Armed Services

[bednobs]

do naval/raf recruits get trained in "fighting" in the same way the army does? Do naval/air forces ever engage in hand to hand combat, and if called upon could they do so?

[retrocop]

My answer would be an educated guess and the answer would be No.
The RAF personell as well as Royan Navy ratings are trained in a high tech warfare. They would service equipment and operate it in warfare.
The Royal Airforce Regt (Rock Apes) have acqured the status of elite forces although they used to guard airfields, man firefighting vehicles and ceremonial duties (Queens Colour Squadron) They will train for face to face combat.
Likewise the Royal Marine commando are Royal Navy and not Army. Their reputation always goes before them and I need not explain their role in past combats.

[retrocop]

Apropos above.
Recruits in the RAF and RN were introduced to the latest small arms in Initial Training and taught to fire them but probably would never pick up a small arm for the rest of their service. Even ACC cooks could use a SA80 if the army were that desperate.

[JF85]

Hand to hand combat is not even a major part in all branches of the Army, but all three services emphasise that you are part of a fighting force and could need to defend yourself and colleagues if necessary.

It is also worth remembering that all the services exist due to the risk of hostile action. The Navy and RAF would be remiss in their duty of care if they were to send someone to a combat zone unprepared.

If it is any reassurance, my Army training included only a few hours in total of unarmed combat training. RAF Regiment or Royal Marines would focus on it more, technical trades less.

[vulcan42]

When I was in the RAF, many years ago, all trainees at basic training were taught small arms weaponry. This however consisted mainly of stripping, rebuilding and firing, combat techniques weren't taught although this may have changed since then.

[gulliver1]

" Royal Marines" ........ Navy Light Infantry.

[dannyk13]

As far as I am aware combat training is only taught in specialised army units such as the SAS. In the navy it would be taught to the Royal Marines and the SBS(special boat service).

[vulcan42]

sorry retrocop, your second piece wasn't there when I wrote mine.

[wolf63]

Can I also ask this
are the people in the marching bands etc full-time musicians or are they real service personnel and this is a part-time task?

[dannyk13]

Wolf, full time musicians.

[dannyk13]

https://apply.army.mod.uk/roles/corps-of-army-music/musician

[retrocop]

wolf
Certainly in the Royal Marines the bandsmen were deployed as stretcher bearers I believe ( Falklands War) but Baldric will confirm if I am correct or not.
I am sure a lot of the Royal Marines bandsmen sported the South Atlantic Star.

No worries vulcan. :-)

[JF85]

Sorry, dannyk13, they are service personnel first and never allowed to forget it. They often act as field medics or other tasks without a primary combat role, but nobody gets a free ride.

[dannyk13]

jf85, Check my link.

[dannyk13]

Also
https://apply.army.mod.uk/roles/corps-of-army-music/musician

[dannyk13]

Sorry wrong link.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/life-in-an-army-band

[Baldric]

Royal Marines Bandsmen were involved in both the Falklands conflict and Operation Granby (Gulf War 1) as casualty handlers on various hospital ships

[JF85]

I spoke to the musicians at my passing out parade as musician was a role that interested me. Fortunately I was able to pursue my interests alongside my main role as I didn't have the musical ability, but the trombonist I spoke to was quick to dispel any illusions I had.

[dannyk13]

jf, The poster asked if they were full time musicians which they are.

[ChillDoubt]

When I was an infantry soldier way back when we were taught/trained in using a bayonet whilst attached to the rifle but also in a hand-to-hand combat situation, ‘dirty’ fighting if you will.
We were also taught aikido prior to deployment on tours of Northern Ireland, for use in riot/confrontations.

In regards to Bandsmen my colleagues completed infantry training before being posted to Band School.
Once posted to units they invariably(as one poster has said) became basic Medics prior to deployment on Operational tours.

[retrocop]

Sorry Baldric. I stand corrected. I wrote stretcher bearers but have learnt since they were battle field medics trained to Class 3 First Aid standards. I also erroneously wrote South Atlantic Star but it was the SA Medal