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.