More about the Unit

The Commando Helicopter Force was formed to operate helicopters afloat and ashore in support of the UK Armed Forces.

The pilots and aircrewmen of CHF are amongst the most versatile and well trained in the helicopter world.

Once qualified they can operate in the most extreme conditions possible, from sub-zero winter conditions north of the Arctic Circle to the tropical jungles and deserts around the world.

Afloat they operate from a variety of Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships and are the UK’s specialist amphibious assault experts.

It was during operations in Borneo in the 1960’s that earned them the nickname ‘Junglies’ from the troops, a name which both current and veteran members of CHF covet to this day.

Where Junglie aircrew go, their support elements follow.

CHF is a fully deployable with personnel, engineering, stores, vehicles, accommodation, medical, a mobile air operations team that is commando and parachute trained, an intelligence unit and even a chaplain.

Every member of CHF not already commando trained is given a five- week military field craft and infantry skills course to enable them not only to survive alongside ground troops around the world, but also to operate and fight effectively as an expeditionary aviation unit.

The training is tough, but it prepares all personnel to progress to even more arduous conditions, with an arctic cold weather survival course and frequent environmental training courses to follow in an individual’s career.