The Student Room Group

RAF Minimum Length of Service and Other Questions ....

Hi all.

First time poster here! I've found this forum to be incredibly useful and a good information resource in my quest to become an Officer in the Armed Forces. I just had a couple of questions which I would appreciate it if those of you in the know could help shed some light on for me...

Basically, I've always known that I wanted to join one of the Forces as an Officer. Until relatively recently I always saw myself joining the Army, however after reading the literature a career in the RAF now appeals more.

I was just wondering, the RAF website details that the minimum you can sign up for is 6 years. Ok, now my question... Is it possible to leave the RAF before this 6 year point, and also, does the 6 years begin from the date you complete your initial training? So, basically, would it be possible to say leave the RAF, without penalty, 4 or 5 years into a SSC?

I have trawled the internet looking for answer and haven't been able to find one! And if it matters, I was looking at possibly going into the RAF as an Intelligence Officer.

All thoughts welcome!

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Reply 1
There will be a penalty. No way to avoid that.
Reply 2
Ok, thanks for the quick reply. By the way, what's PVR which I have heard being mentioned?
Reply 3
Thats a method of leaving. PreVoluntary Release [from your term of service]. Always results in some form of penalty, whether in term of pension or such things, IIRC.

Time in is counted from first day of training, from memory, so your 6 yr SSC would include your 30wk IOT, and 22wk IntO training.
Reply 4
Actually I don't think you are committed to stay until you finish your Phase II training. I'm pretty sure you can drop out at any point until you actually get CR/ Frontline.
Why do you think you might only serve 5 years from 6? Also - most people on Short Service Commissions find they want to do longer - and 6 years goes past VERY quickly.
Reply 6
Could anyone explain how leaving the RAF works if you are on a permanent commision? I have put down for a permanent, and as I understand you can still leave at any point during this time, however you may have to wait 1 / 2 years after applying to leave. Is this true?

What are the penalties that go with this? losing your pension etc? It's not something I'm considering, but I'd just like a little more detail if anyone could help?
First thing carboncopy it would effect your pension. As I was told, at the end of your 18 years or 40 years (whichever relevant to you), you get a lump sum of money and then a good pension. However, with Short Service, you wouldn't get those benefits, apart from something when you are 60 and I guess this is just a state pension.

So for what I understand, and was told, if you leave the forces before completing your full service, lots of your benefits will effect you.

However, I am not yet sure what happens if you become medically unfit and discharged, can't seem to find relevant information anywhere at all.
carboncopy
Could anyone explain how leaving the RAF works if you are on a permanent commision? I have put down for a permanent, and as I understand you can still leave at any point during this time, however you may have to wait 1 / 2 years after applying to leave. Is this true?

What are the penalties that go with this? losing your pension etc? It's not something I'm considering, but I'd just like a little more detail if anyone could help?


You have to request a PVR. You pension will be kyboshed - no point in saying how, because the situation will change before it becomes a deal for you, but it is a serious consideration for those wondering about a PVR. The waiting time depends on the manning situation in your branch and at your rank and also if you have a confirmed job offer in civvie street, in which case it can (but may not be) expedited. Most waits at the moment are 6-12 months, but again, it will all change as and when. Basically, like breaking any contract, it is possible but it comes with financial penalties.

I'm not sure if, under the new 18/40 PC you get an option at 12 years - if so, then you simply get a letter a few months before your 12 year point saying do you want to go? You tick yes or no and act accordingly.
newboyintown


However, I am not yet sure what happens if you become medically unfit and discharged, can't seem to find relevant information anywhere at all.


If you get a medical discharge ie you are no longer fit for mil service then you don't lose any of your pension rights etc and you usually qualify for an immediately payable disability pension if it is a more severe disability. This disability pension may not be much, because what counts as making you unfit for military service may not actually be much of a disability in civvie street. It gets complicated, and really is something you can only look into in detail if/when it happens. The conditions of service/pension changed in April 2006 and will quite likely change again as current operations mean that more service personnel are disabled.
Reply 11
newboyintown
First thing carboncopy it would effect your pension. As I was told, at the end of your 18 years or 40 years (whichever relevant to you), you get a lump sum of money and then a good pension. However, with Short Service, you wouldn't get those benefits, apart from something when you are 60 and I guess this is just a state pension.

So for what I understand, and was told, if you leave the forces before completing your full service, lots of your benefits will effect you.

However, I am not yet sure what happens if you become medically unfit and discharged, can't seem to find relevant information anywhere at all.


Sounds more like the the old pension scheme (from what I can remember of it). I was sure that with the 05 scheme (though I'm not sure if this relates to both commissioned and non-commissioned) you don't actually start recieving your pension as soon as you leave (as with the old scheme), but when you turn whatever age.

Don't know about the SSC pesnion scheme -it doesn't affect me- but I doubt it'll be a state pension, but something about having time served?

OP: it's very wise to look into the pension scheme if you're interested, but it's too hard to get a definitive answer because everything changes so bloody often. Best try not to get too bogged down by it and accept that it's decent enough, even if it's not as good as the lads and lasses who were lucky enough to join (and not PVR ) in the old scheme.

-djmm :smile:
Thanks very much for those responses, that info has helped a great deal!
Hi,
I'm sure this has been asked allot.I have always been interested in nursing plus also travelling. As I was searching for options the RAF stood out to me, how ever it does not go in to much detail.

I'm 30 so not sure if that would go against me,have no kids or commitment.

Are any Religious discrimination as my parents are Muslims but I don't practise, rather nervous about this one with all the bad media at the moment.

What is meant by Minimum of 4 years service?does it include the date you started training till the date finish nursing?

Where do they usually deploy you? Does not have to be accurate its just so I know more really and what places. Like for example would you be deployed to active war places etc.

