Joining the RAF
There are very many trades and branches within the RAF with different entry levels so something for most people. Find your full-time or spare-time role in the RAF.
To join the RAF you’ll need to meet certain criteria, like nationality, age, education and health. Some criteria apply to everyone joining the RAF; others only apply to specific roles. Eligibility check.
Recruitment centres (Armed Forces Careers Offices or AFCOs) are staffed with a friendly team who are ready to answer your questions and provide personal advice about which roles could suit you best.
A map and postcode locator are provided on the RAF Recruitment website to find your nearest AFCO.
RAF Recruitment have an official Twitter feed follow them at @RAF_Recruitment or on the Team's Facebook page.
RAF Halton provides the Basic Recruit Training Course (BTRC). All non-commissioned airmen and airwomen do their initial training here, including the RAF Reserve part 2 of their phase 1 training.
Some useful information for parents and guardians
Facebook group for parents and family members of Serving RAF personnel
Youth organisations
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is an educational partnership that operates in schools across the UK. Through enjoyable military themed and adventurous activities, cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility, develop skills such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance. CCF contingents contain one or more sections from the Army, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or the Royal Air Force, and promote the aims and values of the Services they represent.
If it's just the RAF you are interested in, the RAF Air Cadets is open to everyone between the age of 13 or 12 when beginning school year 8 (England & Wales), S2 (Scotland) Yr 9 (Northern Ireland) and 17 years old you can join us.
For those between 13 and 18 who are interested in a career in the RAF go to the Altitude Facebook page get an inside look, meet RAF people and be part of the conversation. There are organisations youngsters can join to give them a taste of what its like to wear (RAF) uniform.
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