CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
by the Royal Air Force and introduction will be completed by August
1975.
14. The organisation and resources of Training Command have been
reviewed as part of the continued search for economies in training. At
the end of 1973, Headquarters 24 Group at Rudloe Manor
responsible for
ground training was closed and its tasks transferred to the Head-
quarters of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command,
with a saving in staff. A continuing and comprehensive review of
the total training task is enabling the re-deployment of essential
training into fewer more cost-effective units to take place, and the
RAF Stations at Manby, Upwood, Spitalgate and Debden to be closed.
Apprentice training has also been reviewed, in relation to the raising
of the school leaving age, and is now being confined to training a
substantially smaller number of dual-skill tradesmen.
FLYING TRAINING
Royal Navy
15. The Bulldog has replaced the Chipmunk in basic fixed-wing flying
training for Royal Navy helicopter pilots. The Gazelle helicopter
is now in service and has been used for basic helicopter flying train-
ing since January 1975.
16. On 1 April 1974, the Royal Navy Rating Aircrewman Branch was
formed to provide the necessary manpower for aircrew duties, formerly
provided by ratings loaned from other Branches. The Aircrewman
Branch will provide a career with an advancement structure based on
the development of aircrewman skills.
Army
17. The Sioux helicopter is being gradually replaced by the Gazelle
for flying training beyond the basic stage.
J
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CONFIDENTIAL