officer commissioning and terms of service

Officer Commissioning andTerms of Service

Air Publication 3393Volume 1Edition 21December 2018

AP 3393 Vol 1 i Edition 21

Impact Assessment Statement

In accordance with MOD procedures, this AP has been equality assessed and a MOD Equality Analysis Template has been completed. This AP will be reviewed in Apr 19.

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AP 3393 Vol 1 ii Edition 21

Contents

Abbreviations

Introduction

Chapter 1 Officer Entry Requirements Section 1 – Conditions of Entry Section 2 – Types of Commission Section 3 – Methods of Commissioning

Chapter 2 Entry Schemes Section 1 – Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS) Section 2 – ICS Minimum Qualifications Section 3 – Warrant Officer Commissioning Schemes Section 4 – CWO – Affiliated Employment Categories, Trades and Branches Section 5 – Branch Officer Commissions (prior to 1 Apr 02) Section 6 – RAF Bursaries Section 7 – Medical Cadetships

Chapter 3 Functional and Specialist Branches Section 1 – Branch Overview Section 2 – Functional Branches – Entry Requirements & Progression Section 3 – Specialist Branches – Entry Requirements & Progression Section 4 – Terms of Service of the RAF Medical Services

Chapter 4 Training Section 1 – Terms of Service Whilst Under Phase 1 Training Section 2 – Enlistment of Officer Cadets (Airman) and Commissioning of Officer

Cadets (Officer) Section 3 – Disposal of Non-productive and Pre-productive Officers Section 4 – Training Return of Service

Chapter 5 Rank, Seniority and Promotion Section 1 – Rank and Seniority on Appointment to a Commission in the Functional Branches and Promotion to Flt Lt – For those who Enter Service on or after 1 Apr 13Section 2 – Standard Time Progression to Flt Lt in the Functional Branches Section 3 – Accelerated Promotion - Legacy Section 4 – Effect of Previous Service on Rank and Seniority on Appointment in Respect of Re-Joiners and Transferees Section 5 – Promotion Section 6 – Acting Rank

Chapter 6 Terms of Service Changes Section 1 – Variation of Commission and Transfer Between Branches Section 2 – Extensions and Further Service Section 3 – Return of Service (including Amortisation of Command Appointments) Section 4 – Professional Aviator Spine Section 5 – Specialist Aircrew – Reserved Rights Section 6 – Disposal of Productive Officers who are Permanently Withdrawn from their Duties Section 7 – Chaplains Branch Prior to Jun 01

AP 3393 Vol 1 iii Edition 21

Chapter 7 Exits Section 1 – Exit from Service – General Section 2 – Release/Disposal Authorities and Terms of Service Implications Section 3 – Normal Release from Service Section 4 – Premature Compulsory Release Section 5 – Medical Review and Exits Section 6 – Early Termination

AP 3393 Vol 1 iv Edition 21

Abbreviations

ACSC Advanced Command and Staff Course MOD Ministry of Defence

AEng Air Engineer MOL Merit Order List

AEO Air Electronics Officer MS Mainstream

AFPS 75/05/15

Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975/2005/2015

MSO Medical Support Officer

AO Air Operations MWT Minimum Waiting Time

AS Aerosystems Nav Navigator

AST Advanced Staff Training NCA Non-Commissioned Aircrew

BO Branch Officer NCC Non-Commissioned Control(ler)

CE Communications - Electronics NERP New Entrant Rates of Pay

CFS Central Flying School NRD Normal Retirement Date

CID Certificate of Identity OACTU Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit

Cmn Crewman OASC Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre

CS Career Stream OC(A)/OC(O) Officer Cadet (Airman)/(Officer)

CTOS Common Terms of Service OCU Operational Conversion Unit

CWO Commissioned Warrant Officer OEP Optional Exit Point

DIN Defence Instruction and Notice ORD Optional Retirement Date

DLS Directorate of Legal Services PAS Professional Aviator Spine

DOM Director of Music PC Permanent Commission

DTUS Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

PMD(A) Professional Military Development (Air)

EED Engagement Expiry Date PMRAFNS Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing ServiceEDP Early Departure Payment Prov Provost Branch

EDPC Early Departure Payment Commission PVR Premature Voluntary Release

ES Executive Stream QFI / QHI Qualified Flying / Helicopter Instructor

ET Early Termination (Premature Voluntary Release )

R&S Recruitment & Selection

Fg Flying RAFFT RAF Fitness Test

FRI Financial Retention Incentive RAFR RAF Reserve

IC Initial Commission RAFVR RAF Volunteer Reserve

ICS Internal Commissioning Scheme RAuxAF Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Int Intelligence Regt Regiment

IOTC Initial Officer Training RoS Return of Service

IPP Immediate Pension Point RPAS(P) Remotely Piloted Air Systems (Pilot)IRD Initial Retirement Date SA Specialist Aircrew

ICSC (A) Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Air) SFT Selection Fitness Test

JMES Joint Medical Employment Standard SOITC Specialist Officers Initial Training Course

JOCC / JODP Junior Officers Command Course / Development Period

SSC Short Service Commission

JROC Junior Regiment Officer Course STRC Short Term Regular Commission

JSP Joint Services Publication TACCO Tactical Co-ordinator

KSE Knowledge Skills and Experience TOS Terms of Service

L Linguist TCOS Terms and Conditions of Service

LOS Length of Service UAS University Air Squadron

MB Medical Board VW Voluntary Withdrawal

MEOS Mandated End of Service WSO Weapon Systems Officer

AP 3393 Vol 1 v Edition 21

Introduction

1. Air Publication (AP) 3393 Volume 1 is made by the Defence Council under the powers conferred by section 2(3) of the Air Force (Constitution) Act 1917 and has the status of ‘General Regulations’ which are laid before Parliament. The functions conferred on the Air Council by the Air Force (Constitution) Act 1917 were transferred to the Defence Council by virtue of section 1(3) of the Defence (Transfer of Functions) Act 1964. The AP is owned and published by RAF Employment Policy and details the Terms of Service (ToS) for officers serving as members of the regular RAF. This AP does not apply to members of the Reserve Forces, whose ToS are published separately in AP 3392 Vol 7. RAF Recruiting and Selection (R&S) in consultation with Branch and Specialization Advisors are responsible for the content of the relevant sections of Chapter 3. Any other suggestions for amendments are to be sent to SO3 RAF Employment Policy, Hurricane Block, HQ Air Cmd, RAF High Wycombe, HP14 4UE.

2. The Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act 2018 made provisions for members of the regular forces to serve part-time or subject to geographic restrictions. The Armed Forces (Terms of Service) (Amendments Relating to Flexible Working) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1166) amended the Royal Air Force Terms of Service Regulations 2007 to provide for Flexible Service (FS) within the RAF. The SI provides the legal basis for service on FS terms, including the eligibility criteria and limitations for airmen of the RAF. JSP 750 (Centrally Determined Terms of Service) sets out the policy and guidance relating to FS. The Conditions of Service (pay, pension/EDP etc) for SP participating in FS will be affected and personnel considering an FS arrangement are strongly recommended to read the guidance contained in the JSP.

Major Changes for Edition 21

3. A revised introduction to the AP has been included to make reference to the provisions of FS. Minor ammendments have also been made in the remainder of the AP to highlight specific aspects of ToS that are/are not affected by a FS arrangement, such as the definition of reckonable service and clarifying that time to promotion eligibility is measured in calendar years (ie including the time on FS part-time working arrangements). Further information on FS can be found in JSP 750.

4. A number of minor changes have been made and include:

a. Specialist Entrant & Re-Entrant (SERE) Course. Changes have been made throughout the AP to reflect the renaming of the SERE course to the Specialist Officer Initial Training Course (SOITC).

b. Engineering Branch Entry Requirements. Adjustments to the Engineering Branch’s prerequisite entry qualifications have been made to reflect the broader spectrum of training available to potential applicants.

c. Upper Age Limits. The upper age limits for recruitment have been revised at Chapter 3 Section 2 to reflect the broadening of recruitment for a number of branches.

d. Flying Branch Sub-Branches. A revision to the names of the flying branch’s sub-branches and specializations has taken place at Chapter 3, Section 2, in accordance with the associated announcement via IBN 41/18.

AP 3393 Vol 1 vi Edition 21

e. Re-Joiners Rank. Detail has been added to clarify the point at which personnel who undertake the Transferees and Re-joiners Course (TARC) are appointed to their rank at Chapter 5, Section 4, Paragraph 5421.

f. Optional Exit Point (OEP). Clairty has been added regarding the policy for deferment of the 12 year OEP in Chapter 7, Section 3, Paragraph 7311.

g. Command Return of Service. References to the command and promotion return of service have been removed from Chapters 5 and 7, to reflect that decision announced in IBN40/18, whilst adding the accompanying detail for accessing resettlement activity post-command appointment at Paragraph 7106.

AP 3393 Vol 1 1-1 Edition 21

CHAPTER 1

OFFICER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

CONTENTS

Section 1 Conditions of Entry

Section 2 Types of Commission

Section 3 Methods of Entry

AP 3393 Vol 1 1-1-1 Edition 21

CHAPTER 1

SECTION 1

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

Nationality and Residence Requirements

1101. Candidates for entry into the RAF must satisfy the Service authorities that at the time of their application they are a British citizen, a Commonwealth1 citizen or citizen of the Republic of Ireland.

1102. Certain branches and roles are restricted by security requirements to British-only citizens. In these cases, Commonwealth or Irish citizenship, even if held as a dual nationality with British citizenship, will preclude employment. Employment in some branches may be permitted subject to naturalization as a British citizen, although retention of dual nationality will result in certain roles being unavailable. Further information is available from RAF Recruiting staffs.

1103. A citizen of the Republic of Ireland is eligible under the nationality rules for entry into the RAF. However, Irish nationals who apply to join the RAF will be required to apply for naturalisation as a British citizen in order to qualify for the issue of a British passport. In cases where the candidate is not eligible for naturalisation, a Certificate of Identity (CID) will need to be issued. Naturalisation as a British citizen, or issue of a CID, will not entail loss of Irish citizenship.

1104. In accordance with the rules contained within the Defence Manual of Security JSP 440, Candidates, whether or not they are of United Kingdom origin, should normally have resided in the United Kingdom for a minimum of 5 years immediately preceding their application. In certain circumstances, particularly where the applicant is of United Kingdom origin, a shorter period may be accepted and a waiver of part of the residence requirement may be granted provided satisfactory enquiries can be made in the applicant's country of residence.

