Force Development Squadron (FDS) Mission

Our aim is to prepare all personnel to a level of operational preparedness in order to effectively deliver and support UK and Expeditionary Air Operations.

The Role of FDS

Force Development at RAF Cranwell is underpinned by the principle that the human factor is the most decisive in conflict and that to prevail in war, a force must comprise a wide-ranging group of skilled professional personnel whose full development requires a balance of training, military education, experience and motivation. Individual qualities of responsiveness, robustness, flexibility and adaptability are crucial to operational success.

All personnel must be equal to the challenges of today’s operations and prepared for those of tomorrow. Everyone must therefore possess the essential skills, knowledge and attitude to discharge his or her duty as a war fighter, such that they are free to perform their specialist roles. Training is the basis of operational preparedness.

The role of FDS is to provide and facilitate individual and team training opportunities for professional and personal development for Service, civilian and dependant personnel at RAF College Cranwell and its satellite units. It also provides advice and guidance on training and activities to develop War-Fighting and Specialist skills as well as Security and Discipline. Providing these FDS outputs are: Force Development and Training Flight, Force Protection Flight, Personal Learning Flight and Station RAF Police Flight.