Tell me about it
In the Royal Air Force (RAF) the title airman/woman covers around 45 different jobs, all aimed at keeping the RAF running efficiently. Some of these, such as weapons systems operator or air loadmaster, involve flying as non-commissioned aircrew; others, including chef, nurse and technician are ground-based and come under the general heading of ground support staff. Given that the main role of the RAF is to defend the UK and its interests, airmen/women have military duties too, such as guarding RAF stations and taking part in military exercises and training.

As a weapons systems operator (acoustic and electronic warfare), you would fly in surveillance aircraft, using radar and sonar to search for ships above and below the oceans. As a weapons systems operator (linguist), you would monitor and operate the sophisticated electronic observation equipment. As an air loadmaster, you would be responsible for whatever the aircraft is carrying, from troops and fuel to heavy weaponry and explosives.

Ground support staff occupations include aerospace systems operators, air cartographers, aircraft engineering technicians, assistant air traffic controllers, chefs and mess managers/stewards, firefighters, flight operations assistants, intelligence analysts, medical assistants, musicians, nurses (in the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service), personnel administrators, physical training instructors and the RAF police.

RAF Regiment gunners defend RAF airfields and other installations from ground and low-level air attack.

All trades, except RAF Regiment gunner, are open to women.

Entry level
No formal qualifications are needed for most jobs but you must pass the RAF aptitude tests. Some trades require GCSE/S grade passes (A-C/1-3) or equivalent. Entry is between 16 and 29 years.

You must also pass medical and eyesight tests and meet RAF nationality and residence requirements. Aircrew have to pass a swimming test before they can start flying training.

Making the grade
Most new entrants complete a seven-week training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, followed by specialist trade training lasting from three weeks to three years, depending on the trade. Training usually involves working towards nationally recognised qualifications.

Different training arrangements are made for aircrew and RAF Regiment gunners. Weapons systems operators and air loadmasters, for example, take a 12-week basic training course at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, followed by a seven-week leadership training programme. After that comes training specific to their specialisation.

Personal qualities
As an airman/woman, you must be able to work as part of a team, living and working closely with other people. You will have to follow orders much of the time but you must also be capable of using your initiative to make decisions and react quickly while remaining calm under pressure. You must be willing to accept responsibility and able to supervise others.

You must have good practical and technical skills, together with a high level of physical fitness.

Each specialism then has its own particular requirements. You would need, for example, good diagnostic and problem-solving skills to work as a technician; on the other hand, a methodical approach to analysing information would be essential if you train as an intelligence analyst.

Looking ahead
The usual terms of service mean a regular engagement for nine years. You may be able to re-engage to complete 22 years' service, or continue up to the age of 55. If you enlist before the age of 17 years 6 months, you can leave on a free discharge during the first six months of service, but only after completing at least 28 days' training.
You can also give notice to leave following the completion of three years' service after training. Non-commissioned aircrew enlist for 12 years in the first instance.

Promotion above the rank of senior aircraftman/aircraftwoman is based on merit. Airmen/women who are eligible can apply to become commissioned officers.

Alternative suggestions
You may wish to consider opportunities in the other armed services - the Army and the Royal Navy - or in uniformed emergency services such as the police or fire service. If your main aim is to qualify in a particular craft or trade, you may prefer to explore training routes in a non-military environment. With the right starting qualifications, you could also consider officer-level entry to the armed services.

Take-home pay
New entrants earn around £10,800. Leading senior airmen/women and junior technicians earn between £13,500 and £23,000. Warrant officers/master aircrew, the highest non-commissioned ranks, earn up to £37,000.

Qualified non-commissioned aircrew receive flying pay and may be entitled to certain bonuses.

Effects
You may be able to work a normal five-day week, with weekends off. However, duties can include shifts, weekends and public holidays, and you may be on call 24 hours a day if required.

Sources of information
RAF Careers: www.rafcareers.com

CRCI: U