Medical and Fitness Standards

1105. Candidates must meet the required medical standards as determined by a RAF Medical Board and prove their physical fitness to the standards of the Selection Fitness Test (SFT) during selection at OASC. Successful candidates will be required to prove their physical fitness to this level once more during the Familiarisation Course at RAFC Cranwell some weeks prior to starting at OACTU. Officer Commanding No 1 Elementary Flying Training School is responsible for ensuring that all personnel progressing to OACTU from a University Air Squadron (UAS) have passed the RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT) within the preceding 6 months and remain fit before commencing officer training. UAS personnel are also required to undertake the fitness test during their Familiarisation Visit before starting at OACTU.

1106. Some branches impose additional medical criteria; see Chapter 3, Sections 2 and 3 for full details.

1 The term Commonwealth citizen includes: a British Overseas Territories citizen; a British National overseas; a British subject under the British Nationality Act 1981; and citizens of an independent Commonwealth country. As a general rule, when a country's membership of the Commonwealth is suspended, its citizens remain eligible to join the RAF. Also, when a country whose membership has been suspended or terminated in the past is re-admitted, the period of time spent outside of the Commonwealth is still recognised as Commonwealth residence and candidates born during that period are recognised as Commonwealth citizens.


Age Limits

1107. The minimum age for entry into commissioned service is 17½ years (age as at day 1 of Phase 1 training), except where otherwise specified. For branch specific minimum and maximum age limits see the relevant sections in Chapter 3 Section 2 for details.

1108. Candidates must enter full time service training before the upper age limit is reached. It may be possible, in exceptional circumstances and depending on the needs of the Service, for Recruitment and Selection in consultation with Branch Advisors to waive the upper age limit.

Basic Educational Qualifications

1109. Candidates for commissioned service in the RAF, except candidates for the Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS) and the Warrant Officer Commissioning Schemes (see Chapter 2), are normally required to hold the following minimum educational qualifications, or qualifications considered by the MOD to be of equal value:

a. For all Functional Branches a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17), or higher, in Mathematics, English Language and 3 other acceptable subjects or equivalent (see paragraph 1110). However, where a candidate holds a UK degree at grade 2:2 or higher or an acceptable alternative, the GCSE requirement (or equivalent) is reduced to that of English Language and Mathematics only.

and,

b. Two passes at General Certificate of Education (GCE) A2 Level at Grade C or higher, or equivalent qualifications (see paragraph 1110). The General Studies and Critical Thinking papers are specifically excluded. However, where a candidate holds a UK degree at grade 2:2 or higher or an acceptable alternative, the A2 Level requirement (or equivalent) is superseded.

1110. Other Acceptable and Equivalent Qualifications. SO3 P2 Processing at OASC is responsible for the approval of other acceptable qualifications and agreement of any suitable equivalencies.

1111. Exceptionally, candidates who have not reached the educational standards detailed above but who have a degree or other acceptable professional qualifications and are in other ways outstandingly well qualified or possess qualifications or experience of particular value to the RAF may be considered. In such cases, applications will be considered at the discretion of OASC and the Branch Advisor.

Branch-Specific Additional Educational or Professional Qualifications for Direct Entrants

1112. Engineer Officer – University Graduate. Direct Entrants to the Engineer Branch must, in addition to Offr entry standards, be graduates with a Level 6 degree qualification which meets the subject requirements categorized as follows:

1113. Aerosystems (AS)

a. Category 1. Undergraduate degrees which are relevant to the AS specialisation and meet the UK Engineering Council (EC)’s standards as the exemplifying qualifications for registration as either a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer. Degrees are to be accredited by a Professional Engineering Institution deemed to be most aligned to the RAF’s requirements: i.e. the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). A list of accredited courses can be


accessed via the EC web site at www.engc.org.uk and follow the appropriate instructions from the index page to the accredited courses database. Further guidance may be obtained from OASC Eng Specialist and, if required, the Eng Branch Advisor (via OASC).

b. Category 2. Engineering and science degrees not meeting the requirements of Category 1 may be acceptable if they can be shown to have a sufficiently strong physical science or engineering content for candidates to succeed in the AS engineering specialisation. Such degrees will normally be accredited by professional bodies other than those listed for Category 1. Qualifications falling into Category 2 are subject to vetting and approval by the OASC Eng Specialist and, if required, the Eng Branch Advisor, either or both of whom are to ensure that:

(1) The degree is acceptable in terms of relevant engineering content in comparison to Category 1 degrees.

(2) The content of the degree is relevant to the AS specialisation for which the candidate intends to apply.

1114. Communication/Electronic (CE)

a. Category 1. Undergraduate degrees which are directly relevant to the CE specialisation and meet either the EC's or the British Computer Society (BCS) exemplifying qualifications for registration as either Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP) or equivalent.

b. Category 2. Engineering and science degrees not meeting the requirements of Category 1 may be acceptable if they can be shown to have a sufficiently strong computer science, engineering or Information Technology content for candidates to succeed in the CE engineering specialisation. Such degrees will normally be accredited by professional bodies other than those listed for Category 1. Qualifications falling into Category 2 are subject to vetting and approval by the OASC Eng Specialist and, if required, the Eng Branch Advisor, either or both of whom are to ensure that:

(1) The degree is acceptable in terms of relevant computer science, engineering or Information Technology content in comparison to Category 1 degrees.

(2) The content of the degree is relevant to the CE specialisation for which the candidate intends to apply.

1115. Chaplains Branch. A candidate for appointment as a Chaplain of the Church of England2

must, as a general rule, have been in Priests' Orders for not less than 2 years and have the written commendation of their bishop. Candidates for appointment as chaplains of the other denominations3 are selected on recommendation of their ecclesiastical superior, or of the governing bodies of their respective denominations.

1116. Legal Branch. Candidates must be members of the English, Scottish or Northern Ireland Bars and have completed pupillage or be admitted English, Scottish or Northern Irish solicitors. Ideally, they should have 2 or more years' post qualification experience. Those who have not been able to obtain this experience will be considered if suitable in all other respects.

2 Including all Anglicans. 3 Church of Scotland and Free churches (including Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist, Presbyterian, United Reform, Assemblies of God, Elim Pentecostal and Salvation Army) and Roman Catholic.


1117. Medical, Nursing and Medical Support Officer (Physiotherapist). All candidates must be registered with their relevant professional body with no limitations to practice. Additionally, Nursing Officers must have a minimum of 2 years nursing experience prior to joining.

1118. Dental Branch. Candidates applying to join the Dental Branch must have a recognised dental undergraduate degree, be registered with the General Dental Council as a dentist with no limitations to practice, and have successfully completed Foundation Training or General Professional Training prior to entry.

1119. Training Specialization within Personnel Branch. The preferred academic qualification for acceptance into the Training Specialization is a relevant degree with a proven teaching background, examples of which are:

a. A Bachelor of Education degree with teaching experience.

b. A relevant Bachelor Degree with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and practical experience.

‘Relevant degrees’ will be based upon the RAF’s Service Need as specified by the Specialization Advisor. Other equivalent academic qualifications and/or experience will be based on the RAF’s Service Need by the Training Specialization Advisor and could involve a suitability interview.


CHAPTER 1

SECTION 2

TYPES OF COMMISSION

Introduction

1201. Post 1 Apr 2015, commissions may be granted in the regular Royal Air Force as follows:

a. Initial Commission (IC) (usually 6 or 12 years).

b. Early Departure Payment Earning Commission (EDPC).

c. Length of Service (LOS) 30 Commission.

d. LOS 35 Commission.

e. Mandated End of Service (MEOS) Commission.

f. University Placement Short Term Regular Commission.

g. Temporary Commission.

h. Honorary Commission.

1202. The types of commission listed have distinct and separate terms of service. The effective date of appointment to commissioned service in the RAF will be the date shown in the London Gazette. Reckonable service is outlined in Para 1203. For a LOS based commission the last day of service will normally be the day before the anniversary of joining. For an age based commission the last day of paid service will be the day before the relevant birthday.

a. Officers Appointed to an IC of 6 Years. Officers appointed to an IC will serve the length of 6 years. These are normally available in the Specialist Branches4.

b. Officers Appointed to an IC of 12 Years. Officers appointed to an IC will serve the length of 12 years. These are normally available to the Functional Branches and PMRAFNS.

c. Re-joining or lateral entry. Officers who are re-joining and lateral entrants may be appointed to an IC of between 1 and 12 years depending on the needs of the Service.

d. Officers in the Flying Branch. Officers will usually join the Flying Branch on an IC of 12 years and on successful completion of Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) training or QFI/QHI training will usually be appointed to an EDPC. Those joining under re-joiner or ‘lateral entry’ terms will be awarded an IC of between 1 and 12 years on a case by case basis dependent on their qualification and the needs of the Service. Re-joiners and those entering on ‘lateral entry’ terms will not normally be appointed to an EDPC on successful completion of an OCU; extensions of service will be awarded on a case by case basis.

4 Not including PMRAFNS.


e. EDP Earning Commission - Officers appointed to an EDPC (and those who elected to accept an extension of service5) will serve to LOS 20 or age 40, whichever is the later.

f. LOS 30 or 35 – Officers appointed to a LOS 30 or 35 commission will serve for 30 or 35 years reckonable service.

g. Mandated End of Service (MEOS) - Officers appointed to a MEOS commission or have their Service capped at MEOS will serve to age 60.

h. University Placement Short Term Regular Commission (UPSTRC). UPSTRCs are short-term university placement schemes in the maximum rank of Plt Off for between 4 mths (minimum) and 12 mths (maximum). The UPSTRC is relinquished upon completion of the placement. The UPSTRC can be terminated by either party giving one months’ notice. Such service will not count towards any subsequent rank or seniority, except as part of the credit awarded for academic qualification. Placement officers are subject to Air Force discipline, pay and allowances.

i. Temporary and Honorary Commissions. Temporary and Honorary Commissions are given in such ranks and under such conditions as the Air Force Board may determine. Honorary Commissions are usually granted in respect of the Reserve Air Forces, but are included here for completeness.

Reckonable Service

1203. For the purposes of calculating engagement length, reckonable service is classed as any paid day's service, though unpaid days under a part-time FS arrangement are also reckonable, see JSP 750 for further detail. For pension calculations Officers on AFPS 75 reckonable service counts from age 21 or date of joining whichever is the later. For officers who are members of AFPS 05 or AFPS 15, service is normally counted from day 1 of phase 1 training except officers commissioned through the ICS, where reckonable commissioned service is calculated from the last day of phase 1 officer training.

