Has anyone here heard of the RAF Regiment?

Question

I am thinking of joining as an Officer as it seems like the life for me. However I am puzzled. A lot of my old school friends have gone off to join the regular infantry, Engineers, Paras and even Marines (UK of course) and you always here about the actions of these forces; the Marines and Paras have a reputation and everyone has heard of the light infantry.

But what do other serving UK military personnel think of the RAF Regiment? What sort of reputation do these guys have- are they merely regular infantry or something a bit more 'special'? I know their main job is to protect the RAFs material assets.

It's just you never hear about the RAF Regiment and I'd like to know how other servicemen and women percieve them. Thanks!

Answer 1

I was in the RAF Regiment , they are brilliant great comradeship.

However its a matter of choice as there is many branches of the Forces to apply for

I suggest you look at them all get some advice from the CIO

The way things are going there are plenty of places to go to get shot to bits and its your leadership will be the of the importance to your men who will be looking to you to lead .

Don't be bothered about your mates in civy street
these mates in your unit to be will be mates for ever and if you have never been there you will never understand

" Band of Brothers " is a true description



Think hard make your decision then give it stick.

God Bless

MJ Ross
Formerly
2 SQN RAF Regiment
34 SQN RAF Regiment

Answer 2

Raf Regiment Rock Apes

Answer 3

The RAF Regiment is mainly responsible for the defence of RAF airfields, they also keep the rest of the RAF trained for operations. I know they also do parachute work and work with the tactical units too. It is the only branch of the RAF which does not take females.

I would advise you contact your nearest RAF Careers Office for further information and to arrange the opportunity to meet some RAF Regiment personnel. To get some other insights into the RAF you could look into joining the Royal Auxillary Air Force (they also have Regiment sections) or get involved with your local Air Training Corps Squadron.

If you are interested in becoming an Officer in the RAF Regiment I would advise starting your fitness training NOW, get swatting up on the RAF, aircraft and your branch choice also start looking at current events (news). The OASC fitness test is a bleep test and on the boots course you do the standard BPFA mile and a half run, sit ups and press ups. I would also advise working on leadership qualities and problem solving skills.

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Has anyone here heard of the RAF Regiment?
I am thinking of joining as an Officer as it seems like the life for me. However I am puzzled. A lot of my old school friends have gone off to join the regular infantry, Engineers, Paras and even Marines (UK of course) and you always here about the actions of these forces; the Marines and Paras...

Answer 5

The RAF regiment is the air forces equivalent of the paras. They don't always have a good reputation amongst the other forces, or even within the RAF (who view them as only one step up from a squaddie! but then the air force generally look down their noses at the other forces anyway.) But as an ex squaddie, trust me they can hold their own and are integral to any airfields protection. We all have different roles and specialties in the military, no matter what force you serve with, my advice would be to think about what you would enjoy doing the most, rather than what regiment to go in.

Answer 6

The RAF Regiment are specially trained soldiers, who as you say defend the air bases, as well as other land based operations. The Paras and RAF Regiment like to think of themselves as one of the "Big Three" , ie Marines, Paras, Regiment. However, there is only a big "one", the Marines. Neither the Paras nor the RAF Regiment are traind anywhere near as well as the marines. If you want a real physical challenge, join the marines. Otherwise, an officer in any of the 3 services is a top job.

Answer 7

Of course however, you may like to join the ATC and see them first. The RAF Regiment was originally formed to protect airfields and they had anti aircraft equipment, but seriously do not jump in without looking around. They have a Base incidental at RAF Honington near Bury St Edmunds Suffolk.

Air Training Corp.

Sorry your friends are thickos.If you are intelligent also look at REME, and Royal Signals, think of jobs you can do AFTER leaving the services, there are not too many civvy jobs for Rapier operators, tank Drivers or even sad though it may seem fighter pilots...

Answer 8

I am a former Royal Marine Commando. I have come across RAF Regiment Forces, as I have almost every other military force, both British and foreign, in my 14 years service (mostly on active service, as is our lot!). It's each forces' 'duty' to feel "special", and, believe me, THEY ARE! My opinion of the RAF Regiment personnel is that they are professionals at their job, which they carry out with pride. They can't possibly be compared to a Royal Marine, because, as is well known, our initial training is the longest and toughest in the world, and is designed to send us to places where others fear to tread etc, but the RAF Regiment's reputation for being a tough and reliable, as well as immaculately turned out, is well founded. I have UTMOST respect for them (cheers you lads!), but (and I have to say this), if you're looking for personal achievement of the impossible, as I did, join the Royal Marines! (Good luck in whatever you decide - you're on the right track!).

Answer 9

The RAF regiment or as they are known the 'The Rock Apes' are the RAF's front line military branch and they dont just guard RAF bases,They were amongst the first troops to do duty in Ulster in the troubles and have served in many theatres of war.They do everything from guard,anti aircraft and ceromonial duties their drill team being one of the finest in the world.They also have paratroops so you can be in the RAF and a para,

Answer 10

Yes the RAF regiment are the parade artists. I believe they provide the non technical services to the RAF like providing guards and security personnel, as well as being providing the marching and drill squads that perform at the various events.

I would suggest that if you are thinking of joining the RAF you pick something other than the RAF Regiment - unless you happen to like drill, bull and marching:-)

I was in the army myself and served in the REME for nine years. The REME is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and repair of army equipment from an electric pencil sharpener to an inter continental ballistic missile so you have lots of trades to choose from.

(probably no ICBM's now but I was demobbed in 1967:-))