Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
Age |
Male and female minimum |
Male and female maximum |
Male maximum with additional assessment |
Female maximum with additional assessment |
18 + |
18 |
30 |
32 |
32 |
16 to < 18 |
17 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
Calculate your BMI here
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
Upon joining, before commencing flying training, you will be assigned a Joint Medical Employment Standard (JMES) to ensure you meet the minimum standards to receive flying training:
- Fit as UAS flying member
- Fit to fly with Corrective Flying Spectacles (CFS). In this case, the RAF
- Not fit as UAS flying member. Whilst you can’t receive flying training, you will have the opportunity to experience flights as a passenger, and can enjoy all other aspects of the UAS experience.
- Not fit for UAS membership.
Your UAS Management team will support you through this process, and have an open door policy to discuss your situation, including appealing any decision, in complete confidence.