TCOS OF COMMISSIONS AWARDED PRIOR TO 1 APR 15

1204. Pre 1 Apr 15 in addition to 1201 sub para f-h, the following additional types of commission were available:

a. Permanent Commission (PC).

b. Short Service Commission (SSC).

1205. The types of commission listed in para 1204 were distinct and separate terms of service. On change of commission from a SSC to a PC, officers were permitted to count all reckonable SSC service towards the completion of the PC. The effective date of appointment to a commission in the RAF is the date shown in the London Gazette (this date will be replicated on JPA).

Permanent Commissions

1206. The initial Permanent Commission was based upon the completion of a period of reckonable service to an Initial Retirement Date the point at which immediate financial benefits were payable on exit, as follows:

5 In order to allow those serving on Legacy terms on 1 Apr 15 and unable to earn an EDP on AFPS 15, an offer to extend their service to their EDP point was made (IBN 43/13).


a. Officers Appointed to a PC between 6 Apr 056 and 31 Mar 15 (inclusive). Officers appointed to a PC or commissioned between these dates, and those who elected to transfer to AFPS 05, will serve to the 18/40 point. The 18/40 point is defined as the day after completion of 18 years reckonable service from the date of joining or the date on which an officer reaches the age of 40, whichever is later.

b. Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS). Officers commissioned under the ICS (which came into effect on 1 Apr 02) were commissioned under one of the following terms:

(1) PC Terms. Officers commissioned under the ICS on PC terms were required to complete 18 years (16 years for those commissioned prior to 6 Apr 05) commissioned service (except where immediately commissioned to age 55 – see paragraph 1207).

(2) SSC Terms. Officers commissioned under the ICS on SSC terms were required to complete a SSC (9 years).

c. Other Officers with Previous Service. Other officers with previous reckonable service (commissioned or non-commissioned), were commissioned under one of the following terms:

(1) PC Terms. Other officers with previous reckonable service commissioned on PC terms were required to serve the balance of an 18-year commission, subject to a minimum period of service of 8 consecutive years from the date of re-instatement or re-employment7. Officers commissioned into the RAF prior to 6 Apr 05 were required to serve the balance of a 16-year commission. The period of 8 years provides such entrants with an appropriate period of productive service in which to become competitive for promotion or considered for further service (assimilation) with their peers.

(2) SSC Terms. Other officers with previous reckonable service may have been offered a SSC (9 years).

d. Officers Appointed to a PC Prior to 6 Apr 05. Officers commissioned prior to 6 Apr were conditioned to serve to an IRD at the 16/38 point. The 16/38 point is defined as the day after completion of 16 years reckonable service from the age of 21 or the date on which an officer reaches the age of 38, whichever is later.

1207. Personnel Commissioning from the Ranks. Officers commissioned under the CWO Scheme, all FSs and WOs/MAcr commissioned regardless of age and all other serving personnel commissioned over the age of 37 (39 for those commissioned prior to 6 Apr 05), would normally have been appointed to an initial PC to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD) at age 55. However, subject to Service requirements they may alternatively have been offered a SSC (9 years).

Short Service Commissions

1208. A SSC was a specified period of regular service from the date of joining which, although pensionable, did not attract immediate financial benefits on exit. Officers appointed to SSCs initially served for periods varying from 3 to 12 years according to their branch. PMRAFNS (Nursing Officers) who entered service prior to 1 Apr 03 on gratuity earning terms had the opportunity to transfer to pension-earning terms up until the point at which the gratuity was

6 Note: 6 Apr 05 was the date AFPS 05 was introduced.7 The balance of the commission is only deducted by previous commissioned service.


claimed. On completion of regular service, any officer who served on a SSC was normally required to serve for 4 years in the RAF Reserve of Officers.

1209. The SSC was a commission in its own right and distinct from a PC. However, on appointment to a PC, officers were permitted to count their period of reckonable SSC service towards the completion of their PC.


CHAPTER 1

SECTION 3

METHODS OF COMMISSIONING

Introduction

1301. The methods of commissioning for personnel appointed to commissions on or after 1 Apr 13, are:

a. Direct Entry.

b. Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS).

c. Executive Commissioned Warrant Officer (ECWO)

d. Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO).

e. University Graduate entry.

f. Engineer Officer Qualified and Basic Entry Scheme.

g. Bursary entry.

h. Transferring.

i. Re-joining.

j. Lateral Entry.

k. Medical, Dental and Nursing Officer Direct Entry.

l. Branch Officer Scheme - Obsolete.

1302. Some entry types are not available to all branches, as indicated in Chapter 3 Sections 2 and 3. Where methods of entry differ, for example in the specialist branches, they will be covered in the relevant section. Officers may be permitted or offered a transfer of branch where it is in the Service interest to do so (see Chapter 6).

Direct Entry

1303. Candidates from civilian life with no pervious military experience who hold the basic qualifications set out earlier in this Chapter are eligible to apply to enter the Service on Direct Entry terms. Entry requirements may vary from branch to branch; details can be found at Chapter 3.

Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS)

1304. Candidates who are currently serving in the RAF may apply to commission through the Internal Commissioning Scheme. The ICS will also be used to assess the rank and seniority of re-joiners or transferees. Details of the Scheme and minimum qualifications are set out in Chapter 2, Sections 1 and 2.


Executive Commissioned Warrant Officer (ECWO) and Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO) Schemes

1305. Serving WOs/MAcr8 are eligible for commissioning under either the Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO) or the Executive Commissioned Warrant Officer (ECWO) Scheme9. WOs/MAcr commissioned under either Scheme undertake the CWO Commissioning Course instead of the full Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC), Phase 2 training requirements will be determined by the Branch and Trade Advisor on a case-by-case basis. Individuals must be capable of taking up a flt lt appointment after successfully completing the CWO Commissioning Course. Details of both Schemes are found in Chapter 2 Section 3 Warrant Officers’ Commissioning Schemes.

1306. From 01 Apr 13 University Graduate Entry is open to the Engineer branch only. Candidates with an appropriate Engineering degree from a United Kingdom university or an equivalent United Kingdom establishment, as defined by the Branch Sponsor, are eligible to apply for consideration for a commission on graduate entry terms. Graduates of universities outside the United Kingdom are considered on their merits and in the light of their academic achievements. Candidates still at university may apply to be considered at any time during the final year of their studies. Details of University Graduate Entry are found in Chapter 3 Section 2 under Engineer Branch.

Engineering Officer Qualified and Basic Entry Scheme

1307. Serving personnel, from an engineering technical trade group (TG1, TG4, TG5 and TG13), may be considered for qualified entry to the Eng Branch providing that they have completed their Advanced Apprenticeship and attained Q-OPS or have served, as a minimum, as a JNCO. In addition, they must comply with the requirements of paragraph 1109b, hold a BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent in an engineering subject with content acceptable to the RAF with no more than 50% accredited prior learning. Serving personnel who do not meet the academic criteria for Qualified Entry may be considered for entry to the Eng Branch through the Eng Branch Basic Entry Scheme (BES). Further details of the BES are contained within para 2209.

Bursary Entry

1308. Each year the RAF awards a number of bursaries to candidates who have obtained or expect to obtain a place at university or college in the United Kingdom for a course of full-time study leading to the award of a recognised university first degree. The RAF supports 2 bursary schemes; the RAF University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme (RAF UASBS) and the tri-Service Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS). These schemes run in parallel but are subject to different regulations and cash awards. They are awarded in open competition on an annual basis. Details of the bursary schemes are provided at Chapter 2 Section 6.

Transferring

1309. Transferring’ is defined as; personnel transferring into the RAF directly from the Royal Navy or British Army without civilian experience or qualification (as per re-joining). Personnel will usually be processed directly by the appropriate Branch Advisor and Desk Officer into a branch commensurate with their experience and military qualifications. Those without commissioned service will normally be processed as per the ICS.

Re-joining

8 Including sister-Service OR9s. 9 Exceptionally Serving WO2s (or equivalent) may be permitted to commission via the Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme.


1310. Re-joiners are individuals with former Regular and/or Reserve service in the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and/or other Commonwealth countries, selected to re-join the Regular RAF to fill a specific commissioned post. Re-joiners will normally be selected based on their previous military experience and qualification, in conjunction with civilian experience and qualifications gained since leaving their former armed force relevant to the post they are selected to fill. The provisions relating to rank and seniority of re-joiners on appointment are set out in Chapter 5, Section 4.

Lateral Entry

1311. Lateral entrants are individuals who do not possess former Regular or Reserve service in the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom or other Commonwealth countries, selected to join the Regular or Reserve Service in a position and rank commensurate to their civilian KSE. The provisions relating to the rank and seniority of lateral entrants on appointment are in Chapter 5, Section 4.

Medical, Dental and Nursing Officer Direct Entrants

1312. Direct Entrants into the Medical, Dental and Nursing branches are personnel joining as qualified Doctors, Dentists or Nurses who have already achieved provisional or full registration with the General Medical Council (the GMC), the General Dental Council or the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Terms of Service for Royal Air Force Medical Services (including calculation of seniority) for each specialization are at Chapter 3 Section 4.

Branch Officer Scheme – Obsolete

1313. Prior to 1 Apr 02, Branch Officer commissions were available to serving personnel to provide a career outlet to commissioned service in those branches for which experience gained in the ranks was of value. Details of this obsolete Scheme can be found in Chapter 2 Section 5.


CHAPTER 2

ENTRY SCHEMES

CONTENTS

Section 1 Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS)

Section 2 ICS – Minimum Qualifications

Section 3 Warrant Officer Commissioning Schemes

Section 4 CWO – Affiliated Employment Categories, Trades and Branches

Section 5 Branch Officer Commissions (prior to 1 Apr 02)

Section 6 RAF Bursaries

Section 7 Medical Cadetships


CHAPTER 2

SECTION 1

INTERNAL COMMISSIONING SCHEME

Introduction

2101. The Internal Commissioning Scheme allows Regular RAF serving personnel in the rank of SAC and above to apply for commissioned service using different eligibility criteria to a Direct Entrants, which reflects their military experience. LACs and below who wish to be considered for commissioning must meet the appropriate eligibility criteria for direct entrants as stipulated in Chapter 1, Section 3.

2102. WOs/MAcr10 with the relevant seniority in rank may also apply through the CWO & ECWO Schemes, details of which are in Section 3 of this Chapter.

Conditions of Eligibility

2103. The minimum qualifications for commissioning under the ICS and details of branches that require additional qualifications are at Chapter 2 Section 2. In addition, NCA wishing to Internally Commission must have completed a 3-year productive tour of duty at the time of entry into the suitable phase 1 IOTC. Personnel outside of these parameters will be treated as Direct Entrants.

Commissions Available

2104. Serving personnel are eligible to apply for a commission in most branches. Internally Commissioned officers will not be appointed to a commission which will give them less service than their airmen’s engagement. Commissions awarded via the Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS) will be awarded on the date of graduation; commissioned service will be calculated from the following day.

Rank, Seniority and Promotion

2105. All personnel entering phase 1 IOTC including via the ICS, do so as Officer Cadets (Airman) (see Chapter 4 Sections 1 and 2).

2106. Personnel commissioned under the Warrant Officer Commissioning Schemes do not attend the full IOTC and are appointed in the rank of flt lt with no additional seniority. All other serving and ex-RAF non-commissioned personnel are appointed in the rank of fg off with additional seniority determined by the substantive rank held (including normal paid acting rank) on commissioning, subject to the provisions of Chapter 5 Section 2 paragraph 5205. Promotion to flt lt normally takes place after a period of time served, the rules of which are shown in the ICS standard rank progression table in Chapter 5 Section 2. Promotion to sqn ldr and above is by competitive selection in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 5.

Applications

2107. Instructions on how serving personnel can apply for commissioned service under the ICS are contained in AP 3391 – Manual of Recruiting and Selection.

10 Including sister-Service OR9s. Exceptionally Serving WO2s (or equivalent) may be permitted to commission via the Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme.


CHAPTER 2

SECTION 2

INTERNAL COMMISSIONING SCHEME - MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

2201. The minimum qualifications applicants for the ICS are required to hold vary according to the length of service they have completed and are set out below:

2202. On completion of basic trade training and under 5 years’ reckonable service:

a. 5 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 5 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above (including English Language, Mathematics and three other acceptable subjects – or equivalent).

or,

b. 4 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 4 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above (including English Language, Mathematics and two other acceptable subjects – or equivalent) and successful completion of the Junior Management Leadership Course (JMLC) and Trade Management Training 1 (TMT1).

2203. On completion of between 5 and 10 years’ reckonable service:

a. 4 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 4 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above (including English Language, Mathematics and two other acceptable subjects – or equivalent).

or,

b. 3 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 3 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above (including English Language, Mathematics and one other acceptable subject – or equivalent) and successful completion of JMLC and TMT 1.

or,

c. 2 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 2 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above in English Language and Mathematics and successful completion of Intermediate Management Leadership Course IMLC) and Trade Management Training 2 (TMT2).

2204. On completion of 10 years’ reckonable service or more:

a. 4 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 4 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above (including English Language, Mathematics and two other acceptable subjects – or equivalent).

or,

b. 3 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 3 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above (including English Language, Mathematics and one other acceptable subject – or equivalent) and successful completion of JMLC and TMT1.

or,


c. 2 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 2 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above in English Language and Mathematics and successful completion of IMLC and TMT2.

or,

d. 2 x GCSEs at Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17)/ 2 x Scottish Standard Grade 2 or above in English Language and Mathematics and successful completion of the Advanced Management Leadership Course (AMLC).

Branch-Specific Additional Requirements for ICS

2205. Director of Music. Applications for commissioned service as a Director of Music are only acceptable from serving personnel who have qualified through Trade Group 21 CPD training system and possess the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) Music Direction Diploma.

2206. Engineer Officer – Qualified Entry. The following points are to be noted:

a. Direct Entrants are not eligible for Qualified Entry into the Eng Branch.

b. Serving personnel, from an engineering technical trade group (TG1, TG4, TG5 andTG13), may be considered for qualified entry to the Eng Branch providing that they have completed their Advanced Apprenticeship and attained Q-OPS or have served, as a minimum, as a JNCO. They must comply with the requirements of paragraph 1109a and hold a BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) or equivalent in an engineering subject with content acceptable to the RAF Eng Branch Advisor with no more than 50% accredited prior learning.

2207. Engineering Officer Basic Entry Scheme. Serving personnel, who do not meet the academic criteria for Qualified Entry may be considered for entry to the Eng Branch through the Eng Branch Basic Entry Scheme (BES). Under the BES, serving personnel selected for commissioning will normally complete the BES Foundation Degree (FD) course delivered by DCAE and DCCIS prior to entering phase 1 IOTC. They will undertake the BES FD in their existing rank, but with the status of officer cadet. They will retain this officer cadet status for any period of holding on completion of the BES Course prior to entry to phase 1 IOTC. Personnel who have been commissioned in another Branch and failed to complete officer professional (Phase 2) training or who request a Branch Transfer may enter the Eng Branch via the BES if deemed suitable during re-selection at OASC.

2208. Serving personnel are eligible for the BES provided they have obtained General Certificate of Education (GCSE) at grade C or higher (grade 4 to 5 from Aug 17) in English Language and Mathematics or acceptable equivalent11 or SCE at Scottish Nationals grade 2 or higher (or recognised equivalent), in English Language and Mathematics, in addition they must meet one of the following categories:

a. Category 1: Have attained one of the following academic standards:

(1) BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate or National Diploma or equivalent Level 3 qualification in a relevant engineering subject, as defined by the Branch Sponsor.

(2) GCSE 'A' level passes at grade E, or above, in Mathematics and an appropriate science subject, as defined by the Branch Sponsor.

11 Any Educational equivalency enquiries are to be directed to SO3 P2 Processing, OASC.


(3) A combination of OU credits which must include at least 3 first level credits in mathematics, science and technology (typically chosen from M101, S101, S102, T101 and T102 or their updated equivalents) and 2 relevant second level technology credits9.

b. Category 2: Must have or attain all of the following:

(1) Level 3 qualification with a STEM focus or can demonstrate STEM learning at that level.

(2) Demonstrate an active interest in STEM (this may be through primary/secondary employment, PEI membership, specialist training etc).

(3) Positive recommendation from an Engineer Officer OF4 or above.

(4) Agreement from the losing Branch/Trade that they may transfer to the Engineering Branch on successful completion of Engineer Phase 2 training.

2209. Boarding for BES takes place throughout the year with final decisions being made following a sift in Jun and with the training courses commencing in Oct of each year. All personnel applying for the BES course, regardless of specialisation will be considered by the AFCO and those successful will be boarded by OASC ready for the annual sift for selection to the course. Applications from other services may be acceptable, but priority will be provided to RAF Internal Commissioning candidates.

2210. Nursing Officers. In addition to the requirement specified above, serving personnel of the TG 15 nursing cadre must have a minimum of 1 years post registration experience before applying for the ICS process.

2211. Pers(Trg) Officers. SP who have, as a result of a strong performance in a training delivery/management role, received a positive recommendation for commissioning from their Flt Cdr, may be considered for entry to the Personnel Training specialization providing that they have attained Q-OPS and have served as a substantive JNCO or above.

2212. NCA In-Branch Commissioning Scheme. Subject to the demands and requirements of the Service, Non-Commissioned Aircrew (NCA) may apply for a commission as a Weapons System Officer (WSO) within the Flying Branch through the periodic in-Branch Commissioning Scheme. The in-Branch Commissioning scheme allows the Service to exploit and develop the operational experience and expertise offered by serving NCA of all specialisations within the commissioned cadre. Conducted on an ad-hoc basis in response to the over-riding Service requirement, specific eligibility criteria and the application process are published within dedicated and time-bound IBNs sponsored by the Flying Branch Advisor and Air Manning.


CHAPTER 2

SECTION 3

WARRANT OFFICERS COMMISSIONING SCHEMES

Introduction

2301. Serving personnel are eligible for commissioning under either the Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO) or the Executive Commissioned Warrant Officer (ECWO) Scheme. WOs/MAcr commissioned under either Scheme do not undergo the IOTC. The requirement for Phase 2 training will be determined by the Branch and Trade Advisor on a case-by-case. Individuals must be capable of taking up a flt lt appointment after successfully completing the CWO Commissioning Course.

2302. WOs of the Intelligence Trades are required to successfully complete Phase 2 training in order to become productive in the Int Branch and will be subject to a 3 year Training RoS requirement. The provisions of paragraph 7605b in respect of ET do not apply to WOs commissioned into the Int Branch under the CWO scheme.

COMMISSIONED WARRANT OFFICER SCHEME


2303. All candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

a. Have completed at least 2 years’ service in the rank of WO/MAcr, and be substantive as at the date of commissioning12.

b. Have at least 5 years left to serve to the end of current engagement or exceptionally to age 60 on the date of commissioning. In order to qualify for an officer’s pension for those with some pension benefits on AFPS 75 a period of 5 years will have to be completed on commissioning.

c. Hold a permanent JMES of A4 L2 M4 E2 or above.

d. Have passed the RAFFT within the timeframe specified by OASC at the time the annual competition is announced.

e. Be eligible for commissioning in a branch affiliated to their trade sub-specialization as per the list of affiliated trades in Section 4.

f. Have a Functional Skills (FS) Level 2 qualification (all elements) or acceptable proxies in both literacy (English) and numeracy (Maths)13.

2304. Exceptionally, requests for variations to the eligibility criteria laid out in para 2303, sub-paras b - f are to be addressed to OASC who will seek direction from the appropriate (affiliated) Branch Advisor. The eligibility criteria in sub-para a cannot be waived.

12 From 1 Apr 10 the award of substantive WO will only be made after successful completion of the Higher Management and Leadership Course (HMLC), previously the WO Study Period (WOSP). 13 Details of RAF Literacy and Numeracy Policy are contained in AP3379, Leaflet 1560.



2305. Officers commissioned under the CWO Scheme from 1 Apr 15 will normally be given a 12 year IC or retain their existing engagement length if longer but may be extended subject to service need. Appointment to a commission takes place at the start of the CWO Commissioning Course. Officers commissioned under the CWO Scheme prior to 1 Apr 15 would normally have been appointed to an initial PC to age 55 at the start of the CWO Commissioning Course. However, subject to Service requirements, they may have alternatively been offered a SSC (9 years).


2306. Officers commissioned under the CWO Scheme will be commissioned in the rank of flt lt, with no additional seniority, and will be eligible for promotion to and beyond the rank of sqn ldr on the basis of merit in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 5 and AP7000.

