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: Depends on role, rank and experience

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 Fitness test - Details below
  • Complete and submit this CV form prior to application.

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, fully qualified in their specialty.
  • 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
  • Health care

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

RAF Medical Officers play a vital role in keeping our personnel fit and medically prepared for their operational role, at home and when deployed. 

All RAF Medical Officers receive basic training in aviation medicine and have the opportunity to train further to provide specialist medical support to the RAF and the UK Armed Forces, including Aeromedical Evacuation. 

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; often in austere settings.  The RAF employ specialists in most of the major branches of medicine and surgery and you will have the opportunity to excel in your chosen specialty.

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

INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING

Like all our Specialist Branch officers, you will begin your RAF career on the Specialist Officer Initial Training Course (SOITC) at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You will undertake a 13-week course specially designed for professionally-qualified entrants to the RAF. The course includes fitness development, military training, weapons handling and academic study as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Following a short period of well-earned leave, you will then go to the Defence College of Healthcare Education and Training for a 2-week course where you will learn about the delivery of medical care in the RAF. This is followed by an introduction to the speciality of Aviation Medicine at the Centre of Aviation Medicine at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire. 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 Doctor in training, fully qualified GP or consultant, you will begin your RAF career in a medical setting at one of our bases as a GDMO 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 Defence Medical Group Unit or to a NHS hospital, either to complete your training or to work as a consultant in your specialty. Qualified GPs will continue working in a Medical Centre.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS

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. Promotion from Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader is after 5 years satisfactory service. For GPs, promotion to Wing Commander and above is by competitive selection. For consultant-based specialties you will become eligible for Wing Commander on appointment to a consultant role. 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.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

The Royal Air Force is a strong advocate of continuous professional development and as a Medical Officer, you will have extensive opportunities throughout your career. This includes, both for primary and secondary care clinicians, the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Aviation Medicine course. The Diploma in Occupational Medicine can also be undertaken and, if successful at national benchmarking, higher training can be undertaken to reach Consultant level in this specialty. Other training opportunities include medical education, sports and exercise medicine and public health, 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. All Medical Officers receive Command and Staff Training with some undertaking additional training to prepare them for senior medical management appointments.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

As a Medical Officer in the RAF, you will have similar professional promotion and development opportunities to your civilian counterparts together with the chance to work in challenging locations around the world and gain a unique medical and personal experience. The development of your leadership skills and broader military experience will enhance your prospects when you 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

Direct entrants must be fully registered with the General Medical Council. Sponsorship is available for the final three years of study in a UK Medical School.

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 MOD 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 at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

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

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC/Fam Visit Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRTC Fitness Test here:

RAF Fam Visit Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

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. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Be fully registered with the General Medical Council and fully qualified in their specialty. 

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 at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

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. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

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

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