The University Air Squadron system recently underwent a period of transition. This was from a largely flying training focused organisation, to one that a covers a broader remit to encourage and develop the highest calibre of potential officers required for the future Royal Air Force. Tomorrow's RAF officer will need to be Air Warfare minded and able to lead future recruits; this will take a rare mix of strong leadership attributes and excellent managerial skills.  To help achieve this, the entire squadron meets weekly for Training Nights, generally located at DCAE Cosford.  At these Training Nights, there is a lecture from a visiting speaker or from UBAS students.  The lecture topics are wide-ranging, but generally military themed, aiming to develop service knowledge and leadership/managerial attributes. 

In addition to the weekly Training Nights, group tours of RAF bases and other places of historical military interest are visited throughout the year. Some examples of these tours are detailed below.

As part of the UBAS leadership training and team building programme, two tours of Normandy and the Somme where arranged during 2007.

Whilst in Normandy, the groups studied Op Overlord, focusing on the activities during D-Day. This included the landings and Para insertions made by US forces on Omaha beach and by UK forces at Pegasus Bridge and Ranville.  The groups also learnt about the Command & Control and tactical leadership challenges of this Combined Operation. 

In addition, the teams travelled the Somme, to study the First Battle of the Somme. The teams looked at the leadership aspects at all levels (UK, French and German) and, the reasons for success and failure at various phases of the battle.  Force Development was analysed by comparing historical battles with modern warfare. 

RAF Bases

To further the current service knowledge of UBAS students, trips to main RAF Bases are arranged throughout the year.  Previous trips have included RAF College Cranwell (pictured), RAF Scampton and RAF Coningsby.