RAF Officer
What is the work like?
RAF officers are responsible for the welfare, discipline and career development of their team of non-commissioned RAF personnel (airmen and airwomen).
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is made up of two commands:
- Strike – the operational air force
- Personnel and Training – which recruits, trains and manages the welfare of staff.
As an RAF officer you could choose to work in one of 20 specialist areas, each with different responsibilities, for example:
- Air Operations – pilots and weapons systems officers – flying sorties, carrying out reconnaissance, and taking part in search and rescue duties
- Operations Support – air traffic and fighter controllers, and flight operations officers – providing target information, coordination refuelling, digitally mapping terrain and planning missions
- Engineering and Logistics – aircraft and communications engineers – commissioning new aircraft, servicing fleets and managing resources and supplies
- Support Services – catering, security and training officers – providing day-to-day services for staff at RAF bases and in the field during operations
- Professions – medical, dental and nursing officers – managing specialist teams working in support of the service.
The two commands are split into squadrons and you would manage a squadron with other officers who have also earned their rank or 'commission'.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To join the RAF as an officer you must:
- be aged at least 17 years and six months
- be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen, or have dual nationality with Britain and another country
- have at least five GCSEs (A-C), including English language and maths, plus two A levels or similar qualifications.
For some jobs, you would need a degree or professional qualification.
Selection tests
Before you can join the RAF, you would have to pass a series of tests held at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF College, Cranwell in Lincolnshire. This is a three-day process that includes tests for aptitude, practical initiative and fitness, and is followed by interviews and a medical.
Scholarships and bursaries
If you are still at school or preparing to go to university, you may be eligible for an RAF sixth-form scholarship, university bursary, or medical, dental or engineering sponsorship.
Check the RAF Careers website for more details about entry requirements, funding opportunities and details of your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).
What further training and development can I do?
As a new recruit, you would take a 30-week Initial Officer Training course at the RAF College, Cranwell in Lincolnshire. If you join as a professionally qualified officer (for example, a doctor or dentist) your training may be reduced to around 12 weeks.
Your training would include:
- defence studies
- general RAF service knowledge
- fitness training
- classroom lectures and practical exercises to develop leadership and management skills.
After 30 weeks, you would go on to specialist training in your chosen branch. A lot of RAF training will provide you with civilian qualifications, which would be recognised by employers outside of the armed forces.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 0845 605 5555If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- New pilot officers earn £23,475.
- Flying officers earn between £28,216 and £31,188 a year.
- Flight lieutenants can earn up to £43,002 a year.
- The highest ranks can earn in excess of £80,000 a year.
Salaries are independently reviewed each year, so check the latest rates with your local AFCO.
If your job involves flying, you are entitled to flying pay as well as your basic salary. If you live in RAF accommodation, a charge for rent is automatically taken from your salary.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 9am to 5pm over a five-day week, but you may be on-call at all times. If you are on exercises or involved in operations, your working hours could be longer and more irregular.
You may be posted to RAF bases in the UK or overseas, which could include working in combat zones.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to inspire and motivate others
- self-discipline and confidence
- leadership qualities
- teamworking skills
- good communication skills at all levels
- the ability to take responsibility and make decisions, sometimes under pressure
- the ability to operate advanced technical equipment
- good fitness levels
- good organisational skills
- a willingness to work flexibly.
What opportunities are there?
The RAF recruits new officers every year. Many applicants are graduates and competition for places is strong. At the beginning of your career, promotion is often based on length of service and is from pilot officer to flying officer then flight lieutenant. If you are a graduate, you may be eligible for faster promotion through the ranks.
Promotion beyond flight lieutenant to squadron leader, wing commander, group captain and above is usually by competitive selection. Free leaflets and advice are available from all Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCOs). See the RAF Careers website for details of local AFCOs.
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