We take good care of people who work for us. As well as great facilities and a high standard of training, we also keep you fit and provide a level of support that will ensure you’re at your best for a job that will continually challenge you and your team mates.

You won’t be dealing with things on your own. Whether you look to your colleagues and mates, your family or our support networks – there’s always help at hand.

Friends and team mates to support you

Working to meet those challenges, you’ll make a lot of friends – and it’s often them you will turn to when the going gets tough.

A welfare network to support you

There’s an expert welfare network on hand. It’s full of people who really know what life in the RAF is like.

• The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
  Every base has a representative from the SSAFA. They are there to give you, and your family, confidential support. They also provide a social work service specifically designed for those who work in the Armed Forces.
• Spiritual guidance
  Chaplains are on hand to give you any spiritual guidance you need. They can also put you in touch with a representative of your own faith. (If you’d like to know more, please see Your beliefs page.)
• The Help, Information and Volunteer Exchange (HIVE)
  This is open to all RAF personnel and their families. It’s run by staff who’ve got expert knowledge of the local area. So they can help if you’ve just been moved to a new base. They know all about training, schools, housing and employment. You can find a HIVE on bases overseas too.

Medical services

As a member of the RAF, your medical and dental treatment will be free. We have our own medical staff, medical centres and units within NHS hospitals. You’ll have medical professionals on hand when you’re overseas too. Some of our RAF bases also provide resident families with medical treatment.

Confident and ready for responsibility

You’ll have all the training and support you need to build your confidence to take on responsibility.