Whatever your race, religion, social or cultural background, whether you’re male or female, gay or straight, you’ll find professional respect in the RAF and be welcomed for who you are and what you have to offer.

Jobs in the RAF are far more diverse than you’d find in a civilian organisation. Everyone knows we have pilots, of course, but there are more than 50 other careers. To fill those positions, we recruit from the widest range of people we can. We’re interested in people from all sorts of backgrounds.

We recruit hundreds of graduates every year, but we also have at least a dozen jobs you can apply for that only require minimal qualifications. What really counts is how much you want to be part of the RAF and whether you can rise to the challenge.

The Proud2Serve website offers more information and support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who are considering joining the RAF.

Equal opportunities

The RAF is an equal opportunities employer that recognises the value of an individual’s ability regardless of their gender, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, background, religion or belief, sexual orientation or marital status or civil partnership. The RAF believes that harnessing the talents and skills of individuals from different groups enhances operational effectiveness.

Am I eligible to join the RAF?

The majority of our roles are open to both men and women. (However, for reasons of combat effectiveness, the RAF Regiment is open to men only.) To join the RAF, you’ll need to meet our requirements for nationality and residency, age and fitness. Each job also has its own minimum academic and other requirements.

Remember, it’s up to you to check you're eligible before you apply for a role in the RAF. If you don't, your application may be refused further down the line.

The information in this section on the website will help you understand if you meet the criteria to join the RAF. Remember, your eligibility will be checked in full if you decide to make an application and in some instances, supporting evidence will be required (for example, education certificates).

If you are currently serving or have previous HM Forces Service

The application process is slightly different if you already have Service experience, either in the RAF or in another Service.

Serving personnel – applications for remuster

If you are currently serving in the RAF and want to remuster, you must apply through your chain of command. The request for remuster will be processed locally by your unit HR department/Personnel Services Flight (PSF).

Bear in mind that your application to remuster will be considered against the workforce requirements in the trade you’re interested in, and if there are no vacancies, your request may not be successful.

Serving personnel – inter-Service transfer applications

If you are currently serving in the Army, Royal Navy or the Royal Marines and you want to transfer to the RAF, you must apply on the appropriate Army/Navy form through your chain of command. The request for transfer will be processed locally by your unit HR department and then by your service’s Personnel Headquarters. If authorised by your HQ, your transfer application will then be forwarded to the RAF for consideration.

Candidates with previous HM Forces service

If you have previous HM Forces service, you should apply in the normal manner through the RAF Careers Information Line. However, you must ensure you are in possession of your discharge documents, as your AFCO will need them in order to seek endorsement of your RAF application from ACOS Manning (RAF).