Raf Officer

Typical Salary

£27,273 To £42,009

Typical Hours

Variable variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Raf Officer

You can get into this job through:

applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for RAF officer training.

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

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone 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 3-day selection process which includes tests for aptitude, initiative and fitness. You'll then have an interview and a medical examination.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

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

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties will depend on your job. Roles you might work in include:

pilot and weapons systems officer - taking part in flying sorties, reconnaissance, and search and rescue duties
air traffic and aerospace flight operations officer - providing target information, coordinating refuelling, digitally mapping terrain and planning missions
aircraft and communications engineer - commissioning new aircraft, servicing fleets and managing resources
catering, security or training officer - providing day-to-day services for staff at base and in the field
medical, dental or nursing officer - managing specialist teams supporting the service

Working Environment

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

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

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could move up the ranks, for example from pilot officer to flying officer, then flight lieutenant or higher.

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

The Career Transition Partnership, Quest and Troops to Teachers have more information on careers outside the armed forces.

Volunteering Opportunities

You can join the RAF Reserve as a part-time officer. This will give you experience of what life is like in the 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

If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you can join the Air Cadets.

You'll visit RAF bases and develop some of the skills you'll need in the RAF recruitment process.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements