Career Stability

What’s it for?

The RAF offers lots of opportunities to shape your career.  Whatever your Profession, Branch, Trade or Specialisation, you can work your way up through the ranks, gaining the unique experience and skills that come with the structure of an RAF career.

What do I get?

Regular recruits are usually offered career security for an initial 12-year engagement, with the option to leave earlier should you choose. Personnel may be eligible for further service up to 20 years or to age 40.  Further extensions up to age 60 are possible, subject to Service need.

Officers are usually assigned to a post for 3 years at a time, and Other Ranks for 5 years, offering stability for personnel and their families. Consideration is also given to personnel who would prefer to stay in the same location or specialisation when they move between assignments, subject to Service need.

Reserves usually enjoy greater flexibility of service, with shorter engagements often linked to greater control over the commitment that you make and how you choose to serve.  As a Reserve, you train, operate and are paid much like a Regular, including on detachment and deployment, whether on a voluntary basis or when mobilised to meet Service need.