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Cost of Living

The United Kingdom is a high cost of living area for the military, so you should prepare and start saving for the move months before you PCS. To help offset the higher price of non-housing goods and services, you will receive an Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). To find more information about COLA, visit the Defense Travel Management Office website https://www.travel.dod.mil/Allowances/Overseas-Cost-of-Living-Allowance/. Remember that in securing rental housing at a new location, you may be required to pay the first month's rent (which can range from 500 pounds to 2,500 pounds) in advance and also a security deposit equivalent to a month's rent, which is a major expense. Personnel should also be prepared to defray added expenses not normally found in the States, i.e., television license (annual cost is approximately 160 pounds), and vehicle road tax which can vary significantly depending on vehicle type and engine size.

Installation Details

Special and Critical Installation Information

  • All members PCSing to the United Kingdom are required to travel in civilian attire.
  • Ensure that you do not bring American cordless devices to the UK (i.e cordless landline phones, baby monitors) US wireless devices that do not meet EU specifications are illegal in the UK as there is a good chance the frequency will interfere with the local emergency response system. OFCOM (UK FCC) has the authority to confiscate items and fines of 5,000 pounds can be issued to all offenders. One way to check is to look on the device itself for a "CE'' label (Conformité Européenne).
  • In-processing requirements:  Active Duty members must report to the Unit Commander's Support Staff (CSS), Building 201 in military uniform on the first duty day after arrival to officially in-process. Military member must also bring their final out documents from the losing MPS. You will receive in-processing checklists and ration cards. Members must report to the RAF Croughton Housing Office within two duty days of arrival (Bldg 62).
  • The currency used in the UK is pound sterling. The pound is divided into 100 pence. Money can be exchanged from dollars to pounds at the Community Bank, DSN 314-236-8397 or 011-44-1280-70-8397. For currency conversion information please visit http://www.dodcommunitybank.com
  • Be aware that, upon arrival at the airport, it can take an hour or more to get your luggage and clear customs. If desired, your sponsor can arrange transportation from the airport to RAF Croughton - please discuss all the details with your sponsor.
  • If any emergencies arise, please contact the Military Police on RAF Croughton at 01280-708-607 or DSN 314-236-8607.

RAF Welford is approximately 46 miles south of RAF Croughton and is home to the 420th Munitions squadron (420MUNS).The 420th Munitions Squadron provides rapid war reserve materiel munitions movement capability and performs routine munitions stockpile maintenance at USAFE’s 2nd largest munitions storage facility. Any personnel assigned to this base will use RAF Croughton for all of their available services. If you have any questions or needs, please contact the RAF Croughton Military & Family Readiness at DSN 314-236-8158 or 011-44-1280-70-8158 or 422abs.dpf@us.af.mil.

RAF Fairford, is approximately 47 miles southwest from RAF Croughton and home to the 420th Air Base Squadron (420ABS).The 420th Air Base Squadron provides unparalleled mission support to receive, bed down and sustain deployed forces to enable US and NATO warfighters to conduct a full spectrum of flying operations from RAF Fairford, USAFE's only bomber Forward Operating Location. RAF Fairford has been used by the U.S. Air Force nearly continuously since it was first built for D-Day operations in 1944. Any personnel assigned to this base will use RAF Croughton for their services. If you have any questions or needs, please contact the RAF Croughton Military & Family Readiness at DSN 314-236-8158 or 011-44-1280-70-8158 or 422abs.dpf@us.af.mil.

In-Depth Overview

Mission

RAF Croughton is home to the 422nd Air Base Group (ABG).The 422nd Air Base Group, headquarters at RAF Croughton, develops combat-ready professional Airmen, delivers worldwide communications, enables global strike operations, and supports mission partners. The group is composed of seven squadrons: the 422nd Air Base Squadron, 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron, 422nd Communications Squadron, 422nd Medical Squadron and 422nd Security Forces Squadron, all based at RAF Croughton, the 420th Munitions Squadron operating at RAF Welford, and the 420th Air Base Squadron based at RAF Fairford. The 422ABG develops combat-ready professional Airmen, delivers worldwide communications, enables global strike operations, and supports mission partners, as well as base-level functions and services.

Location

Welcome to RAF Croughton, England, United Kingdom. RAF Croughton is located near Brackley, within the county of Northamptonshire, just 20 miles north of Oxford and 70 miles northwest of London. RAF Croughton is a warm and friendly base, close to major road and rail links for extensive travel opportunities both in the UK and on the European continent. There is plenty to do, much to see, and lots to experience.