Work in the RAF makes certain physical demands on our personnel. Before you join, you will have a medical assessment to make sure you meet our medical standards. These standards are laid down by law and everyone joining must pass them.

Your application would be rejected if:

• you suffer from asthma, or have done in the last four years;
• you have chronic lung disease, such as emphysema, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis, or you have active tuberculosis;
• you have had spinal surgery or you suffer from recurrent low back pain or spina bifida;
• you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, or any other bone or joint disorder;
• you suffer from Crohn’s disease, colitis or kidney disorders;
• you suffer from epilepsy or multiple sclerosis;
• you suffer chronic blood disease, such as sickle cell disease, congenital spherocytosis, thalassaemia, HIV, AIDS, you carry hepatitis B or C, or you have had leukaemia or malignant lymphoma;
• you have schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or you are dependent on alcohol or drugs;
• you have had your spleen removed;
• you have circulation problems such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or disease;
• you have diabetes; or
• you have a disease that needs long-term medication or replacement therapy.

Every application is treated individually, so as well as the factors listed above, there may be other reasons why we cannot accept your application.

Some jobs have particular medical restrictions so even if you cannot apply to work in one role, you may be able to work in another.

Eyesight

For some jobs – including Pilot – your eyesight needs to meet certain standards.

If you wear glasses, you can work for the RAF but this may affect which roles you can apply for.

If you are colour blind, you will not be able to join the RAF as a Firefighter, Weapon Technician, Aircraft Technician (Mechanical) or Aircraft Technician (Avionics). To join as a Pilot or an Engineer Officer, you'll do a colour perception test. It's only by doing this test that we can decide whether you'll qualify for the job.

You cannot join the RAF if you:

• have a chronic eye condition, including glaucoma, keratoconus and retinitis pigmentosa;
• have had squint surgery in the last six months;
• have corneal problems such as a corneal graft and recurrent corneal ulcers;
• have lost or dislocated your eye lens or detached your retina; or
• have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

Food allergies

If you suffer severe allergic reactions that mean you need to take adrenaline injection precautions, you cannot join the RAF. You cannot join if you have a nut allergy.

Hearing

You cannot join the RAF if you have eardrum ventilation tubes or grommets, if your eardrum is currently perforated or if you suffer from chronic ear dieases, such as cholesteatoma.

Height

There is no general height restriction for people joining the RAF, however there are height restrictions in some jobs, including Firefighter and Pilot. Pilot height restrictions depend on the aircraft you fly.

Eczema and other skin complaints

If you have eczema, widespread psoriasis or other active skin diseases, or if you have had malignant melanoma or skin cancer within two years you cannot join the RAF.

Find out more

You will need to give details of your medical history when you apply to join the RAF and you will also have a medical as part of the application process.

If you have any further queries about the medical restrictions at this stage, please call our careers information line on 0845 605 5555.