Teamwork isn’t something that exists in every working environment. But in the RAF, it’s everywhere. And we thrive on it.

Every single individual that makes up our team does something that matters. And if you join us, you’ll bring along your own unique contribution to that team.

We’ll help you build up your confidence through training and inspiring leadership. And you’ll work with people you trust in a close-knit team.

Your role is vital

That’s something you get to know straight away. You’ll have an important job to do. And the individuality you bring to that job will be one of the reasons we take you on.

Every single thing you do will matter to you and your colleagues. There’s no job in the RAF without significance and relevance. That’s the only way the RAF can be successful in its operations worldwide.

We exist to provide air power to support the UK’s defence missions. But air power doesn’t just mean aircraft!

There are more than 50 different career paths to choose from. Without Aerial Erectors for instance, we’d be grounded – because aircraft wouldn’t be able to communicate with air traffic control. Aerial Erectors are the people who maintain all the radio masts and aerial equipment we have. Without Chefs, none of us would be at our best – you can’t live on ration packs forever! RAF catering staff can set up anywhere and still produce great food – even if they are cramped together in a hot tent in the desert.

These are vital jobs, as are all our jobs.

Lots of friendly people to work with

You’ll get to work with many different colleagues and teams over the course of your career. And some of them will no doubt become close friends too.

There are times when lives will depend on you and the rest of your colleagues. Having confidence and trust in your team mates is part of growing confident in yourself. They will respect you as much as you respect them.

Lynne Lightowlers
Weapon Systems Operator (Linguist)

‘I’d miss the camaraderie more than anything if I left. I don’t think you could ever reproduce that – and certainly not in a civilian job.’

Camaraderie and team spirit

You’ll be made instantly welcome. That’s because all the people who make up our teams have a unique contribution to make, and everyone is respected for their specialist skills, whatever their role. We care greatly about all our personnel, and they care about what they do and each other.

Every team needs a leader

We don’t believe people become leaders simply by being put in positions of authority. We train our leaders to build teams and inspire them to action – to get the best out of people.

We use the latest techniques and we start early. Selected Air Cadets attend our ‘Junior Leaders’ course, which runs over nine weekends and earns them qualifications from the ILM (Institute of Leadership Management).

The RAF Leadership Centre at Cranwell is responsible for setting our leadership strategy and keeping our leadership training up to date. The Force Development (FD) Squadrons, located on all but the smallest bases, provide through-life training in leadership for officers; non-commissioned officers receive leadership training at RAF Halton; and all ranks have leadership objectives built into their career development targets.