1.0 School of Aerospace Battle Management
The School of Aerospace Battle Management (SABM) provides training and tactical Aerospace Battle Management (ABM), to the highest possible standard to support both an agile and adaptable Air Command and Control capability. The SABM is part of Chief of Staff Operations organisation, Air Command and has been located at RAF Boulmer since 1990. Commanded by a Wing Commander, the SABM was formed in 1940 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded the Unit its own crest in 1958. The school’s motto is ‘Disce ut dirigas’ which means ‘Learn in order that you may guide’.
The SABM plays a central part in delivering the training required by ABM Officers of the Operations Support Branch and Airmen/Airwomen of the Aerospace Systems Operator and Aerospace Systems Manager Trade Group. It is also recognised as a centre of excellence for tactical Airspace Battle Management and provides training for the RAF’s sister Services, NATO and other foreign national military personnel. Between 800 and 850 students attend one of the 30 different courses each year.
The SABM is organised into three squadrons with each squadron responsible for a distinct area of training:
- Initial Training Squadron;
- Advanced Training Squadron; and
- Internal Assurance Squadron.
2.0 Initial Training Squadron
The Initial Training Squadron (ITS) is responsible for initial ABM courses for Officers and selected Airmen/Airwomen in both the Weapons Control (WC) and Surveillance sub specialisations from commencement of training to the award of a Certificate of Qualification. It also provides initial training for Airmen/Airwomen of the Aerospace Systems Operators Trade Group. Additionally, ITS encompasses the Sim Ops Flight, which provides airman support to the WC sim, in the form of sim pilots, and to the identification sim, in the form of Track Repairers.
3.0 Advanced Training Squadron
The Advanced Training Squadron (ATS) is responsible for Post-Graduate, Advanced and Executive courses for selected Officers and SNCOs. Additionally, it delivers promotion courses for selected Airmen/Airwomen of the Aerospace Systems Operators and Aerospace Systems Managers Trade Group. Principally, ATS delivers core training to develop the employment of Officers and Airmen/Airwomen, as well as personnel from sister services, in aspects of air Command and Control and ABM, at the tactical level, to support single-Service, joint and multi-national air operations. ATS also provides specialist radar, data links and space awareness courses for selected personnel. Finally, ATS offers advanced and executive ABM training to selected International Students.
4.0 Internal Assurance Squadron
The Internal Assurance Squadron (IAS) is responsible for ensuring that the high standards required from a centre of excellence are maintained; this includes the assurance of practical and theoretical lessons as well as all aspects of course maintenance. It also provides all of the support services within the SABM, specialist training courses for instructors posted to the School, management of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) scheme and training for foreign exchange officers.
