Aerosystems Engineer and Management Training School (AE&MTS) assumes Command and Control of 238 Squadron

On 1 December 2022, AE&MTS assumed Command and Control of 238 Sqn Phase 2 Flightline Operations (FLO) training delivery from No 1 School of Technical Training (No.1 S of TT), with the Welfare and Duty of Care responsibilities of students being retained by Trainee Management Sqn (TMS). Following several meetings, over a period of 2 months, the 238 Sqn staffing levels were established and transferred to AE&MTS’s Local Unit Establishment. The workforce was assigned responsibilities and undertook the delivery of the existing training pipeline. AE&MTS has subsequently identified potential training administration improvements, to create further efficiencies to meet the demands of the future RAF training output suitable for the 21st Century AR training needs.

238 Sqn has a distinguished history that encompasses participating in both World War 1 and World War 2; notably, the Sqn was frequently in action during the Battle of Britain and was fundamental to the success of the Berlin Airlift, during which time on the 4 October 1948, the Sqn was renumbered as 10 Squadron. The Sqn was reformed in August 2007 as part of a wider reorganisation of training units at Cosford and fell under the command of No.1 S of TT. Following a significant review of the RAF Cosford Training, Infrastructure, and the location of 238 Sqn, the Station Executive decided that AE&MTS was best placed to formerly assume Command and Control of the Sqn. This event coincided with AE&MTS handing over occupancy of the Hangar 16 Annex to the University of Birmingham Air Squadron in support of aircraft operations. This also resulted in the Aircraft Technician Supervisor Course (ATSC) training being relocated to 238 Squadron in support of streamlining training and better utilisation of the 238 Sqn training area and resources.

Since the transfer of 238 Sqn to AE&MTS, the entire School has worked extremely hard to achieve the Engineer Officer and Trade Group One SNCO and Cpl training outputs, whilst reprofiling the execution of 238 Sqn FLO training module, introducing additional training delivery syndicates to provide the instructional syndicates with the responsibility to train and assess each course across the engineering trade specialisations. AE&MTS are currently in the process of trialling these changes prior to formal submission and endorsement by the Training Requirements Authority. All the AE&MTS instructional staff have relished the challenge and are determined to ensure the next generation of Engineer Officers and TG1 Aviators receive the best training available in support of the increasing operational output of the Royal Air Force.

by Sgt Charlie Vickers