AIR SUPPORT
AIR SUPPORT
DAY-TO-DAY WITH THE RAF
When a son , daughter or loved one is interested in joining the RAF full-time or spare-time , parents may wonder what to expect ...
LIFE AS A REGULAR
RAF Regulars are full-time personnel that can be posted in the UK and all over the world . Most Regulars work normal five-day weeks and have evenings and weekends to themselves . That said , they ’ re not nine-to-fivers ; they do what ’ s needed to get the job done , which could mean working round the clock , going on a mission at a moment ’ s notice , or transferring to a new location .
LIFE IN THE UK All RAF Regulars live on base during their initial training so they can get to know others and see what life in the RAF is like . This helps integrate them into the RAF community whether they choose to live on-base or off-base afterwards .
BASES The RAF has many bases across the UK . Each base has its own role , from frontline operations to training establishments . Most bases are like small , self-contained towns with shops , gyms , playing fields , crèches , post offices , cinemas , and even bowling alleys . Some are close to large cities while others are more remote because things like night flying need to be conducted in less populated areas .
ACCOMMODATION Recruits live in on-base accommodation during their initial training , 10 weeks for airmen / airwomen and 24 weeks for officers . This gives them the opportunity to get to know their new colleagues , work as a team and learn about the RAF . After training , RAF Regulars can live in the ‘ Mess ,’ commute from home , or rent nearby . On base the RAF provides subsidised accommodation and food , great leisure and sports facilities , and a real sense of community .
MORE INFORMATION
Our website will tell you a great deal about life in the RAF , but as a parent you ’ ll naturally want to be sure a family member is making the right decision . We ’ re here to answer any questions or concerns you may have .
FOR DETAILS ABOUT GETTING IN TOUCH VISIT WWW . RAF . MOD . UK / RECRUITMENT / CONTACT
FOOD There is good-quality subsidised food that caters for all dietary requirements , including religious and vegetarian preferences .
FRIENDS AND FAMILY Most RAF personnel work normal hours and have evenings and weekends free to spend with family and friends . If your family member is not on duty they can leave to visit you whenever they wish after initial training . They also get six weeks of paid holiday every year . It ’ s important for RAF personnel to have time to spend with their loved ones on a regular basis .
A recruit ’ s family members are also always welcome to visit the base .
SOCIAL LIFE RAF personnel develop a great deal of trust and confidence in each other because of how much they come to rely upon one another . These bonds extend beyond work , with plenty of opportunities to socialise with both new and old friends , on and off base .
RELIGION We do everything we can to cater to people ’ s personal requirements , including religion . Chaplains are on hand , along with other religious counsellors . Prayer facilities are usually
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