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RAF officer

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

Annual Salary

£31,000 to £48,000

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

variable

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home

3.4%
Future employment

There will be 3.4% more RAF officer jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

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

You could:

  • fly jets 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.

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
Apprenticeship

RAF apprenticeship roles offer you the chance to learn on the job and gain a UK-recognised trade qualification, as part of a challenging and unique career.

There are more than 20 roles to choose from in professions such as:

  • air and space operations
  • engineering
  • logistics including catering
  • cyberspace and intelligence
  • medical services

For more information
Direct application

You can apply directly for roles as an RAF officer.

You'll need a minimum of:

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

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.

RAF Reserve

You can join the RAF Reserve in some roles as a part-time officer. This will give you experience of what life is like in the Royal Air Force, and you'll learn new skills at the same time.

You'll need to:

  • be between 18 and 54
  • commit to at least 27 days a year
  • attend a 2-week training camp each year

Air Cadets

If you're between 13 and 17 years old, you can join the Air Cadets.

The skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit you whatever career path you choose. Cadets have many opportunities, including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses, air experience flights and pilot training.

More Information

You'll find more details about how to become an officer through RAF Recruitment.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

More information

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

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 developed during your service.

You can find details about support and career opportunities from:Quest; Career Transition Partnership; Forces Employment Charity; Troops to Teachers

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

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
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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