Foreseeable Career Path

Am I eligible?

All RAF Regular and Reserve personnel are eligible.

What’s it for?

Throughout your RAF career you receive world class professional training and development giving you the skills to progress your career within and beyond the Armed Forces.

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.

Promotion is based on Service requirement, so opportunities vary between Profession, Branch, Trade or Specialisation. Beyond Flight Lieutenant for officers and Senior Aircraftman for Other Ranks, promotion is largely by selection. 

What do I get?

Everyone in the RAF has a Career Manager and the door is always open for you to start a conversation about your career development and direction.

There are opportunities to serve abroad, either unaccompanied or accompanied by your family, not just on deployment or operations.  If you are interested, speak with your Career Manager.

Officers may align themselves with one of 6 Career Fields to clarify their career pathway:

• Capability and Acquisition

• Defence Engagement

• Management of Defence

• Operational Support

• Operations

• Personnel