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2 Structure of the RAF
The head of the RAF is known as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), currently Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup. The CAS heads the Air Force Board , which is a committee of the Defence Council . The Air Force Board (AFB) is the management board of the RAF and consists of the Commanders-in-Chief of the Commands, together with several other Air Officers.
2.1 Commands
Operational command is delegated from the AFB to formations known as Commands. While there were once invidual Commands responsible for bombers, fighters, training, etc, only two Commands exist currently:
- Strike Command - HQ at RAF High Wycombe - responsible for all of the operational operations of the RAF.
- Personnel and Training Command - HQ at RAF Innsworth - responsible for recruitment, initial and trade training, including flying training.
2.2 Groups
Groups are the subdivisions of operational Commands, responsible for certain types of operation or for operations in limited geographical areas. Since 2000, three Groups have existed within Strike Command:
- 1 Group - an Air Combat Group, responsible for all offensive and defensive fast jet forces, including Joint Force Harrier
- 2 Group - an Air Combat Support Group. This manages all transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft and Air Combat Service Support units such as the deployable Tactical Support Wing and Tactical Communications Wing. It also commands the Force Protection assets of the RAF Regiment.
- 3 Group - a Battle Management Group, commanding all ISTAR assests such as the reconaissance aricraft, Nimrod R1, etc, and also the Maritime and Search and Rescue assets. 3 Group also coordinates with the Joint Helicopter Command at HQ Land, which controls the support helicopter fleet.
3 Current RAF Aircraft
The RAF's roundel was adopted during the First World War. IT is a reversal of the French roundel. The roundel has found its way into British culture, where it is often described as a "target".
Many types of aircraft currently serve with the RAF, although there is less variety in the order of battle of the organisation than in previous decades due to the increasing cost of military systems. The types currently in the RAF inventory are:
3.1 Strike, Attack and Offensive Support Aircraft
3.2 Air Defence and Airborne Early Warning Aircraft
3.3 Reconnaissance Aircraft
3.4 Maritime Patrol / Search and Rescue Aircraft
3.5 Support Helicopters
3.6 Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling Aircraft