Applications

2307. OASC publishes the details of the annual CWO competition to units, advising the branches that have vacancies and the method of application.

EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONED WARRANT OFFICERS SCHEME

2308. All ECWO commissioning candidates must fulfil the following criteria:

a. Have completed an Executive Employment assignment at WO/MAcr (with at least 2 SJARs) and be a substantive WO/MAcr.

b. Must hold the ICSC(A) competence14.

c. Have at least 5 years left to serve to the end of current engagement or exceptionally to age 60 on the date of commissioning. In order to qualify for an officer’s pension for those with some pension benefits on AFPS 75 a period of 5 years will have to be completed on commissioning.

d. Hold a permanent JMES of A4 L2 M4 E2 or above.

e. Have passed the RAFFT within the timeframe specified by OASC at the time the annual competition is announced.

f. Be eligible for commissioning in a branch affiliated to their trade sub-specialization as per the list of affiliated trades in Section 4.

g. Have a Functional Skills (FS) Level 2 qualification (all elements) or acceptable proxies in both literacy (English) and numeracy (Maths).

2309. Exceptionally, requests for variations to the eligibility criteria laid out in para 2308 sub-paras b – g are to be addressed to OASC who will seek direction from the appropriate (affiliated) Branch Advisor. The eligibility criteria in sub-paragraph a cannot be waived.

14 ICSC(A) is due to be restructured and renamed in late 2017. The new course will be titled ‘Intermediate Officer Development’ (IOD) 4 and 5. ECWOs will be required to complete IOD4 and IOD5 prior to Commissioning.


2310. Personnel who undertake Executive Employment and have completed ICSC(A) will hold a reserve right to commission under the scheme for a 5 year period from their last date of Executive Employment.


2311. Officers commissioned under the ECWO Scheme will normally retain their existing engagement length but may be extended subject to service need. Appointment to a commission takes place at the start of the CWO Commissioning Course.


2312. Officers commissioned under the ECWO Scheme will be commissioned in the rank of flt lt, with no additional seniority. Promotion to and beyond the rank of sqn ldr is on competitive selection in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 5.

2313. Executive Commissioned WO/MAcr on promotion to sqn ldr may be offered further Service to MEOS.

Applications

2314. Applications for the ECWO scheme will be reviewed by BTA on a case by case basis. (i.e. measured against ITTs).


CHAPTER 2

SECTION 4

COMMISSIONED WARRANT OFFICER - AFFILIATED EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES, TRADES

AND BRANCHES

Introduction

2401. This section details the affiliations between ground trades, as detailed in AP 3376 Vol 1, and officer branches for the purpose of commissioning WOs/MAcr under the Warrant Officer Commissioning Schemes.

Non-Affiliated Trades

2402. WOs/MAcr serving in a trade/specialization which does not have an affiliated commissioned branch may exceptionally be considered based upon competence and experience for a closely affiliated branch. Such cases are subject to approval by OASC and the relevant Branch Advisor.

Affiliated Employment Specialization and Trades

Employment Specialization Officer Branch Specialization

NCA

WSOp (Aco) Flying WSO (AEO)

WSOp (Air Eng) Flying WSO (AEng)

WSOp (Cmn) Flying WSO (Cmn)

WSOp (EW) Flying WSO (AEO)

WSOp (L) Flying WSO (AEO)

Trade Group No and Name Officer Branch Specialization

Trade Group 1

A Eng Tech

Eng Tech W

Engineer AS

Trade Group 4

ICT Tech

ICT Al Erect

Engineer CE

AS/CE

Trade Group 5

Gen Eng Tech Engineer AS/CE

Trade Group 6

Logs (MTD) Logistics

Trade Group 7

NCC Air Operations

Trade Group 8

RAFP Provost


Employment Specialization Officer Branch Specialization

Gnr

Fftr

RAF Regiment

Air Operations

Systems

Trade Group 9

ATC

FOM

Air Operations Control

Systems

Trade Group 10

RAF PTI Personnel Training

Trade Group 11

Int An

Int An (L)

Intelligence

Trade Group 12

AS Mngr

SNCO WC

Air Operations Systems

Control

Trade Group 13

SE Fitt Engineer

Trade Group 14

Photo

Air Cart

No affiliated branch

Trade Group 15

WOs in List 1 Medical Trades

WOs in List 2 Medical Trades15

Medical Support

Nursing

Trade Group 16

WOs in any of the Dental Trades Medical Support

Trade Group 17

Personnel (Spt) Personnel Support

Trade Group 18

Logs (Sup)

Logs (Mov)

Logistics

Trade Group 19

Logs (Chef) and Logs (Cat Mgr Chef)

Logs (Cat) and Logs (Cat Mgr)

Logistics

Trade Group 21

Musn DOM

15 Nurses only.


CHAPTER 2

SECTION 5

BRANCH OFFICER COMMISSIONS (PRIOR TO 1 APR 02)

Introduction

2501. The Branch Officer (BO) Commissioning Scheme ceased on 31 Mar 02. However, Officers appointed to BO Commissions prior to 31 Mar 02 will continue to serve on BO terms of service, as detailed in this Section, until the expiration of their commission. BO commissions provided serving personnel with a career outlet to commissioned service in those branches in which experience gained in the ranks was considered to be of value to the RAF. BOs served on PCs until age 55 and received pay at special rates in the ranks of fg off and flt lt.


2502. The eligibility criteria for the BO Scheme that existed prior to 31 Mar 02 can be found in Edition 6 of this AP, available from the document sponsor. Serving personnel interested in current commissioning opportunities may be eligible for the Internal Commissioning Scheme (refer to Section 1 of this chapter).

Affiliated Trades - Obsolete Branch Officer Scheme

2503. The affiliated trades for the BO scheme can be found in Edition 6 of this AP, available from the document sponsor. Ground trades personnel who were serving in a trade not listed were not normally considered for the award of a commission on BO terms. Consideration was given to the applications of ground trades personnel who, for reasons outside their control, had been unable to transfer to or remuster to one of the trades listed.

2504. Those personnel in the trades of Flight Operations Manager, Air Traffic Controller, Aerospace Systems Operating, Gunner and Firefighter who required professional training before qualifying to perform BO duties had to complete the appropriate course before commencing officer training. These provisions also applied to NCA commissioned in the ATC Branch.

Rank on Appointment

2505. All BOs were appointed in the rank of fg off.

Promotion to Flt Lt

2506. BOs were eligible for promotion to the rank of flt lt:

a. Two years from the date of commissioning, if commissioned from WO or MAcr rank. For this purpose, ex-NCA FS who at the time of commissioning as BOs were receiving pay for MAcr rank in accordance with reserved rights under the pre-1 Oct 89 terms of service, may have been treated as if they were substantive MAcr.

b. Four years from the date of commissioning, if commissioned from FS, chf tech, or sgt rank.


Professional Aviator Spine and Specialist Aircrew Terms

2507. BOs of the Fg Branch not promoted to sqn ldr by the time they have attained 8 years' seniority in the substantive rank of flt lt may apply to transfer to the Professional Aviator Spine (PAS). Selection for PAS will be dependent on the Service need and meeting the eligibility criteria. Unsuccessful PAS applicants or those ineligible to apply for the PAS will transfer to Specialist Aircrew (SA) terms of service at the point they have 8 years’ seniority as a flt lt and will continue to be considered for promotion in accordance with the paragraphs below. Guidance on the application of the PAS and SA terms to BOs is given in Chapter 6.

Promotion to Sqn Ldr and Beyond

2508. BOs are considered for promotion to sqn ldr under the same rules and eligibility criteria as other officer branches, as detailed in Chapter 5 and AP 7000.

2509. Sqn Ldr BOs in the flying branch on the PAS or SA terms may be considered for promotion to wg cdr in competition with Main/Executive Stream personnel but their selection will be subject to the terms of service changes as detailed in Chapter 6.


CHAPTER 2

SECTION 6

RAF BURSARIES

General

2601. The RAF offer 2 separate bursary schemes to support students through their further education; the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) and the RAF University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme (RAF UASBS). Bursaries are available to candidates who have obtained or expect to obtain a place at university or college in the United Kingdom for a course of full-time study leading to the award of a recognized university first degree. Bursaries are tenable for 1, 2, 3 or 4 years, but in exceptional circumstances applications for longer periods may be considered.

2602. Successful Bursars will have a place in officer training confirmed at the point of graduation, subject to continued physical and medical fitness for their intended branch, and the needs of the Service. Phasing of the entry into officer training is not guaranteed to take place immediately on graduation from university and may, during unusual recruiting periods, result in a deferral of entry until the following Financial Year.

2603. Bursaries are awarded in open competition on an annual basis. Whereas the DTUS bursary is limited to the Engineer and Logistics Branches, the RAF UASBS is more open with the only Branches that are closed to sponsorship being Legal, PMRAFNS (NO), Dental, Chaplain and the specializations of MSO (eg Physiotherapist). However, some Branch options may be closed on a year-by-year basis to satisfy the needs of the Service to achieve selection targets. In exceptional circumstances OASC may allow an RAF UAS bursar to change branches prior to graduating from university but this may require the individual concerned to complete elements of the selection process and be considered in competition with other candidates.

2604. Bursaries are awarded at the discretion of OASC and are intended to encourage academically gifted or otherwise high calibre candidates to enter service. The award of a bursary does not guarantee promotion to the senior ranks or senior supervisory positions as such progress will be judged on merit.

2605. Bursaries may be suspended or terminated if the Bursar fails to make adequate academic progress, fails to participate on a regular basis, fails to respond to a Formal Warning for a disciplinary matter issued by the respective DTUS Support Unit or UAS, becomes medically unfit for service or fails the RAFFT. A suspension for other than medical reasons will result in the Bursar repaying the bursary that has been paid.

2606. The bursary value will vary depending on which scheme is entered. DTUS Bursars receive £4000 pa16 whereas RAF UAS Bursars will receive a maximum of £600017 during the period of their university study within a maximum of £300018 in any one year with no cash award made during the first year of study. The bursary will be paid annually to the individual in one payment subject to satisfactory academic progress, achievement of the RAFFT standard, satisfactory reports from the UAS or DTUS Support Unit and continued medical fitness.

2607. Bursary holders are enlisted into the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) under RAFVR(UAS) or RAFVR (DTUS) TOS (see AP 3392 Vol 7) while at university. On graduation from

16 Subject to annual variation. For current rates, contact OASC for details. 17 Subject to annual variation. For current rates, contact OASC for details. 18 Subject to annual variation. For current rates, contact OASC for details.


university, bursars will leave the RAFVR and be appointed to a Regular IC, subject to their continuing good character and physical and medical fitness, and the continuing requirements of the Service.

