What are the regulations on leaving the RAF early?

I'm not implying that at all. What I'm saying is why is it that in many circumstances those who messed around and didn't try hard at school are so often easily accepted into the armed forces without a single qualification prior to getting in? I know of three examples of students from my former school, who all left with mostly U grades etc. but still got accepted into the army and other forces pretty much without a problem.

Generally speaking it seems like on a whole the armed forces only want to make allowances or waivers on your qualifications if you come from an unfortunate or deprived background, but if you come from a decent family background they dont really want to help much at all. I still really do love the RAF though and I've been having private flying lessons for about 8 months now. A pilot even just holding a PPL, instead of military would be the ultimate dream for me one day though.

You need to be careful of that chip on your shoulder.

If they got in they'll have either had at least the minimum requirements for that role - and remember those are different for every role, some literally have no minimum requirements - or they'll have gone out and got the minimum requirements.

Nobody makes it in without having what is needed or a recognised equivalent.

Hi Alex.

There are some things in life for which there are no shortcuts and the only way you will achieve it is to simply suffer through the required slog.

If you *really* want a career in the RAF then you will go and get your Maths GCSE. Now that you've got your degree, and if it was as involved with Maths as you are implying, you shouldn't have any issues with taking the GCSE exams. Having said that, now that you're older and have some excellent motivation to study and work at the Maths it should also be a bit easier to get that pass.

Again, I really do apologise if it sounded snobbish and Thanks for clarifying about the entry requirements stuff.

I've been lurking on these forums for a while now and I don't think I've ever read a reply from Drewski which isn't insulting to the person he's responding too. As he clearly doesn't know the answer to your question and instead resorted to insulting rather than just not replying, allow me to give you as detailed as answer as I can:

If it is your first enlistment into the Royal Air Force you have the right to claim your discharge, with no subsequent reserve liability (although still be liable to recall), you will be able to claim your discharge by giving 14 days notice to your commanding officer and then subsequently required to complete 28 days of service. This can be done at any time during the first 6 months of your enlistment or up to your 18th birthday, whichever comes first.

If after this point you still want to leave, it does become a bit more difficult, especially if you have completed your basic professional training. If you have completed this, you have no legal right to end your service and it will only be agreed that you can discharge if it is certain that it is the best thing for both parties. However, it is likely your request to be discharged will be refused and at this point you must complete at least 3 years of air force service from the end of your basic training. Further to this, if you do any addition training which attracts a "return of service", the restriction will be that you must complete this after completion of that course or assignment in question.

To summarise, you can voluntary discharge yourself from the Royal Air Force at any time during the first 6 months of service although you must wait at least 14 days to request a discharge in writing and then must serve another 14 days totalling 28 (Maths) before you can leave. If you complete your basic professional training, it is then a whole world of trouble if you then decide the RAF isn't for you. It's almost certain you would have to serve 3 years. Looking at the big picture, 3 years is a good amount of time for you to say that you have given it time and a decent crack of the whip.

Hope that helps.

Does this mean you cant leave the RAF after you've finished your apprenticeship? If your apprenticeship lasts 3 years do you have to serve an additional 3 years to be able to leave?

You have to serve for whatever period of time you sign up for. So if you sign up for a 6 year engagement, yes, you have to serve 6 years. If you fail your training, or if you get a disqualifying health condition you can leave, but you can't just decide you don't fancy it, once the taxpayer has funded your training.

The bleakest, greyest, wettest postings around the world are full of people who just didn't fancy it any more

I would like to know would a family member have to pay for a serving personal to come home on r

I would like to know would a family member have to pay for a serving personal to come home on r

Hi

Can we help answer your question? What is the full question?

Kind regards
Adam
RAF Recruitment