RAF Regiment
The gunners of the RAF Regiment are the Royal Air Force's ground troops. The men of the RAF Regiment, or 'The Rock Apes', as they are known, consider themselves an elite fighting force.
RAF Regiment on patrol around Basra, 2006.
(click for fullsize image)
RAF Regiment Video
Roles
There are several squadrons within the regiment, covering several areas of responsibility.
The primary role of the RAF Regiment is force protection of UK air assets. RAF Regiment gunners guard airbases, installations and forward operating bases against both air and ground threats.
Force Protection
6 Field Squadrons provide ground security for RAF operations. This role is not limited to simple perimeter security but can include aggressive patrols out into the surrounding area. Weaponry and equipment available to field squadrons include WMIK Land Rovers, hmgs, gpmgs and 81mm mortars.
The gunners of II (Parachute) Sqn RAF Regiment are parachute trained and can be air dropped in to proactively secure forward air bases.
Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR)
A number of gunners are assigned to CSAR duties. In this role, the RAF Gunners provide the Ground Extraction Force to E Flight, 28 (AC) Squadron, based at Royal Air Force Benson, who operate Merlin HC Mk3helicopters
Forward Air Control (FAC)
The RAF Regiment provide a number of Forward Air Controllers (FACs) for Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP). RAF TACPs accompany Army units and call in close air support and artillery from RAF fast jets, Army Air Corps helicopter gunships and various artillery units. RAF Regt TACPs usually deploy in 4-man teams.
27 Sqn protects UK forces against CBRN attack.
CBRN Detection & Decontamination
27 Sqn, RAF Regiment provides 1/3 of the Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Regiment. The JCBRN Regiment provides specialist support for UK forces
Special Forces Support
A number of RAF Regiment troops, drawn from II Field Squadron, are assigned to the SFSG, along with 1 Para and a company of Royal Marines Commandos. Aside from general infantry support, the RAF Regiment contribute TACPs and snipers to the SFSG.
Operations
The Rock Apes reportedly assisted in the capture of an Iraqi airbase near Basra during Operation Telic, 2003.
RAF Regiments forces have recently been deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Among other tasks, they provided security for the recovery operation of a RAF Nimrod surveillance plane that crashed there. Proactive patrols around coalition bases brought them into regular contact with Taliban forces. TACP elements provided much needed JTAC support for coaliation troops, including 3 Para.
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