Courses

2608. There is normally no restriction on the degree courses that may be undertaken by candidates for the Fg, Flt Ops, Int, Regt or Prov Branches.

2609. Engineer Branch. Candidates should be taking, or about to take, an accredited BEng or MEng course, or equivalent degree at Honours level, in a relevant engineering subject such as detailed in Chapter 1 Section 1 paragraph 1113; however, allied disciplines may be acceptable to the RAF.

2610. Logistics Branch. Candidates should normally be taking, or about to take a first degree at Honours level in Information Technology, Business Studies/Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation Management, Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisition, Airport and/or Airline Management, Chemistry, Nutrition and Catering and/or Hospitality Management.

2611. Personnel Branch. Candidates applying for Pers Support or Pers Training roles should normally be studying for a first degree at Honours level in Business, Management, Modern Languages, Law, Facilities Management, Human Psychology, Sports Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Economics, Accountancy, Finance, Welfare or Sociology, International Relations, Public Relations, Marketing, Procurement, Education, Performance Management, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering but applications from students in other subjects will be considered in the light of the Service need.

2612. Medical. Candidates should be studying for a Medical Science degree that will result in them being awarded a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (or equivalent) qualification which will entitle them to provisional registration with the GMC.

Conditions of Entry

2613. Candidates must fulfil the nationality and residence requirements set out in Chapter 1 Section 1 and be medically fit for the duties of their chosen branch.

Age Limits

2614. Fg Branch. Candidates should be over 17½ years on entry to university direct from school, but an application will be considered if they will become 17½ years during the first term of university. Undergraduates who do not go to university or college direct from school may be considered provided that they are able to enter officer training as a pilot or RPAS(P) before age 26 (i.e. 25 and 364 days).

2615. Other Branches. Candidates should be over 17½ years on entry to university direct from school, but an application will be considered if they will become 17½ years during the first term at university. Undergraduates who do not go to university or college direct from school may be considered for a bursary up to their 23rd birthday. Exceptionally, graduate entrants to Medicine may be considered up to their 35th birthday. In the case of the Engineer Branch, candidates who will have reached their 25th birthday on entry to university may be considered.


Educational Qualifications

2616. Candidates must achieve the academic entry criteria for the university course for which they are applying for sponsorship. In addition, they must have the minimum Educational Qualifications set out at Chapter 1 Section 1. As high academic standards are expected for consideration for a bursary, a minimum of 180 points on the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) will be required, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking, as acceptable subjects.

Undertaking

2617. Those awarded bursaries are required, as a condition of the offer, to sign an undertaking to agree to complete a specified period of productive service as a Regular in the RAF. As part of this bursary undertaking the minimum period of productive service is 3 years for all branches. For the RAF Medical sponsorship, the transition to the Cadetship will not be permitted before year 4 of the standard Medical degree (ie excluding intercalated years). It is normal practice for the RAF to seek to recover its outlay in terms of tuition fees, education grants, uniform costs and miscellaneous expenses (eg gown hire, thesis expenses) when the required period of productive service is not given through a decision to leave the RAF that is attributable to the individual. Recovery is not normally sought from those individuals whose service, or bursary, is terminated through no fault of their own (eg a previously undiscovered medical condition) and may be waived in whole or in part on compassionate grounds or in other exceptional circumstances. The parent or guardian of a candidate who is under the age of majority (18 years) will be required to sign an undertaking to cover the period until the age of 18 is reached; thereafter the undertaking falls to the Bursar. Candidates who are not United Kingdom residents will not be considered for a bursary.

Conditions during Training

2618. During the university course, Bursars are regarded as ordinary undergraduates. They wear civilian clothes except when undergoing instruction with the UAS, the DTUS squadron or when on RAF duty.

2619. University Bursars are required to join the UAS or DTUS Squadron affiliated to their university and their sponsorship scheme for the period of their bursary. All Bursars will receive air experience opportunities through the UAS and will follow a formal training syllabus to develop their leadership and teamwork skills.

2620. Bursars are expected to make satisfactory progress with their studies and gain positive reports from their training squadron. Reports on their progress in both these areas are obtained at the end of each academic session and those who fail to maintain the requisite standard may have their bursary withdrawn. In these circumstances the RAF will consider whether an offer of an alternative form of commission can be made and/or whether financial recovery of bursary costs should be initiated.

2621. All university Bursars undergo IOTC/SOITC (whichever OASC deem appropriate) before continuing to their appropriate professional Phase 2 training courses. Failure to complete officer training satisfactorily will lead to dismissal from the Service and consideration given to the financial recovery of bursary costs.

2622. Time served as a Bursar does not count towards reckonable service.


Additional Terms for Medical Bursaries19

2623. Conditions of Entry. In addition to the preceding paragraphs, in order to be eligible for a medical bursary candidates must:

a. Have commenced their clinical studies course at a medical school recognised by the GMC, and be within four years of attaining their final qualifying examination.

b. Fulfil the nationality and residence requirements set out in Chapter 1 Section 1 and be medically fit for the duties of their branch.

2624. Undertaking. In addition to the proceeding paragraphs, all Medical Bursars are expected to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by membership of a University Air Squadron and are to be of the required physical fitness to undergo SOITC before continuing to their appropriate professional Phase 2 training courses. Failure to complete officer training satisfactorily will lead to dismissal from the Service and consideration given to the financial recovery of bursary costs.

2625. Conditions During Training. Successful medical bursary candidates are awarded the rank of Officer Cadet (Officer). Bursars receive a taxable yearly payment, which is reviewed annually. Medical school tuition fees are not paid by the RAF. The period as a medical bursar is non-reckonable service and will not count towards Armed Forces Pension Scheme entitlement.

2626. Bursars are expected to make satisfactory progress in their studies and to demonstrate on-going commitment to the Royal Air Force. Progress reports may be obtained from both their Dean of College and University Air Squadron Commanding Officer. A bursary may be terminated for misconduct, for failing to maintain the requisite standard of study, exhibiting behaviour considered to be unsatisfactory or if the bursar fails to show adequate engagement with the Royal Air Force.

2627. Medical training can take 5 or 6 years (or 4 years for a graduate) but normally the maximum bursary available is 3 academic years. Applicants may do an intercalated BSc (a one-year course) but if it occurs during the 3-year bursary, they would not normally be given the bursary for the additional period.

2628. Bursars may be offered opportunities to take elective periods and/or clinical attachments with Service medical units at home or abroad. Overseas attachments are limited to those countries where the British Armed Forces are stationed. Attachments are not permitted in operational areas. Self-sponsored and funded elective periods are permitted; bursars are to notify the RAF Medical Service of their itinerary.

19 JSP 527 contains details of Medical and Dental Cadetships available between 1 Apr 03 and 31 Aug 14.


CHAPTER 2

SECTION 7

MEDICAL CADETSHIPS

Medical Cadetships Awarded on or after 1 Apr 1520

Eligibility

2701. Applicants for RAF Medical Cadetships must be within three years of attaining their final qualifying examination. Prior to the Medical Cadetship, they will be eligible for the RAF University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme (RAF UASBS) outlined in Chapter 2 Section 6. Applicants for the Medical Cadetship who plan to complete an intercalated BSc will not normally be eligible for a Cadetship during the intercalated year but if they are already participating in the RAF UASBS, they will be required to continue their participation with the nominated UAS.

2702. Medical Cadets automatically become RAF Voluntary Reserve (UAS) members of the UAS and are required to attend the training activities provided by the UAS on a regular basis.

Undertaking21

2703. Candidates offered cadetships leading to an IC are required to sign an undertaking to repay to the RAF all sums paid in respect of the education grant (net of tax), and tuition fees, where they have failed, for reasons within their own control, to become fully registered medical practitioners within the stated period, or failed to complete the full period of productive commissioned service following full registration. Release from the Service before the normal date of exit is allowed only at the discretion of the Cmdt RAFC Cranwell.

Terms of Service under Training

2704. Cadets will be attested into the RAFVR on commencement of a Cadetship in the rank of OC(O) with the addressable rank of Acting Plt Off. On provisional registration they will be promoted to OC(O)/Acting Fg Off. On full registration they will be promoted to OC(O)/Acting Flt Lt. Reckonable service for pension purposes will run from the date of attestation. Length of Service will be calculated from the date of reporting to SOITC.

2705. During the period of university vacations, medical university cadets are required to attend for Service training or annual training with the UAS. However, six weeks is granted as annual leave and, in addition, adequate periods of study leave are made available.

2706. Medical university cadets are expected to make satisfactory progress with their studies. Reports on their progress are obtained at the end of each academic session and those who fail to maintain the requisite standard could have their cadetships withdrawn and their commissions terminated. In these circumstances, the MOD considers whether an offer of an alternative form of commission is to be made.

2707. On graduation from University and once provisionally registered with the GMC, Medical Cadets commence a Foundation Programme of two years, which is a statutory requirement for all newly qualified doctors in the UK. On provisional registration, medical cadets are assigned to a Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) or civilian hospital for their Foundation Year 1 training programme. There will be no operational commitments during this time. Placements in MDHUs

20 The policy for Medical Cadetships between 1 Apr 03 and 1 Apr 15 is contained in JSP 527 which is available from the sponsor. 21 The Undertaking for Medical Cadets is owned by RAF Employment Policy.


will be coordinated by the Defence Postgraduate Medical Deanery (DPMD). Individuals will qualify for Full Registration with the GMC upon successful completion of the first Foundation year.

2708. Medical Cadets undertake SOITC at the RAFC Cranwell followed by Phase 2 training. Failure to complete SOITC satisfactorily will lead to termination of the commission and discharge from the service.


CHAPTER 3

FUNCTIONAL & SPECIALIST BRANCHES

CONTENTS

Section 1 Branch Overview

Section 2 Functional Branches – Entry Requirements and Progression

Section 3 Specialist Branches – Entry Requirements and Progression

Section 4 Terms of Service of the RAF Medical Services


CHAPTER 3

SECTION 1

BRANCH OVERVIEW

The Functional and Specialist Branches

3101. The tables at Sections 2 and 3 to this chapter provide details of the branch specific information regarding eligibility for joining and deviations from the normal career progression detailed within Chapters 1 and 2. Some branches will allow discretion to be applied in areas such as maximum ages on joining; in order to deviate from the details provided within the table; approval of the relevant Branch Advisor is to be sought.