Once you leave is your nursing degree valid to work in hospitals..

Finally would it be better to study nursing in local universities rather than going through RAF ?

Just want some honest answers please
Reply 14
Zayzay

First of all can I wish you the very best of luck with your ambitions - I'm sure you'd be a real asset to the RAF. I can answer your questions to the best of my ability - I am ex RAF but have no medical expertise, therefore all I can do is interpret what is on the Student Nurse role page.

a. I'm 30 so not sure if that would go against me,have no kids or commitment.
You must have started recruit training by age 33

b. Are any Religious discrimination as my parents are Muslims but I don't practise, rather nervous about this one with all the bad media at the moment
UK legislation specifically outlaws discrimination for many characteristics including religion - this is NOT, repeat NOT a factor you should worry about. As long as you meet the stated requirements, including nationality and residency criteria, then you're good to apply

c. What is meant by Minimum of 4 years service?does it include the date you started training till the date finish nursing?
The role page specifies that the min 4 years return of service starts AFTER you complete your nursing degree, so you will have to do the 10 weeks RTS, 3 year Uni course and 4 years min

d. Where do they usually deploy you? Does not have to be accurate its just so I know more really and what places. Like for example would you be deployed to active war places etc.
Once you graduate and become an Adult Nurse, then yes, you could be deployed overseas. You would have suitable training to prepare you for this. Locations are likely to be permanent bases such as Cyprus / Falklands or perhaps NATO facilities in Europe. An RAF Nurse friend of mine (Flight Sgt) has spent time in a number of UK bases in Scotland and England, also Germany and at the Camp Bastion hospital in Afghanistan. She did not go outside the wire - bear in mind this was when there was a large UK presence in theatre. I can't currently visualise a situation where there will be a similar UK ground force in any conflict zone - but that doesn't mean there won't be in the future

e. Once you leave is your nursing degree valid to work in hospitals
Yes, you would be fully qualified to work as a Nurse in UK hospitals

f. Finally would it be better to study nursing in local universities rather than going through RAF ?
That is up to you, but not many Uni students get paid to study AND get a salary - the quid pro quo is you'll have a 4 year return of service commitment to the RAF; but if you want to be qualified, do travel and make lifelong friends as well as having sporting and social opportunities that your civvy peers will envy, then, to my mind, it's a no brainer!

Seriously though Zay, there aren't many people here on TSR who can answer all the questions you would rightly have. Why not get yourself down to your nearest AFCO and arrange a visit to an RAF medical facility where you can see Nurses at work, but more importantly, speak to a cross section of both Commissioned and Non-Commissioned staff to get an idea of what the life is really like.

Finally, I can't emphasize enough that your colour, gender, religion or any other protected characteristic is NOT an issue in applying to the RAF. If it was, they would be breaking the law.

Go for it, and best wishes.
(edited 9 years ago)
Thank you very much Ikaruss for answering.. at least I have some answers to my questions and also helps me understand how it all works.

I don't mind the 4 years return service as it would help with experience and travel I guess.

Im only nervous regarding religion as many see RAF, Army,Navy in a more political and patriotic way and would rather not put myself in that situation.... apart from that nothing els really bothers me...

Once again, thank you
Reply 16
Original post by Zayzay112
Thank you very much Ikaruss for answering.. at least I have some answers to my questions and also helps me understand how it all works.

I don't mind the 4 years return service as it would help with experience and travel I guess.

Im only nervous regarding religion as many see RAF, Army,Navy in a more political and patriotic way and would rather not put myself in that situation.... apart from that nothing els really bothers me...

Once again, thank you


Hi Zay, no problem. I understand your concerns, especially at this very sensitive time. I'm sure religion would have no bearing on you within the RAF - quite the opposite actually, I think your application would be particularly welcomed - and yes, I get the distinction you make about being a practising Muslim or not. How it would be viewed by friends and family is something that you would have to come to terms with and try to allay fears. This is one of the big problems in trying to get full integration of all sections of our society - and it'll take brave people like yourself, to break the cycle. If it's any help, I know quite a few Muslim girls who have successfully forged careers in a field not traditionally associated with their religion - they are brilliant at what they do, no distinction is made between them and anyone else, and more importantly, their family and friends are fully supportive. One day, prejudicial barriers will be broken, the sooner the better, so have courage and get that application in!
Hi Ikaruss,
There's discrimination in every sector, cultur, religion and country but at theses sensitive times I have to be realistic. My family and friends are very accepting regarding what I choose to do in life weather it be career wise or weather I choose to practise Islam or not is not an issue in the slightest. How ever I guess my concerns where regarding others in society weather it will offend them, me wearing uniform even though I only want to study and work as nurse ?
As you said hope one day the barrier is no longer there and broken, as I have never once had to think about these concerns or even effected me in anyway ....
Thank you and I will.. it will be my mission for the week.
Reply 18
Ikaruss, don't suppose you can maybe answer some of my questions too...

I'm 31 and in a long term relationship. We just bought a house in Aberdeenshire. However my business isn't going great and the one thing I've always wanted to do is air traffic control. I'm already in the Naval Reserve and a colleague suggested RAF ATC. I've called and chatted to the AFCO and am going to the local base to meet the ATCs on Tuesday.

Basically they've told me I'm *almost* guaranteed to get stationed near home. But I'm aware that the nature of military life can't guarantee anything.

How likely is it that I can choose where I work? I don't know if my ATC training will carry over to civilian life or not?

My head says take the job but my heart says I don't want to risk losing my amazing new house and being away from my boyfriend for huge periods of time

Dilemma!!
(edited 9 years ago)
have a look at the bases where the RAF fly aircraft from.
Have a look at how many are near Aberdeenshire.
The odds are NOT in your favour.