Air Force Training Group RAAF | |
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Air Force Training Group's crest
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Active | 1953–59, 1990–2006 (Training Command) 2006–current (Air Force Training Group) |
Country | Australia |
Branch | Royal Australian Air Force |
Part of | Air Command |
Garrison/HQ | RAAF Williams |
Motto(s) | "Train to defend" |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
Air Commodore Brian Edwards |
Air Force Training Group is the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) group responsible for training personnel. It is headquartered at RAAF Williams, Victoria. The group was established as Training Command in 1953. It formed part of Support Command between from 1959 to 1990, when it was re-established as Training Command. In July 2006, Training Command was re-formed as Air Force Training Group under Air Command. Air Force Training Group units are organised into Air Training Wing, Ground Training Wing, Reserve Training Wing, and RAAF College.
Air Force Training Group was established as Training Command at Albert Park, Victoria, on 1 September 1953. It was formed from Southern Area Command, which was the hub of RAAF training services at the time. Training Command merged with Maintenance Command to form Support Command on 7 September 1959. On 7 February 1990, Training Command was re-established as a discrete organisation, headquartered at RAAF Base Point Cook, Victoria. The headquarters re-located to RAAF Williams (Laverton Base) on 1 January 1999. On 1 July 2006, Training Command was re-formed as Air Force Training Group under Air Command.
Air Force Training Group is responsible for the provision of training to members of the RAAF, as well as some personnel from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army, and overseas defence forces. It also develops training policy and procedures, and supports Air Force public relations activities through the Roulettes aerobatic team, the RAAF Balloon, RAAF Museum, and the Air Force Band. Its units are located at bases in every Australian state and mainland territory.