RAF Cosford

The RAF School of Physical Training is responsible for the delivery of specialist training to Personnel Branch Officers and the RAF's Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) throughout their careers.

The School has responsibility for course and syllabus design, accreditation and validation of learning, and through-life support of PTIs. 

Located as a resident unit at RAF Cosford, The Photographic Faculty (DSOP) operates under the Defence Intelligence Academy via the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) College, which serves as the Training Delivery Authority.  Training delivered by DSOP directly supports Defence by generating the skilled personnel required to meet operational and strategic imaging requirements. Through the provision of professional and operational photography and videography training, DSOP ensures that personnel are capable of producing accurate, timely, and mission‑relevant visual information in support of Defence outputs.

At the operational level, trained visual communicators and videographers provide commanders with visual intelligence, documentation, and communication products that contribute to situational awareness, decision‑making, and the conduct of operations. This includes the capture of imagery for intelligence exploitation, media operations, and the recording of activities across all domains.

At the strategic level, DSOP training underpins Defence communications and influence by enabling the production of high‑quality imagery and video products used for public information, engagement, and institutional messaging. This supports the maintenance of Defence credibility, transparency, and strategic narrative.

The DSOP is an accredited Training Provider with the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), reflecting its high national standing and commitment to excellence. Furthermore, by delivering a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Photography aligned to recognised professional standards, DSOP ensures that Defence maintains a sustainable, competent, and future‑ready workforce. This contributes to Defence capability resilience by embedding technical proficiency, creative expertise, and operational readiness within the imaging workforce.

In this way, DSOP training supports Defence by aligning individual competence with operational outputs and strategic objectives, ensuring that imaging capability remains effective, relevant, and responsive to evolving Defence requirements.

The No 1 School of Technical Training (No 1 SofTT) provides flexible, affordable, modern and effective aeronautical engineering (AE) training to students employed by the Royal Air Force and to a variety of International students under the auspices of International Defence Training. The School offers an extensive range of Advanced Apprenticeship courses spanning Mechanical, Avionics, Weapons and Survival Equipment disciplines, as well as Human Factors and Expedient Repair. Around 2000 competent, safe and motivated aircraft engineers successfully graduate annually ready to contribute to current and contingent operational commitments for Defence.

Number 1 Radio School (No 1 RS) is part of the Defence School of Communication and Information Systems.  Located at RAF Cosford, its mission is to train Engineering (Communications-Electronics) Officers and Trade Group 4 (TG4) personnel to agreed output standards in order to enable cyberspace capabilities for the RAF and Defence. Its focus is on meeting training needs for the delivery of information management and network-enabled services, alongside equipping personnel with the skills required to maintain and operate enduring systems. No 1 RS incorporates the Aerial Erector School at RAF Digby, which trains TG4 Communication Infrastructure Technicians.

Based at RAF Cosford, this very versatile group provides a wide range of musical support for ceremonial and social occasions at events for all three Services throughout the Midlands.

Membership is free and open to all experienced musicians. New members are always made welcome. All uniforms, practice rooms and the services of a professional Bandmaster are provided. Some instruments can be loaned to players who need them. Full band rehearsals are held on Monday evenings.

If you are interested in joining or hiring the RAF Cosford Voluntary Band please contact Patrick Ryan at [email protected] or by phoning 07751 538336.

No 2 School of Technical Training was reformed on 20 Jul 23. The School is primarily responsible for: Phase 2 Engineer Officer Training (Aero Systems); Trade Group 1 &13, Phase 2 and Trade Management training; Aviator Flightline Operations training; Academic Principles training; Trade Group 1, 4, 5 & 13 Senior Technician Airworthiness training. 
Subjects learnt by Engineering Officers and NCOs include RAF engineer management safety, airworthiness, quality, standards, and behavioural cultures. For Aviators, learning is aircraft technical based following completion of the academic subjects of maths and science. The School has four main pillars, these being Engineer Management Training Flight, 238 Squadron, Weapons and Survival Equipment Training Flight, and the Academic Principles Organisation.

Based at RAF Cosford, the Pipes and Drums offers musical support to a variety of ceremonial and social occasions.

Membership is free and open to all experienced pipers and drummers. All uniforms, practice rooms and the services of a professional Pipe Major are provided. Some instruments are available for loan to players who need them. Pipe and drum tuition is available to personnel based at RAF Cosford. Rehearsals are held on a Sunday evening between 1700 and 1900.

If you are interested in joining or hiring the RAF Cosford Pipes and Drums please contact David McRobb at [email protected] or by phoning 0300 167 4884 or 07423 599 199.