The structure of the Royal Air Force (RAF) consists of two 'commands' – Strike (providing a fully functional air force), and Personnel and Training (recruiting, training and managing the welfare of personnel). These are usually split into squadrons, and each squadron is managed by commissioned officers.

When an officer completes their training they are given a 'commission', which allows them to lead, manage and give orders to non-commissioned RAF personnel (airmen and airwomen who use specialist skills working in ground support and administrative roles). There are also some non-commissioned aircrew. Officers are responsible for the discipline, welfare and career development of their staff.

Officers can choose to work in one of 20 specialist areas, which fall within five categories.

Air Operations - this includes pilots, and weapons systems (navigation) officers.

Operations Support - this includes air traffic and fighter controllers, flight operations officers, intelligence officers and RAF Regiment officers.

Engineering and Logistics - this area involves aerosystems engineers, communications and electronics engineers, supply officers and movements officers.

Support Services - this includes catering officers, provost/security officers, training officers and physical education officers.

Professions - this category includes staff with specialised qualifications, such as medical and dental officers, nursing officers, chaplains and legal officers.  

For more details, check the RAF Careers website in Further Information.

Hours and Environment

RAF Officers will often work 9am to 5pm, over a five-day week. However, they are on call at all times. When officers are on exercises or involved in operations, working hours can be long and irregular.

As an officer you may be posted to RAF bases in the UK or overseas. When on detachment, you may be away from your family for several months.

Skills and Interests

To be an RAF officer you need:

• the ability to inspire and motivate others to perform difficult tasks
• to be self-disciplined and confident
• to work well in a team
• good communication skills at all levels
• the ability to take responsibility and make decisions, sometimes under pressure
• the ability to operate advanced technical equipment
• a good level of physical fitness
• good organisational skills
• to be prepared to go into combat.

Entry

To join the RAF as an officer you will usually need:

• to be aged at least 17 years and six months (upper age limits vary according to the job and are continually being reviewed, so check the current situation with an Armed Forces Careers Office, AFCO, and the RAF Careers website)
  
  
• to be a citizen of the UK, Republic of Ireland or the Commonwealth since birth, or have dual nationality with Britain and another country (some jobs have stricter requirements than this) 
  
  
• at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English language and maths, plus two A levels/three H grades or similar - for some jobs, you need a degree or professional qualification.

For further details on all requirements, check the RAF Careers website in Further Information - this also lists details of local AFCO, who can provide advice. 

Selection tests
Before you can join the RAF, you need 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 aptitude tests, practical initiative tests, health and fitness tests, 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, medical, dental or engineering sponsorship. Full details are available from the RAF Careers website.

Training

As a new recruit, you will usually 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 around 12 weeks. Training includes:

• defence studies
• general RAF service knowledge
• fitness training
• classroom lectures and practical exercises to develop leadership and management skills.

After 30 weeks, you go on to specialist training in your chosen branch.

A lot of RAF training will provide you with civilian qualifications, which will be useful and recognised by employers outside.

You will join the RAF for a minimum length of service, which will depend on your job, but is usually between six and twelve years.

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 these 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). The RAF Careers website holds details of local AFCO.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries are independently reviewed each year, so check the latest rates with your local AFCO.

Officer cadets and pilot officers earn between £13,881 and £21,940 a year.
Flying officers earn between £26,371 and £29,149 a year.
Flight lieutenants can earn up to £40,190 a year.
The highest ranks can earn in excess of £80,000 a year.

If you are flying in aircraft, you are entitled to flying pay as well as your basic salary. If you are living in RAF accommodation, a charge for rent is automatically taken from your salary.

Further information