RAF Croughton

RAF Croughton, in Northamptonshire, England, is home to the 422nd Air Base Group, which “develops combat-ready professional Airmen, delivers worldwide communications, enables global strike operations, and supports mission partners”, according to the MilitaryINSTALLATIONS page for RAF Croughton and RAF Fairford. The group has seven squadrons: the 422nd Force Support, Civil Engineer, Communications, Medical and Security Forces Squadrons at Croughton, the 420th Munitions Squadron at RAF Welford and the 420th Air Base Squadron at RAF Fairford.

Before you fly

The MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview of Croughton says all members PCSing to the United Kingdom must travel in civilian attire, and adds:

• Do not bring American cordless devices such as cordless landline phones or baby monitors; U.S. wireless devices that do not meet EU specifications are illegal in the UK because they can interfere with the local emergency response system.
• When renting, you may pay the first month’s rent in advance, which the overview said in October 2026 can range from 500 to 2,500 pounds, plus a security deposit equal to a month’s rent.
• In October 2026 it listed a television license at approximately 180 pounds a year among the costs not normally found in the United States.

Active-duty members report to the unit Military Personnel Flight, Building 201, the installation page says, in military uniform on the first duty day after arrival, with their final out documents from the losing base. Clearing customs and getting your luggage at the airport can take an hour or more; your sponsor can arrange transportation to Croughton.

Housing and lodging

You must report to the Housing Management Office within two workdays of arriving, per the Croughton housing page. The office counsels on Temporary Lodging Allowance, the availability of Military Family Housing and economy housing, the Overseas Housing Allowance rate, lease reviews and council tax. Housing: +44-1280-70-8951.

On-base lodging is at the Shepherd’s Rest Inn; if you are on orders you can reserve up to 12 months ahead, and a credit card is required, per the Croughton temporary housing page. Lodging has three pet rooms, so book early if a pet is coming. Reservations: DSN 314-236-8394 or +44-1280-708-394.

Schools: no DoDEA school

“Since there is no DODEA school at RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, or RAF Welford School age children attend school off the installation”, the Croughton education page says. Children in pre-K through 12th grade can attend a private British school, a local British state school, or be home schooled, and all three options can be funded through the Non-DoD Schools Program. The School Liaison Office explains how to apply: +44-1280-70-8097.

Driving

The sponsor and any dependents who intend to drive in the UK must attend the RAF Croughton Local Conditions Brief and the UK theory test within 30 days of arrival; both are held on the second and fourth Friday of the month at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Building 72, starting at 9 a.m., per the Croughton motor vehicles page.

• Imported vehicles must be registered with the British authorities through Pass and Registration within 72 hours of being driven into the UK or picked up from the port.
• Vehicles three years or older need an MOT certificate, and the MOT is an annual requirement; imported vehicles under three years old are inspected before registration.
• Car insurance is very high in Great Britain, especially under age 25; a letter from your U.S. insurer showing no violations or accidents can earn a considerable discount.

Pets and emergencies

Great Britain’s entry rules for dogs and cats from the United States, from GOV.UK, and the RAF Feltwell veterinary clinic that holds monthly satellite clinics at Croughton, are covered in the RAF Lakenheath guide. For emergencies, the overview gives the Military Police on RAF Croughton: 01280-708-607 or DSN 314-236-8607. For UK-wide emergency numbers (999, 112, 111), see the same Lakenheath guide.

Legal assistance for Croughton comes from the 501st Combat Support Wing Legal Office, by appointment, as described in the RAF Alconbury guide.

Settle school before you move

Contact the School Liaison Office before your family’s travel to choose between a British state school, a private British school and home schooling, and to start the Non-DoD Schools Program paperwork. Then report to Housing within two workdays of arrival.