Joining the RAF entitles you to a highly competitive benefits package that includes everything from bonuses to a gym membership and discounts for you and your partner.
Throughout your career you will be offered outstanding development opportunities to take your degree or Masters further, be it through an MBA or specialised degree or Masters for a specific role. This is complemented by the RAF encouraging all Engineer Officers to become Professionally Accredited and through close engagement with the 4x Professional Bodies including IMechE, IET, RAeS and BCS the RAF offer an accelerated route to gaining Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and following promotion to Squadron Leader Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, including paying all fees.
For those who demonstrate potential to make a real contribution to the RAF, our financial support could start early through competitive sponsorships and scholarships that help you achieve your education goals before entering the RAF.
Rent for those living in single barrack accommodation, also known as a Mess, includes all utility bills. A furnished two-bedroom property for an officer is between £114 and £453 per month, and between £75 and £242 per month for other ranks. Alternative accommodation on and off base is also available at lower rental costs than the UK average. Together with subsidised on-base catering (around £38 per week for three good quality meals a day), this helps increase your disposable income.
RAF personnel are entitled to six weeks of paid holiday each year, plus public holidays.
As a member of the RAF you’ll have the opportunity to take part in adventurous training to develop vital military skills. This means you could be mountain climbing in France or swimming with sharks in South Africa and be getting paid while you’re doing it.
You’ll also have the opportunity to join one of the RAF’s many sports clubs and even go all the way to the Olympics. We sponsor talented personnel to compete at the highest level, provide time off for training and subsidise travel, entry fees and equipment costs. We do the same for personnel who are competing or representing the RAF in authorised sporting events.
Every base has free sports facilities, normally including a gym and regular fitness classes. The RAF’s physical training instructors are also available to offer training advice and tips for staying fit.
RAF personnel have excellent private healthcare and dental care. Not only is this a free service, but it’s readily available at a moment’s notice. Specialists are always around to provide the care and treatment you need. Whether you’re feeling unwell, have a toothache, or get injured playing sports, our high standard care ensures you get well quickly.
The RAF will cover your relocation costs.
The RAF maintains an active overseas presence, with bases in Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and Ascension Island. If you’re posted abroad, the RAF will cover your relocation costs. On operation, we’ll also cover your accommodation costs, food costs and you may also qualify for additional allowance.
All members of the RAF and their partners are entitled to a range of discounts through Defence Discount Service. You will also be able to buy an HMF Railcard for £15 a year and get up to a third off standard rail fares across the country.
The RAF is committed to helping its personnel with retirement. The size of your pension will depend on your length of service and rank on retirement.
Servicewomen have two basic maternity options in the RAF: return to work after a period of maternity leave or leave the RAF due to the pregnancy. Generally, servicewomen qualify for up to 26 weeks of statutory maternity pay. They may also qualify for additional maternity entitlements.
Servicemen are also entitled to a two week paternity leave.
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