2 SQN Raf Regt & The Parachute Regiment

[Aussie]

Are members of 2 SGN RAF Regiment able to transfer to the Parachute Regiment and vice-versa? I would think that no matter what the para's say, both units are basically infantrymen that are parachutists, and that amember of each unit wouldn't have too much trouble adapting to the other.

[RobT]

They are both infantry and they both jump out of planes, yes.

But the paras are trained in offensive attacks and the RAF regt are trained to defend. Or so i've been told.

Does the RAF reg's have to do P-coy then?

[Aussie]

I think the RAF Regiment are more of an aggresive defence force, if this makes sense. Finding threats and fixing them before they can get close enough to cause any trouble. After all, what would be the defensive role would a parachute capability ?

[Aussie]

Subsitute "would" with "of"

[RobT]

I'm pretty sure that they would be deployed to a potential runway/landing site and then make things safer e.g set up rapiers etc etc.

[RAF Mancunian]

2 Squadron are the only real offensive RAF Regiment squadron. The other field squadrons are used mainly for defensive duties. However one RAF Reg sqn (can't remember which, fifty something or other sqn) took part in capturing an airstrip in Basra, showing that the Regiment is trained in offensive manouvers as well as their primary defensive role. I think 2 sqn do a lot of work with 10 Air Assault Brigade, which shows that they are an offensive unit. As for Rocks going to the Para's, they would probably still have to do P-Company with them. Aint life a bitch!

Adam

[Aussie]

I'am sure a 2 SQN Rockape would be able to handle P Company!

Speaking of the Regiment in Afganistan, I've heard that one of the most widely broadcast images - of troops embarking upon a Chinook - is actually the RAF Regiment and not the Royal Marines, which most people assume.

[Aussie]

Whoops Basra thought you said Bagram

[Contractor]

2 Squadron are the only real offensive RAF Regiment squadron

They were not that bad RAF Manc when I met them, very polite chaps as I recall.

[RAF Mancunian]

Hey Aussie, are you thinking of joining the RAF Reg?

[Aussie]

I've never been good when it comes to making decisions. I change my mind every week! Recently I've considered the para's, RM's, RAF Regt, RAC and Household Cavalry! Not to mention a host of Australian units.

[stever]

to answer some points in this thread

after contacting some mates whom served on 2sqn

you can join 2 sqn from the para regt, you do however have to complete 2 sqn's gruelling "pre pre para" course.
if you complete that you go onto the raf "pre para selection" course
which is run by raf pti's usually at the raf regiment depot

if you pass that you go onto the "jump" course

thereafter get your wings

if you transfer from 2 sqn to the para regt,
you have to complete the "p company" course


re raf regiment field squadrons not being "offensive" apart from 2 sqn

we will have to examine this more closely

2 sqn is a parachute capable sqn...
that is all the difference between them and the rest of the field sqn's

they do however cross train with other specialised airborne units such as the french commandos de'air [excuse the spelling]

and other nato units

also participate in large airborne exercises such as" purple star"

now moving on to the previous post re raf regiment "field sqn's"

being defensive

this is technically correct,

however and this is a big however

the raf regiment is primarily an attacking force

ie hunt for special forces ,or in some cases sleeper agents near bases

or repel large large scale airborne attacks

or in the case the deployed harrier force

the field sqns would split into combat teams ie a flight [platoon] would consist of 2 landrovers [recce mode] 4 spartans and 2 scorpions for fire support... the recce units would move in secure the area if it was clear if not the spartans and scorpions would assist

this was the tactics employed in the 80's and the early 90's

now the raf regiment have moved to landrovers..the tactics shouldnt change that much inplace of scorpions they would use the mortar flight 81mm's for support

i hope i have clarified this enough

now that the raf is in effect like the usaf with the expeditionary air force

concept... the raf regiment is constantly adapting its tactics

agreed the raf regiment can do static base defence

but as the last gulf war proved the raf regiment was capable of offensive taking of airfields and other areas....

another point
the raf regiment constantly trains with army units

i have myself worked with all sort of units and forces

from the berlin brigade to other ops with the nato recce troops

the perception of what the raf regiment is and what the raf regiment

does... ..is and always will be... open to debate

especially from persons who serve in the raf regiment the army or the royal marines...


i hope this post answers some of you questions

aussie

per ardua

stever

[Aussie]

Thanks mate, that was really helpful Ansewed all my questions and then some!

[RobT]

Speaking of the Regiment in Afganistan, I've heard that one of the most widely broadcast images - of troops embarking upon a Chinook - is actually the RAF Regiment and not the Royal Marines, which most people assume.

True. Like this one for example (although its Iraq)



The photo is of 51 SQN In Kuwait before crossing the border.

Many got it confused and tried to label them somthing other than rocks, they arent well known in the media compared to RM's, SAS etc etc.

[RAF Mancunian]

Check this out then! Look at the fouth picture in the gallery; it shows an RAF Regiment Gunner wearing a Rarachute Regiment beret, but with an RAF cap badge. Check the writing further down the page for the explanation

http://www.rafregt.8k.com/Iraq_war.htm

Sorry to confuse you all even more

Adam