You are here: Home | About 504 | Current Role

Current Role

Though no longer a flying sqn, 504's new role is no less important than it was in the pre and post war period. The RAF's mission has always been to deliver Air Power, which is a complex combination of Force Protection, Operations and Logistics. If any one of these three functions fail, then aircraft are unable to fly and Air Power cannot be delivered.

As a member of an Operational Support Squadron (OSS) 504 Sqn personnel's primary role is Force Protection (FP). Two thirds of the Squadron are RAF Regiment gunners who provide active ground defence for all RAF assets on deployed operations. With a few exceptions the remaining personnel are Regiment FP responsible for a range of passive defence duties including; Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Warning & Reporting, Shelter Marshall and Assistants, guards and sentries.

The exceptions train in one of three RAF trades; Chef, Supply, and Administration. As skilled tradesmen and women they make a contribution to the Operations and Logistic functions.

Other activities include:

• Ceremonial.
• Adventure training and sport.
• Social.
• Competitions.
• Career development.
• Additional military skills.