If your son or daughter is interested in a joining the Royal Air Force, you may have some concerns about what life in a military organisation is really like.

This page will give you an overview of what the RAF has to offer, as well as directing you to more detailed information.

Today’s RAF

Today’s Royal Air Force is a large, modern, hi-tech organisation. Whether in the skies above Britain or in airspaces elsewhere, it is our job to protect the United Kingdom against any form of threat. We also act as a force for good in the world, by working to strengthen international peace and security.

The RAF is not just about aircraft. Our people are our most vital asset and there’s a large team behind every aircraft that takes to the skies. This team consists of a variety of experts, so we can offer your son or daughter a wide range of career choices and lots of opportunities for career development.

What we offer

The RAF has over 50 career choices. For commissioned officers, 8 branches require degree-level qualifications, but the other 11 branches need only 2 A-levels/3 Highers and 5 GCSEs/SCEs at Grade C/3, including English language and maths. Our non-commissioned aircrew and air traffic controllers need 5 GCSEs/SCEs at Grade C/3, again including English language and maths, but our airmen/airwomen can join with GCSE/SCE at Grade G/6 in English language and maths. RAF Regiment Gunners do not require any academic qualifications at all. To get a better idea of what’s available, use the [link not available] feature to check details of specific careers.

The RAF believes in life-long learning, and our personnel can expect to be trained to the highest standards. As well as having the opportunity to gain nationally-recognised qualifications, they can look forward to having their talents recognised, developed and rewarded.

Sponsorship

The RAF offers a number of sponsorship opportunities ranging from attendance at a Residential Sixth Form College to a Bursary or Cadetship whilst at University.

Who can join?

There are career opportunities for anyone of British, Irish or Commonwealth nationality who can meet our entry requirements. There are people in the RAF from all kinds of backgrounds, that’s one of the many attractive features about the RAF lifestyle.

Accommodation

Whilst undergoing basic training, our recruits live in on-base accommodation. This gives them the opportunity to get to know their new colleagues, work as a team member and learn something about the RAF.