Commander Air Force's mid-rank officers' ranks are modelled on those of the Royal Navy, the term wing commander is used as a rank, and this is the equivalent of a lieutenant colonel in the army or a commander in the navy. The rank of wing commander is above that of squadron leader and below that of group captain. In the former Royal Naval Air Service, which was merged with the Royal Flying Corps to form the Royal Air Force in 1918, the pilots held appointments as well as their normal ranks in the Royal Navy, and they wore insignia appropriate to
Central Band of the Royal Air Force to the sterling accomplishments of Central Band musicians. As serving members of the Royal Air Force, Music Services musicians also undertake key operational support roles. Most recently Royal Air Force Musicians have deployed on Operation TELIC, Operation HERRICK, and Operation KIPION, and have also completed medical support roles in the Falkland Islands. From the concert stage to operational theatres around the globe, Central Band musicians display, in their conduct and performance, the excellence for which the Royal Air Force has become renowned during its illustrious history. All band members are fully trained military personnel. The Director of Music is Squadron