Whether you’re joining as an apprentice or well into your career, the Royal Air Force can help you further develop and grow.
ROLE LEVELS IN THE RAF
Like any global organisation, the RAF is built on a highly effective management structure. Everyone has a role and a rank. Their rank defines the level of responsibility within the role.
RANK STRUCTURE
As RAF personnel you’ll come under one of three different rank structures depending on your role. These are Commissioned Officer, Non-Commissioned Aircrew or Enlisted Aviator.
COMMISIONED OFFICER
Officers are the RAF’s equivalent of a management role. The rank structure for officers, in descending order, is:
RANKS
OTHER RANKS
Enlisted Aviators make up the majority of RAF personnel, bringing their specialist skills to provide vital ground support roles. The rank structure for other ranks, in descending order, is:
RANKS
NON-COMMISSIONED AIRCREW
RAF Non-Commissioned Aircrew fly aircraft and helicopters to carry out air patrols over the UK. The rank structure for Non-Commissioned Aircrew, in descending order, is:
RANKS
Job levels in the civilian world can vary from company to company - in the RAF it’s easy to see what your next step is. SOURCE: GUARDIAN BUSINESS WEEKLY
ROLE TRAINING
Whether a Chef, Engineer or Pilot, in the RAF you will receive plenty of training to help you do your role effectively and with confidence.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
The RAF provides some of the best training you will ever receive, in a wide variety of roles and spanning many subjects. No matter what role you are planning to do, you will always receive basic training first to get you accustomed to military life; specialist training will then follow, tailor-made for your particular choice of role and a wide range of follow up training after that, taking you all the way through your career in the RAF and beyond. Many roles also offer award-winning apprenticeships that are recognised in the civilian world.
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE
We have a long and distinguished heritage, of which we are rightly proud, but our focus is on the future rather than the past – the technology we use is some of the most advanced in the world. Our reputation in combat and peacekeeping operations is second to none – whether providing air support for British troops in action or flying missions alongside our many international allies. The work we do is vital; it demands high standards and brings great rewards.
LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER
In the RAF you’ll find people from every background and with diverse life outlooks and interests, working side by side. RAF personnel learn a great deal from one and other through living, training and working closely together. Whatever your role, you will be trained and supported throughout your career and grow both personally and professionally whilst making lifelong friends.
