RAF airman or airwoman
Use specialist skills for a crucial support role in the Royal Air Force.
About the job
What it's like
You could work in one of the many support roles in the Royal Air Force. You’d use specialist skills to carry out crucial tasks, mostly on the ground.
There is a wide range of areas in which you could work:
Aircrew – which includes non-commissioned aircrew and weapon systems operators
Engineering and technical – including roles like aircraft technician
Catering and hospitality – which includes roles such as catering officer
Security and defence – with jobs in firefighting and the RAF police
Medical and medical support – dental, nursing, medical and laboratory roles
Personnel support – including administration, bands, and training
Air operations support – for example air traffic controllers
Communications and intelligence – such as photographers and intelligence analysts
Logistics and equipment – which includes drivers and supply officers
While your exact role would vary according to your specialist skill or trade, you would also carry out military tasks like guard duties and take part in military exercises and training.
Royal Air Force airmen and airwomen make up the largest number of RAF personnel.
Hours
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, over a five-day week, although you are likely to be on-call at all times. When you are on exercises or involved in operations, your hours may be longer and more irregular.
Environment
You might have duties and exercises both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Travel
You would be posted to RAF bases in the UK or overseas. You may also go on detachments and exercises anywhere in the world. When on detachment, you could be away from your family for several months at a time.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- building relationships
- cooperating
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- reading
- taking initiative
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services
To apply to the RAF you'll need a minimum of five National 5 qualifications (SCQF Level 5) including English and maths.
For more specialised roles, you'll need three Highers at grade C or a degree (SCQF Level 9/10).
The RAF recruitment website has qualification requirements for each role.
Qualifications that show understanding of the armed services, physical and mental fitness and commitment to your community such as:
Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4)
SQA Leadership Award (SCQF level 5/6)
Cadet Organisation or other Youth Awards
You will need to research individual roles to find out the specific entry requirements but you will need to meet fitness, health, nationality and residency criteria for all roles.
To meet RAF nationality requirements, you need to be one of the following:
British citizen
British national
British/Dual national
Commonwealth citizen
Irish Republic national
You should have been a UK Resident for a minimum of five years immediately preceding application, and have spent no more than 28 days per year outside the UK within those five years. UK residents of less than five years or those who have spent more than 28 days per year outside the UK will require more eligibility checks.
Age requirements vary depending on which role you choose.
The youngest age for applying is 15 years and nine months for an Airman. The oldest is 55 years for a Medical Officer. If you’re under 18 years of age, you’ll need consent from a parent or guardian before you apply.
Every candidate undergoes two or three separate fitness tests as part of the application process: Selection Fitness Test, Pre-joining Fitness Test or Pre-recruit Training Course. The fitness requirements for these tests vary according to your role, age and gender.
There are three main health requirements that must be met by all applicants:
Body Mass Index requirements
Eyesight requirements - they vary for different roles.
Medical conditions - there are some medical conditions that may stop you from entering the RAF. Check the website for details.
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