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The Daily Insight

How many squadrons are in the RAF Regiment?

Author

Abigail Rogers

Updated on February 27, 2026

seven
The RAF Regiment has seven regular and six reserve squadrons organised in to 7 wings. In addition, the RAF Regiment provides Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) to the British Army and Royal Marines, and provides a flight sized commitment to the Special Forces Support Group.

Is the RAF Regiment elite?

No. 2 Squadron (II Squadron) are an elite parachute-trained field squadron that are capable of jumping in and seizing airfields and securing refueling points. The RAF Regiment contribution to the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG) is drawn from the ranks of No.

How hard is RAF Regiment training?

Basic training is hard with 10 weeks of rigorous mental and physical stress. For example, recruits have to wait for permission to eat or go to the toilet. But with the proper preparation, you can handle basic training. Here we look at the major reasons why recruits fail RAF Basic Training.

Is the RAF Regiment a good career?

RAF is a worthwhile career, however be prepared for a lot of time away from home and and an ever changing working environment. It offers a great deal, takes you allover the world, good places and not so good places!

How big is the RAF Regiment?

RAF Regiment

The Royal Air Force Regiment
Size1,850 regulars (2021), 570 reserves (2016)
Part ofNo. 2 Group, Air Command
Garrison/HQDepot: RAF Honington
Nickname(s)“The Rock Apes”; “Rocks”

Do the RAF Regiment Do P company?

2 Squadron of the RAF Regiment do not have to complete the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection course (commonly referred to as P Company) but conduct their own course.

What guns do the RAF Regiment use?

Small arms and support weapons

  • SA80 individual weapon.
  • Glock 17.
  • L115A3 Long range ‘sniper’ rifle.
  • L129A1 sharpshooter rifle.
  • 81mm mortar.
  • Combat shotgun.
  • General purpose machine gun.
  • Grenade machine gun.

What can you Specialise in the RAF Regiment?

Specialists in ground combat operations, the RAF Regiment contributes to the defence of RAF airfields in the UK and overseas, National Chemical, Biological and Radiological protection capability, Forward Air Controlling, ceremonial duties and support to Special Forces operations.

What is number 19 Squadron in the RAF?

No. 19 Squadron RAF. Number 19 Squadron (sometimes written as No. XIX Squadron) was a flying squadron of the Royal Air Force.

When did 19 Squadron start flying Spitfires?

The unit was allocated the role in 2021. Formed on 1 September 1915 as a Royal Flying Corps squadron, the unit served during the First World War. No. 19 Squadron was the first squadron in the RAF to operate the Supermarine Spitfire on 4 August 1938, which it flew for the majority of the Second World War.

What is a pretend Regiment in the Royal Air Force?

The Royal Air Force has its own private pretend Infantry unit called the RAF Regiment: formed on 1st February, 1942. Usually known as the ‘ Rockapes ‘, its original role was concerned with airfield defence although this is no longer a role that even the RAF can pretend is important.

What was the 19th Squadron during the Cold War?

The squadron operated several different types during the Cold War from the Gloster Meteor F.4 to the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 as No. 19 (Fighter) Squadron. From September 1992 until November 2011, the unit was designated No. 19 (Reserve) Squadron.