RAF officer
RAF officers work in a number of roles and are responsible for the welfare and discipline of personnel under their command.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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.
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:
What it takes
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
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
How to become
You can get into this job by applying directly.
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.
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 residential training course each year, though this may not always be the case
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 and air experience flights.
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.
Further information
You'll find more details about how to become an officer through RAF Recruitment.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.