Big challenges, big benefits
Altitude look at the major advantages of an RAF career.
Ask anyone in the RAF, and they’ll tell you that there’s nothing quite like an RAF career. But what specifically makes a job in the RAF so challenging, fulfilling and enjoyable? We answer that question here.
Supporting future RAF stars
The RAF looks after its people. And if you’ve got the potential to make a real contribution to the RAF, you could experience this before you even join up! The Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) and sixth form and university Sponsorship offer potential RAF stars great opportunities to get first-hand experience of the challenges, technology and aircraft of the RAF. RAF Sponsorship also offers fantastic financial support, not to mention free flying lessons!
Travelling the world
As an international peacekeeping and fighting force, the RAF offer their personnel the chance to travel around the globe. So it’s good news for your passport! As well as deployment destinations such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar, there are RAF stations in places like Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and Ascension Island. What’s more, if you’re posted abroad, your relocation costs will be covered.
Travel to our Where we are in the World section for more
Earn while you learn
Some RAF careers offer Apprenticeships, while many others let you gain recognised qualifications for free. All Officers graduate from the RAF College Cranwell with a Level 5 Diploma from the Institute of Leadership and Management, and many Airmen/Airwomen earn NVQs just from completing their training.
Plus, everyone in the RAF is entitled to an annual allowance to help them gain new qualifications. The Standard Learning Credit (SLC) Scheme enables eligible candidates to claim up to 80% of their course fees back. A huge range of courses are available, from vocational through to Bachelor’s or Master’s Degrees.
Save a stack of cash
The RAF pays towards your pension, with free medical and dental care as well as paying for your driving licence (if your role requires you to drive regularly) and your travel with the Force. While on operations, you won’t pay anything for your accommodation or food – and you could even receive an extra allowance for living overseas. Working hours are flexible and you’ll receive six weeks paid holiday a year, plus public holidays.
And because so much on base is subsidised (like food and accommodation), your pay packet will go much further than a civilian one – so when you leave the RAF you could have saved a lot.
Training with a difference 
Adventure and survival training develops vital military skills such as leadership, risk assessment, team spirit and working under pressure. So while your civvy mates are saving for two weeks on the Costa del Sol, you could be mountain climbing in France, honing your survival skills in Norway or swimming with sharks in South Africa… and getting paid to do it!
Get ahead in your career, every year
Join the RAF and you’ll be paid from the day you set foot on base to start your basic training. After just one year’s service, Airman/Airwomen will earn a salary of at least £16,650. For Officers and Non-Commissioned Aircrew entering service, salaries start at £28,200 a year. And because the RAF follows a structured pay scale set by the Ministry of Defence, you usually get a pay rise every year.
Get fit and stay fit, for free
Physical training is a massive part of RAF life, not to mention a great way to meet new people. Every station has free sports facilities, normally including a gym and regular fitness classes, and the RAF’s Physical Training Instructors are always on hand to offer training advice and tips.
RAF sports – join a winning team
Join one of the RAF’s many sports clubs and you could represent your base against other stations or play for the RAF against other Armed Forces (like footy matches against the Aussie Air Force). You could even take part in the Olympics! The RAF sponsors its most talented personnel to compete at the highest level, giving them time off to train and subsidising their travel, entry fees and equipment costs.
Get great discounts
There are loads of companies out there who want to show their appreciation for the Armed Forces. Once you’ve joined, you can register at forcesdiscounts-mod.co.uk for hundreds of exclusive discounts. You’ll also be eligible for an HM Forces Railcard. The card costs just £15 a year and can get you up to a third off standard rail fares across the country.
Live a lot, pay a little
There’s no need to worry about looking for a house or flat near your base, the RAF has accommodation you can pay for straight from your salary. For those living in single accommodation or the Mess, your rent includes all utility bills (except Council Tax). There’s also on-base catering, so you don’t even have to worry about the washing up!
Step inside RAF accommodation video
Work with cool equipment
While your civvy mates are figuring out how to use the latest MP3 player, you could be learning to throw grenades, fire SA80 assault rifles or fly Eurofighter Typhoon fast jets!
The RAF uses some of the most advanced technology in the world, from high-capability jets and heavy-duty helicopters to the latest radar and satellite systems. To complete missions successfully takes more than aircraft and Pilots – there’s a team of highly skilled people behind every aircraft that takes to the skies.
Make friends for life
Once you’ve spent a couple of nights in the field with your unit, you’ll start to understand the close bond that troops develop. The RAF’s camaraderie is second to none – you’ll live, work, learn and socialise with your mates, you’ll learn to trust them with your life and you’ll know that they trust you with theirs.
