RAF officer

RAF officers work in a number of roles and are responsible for the welfare and discipline of personnel under their command.

• Starter salary£36,000 a year
• Experienced£65,000 a year

What you'll do

As an RAF officer, your duties will depend on your job.

You could:

• fly fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters
• manage services like catering or logistics
• make sure aircraft are armed and ready to take off
• monitor cyberspace for threats
• make sure airfields are secure

Working environment

You could work at a military base or in a warzone.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate teams
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become a rAF officer

You can get into this job by applying directly.

Direct application

You can apply directly for roles as an RAF officer .

Although entry requirements vary for each role, you'll typically need a minimum of:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent qualifications , including English and maths, and a science for some roles
• 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications , including T Levels and BTECs

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to an adviser at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You'll also take an aptitude test.

If you're successful, you'll be invited to attend the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF College, Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You'll take part in a one-day selection process which includes tests for aptitude, initiative and fitness. You'll then have an interview and a medical examination.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 17.5 years of age
• be a UK citizen
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass enhanced background checks
• pass security checks

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move up the ranks from flying officer to air commodore or higher.

You could apply to join the UK Special Forces as a Regular or a Reservist. Get information on how to join UK Special Forces Reserves .

You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF. Your career choices will depend on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained during your service.

You can find details about support and career opportunities from:

• Quest
• Career Transition Partnership
• Forces Employment Charity
• Get Into Teaching

Career tips

Most RAF officers join as direct entrants and receive specialist officer training rather than doing an apprenticeship.

Visit RAF Recruitment for information on the apprenticeships and training and development that the RAF does offer.

Guides for this industry

• Armed Forces: pay, interviews and getting started →

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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0