Branch Duties and Career Progression

3102. Detailed information regarding branch duties, initial employment, training and development is provided within the Branch Information Sheets (BIS) maintained by RAF Recruiting and Selection22. Detail regarding career management and progression is provided within AP 3393, Volume 2.

New Entrants Rate of Pay (NERP)

3103. NERP, which aligns previous graduate and non-graduate terms, took affect from 1 Apr 13 and is applied to all entrants to the functional branches with the exception of the Engineer branch, which has unique educational requirements, and the Flying branch which retains its one-year antedated seniority. NERP reduces the time taken for a new entrant to progress to flt lt from completion of Phase 1 training. Details of the progression times to flt lt for each cohort are provided at Section 2 to Chapter 5. The impact of NERP implementation will mean that a specific legacy group (see Section 2 to Chapter 5) will have differing transitional Terms of Service (ToS) applied on 1 Apr 13 to prevent the legacy group being overtaken in terms of timed promotion to flt lt by the new cohort.

Legacy Terms

3104. The purpose of this edition of AP 3393 Volume 1 is to provide details of the latest ToS in use for new entrants. However, as ToS change from one edition to another, Service Personnel may retain legacy/reserve rights to the ToS that applied to them on entry/promotion. For the period 1 Apr 03 until the publication of Ed 16 of this AP, TCOS for the RAF Medical Services were contained in JSP 527. Previous copies of this AP and the JSP are available from the Sponsors.

22 Copies of the latest BIS are available at this link: http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/Orgs/RAF/Organisations/Locations/Cranwell/AP3391/Pages/AP3391.aspx


CHAPTER 3

SECTION 2

FUNCTIONAL BRANCHES – ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRESSION

3201. The table below details the variations to the Conditions of Entry as detailed at Chapter 1. However, re-joiners and Lateral Entrants may be subject to differing commission lengths on entry as determined by Service need; Chapter 5, Section 4 contains further information.

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Flying26

Pilot

(ME)

Tac Str

x 17.5

DE and ICS max age 26For change in specialization within Fg branch must be able to start recognised Fg Trg cse before 27th birthday.27

Previously qualified Fg branch aircrew re-joining branch must not have passed their 31st

birthday.28

Civilian qualified pilots 55, at the discretion of the TRA and B&TA.

- IC on joining and automatic award of EDPC on successful completion of OCU or QFI/QHI Trg. Award of MEOS on promotion to sqn ldr. ICS as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3. Civilian qualified pilots29with desirable civilian qualifications may be offered an IC of 1 – 12 years30. The award of IC extension or EDPC will be subject to service need. Extension of service thereafter will be awarded on promotion to sqn ldr.

As per Chapter 5 Sections 1-2.

Pilot

(FJ)

AD MR OS Ins

x 17.5

Pilot

(ISR)

Air Mar Lnd

x 17.5

Pilot

(RW)

SH SAR

x 17.5

23 Must not enter Phase 1 trg until reaching age shown by Day 1 of trg. 24 Must have entered Phase 1 trg by age shown (eg up to X (age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 trg). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme and those re-joiners and lateral entrants who are SQEP for immediate entry into Service. 25 Over and above Basic educational qualification requirements laid out in Chapter 1, Section 1. 26 Medical fitness, over and above those detailed in Chapter 1 must be iaw AP 1269A. 27 Exceptional cases, where candidates possess desirable fg related qualifications, may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the B&TA. 28 Exceptional cases, where candidates possess desirable fg related qualifications, may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the B&TA. 29 For example, those that hold desirable qualifications, as defined by the appropriate B&TA, such as ATPL(A). 30 As appointed by Career Manager dependent upon Service Requirement. May include a short IC before an IC extension is applied up to 12 years (eg. after OCU).


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RPAS(

P)

- x x x 17.5 33 - IC on joining

Automatic award of EDPC on successful completion of OCU or QFI/QHI Trg. Award of MEOS on promotion to sqn ldr. ICS as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.

WSO

(FJ)

AD OS

x x x x x x N/A N/A - These are legacy roles, no longer recruited for.

Award of MEOS on promotion to sqn ldr.


WSO

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(RW)

Nav

WSO

(ISR)

Nav Air Lnd Mar Eng

31

32

2933 x x 17.5 33 for DE 37 for ICS 54 for re-entrants

- IC on joining.

Automatic award of EDPC on successful completion of OCU. Award of MEOS on promotion to sqn ldr.

ICS & In-Branch Commission - EDPC given on commissioning if longer than current engagement.

Award of MEOS on promotion to sqn ldr. ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


WSO

(ME)

ALM Eng MSO

x 29

2930 x x 17.5 33 for ICS 54 for re-entrants

-

WSO

(RW)

Cmn x 3329

30x x 17.5 33 for ICS

54 for re-entrants -

31 Excluding Eng. 32 WSOp (same specialization) only. 33 ECWO only.


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Air Operations

Control -

17.5 48 (ICS – case by case through BTA)

- IC (12 years) on joining EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection. ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


Systems

Systems

17.5 48 (ICS – case by case through BTA)

- IC (12 years) on joining EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.

Fire

X X X X 17.5 48 from ICS only. FT1/FT2 Theory Examinations passed

and FT1 practical course completed37

IC (12 years) on joining EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr. LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection. ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.

Intelligence 17.5 48 - IC (12 years) on joining EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection. ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


34 Must not enter Phase 1 trg until reaching age shown by Day 1 of trg. 35 Must have entered Phase 1 trg by age shown (eg up to X (age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 trg). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme and those re-joiners and lateral entrants who are SQEP for immediate entry into Service. 36 Over and above Basic educational qualification requirements laid out in Chapter 1, Section 1. 37 Applicants who have not completed all of the FT courses/exams may be considered at the discretion of the Branch Advisor.


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Regiment - -

17.5 4841

-

IC (12 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection. ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


Provost - - 21 4842 - IC (12 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection. ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


Engineer43 Aerosystems (AS)

- 17.5 48 Entry is either by Graduate Entry (civilian route), Qualified Entry, BES or CWO (ICS only). Graduates must have a degree in an appropriate engineering subject. ICS candidates may be considered for qualified entry providing they hold a Foundation Degree, BTEC HND or equivalent in an engineering subject. Full details of both schemes are at Chapter 1, Section 1.


As per Chapter 5 Sections 1-2 (additional seniority for Meng graduates).

38 Must not enter Phase 1 trg until reaching age shown by Day 1 of trg. 39 Must have entered Phase 1 trg by age shown (eg up to X (age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 trg). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme and those re-joiners and lateral entrants who are SQEP for immediate entry into Service. 40 Over and above Basic educational qualification requirements laid out in Chapter 1, Section 1. 41 Older candidates who can demonstrate the ability to meet the minimum physical requirements of the specialization undertaken during PROC/JROC will be considered subject to Branch Advisor approval. This restriction does not apply to CWO scheme applicants. 42 Exceptionally, older candidates with relevant experience may be accepted subject to Branch Advisor’s approval.43 Medical fitness, over and above that detailed in Chap 1, must be CP2. Colour perception of CP4 may be accepted in exceptional circumstances, but employability would be limited (eg cannot work with explosive ordnance).


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Communications Electronics (CE)

- 17.5 48 Entry is either by Graduate Entry (civilian route), Qualified Entry, BES or CWO (ICS only). Graduates must have a degree in an appropriate engineering subject. ICS candidates may be considered for qualified entry providing they hold a Foundation Degree, BTEC HND or equivalent in an engineering subject. Full details of both schemes are at Chapter 1, Section 1.


Logistics - - 17.5 48 - IC (12 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


44 Must not enter Phase 1 trg until reaching age shown by Day 1 of trg. 45 Must have entered Phase 1 trg by age shown (eg up to X (age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 trg). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme and those re-joiners and lateral entrants who are SQEP for immediate entry into Service. 46 Over and above Basic educational qualification requirements laid out in Chapter 1, Section 1.


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Medical Support Officer (MSO)50

MSO

-

x x 20 48 - IC (12 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection. ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


Medical Support Officer (MSO)

Environmental Health

- 51 x x 20 48 Must have completed TG15 Environmental Health BTT. (Ideally would be in possession of BSc(Hons) Environmental Health and registered with the Environmental Health Registration Board

IC (6 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


Personnel Support - 17.5 48 - IC (12 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


Personnel Training - 21 48 - IC (12 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection ICS/CWO as per Chap 2 Sec 1-3.


47 Must not enter Phase 1 trg until reaching age shown by Day 1 of trg. 48 Must have entered Phase 1 trg by age shown (eg up to X (age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 trg). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme and those re-joiners and lateral entrants who are SQEP for immediate entry into Service. 49 Over and above Basic educational qualification requirements laid out in Chapter 1, Section 1. 50 MSO (Physiotherapist) is a Specialist Branch and details can be found in Section 3. 51 Restricted to ex-regular EH Techs on approval by Branch Advisor.


CHAPTER 3

SECTION 3

SPECIALIST BRANCHES – ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRESSION

3301. The table below details the variations to the Conditions of Entry as detailed at Chapter 1. However, re-joiners and lateral entrants may be subject to differing commission lengths on entry as determined by Service need; Chapter 5, Section 4 contains further information.

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See Chap 1 Sec 3 IC of 6 years for DE. IC of 12 years for personnel requiring medical training. All other extensions of service on competitive selection.

Cadets are attested on start of cadetships as OC(O) with the addressable rank of A/Plt Off. On provisional registration promoted to OC(O) A/Fg Off and on full registration OC(O) A/Flt Lt. DE - flt lt on graduation from SOITC. Promotion to sqn ldr after 5 years seniority as a substantive flt lt. Promotion beyond sqn ldr by competitive selection.

Medical Secondary Care

x x 18 54. Non DE – Max age on entry will be

See Chap 1 Sec 3 DE – CCT Req

IC of 6 years for DE.

Cadets are attested on start of cadetships as OC(O) with the addressable rank of A/Plt Off. On

52 Must not enter Phase 1 trg until reaching age shown by day 1 of trg. 53 Must have entered Phase 1 trg by age shown (eg. Up to X (age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 trg). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme and re-joiners or lateral entrants who hold the required SQEP for immediate entry into Service.54 Durations of SSC are indicative and can be varied (between 3-12 years) to meet the needs of the Service. 55 The IC lengths offered to re-joiners and lateral entrants will depend upon the Service requirement; see Chapter 5, Section 4.


