The last of our basic summaries carries with it the youngest of the three branches (and the other two never let them forget that!) the Royal Air Force.
Formed just yesterday in 1918, they are despite the young age still the oldest independent air force in the world's history. Born out of developments during the First World War, they went on to distinguish themselves in the Second World War through to the modern day. Their mission statement, to provide 'An agile, adaptable and capable Air Force that, person for person, is second to none, and that makes a decisive air power contribution in support of the UK Defence Mission."
In doing so, they have become the largest air force in the EU, with over 827 aircraft in their inventory and the highest pilot training hours of any European power. Flying fast jets, massive airlifters and sophisticated intelligence platforms, the RAF exists at the cutting edge of modern technology. Yet while images of Spitfires, modern Typhoons and flying aces is the romantic and most recognised element, the RAF provides a significant backbone to the logistics of the UK Forces as well as a surprising number of other applications to aid their country.
The RAF Regiment form the RAF's ground element, capturing and protecting airbases to allow the RAF to operate more easily. They also fulfill a "CRBN" role, in response to Chemical, Radioactive, Biological and Nuclear threats against the forces or the nation.
The RAF Mountain Rescue is a homeland organisation who specialise in helping those trapped within the high ground that covers much of the northern end of our country and centre regions. An often unknown faction, they use helicopter rescues and mountaineering specialists to save lives on our very soil every year.
Airspace Defence is also covered by the RAF. This focuses on multiple large radar stations that watch the skies around our country day and night for any threat. They search for unannounced planes in response to terrorism, inbound ballistic missiles and provide early warning against even incoming orbital threats from outside our planet entirely!
The Red Arrows may form one of many display teams in the forces, but they are certainly the most iconic. While for 'show', they form a crucial part of international goodwill and can act as an excellent show of assertion to our allies.
Export Potential is a surprisingly forgotten aspect. Two of the RAF's primary planes, the Typhoon fighter and Hawk trainer form the most prominent UK Defence exports that support and bring wealth back to the UK after the RAF displays them to potential customers.
All of these still only scratch the surface, however they all perform specific and crucial roles to the benefit of our country. When it comes to working out of our country, the RAF has the ability to rapidly transport massive loads via their C-17 strategic airlifters. These planes have supported our allies in otherwise unsolvable situations and perhaps more crucially formed the backbone of rapid humanitarian assistance. Just this week, a C-17 carries over 50 tonnes of equipment including multiple JCBs, land rovers, medical supplies, food, water and trained medics around the entire world to the Philippines in support of the aid effort.
Fast, flexible and able to take control rapidly, the RAF is first on the scene. In defence of human rights, they have intervened with furious pace to avert massacres with their aerial ability just as fast as they once intervened to defend our very homeland in 1940.
Sparking into life so short a time ago, the RAF strives to continually do all it can for the nation. Protecting, helping and assisting past any difficulty that comes their way, just as their motto implies.
'Through Adversity to the Stars'
