Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

Medical and medical support Medical Officer CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an RAF Medical Officer, you will deliver a high standard of care, sometimes under challenging conditions. You will play a vital role in keeping our personnel fit and medically prepared for operational roles.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

PAY FROM FOUNDATION YR 1 £40,344 + Benefits

GMP FROM £98,627 + Benefits

Consultants from £78,158 + Benefits

(Pay scale, subject to experience within specialty)

Fully trained specialists of Anaesthetics, Emergency Medicine, General Practice, General Medical Physician and Rehabilitation & Rheumatology are eligible for the Golden Hello (£50,000 joining bonus).

Apply as a Regular


DAY RATE STARTS AT: £37.12 + Benefits

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 21 - 53 (Must attest before 54th birthday)
  • Be fully registered with the General Medical Council. Sponsorship is available for the final three years of study in a UK Medical School.
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
  • Commit to initial 6 or 12 years service
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Travelling the world
  • Aircraft

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 21 - 54 (Must attest before 55th birthday - Ex Regulars over the age of 55 may be considered on a case by case basis)
  • Be fully registered with the General Medical Council.
  • Be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Travelling the world

Locations

502 Sqn Aldergrove Flying Station, Co Antrim
600 Sqn RAF Northolt, Middlesex
612 Sqn RAF Leuchars, Fife
4626 Sqn RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Medical duties in field hospitals
  • General Practitioner duties in RAF medical centres
  • Specialist activities in NHS medical units

Being an RAF GP means doing a mix of aviation medicine, occupational medicine, sports medicine and usual general practice. You could be making decisions on an aviators’ fitness to fly to treating hypertension or heart disease to deciding if someone is fit to deploy to the Falkland Islands.

Your role is pivotal in maintaining the effectiveness of the RAF in delivering Air Power by maximising the fitness of personnel for their tasks.  You will deliver a high standard of care under demanding but rewarding conditions, including the extra challenges of working in a field hospital or deployed medical centre; sometimes in austere settings.  The RAF employ specialists in most of the major branches of medicine and surgery, working within the NHS and you may also have the challenges of working in a field hospital.

 

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Subsidised Accommodation
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

You will begin your RAF career on the Specialist Entrant and Re-entrant (SERE) course at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.  You will follow a 13-week course specially designed for professionally qualified entrants to the RAF. 

SPECIALIST TRAINING

After the SERE course, you will complete a Basic Air Warfare Course at RAF College Cranwell and, after a short period of well-earned leave, you will then go to the Defence Medical Services Training Group for a two-week course where you will learn about the delivery of medical care in the RAF.  This is followed by a further course at the Centre of Aviation Medicine at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire.  Here you will learn about the effects of illness and medication on the ability of our staff to work onboard aircraft, aircrew life support and human factors in aviation.  The course also includes elements of occupational medicine.

More details +

GENERAL DUTIES MEDICAL OFFICER TOUR

As with all new officers, you will probably move jobs every 2 or 3 years, and each job is known as a tour.  As a trainee or fully qualified GP or consultant, you will begin your RAF career in a Medical Centre at one of our bases as a General Duties Medical Officer to give you first-hand experience of RAF life and time to attend military courses relevant to your future role.  You will then be posted to a Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit or to an NHS hospital, either to complete your training or to work as a consultant in your specialty.  Qualified GPs will remain working in a Medical Centre.

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

As a Medical Officer, you will have extensive opportunities for further professional development throughout your career. In primary care, this may include training to the Diploma in Occupational Medicine and, for some, the opportunity to train up to consultant level. Training also exists for sports and exercise medicine, General Practitioner training, public health or aviation medicine, depending on your career aspirations and the needs of the RAF. As a fully-qualified independent practitioner, either in primary or secondary care, you will undergo various types of further military and adventure training to test your skills in more challenging ways. Some Medical Officers receive extensive Command and Staff Training for senior appointments.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

The RAF offers a structured career path that mirrors the challenges and responsibilities of a civilian medical career. There are opportunities to join as a bursar or cadet rewarded with support through the latter stages of medical school and FY1&2. Once fully registered, you will hold the rank of Flight Lieutenant or Squadron Leader dependent on your experience at time of joining.

Initially, you will be offered an Initial Commission of 6 or 12 years depending on whether you have already completed specialist training, but opportunities may be available later to extend to a pension earning commission of 20 years' service or age 40, whichever is the later, during this time. Promotion from Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader is after 5 years satisfactory service. Promotion to Wing Commander and above is by competitive selection.

Your commission may be extended until you reach the age of 60, subject to Service requirements and your medical fitness. Pay is aligned with your peers in the NHS and there is a generous Armed Forces Pension Scheme.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

As a Medical Officer in the RAF, you will have similar professional promotion and development opportunities to your civilian counterparts, the chance to work in challenging locations around the world and gain unique medical experiences. The development of your leadership skills and broader military experience has been demonstrated to enhance your prospects if you decide to eventually leave the RAF.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15 day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This training course will prepare you for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world; it is also designed to help you tune into the military environment and way of life. As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.


Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.


You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be aged between 21 and 53 years old (Must attest before 54th birthday)

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Be aged between 21 and 54 years old. (Must attest before 55th birthday - Ex Regulars over the age of 55 may be considered on a case by case basis)

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Following the Home Office announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance,  ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years. 

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through two or three separate fitness tests as part of the application process: Selection Fitness Test, Pre-joining Fitness Test or Pre-recruit Training Course.
How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender.

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. All tattoos must not be visible above the neck collar or below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Be fully registered with the General Medical Council. 

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through two or three separate fitness tests as part of the application process: Selection Fitness Test, Pre-joining Fitness Test or Pre-recruit Training Course.
How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender.

MALES
Age Limits 2.4 Km Run (Minutes) Multi-Stage Fitness Test (Level) Press-ups (Number) Sit-ups (Number)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12.00 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-49 12.54 7.07 16 23
50-54 13.27 7.01 15 20
FEMALES
Age Limits 2.4 Km Run(Minutes) Multi-Stage Fitness Test (Level) Press-ups (Number) Sit-ups (Number)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-49 15.19 5.04 6 20
50-54 15.53 4.09 5 17



HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. All tattoos must not be visible above the neck collar or below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve

SIMILAR ROLES

MEDICAL AND MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical Support Officer
Find Out More
MEDICAL AND MEDICAL SUPPORT
Nursing Officer
Find Out More
MEDICAL AND MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical Support Officer
Find Out More
MEDICAL AND MEDICAL SUPPORT
Nursing Officer
Find Out More
01 02

View all roles