For much of the time, most people in the RAF work similar hours to people in other jobs – a five-day week with free evenings and weekends.

That said, we are not nine-to-fivers: we do what’s needed to get the job done. Sometimes, you’ll have to work late or at weekends, and, if the situation demands it, you’ll work as long as it takes. If you’re on a detachment (a short period abroad to accomplish a specific task), helping with disaster relief, or on an operational mission , you may even have to work round the clock.

Outside working hours your time is your own, and all RAF personnel get six weeks’ paid holiday, plus the eight public holidays. You can relax and socialise on the base or in the local area, see family and friends or take advantage of the wide range of sports facilities that are available on most bases.