RAF Officer

Also known as:

Airforce Officer
Royal Air Force Officer
Officer (RAF)

Introduction

RAF officers command, motivate and lead teams of men and women. They work in a variety of specialist branches. After initial training, officers train in their specialisms, for example as pilots, navigators or administrative officers.

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Work Activities

The RAF is made up of different trades and branches. Officers specialise in particular areas and are responsible for the airmen/women under their command.

Weapons systems officers have a variety of roles, depending on the aircraft they work in. In a tornado jet, the primary role is air-to-air combat or ground attack; in a helicopter, duties include search-and-rescue missions and ferrying troops.

Fighter control officers use radar and other communications equipment to monitor and control the defence of UK airspace. They guide fighter aircraft to stop intruders and they operate air defence and missile warning systems. They are ground-based or have flying duties.

Flight operations officers plan and manage flying operations. They allocate priorities to aircraft and may specialise in areas such as mission planning or electronic warfare.

Air traffic control officers use a variety of radar and communications equipment to monitor and control the safe movement of aircraft. They guide aircraft taking off, landing, and moving through airspace.

Engineer officers manage engineering resources and maintain technical systems. They work in either communications/electronics or aerosystems. Communications/electronics engineers maintain all forms of communications links. Aerosystems engineers work on aircraft, weapons and air-to-ground communication systems.

Administrative officers work in a variety of areas, such as accountancy, office organisation, public relations, personnel management and welfare.

Catering officers provide all RAF catering services. This includes:
• selecting, ordering and storing foods
• doing budgets and accounts
• organising kitchen and dining facilities
• training and managing staff.

Training officers make sure that the RAF's training and development needs are met. They advise trainers on developing and delivering training programmes. They also design, set up and run training courses for any given branch or trade in the RAF.

Physical education officers mainly have a managerial role, promoting fitness and putting together physical training programmes. They are responsible for sports coaching, fitness training and outdoor pursuits. They also give specialist instruction in areas like parachute jumping and survival training.

Supply officers organise the supply and movement of RAF equipment, supplies and people, by air, road, rail and sea.

Intelligence officers work in reconnaissance. Some gain information from photographs and other images, and interpret the images to provide information for defence. Others produce intelligence assessments that inform aircrews before their missions.

Police officers usually work on RAF stations, commanding a team of RAF police. They protect RAF property including personnel, equipment and information. They investigate criminal and security offences.

RAF Regiment officers manage ground and short-range air defence forces that protect RAF bases anywhere in the world.

Medical, dental and nursing officers are responsible for the health of RAF personnel and their families. They are based in RAF hospitals or dental centres or attached to operational units.

Legal officers are barristers and solicitors who carry out prosecutions in the UK and abroad. They also give legal advice to other RAF personnel and the Ministry of Defence.

Chaplains are clergy who give spiritual support to RAF personnel and their families. They are based in RAF stations.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Your specific duties will vary according to the branch you work in. However, all officers need leadership qualities and the ability to work as part of a team. You will need to be responsible, an effective decision maker, and able to motivate and discipline those under your command.

Good communication skills are vital so you can explain ideas and give commands effectively. You must be physically fit and prepared to work in combat situations.

You must be prepared to live and serve anywhere in the UK and overseas. RAF officers (especially flying crew) sometimes have to work in difficult, dangerous (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Rates of pay vary, depending on age at entry and qualifications. On appointment, a Flying Officer earns around £23,500 - £28,000 a year. After this, pay increases with specialism, length of service and promotion.

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

As an RAF officer, you may need to work at short notice, and you should expect to work longer hours during military exercises or on operational missions.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

For some officer positions, you can enter up until the age of 36.

However, the following positions have different upper limits:

chaplain: 49 dental officer: 55 legal officer: 35 medical officer: 55 nursing officer: 38 physical education officer: 26 pilot: 23 regiment officer: 25 weapon systems officer: 25

An Engineering Sponsorship Scheme is available for those studying engineering or a related subject at the universities of Southampton, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumbria, Aston, Loughborough and Oxbridge, via the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme.

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

Financial support is available from the RAF through university sponsorships and bursaries for those up to 23 years of age on application.

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Further Information

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

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