TNAG-0537-FCO40-632-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 108

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

- 73

CONFIDENTIAL