RAF Airman/Woman

Also known as:

Airforce Serviceman/Woman
Airman/Woman, RAF
Royal Air Force Airman/Woman

Introduction

Royal Air Force (RAF) airmen/women work in a variety of trades, mostly in ground support. A small number of airmen/women have flight duties - these are airmen/women aircrew.

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Work Activities

Royal Air Force (RAF) airmen/women maintain the security of the UK and its allies from the air. Most are employed in ground support (this covers around 40 trades), but a small number have flight duties - these are airmen/women aircrew.

Ground airmen/women provide a complete range of services to keep the RAF flying. They specialise and work for most of the time in their chosen trade. However, all RAF personnel train for wartime duties.

Airman/women careers in the RAF can be grouped into the categories given below.

Aircrew Airman/women aircrew work on jets, larger aircraft and helicopters, playing a key role in the defence of the UK and its allies. Their role is as weapons systems operators (acoustic or crewman or electronic warfare or linguist.)

Air Operations Support Airmen/women in this category work in air traffic control, flight planning and aerospace radar support. Trades include aerospace systems operator, air cartographer and flight operations assistant.

Engineering and Technical Engineering and technical specialists work on a wide range of equipment ranging from aircraft engines to hydraulics and flying helmets for aircrew. The main trades are aircraft technician (avionics or mechanical), general technician (electrical or mechanical or workshops), survival equipment fitter and weapon technician.

Communications and Intelligence These airmen/women operate sophisticated technology and information systems. They work as aerial erectors, communication and information systems specialists, intelligence analysts and photographers.

Force Protection These personnel provide protection for airbases, aircraft and all RAF employees. They are firefighters, RAF police and RAF Regiment gunners.

Personnel Support Airmen/women in this category work as personnel administrators, physical training instructors and musicians.

Logistics and Equipment Mechanical transport drivers, movements controllers and suppliers in this category control stocks, manage budgets and ensure equipment is in the right place at the right time.

Catering and Hospitality Chefs, Stewards and Air Stewards provide catering and hospitality services to RAF personnel in the UK, overseas and in-flight.

Medical and Medical Support These personnel work in NHS hospitals, RAF bases and in overseas locations as nurses, radiographers, operating department practitioners, medical assistants, dental nurses, dental technicians, pharmacy technicians, environmental health technicians and laboratory technicians.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need to be prepared to accept military discipline and to follow orders. You should also enjoy the armed forces lifestyle, which, as well as the travel and unsocial hours, often involves living in fairly close communities on or near to RAF bases with colleagues.

In times when peace is threatened, you must be prepared for active duty - some airmen/women will be on the front line and will need to use weapons.

Good health and fitness are essential for all RAF personnel. Your eyesight, colour vision and hearing will be tested for some trades. Specific skills vary according to the trade you choose.

As with other careers in the armed forces, you must be prepared to live and serve anywhere in the UK and overseas. You will sometimes have to work in difficult, (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions, especially if you are flying crew or if you serve in the RAF Regiment.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

The rate of pay for an airman/airwoman on completion of training is around £16,500 a year. After this, pay rates vary, depending on specialism and length of service. Pay increases further with promotion.

Non-commissioned aircrew on appointment to acting sergeant, earn around £34,000 a year. After this, pay increases with promotion.

Hours of work for airmen/women vary depending on operational requirements, but may include shifts, early starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays.

You may need to work at short notice, and you should expect to work longer hours during military exercises or on operational missions. If you achieve the required qualifications, you can apply to become an officer.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

The upper age limit for entry to most trades is 29. However, there are exceptions. For example, for staff nurses, the upper age limit on entry is 33.

For further information, contact your local armed forces careers office.

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Further Information

Contact your local Royal Air Force careers information office/armed forces careers office.

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