601 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAAF), 601 Squadron, has three principal roles, which include:

1. To provide advice to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and the RAF to help the RAF address important issues;
2. To provide access to new networks that the RAF has not traditionally been connected with; and
3. To develop advocates for the RAF.

601 Squadron also provides a small pool of ex-Regular offices to provide support for CAS, in particular as part of international engagement.

601 Squadron is parented by RAF Northolt and has an establishment of volunteer ex-Regular Reserves air rank officers and a number of Honorary Group Captain posts filled by civilians.