqn RAF Regt (the OC is Sqn Ldr David Stelliatano, based at RAF Leuchars); both of these designations are backdated to 1 Mar 10. Further details of reformation and ceremonial issues, including the presentation of Standards to 26 and 58 Sqns RAF Regt, will follow in due course.

 

The RAF Regt Memorial Garden's new block paving in late-2009 enabled the establishment of individual and personalized Memorial Stones in the pathway. The Memorial Stones, manufactured in honed light grey granite and available in several distinct styles, may be ordered by anyone who may wish to commemorate a Corps individual, unit or event. A bespoke order form is now available in hard-copy and electronic formats from the Regtl Sec and is downloadable here.

 

In February 2010, as a way of marking the 68^th Anniversary of the formation of the RAF Regt, two serving officers from RAF Honington set out on a 68 mile charity walk, but a walk with a bit of a difference. To make the 68 year contrast, one officer (Sqn Ldr PE Hawtin) was dressed and equipped as a WW2 Gunner and the other (Flt Lt M Ashe) was dressed and equipped for modern, desert based operations. 

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We have been in contact with Mr S S Gunawardene of the Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment Past members’ Club who wrote to Tom Feeley with news of the Club’s tenth Anniverary. The President, Commandant General Steven Abbott CBE, wrote to Mr Gunawardene to pass on the good wishes and congratulations to the Club on behalf of all members of the RAF Regiment Association.

 

The National Executive Committee (NEC) has discussed the Association’s presence at the repatriations, centred on the town of Wootton Bassett, of the bodies of servicemen and women who have been killed in action or died of wounds. With the intensity of operations in which British forces are currently engaged, it seems sadly inevitable that there will be more to come.

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The Corps is now represented in the professional networking website, LinkedIn. It has, among many others, Gunners' and RAF Regt Officers' Groups, the latter of which is designed to provide, eventually, a comprehensive biographical archive of all Regt offrs - both serving and retired - and also powerful networking, discussion and even job opportunities. The Gunners Group (entitled the RAF Regiment (Networking) Group) is more focussed at providing contacts and job-finding. LinkedIn has some 55,000,000 members worldwide. There are also other relevant groups, including CBRN, NATO FP, NATO School etc, which should be of interest to many. To view the site, visit www.LinkedIn.com and register. Once registered, search in the Groups for 'RAF Regiment Officers' or 'RAF Regiment (Networking Group)' and take it from there. You can cancel and withdraw from LinkedIn at any time, and also restrict who you link up with. All serving and past members of the Corps are encouraged to become members and increase their contact and networking abilities. [CPeN 126]

 

Potential customers for Al Waki Giclee prints should note that there has been a price change and that only orders placed on the latest order form, dated 19 Oct 09, will be accepted. Additionally, there are no more Special Edition prints (see below in Repeat Notices for details) of the Al Waki incident left for purchase. To purchase any of the remaining Limited Edition prints, contact the Regtl Sec and/or send the required form and cheque. A copy of the form may be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.rafregt.org.uk/Portals/0/BOAWPictureFlyer.pdf .

 

TCQS (63 Sqn RAF Regt) will move from its current location at RAF Uxbridge to RAF Northolt, Middlesex, during the period 26-29 Jan 10. The new postal address will be: RAF Northolt, West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6NG.

 

The National Trust will be sponsoring a 'RAF Living History Group & Demonstrations - WWII Theme at Belton House' over the weekend 14-15 Aug 10. The event, initiated by the RAF Living History Group, has recognized the significance of the venue to the RAF Regt and has asked for its assistance. They estimate that some 1,500-2,000 people will visit on each day, more if the weather is fine. Further details will be published in due course, but it may be worth a diary entry, particularly if you have never visited the first Home of the Corps before. [CPeN 127]

 

RAF Regt Gp Capt John Alexander has recently had the award of the  US Army Commendation Medal confirmed in recognition of his leading role in organising Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) support to the Jan 05 elections in Iraq. This included advising General George W. Casey, the CG MNF-I, on the force lay-down that enabled a 80% turn out to elect a Parliament from which the current constitution and government is derived. Gp Capt Alexander used his Arabic language and cultural skills acquired from secondment to the Sultan of Oman's Air Force and numerous other tours in the Middle East to work closely with the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq. This was the first multi-party election to be held in Iraq since the RAF Regt had left previously in 1959. The delay in the presentation of the medal, originally 'pinned-on' in 2005 by General Casey, now Chief of Staff of the US Army, was because of the need to resolve British and Republic of Korea nominations for awards for the same service.  [CPeN 127]

 

 

 

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There are now very few Special Edition (see below for details) prints of the Al Waki incident left for purchase. However, a number of the more desirable serial numbers are now available for purchase on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. Numbers currently available include: 2 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 26 - 27 - 34 - 49 - 58 - 60 and 63. - To take advantage of this offer, contact the Regtl Sec and/or send the required form and cheque. A copy of the form may be downloaded here.

On 7 Aug 07, a Patrol of 1 Sq, RAF Regt was engaged in a furious firefight with approximately 50 Iraqi insurgents in the Al Waki Market in Basrah. For some two hours, the two sides fought a pitched battle that left at least 16 insurgents dead.

 

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