Ranks

Like any large organisation, the RAF has a management structure. Everyone has a role and that role is expressed by their rank.

There are two different rank structures – one for commissioned officers and the other for non-commissioned personnel.

Officers

Officers are the RAF’s equivalent of senior managers.

As an officer, you’re awarded what’s known as ‘The Queen’s Commission’ when you complete your basic officer training. It’s this that empowers you to give orders (on behalf of the Crown) and lead others.

The rank structure for officers is:

Pilot Officer
Flying Officer
Flight Lieutenant
Squadron Leader
Wing Commander
Group Captain
Air Commodore

Airmen and airwomen

The majority of RAF personnel are airmen and airwomen, who work in ground support roles using specialist skills.

As an airman or airwoman you do not have a commission – but that’s not to say that you couldn’t apply for one later in your career.

The rank structure for non-commissioned staff is:

Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman
Senior Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (SAC)
SAC Technician
Corporal
Sergeant
Chief Technician
Flight Sergeant
Warrant Officer

Non-Commissioned Aircrew

Some non-commissioned staff have flying roles such as Weapon Systems Operators. These are known as Non-Commissioned Aircrew and they have a slightly different rank structure from other non-commissioned personnel.