Raf officer Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

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 aerospace battle managers, 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 areas of responsibility are split into squadrons and you would manage a squadron with other officers who have also earned their rank or 'commission'.

Hours

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.

Income

• New pilot officers earn £24,130 a year.
• Flying officers earn between £29,000 and £32,000.
• Flight lieutenants can earn up to £44,200.
• Squadron leaders can earn around £56,000.

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.

Entry requirements

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 - for some roles - grade B in 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, 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).

• Royal Air Force Careers (for a list of local RAF careers offices)

Training and development

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.

Skills and knowledge

• the ability to inspire and motivate others
• self-discipline and confidence
• leadership qualities
• teamworking skills
• good communication skills
• 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.

More information

RAF Careers
Tel: 0845 605 5555
www.raf.mod.uk/careers

Opportunities

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.

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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