Note: This is the fifth and final part of a multi-part series exploring elite components within the conventional British forces.

To wrap up this series, we awarded honorable mentions to No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment and Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officers (CTSFOs).

The most elite units in the U.K. military would be unable to do their job if not for the Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing. The cream of the RAF, they’re tasked with flying United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) forces to and from battle, penetrating deep behind enemy lines while operating fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The Joint Special Forces Aviation Wing is comprised of elements from the following units:

• 7 Squadron RAF (Chinook helicopters)
• 47 Squadron (C-130J Hercules)
• 658 Squadron Army Air Corps (UKSF helicopter support)

No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment

The gunners of the RAF Regiment are the Royal Air Force’s ground teams. Their primary job is that of force protection. Eight field squadrons provide ground security for RAF operations. This role is not restricted to basic perimeter security; it can include dynamic patrols into neighboring, potentially hostile areas. Other RAF Regiment roles include Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs), CBRN detection and decontamination, combat search and rescue, and special operations support (JTACs).