Phase 2 Training

Question 1

What is the official duration of Phase 2 (specialist) training for an Operations Officer?

Answer 1

25 weeks on RAF website, I spoke to someone who went through training and they gave me a pdf which had more like 28 weeks on

Question 2

At which location is Phase 2 specialist training delivered?

Answer 2

At the Defence College of Air & Space Operations, RAF Shawbury in Shropshire.

Question 3

After the initial training at RAF Shawbury, where will the Surveillance specialisation training take place?

Answer 3

At RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.

Question 4

What is the first phase / module of Phase 2 training called?

Answer 4

The “Foundation Module.”

Question 5

What happens after the Foundation Module in Phase 2?

Answer 5

You are streamed (assigned) to one of the two core specialisations: Surveillance or Flight Operations, and complete the corresponding training for your first role.

Question 6

What does the Surveillance Foundation Course include?

Answer 6

Introduction to surveillance theory, identification categories, and console-based routine (all simulator based).

Question 7

What is the expected first posting (first tour) for someone specialising in Surveillance after Phase 2?

Answer 7

At the Control & Reporting Centre (CRC) at RAF Boulmer, as a QRA Identification Officer.

Question 8

What must trainees achieve during their first tour? (phase 3)

Answer 8

“Combat Ready” status, through participating in major air exercises and operational scenarios to demonstrate readiness.

Question 9

Phase 2 training starts with a Foundation Module and is completed alongside who?

Answer 9

Air Operations (Control) officer and Non-Commissioned Controller students

Question 10

What is the first part of Phase 2 training?

Answer 10

The Common Air Ops Module (CAOM) which is 2 weeks at RAF Shawsbury for all air ops trainees

Question 11

What is the second part of RAF Phase 2 training?

Answer 11

The SFC, Surveillance Foundation Course for 6 weeks at RAF Shawsbury where you will learn basic surveillance ops theory and techniques, S

Question 12

Where does Phase 2 training for Surveillance Officers begin?

Answer 12

At RAF Shawbury, home of the Defence College of Air & Space Operations.

Question 13

What is the first stage of Phase 2 training called?

Answer 13

The Common Air Ops Module (CAOM).

Question 14

How long is the Common Air Ops Module (CAOM)?

Answer 14

2 weeks.

Question 15

Who completes the Common Air Ops Module?

Answer 15

All Air Ops (C/S) trainees, including those going into Surveillance and Flight Ops streams.

Question 16

What follows the Common Air Ops Module in Phase 2 training?

Answer 16

The Surveillance Foundation Course (SFC).

Question 17

Where is the Surveillance Foundation Course held?

Answer 17

RAF Shawbury.

Question 18

How long is the Surveillance Foundation Course?

Answer 18

6 weeks.

Question 19

After completing the Surveillance Foundation Course, where do trainees go next?

Answer 19

To RAF Boulmer OCU (Operational Conversion Unit).

Question 19

What does the Surveillance Foundation Course teach?

Answer 19

Introduction to surveillance theory, identification categories, and console-based routine — all in a simulator (SIM Trg) environment.

Question 20

What is the first course at RAF Boulmer called?

Answer 20

ASACS Ground School (AGS) – Air Surveillance and Control System Ground School.

Question 21

How long is ASACS Ground School?

Answer 21

4 weeks.

Question 22

What does ASACS Ground School prepare trainees for?

Answer 22

The live element of training and eventual employment on their typical first tour as QRA Identification Officers.

Question 23

What topics are covered in ASACS Ground School?

Answer 23

Battlespace management, mission planning, and electronic warfare.

Question 24

What comes after ASACS Ground School?

Answer 24

The Combat Identification Course (CID).

Question 25

Where is the Combat Identification Course delivered?

Answer 25

RAF Boulmer OCU, in both simulated and live training environments.

Question 26

How long is the Combat Identification Course?

Answer 26

16 weeks.

Question 27

What is the focus of the Combat Identification Course?

Answer 27

Building the Recognised Air Picture (RAP) of UK airspace and learning to identify, track, and categorise aircraft.

Question 28

How is the Combat Identification Course structured

Answer 28

It includes four practical modules covering the South-West, South-East, South (combined SW/SE), and North regions of UK airspace.

Question 29

What does completion of the Combat Identification Course lead to?

Answer 29

Trainees reach LCR (Limited Combat Ready) standard and receive Commission Confirmed status upon graduation.

Question 30

What does “SIM Trg” stand for in the course breakdown?

Answer 30

Simulator Training — practical training using simulated radar and air operations systems.

Question 31

What is the first posting after Phase 2 training?

Answer 31

A First Tour at the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at RAF Boulmer as a QRA Identification Officer.

Question 32

What is the focus of the first tour as an IDO?

Answer 32

Achieving Combat Ready status by taking part in major air exercises and identifying friendly, neutral, and hostile aircraft in live airspace.

Question 33

How long does the first tour typically last?

Answer 33

Around two years

Question 34

Who do Identification Officers support during operations?

Answer 34

Weapons Controllers, their Chain of Command, and higher-level HQs, providing situational awareness and identification information.

Question 35

In weeks what order does the Phase 2 training go in?

Answer 35

2 weeks 6 weeks 4 weeks 16 weeks

Question 36

What does ASACS stand for?

Answer 36

Air Surveillance and Control System

Question 37

In order what are the 4 phases in phase 2 training?

Answer 37

Common Air Ops Training (2 weeks) Surveillance Foundation Course (SFC) (6 weeks) ASACS Ground School (AGS) (4 weeks) Combat Identification Course (16 weeks) First tour