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reduced from 54 to take account of trg req on consultation with the Branch Advisor.

IC of 12 years for personnel requiring medical training. All other extensions of service on competitive selection.

provisional registration promoted to OC(O) A/Fg Off and on full registration OC(O) A/Flt Lt. Promotion to flt lt on grad from SOITC. Promotion to sqn ldr after 5 years’ seniority as a flt lt. Awarded acting wg cdr on CCT and positive promotion recommendation. Promoted to substantive wg cdr on ASCAB and completion of ICSC(A). Promotion to gp capt on competitive selection only.

Dental x x x x 21 54 Refer to Chapter 1 Section 3

IC (6 years) on joining. All further extensions of service (EDPC, LOS 30, LOS 35 and MEOS) awarded on competitive selection.

Promotion to flt lt on grad from SOITCThose who attested before 1 Jan 15 will be eligible for time promotion to Sqn Ldr at 5 yrs seniority. All future promotion will be by competitive selection on merit and subject to requirement to fill established posts. Flt lts are eligible to be considered for promotion at 4 yrs seniority, having completed JODP and in receipt of a positive OJAR recommendation. The maximum seniority on joining is OF 2 (Flt Lt) plus 5 years.

Nursing x x 23 4856 Refer to Chapter 1 Section 1

IC (12 years) on joining. EDPC on promotion to sqn ldr. LOS 35 on

Maximum seniority on joining is OF 2 (flt lt) with 2 years. All DE nursing officers must have a

56 Exceptional candidates may be considered beyond 48 depending on post-registration qualification(s) and experience.


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minimum of one year’s professional registration prior to joining. Promotion to flt lt will be achieved on reaching 4 years’ seniority in rank at fg off subject to recommendation57.

Medical Support Officer (MSO)

Physiotherapist

x x x x 20 48 Must be registered as a Physiotherapist with the Health Professions Council. Antedated seniority of up to 5 years (flt lt + 2 years) may be awarded for relevant civilian experience. Full details are provided at Chapter 3, Section 4, paragraph 3434.

IC (6 years) on joining. EDPC on competitive selection. LOS 30 on prom to sqn ldr, LOS 35 on prom to wg cdr. MEOS on competitive selection or as per Chapter 2 Sections 1-3 for ICS/CWO.

Physiotherapists will be commissioned in the rank of fg off with an award of 1 year seniority. Promotion to flt lt will be achieved on reaching 4 years’ seniority in rank at fg off subject to recommendation (default 3 years). All further promotions will be by competitive selection on merit, and subject to requirement to fill established posts.

Chaplain - X X X X 26 53

(Normally)

Must have been in the Priests’ Orders for not less than 2 years and have the written recommendation of their bishop. Other denominations58 are selected on the recommendation of their ecclesiastical superior, or of the

IC (6 years with the option to leave after 4 years with 12 mths notice). Chaplains on a 6 year IC may apply for a 12 year commission after completing 3 years regular service. Chaplains may apply for service

Chaplains are awarded the relative rank of flt lt on completion of SOITC. Chaplains are advanced to the relative rank of sqn ldr after 3 years' service as a chaplain, accompanied by satisfactory appraisals.

Individuals normally enter the zone for consideration for promotion to wg cdr in their 10th year of commissioned service; exceptional

57 See Para 3343 for detail of Antedated Seniority for Nursing Officers.58 In addition to Church of England (including all Anglicans), Church of Scotland and Free churches (including Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist, Presbyterian, United Reformed, Assemblies of God, Elim Pentecostal, Churches in Communities International and Salvation Army) and Roman Catholic are eligible to apply to join the RAF as a Chaplain.


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governing bodies of their respective denominations. Antedates of seniority are available for civilian experience up to a maximum of 6 years59.

beyond 12 years after completing 9 years’ regular service and thereafter can apply for further service 3 years prior to the end of their current engagement. EDPC are awarded automatically on promotion to the relative rank of Wg Cdr

candidates may be considered earlier. Advancement to the relative rank of wg cdr, or above, is by selection to fill an established vacancy.

Legal - X X X 24 48 Must be either a member of the English, Scottish or Northern Irish Bar, and have completed pupillage, or be an admitted English, Scottish or Northern Irish solicitor. Antedated seniority of up to 2 years may be awarded on the agreement of the Branch Head for relevant civilian experience.

IC (6 yrs) on entry only. EDPC are awarded by selection or automatically on promotion to the rank of Sqn Ldr. LOS 30 awarded by selection or automatically on promotion to Gp Capt

Legal Officers are awarded the rank of flt lt on graduation from SOITC and then promotion to sqn ldr and beyond is on merit.

59 Reckonable experience is calculated from date of ordination to the Diaconate, or from graduation from theological college to full-time Ministry according to denominational practice. Antedates of seniority are for pay purposes only and will not lead to earlier advancement in rank.


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Director of Music

- X X X 17.5 48

Applications for commissioned service as a DOM are acceptable from serving personnel who have qualified through Trade Group 21 CPD training system and possess the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) Music Direction Diploma. Re-entrants or transferees from another service, with the relevant qualifications, will be considered by the Head of Branch – Principle Director of Music.

EDPC or remain on current engagement length if longer. All other details as per Chapter 2Sections 1-3 for ICS/CWO.

As per Chapter 5, Section 2. Additionally, promotion to sqn ldr after 6 years satisfactory service in the rank of flt lt. Promotion to wg cdr on merit. PMD(A) commission is mandatory for all entrants post 1 Oct 08.


CHAPTER 3

SECTION 4

TERMS OF SERVICE FOR RAF MEDICAL SERVICES

Medical Officers

3401. Entry Routes. Medical Officer (MO) routes of entry is as follows:

a. Bursar Entry.

b. Medical Cadetship.

c. Foundation Doctor or Dentist.

d. Direct Entry (DE) as a fully Registered Medical Practitioner.

(1) Individuals requiring Post Graduate Training.

(2) Accredited Consultants.

(3) Accredited GMPs.

(4) Accredited GDPs.

e. Re-entry.

(1) After previous service as a military Medical (including Reserve Service) in one of the following categories:

(a) Individuals requiring Post Graduate Training.

(b) Accredited Consultants.

(c) Accredited GMPs.

(d) Accredited GDPs.

(2) After previous military non-medical commissioned or non-commissioned service in one of the following categories:

(a) Medical Cadetship.

(b) Bursary Entry.

(c) Foundation Doctor or Dentist.

(d) Individuals requiring Post Graduate Training.

(e) Accredited Consultants.

(f) Accredited GMPs.

(g) Accredited GDPs.


Dental Officers

3402. Entry Routes. Dental Officer (DO) routes of entry is as follows:

a. Direct Entry (DE) as a fully Registered Dental Practitioner.

(1) Individuals requiring Post Graduate Training.

(2) Accredited Consultants.

(3) Accredited GMPs.

(4) Accredited GDPs.

b. Re-entry

(1) After previous service as a military Dental officer (including Reserve Service) in one of the following categories:





(2) After previous military non-medical commissioned or non-commissioned service in one of the following categories:





Maximum Age on Entry

3403. Subject to meeting the entry and professional qualification criteria, the maximum upper age limit for an individual entering the Royal Air Force Medical Branch is normally the day before the 54th birthday (i.e. up to 53 years and 364 days on entry) for Direct Entrants. The age for non-DE will be reduced from age 53 for Primary Care and 52 for Secondary Care, to take account of additional training required.

3404. Subject to meeting the entry and professional qualification criteria, the maximum upper age limit for an individual entering the Royal Air Force Dental Branch is normally the day before the 54th birthday (i.e. up to 53 years and 364 days on entry).

Professional Registration

3405. All medical and dental officers are to be currently registered with the appropriate professional body.


a. The Medical Act 1983 requires all Medical practitioners to be fully registered to hold an appointment in the Armed Forces. Cadets60 provisionally register with the GMC of the United Kingdom having completed statutory training. All DE medical officer applicants, including re-entrants, must be fully registered with the GMC and, where applicable, on the relevant specialist register/ performers list.

b. All DE dental officer applicants, including re-entrants, must be fully registered with the GDC.

c. The date of that statutory registration with the GMC or GDC and subsequent re-registration is to be maintained in the individual’s Record of Service. Any individual who is not registered with their professional organisation, for whatever reason, will be removed from clinical practice until registration has been reinstated.

Eligibility

Foundation Doctor or Dentist

3406. Maximum Age on Entry For Doctors - Subject to meeting the entry criteria, the maximum upper age limit for entry will be reduced from age 53 to take account of training required. The Branch Advisor should be consulted in these instances.

3407. Professional Registration. Applicants are to be fully registered with the GMC or GDC of the United Kingdom.

Direct Entrant (DE) requiring Career Professional Training

3408. Professional Registration. Applicants for GMP or GDP training must be fully registered with the GMC or GDC of the United Kingdom at the date of entry. Applicants for specialist training must be similarly registered.

3409. Allocation of National Training Number. Applicants for specialist training must have been allocated their training number before their 44th birthday and have been actively engaged in the structured training programme in that specialty since that date.

Direct Entrant (DE) Holding Independent/Fully Accredited Practitioner Status

3410. Age. Subject to meeting the entry criteria, the maximum upper age limit for entry is the day before their 54th birthday (i.e. up to 53 years and 364 days on entry).

3411. Professional Registration. Applicants are to be fully registered with the GMC or GDC of the United Kingdom.

Re-Entrant Medical and Dental Officers Requiring Further Professional Training

3412. Re-entrant Medical and Dental Officers who require further professional training will normally be reinstated in the same rank at which they left unless the DE seniority regulations indicate that the individual receives a higher rank.

Postgraduate Training for DE and Re-Entry Medical and Dental Officers

60 Cadets are defined as personnel in receipt of a Cadetship from the RAF.


3413. Entry into Specialist Training is determined by the specialty benchmarking system that takes into account Service need. A maximum of two attempts are permitted and those unsuccessful at the second attempt will be released from Service.

Re-joining Medical & Dental Officers

3414. Retired officers with previous military medical or dental experience who meet current entry criteria and who will be under the age of 54 at the projected time of re-joining paid service, remain eligible to apply. Seniority for rank and pay purposes will be determined in accordance with para 3416 and 3417.

3415. For retired officers with no medical or dental experience (i.e. those who retired and subsequently qualified as a medical or dental officer), seniority for rank and pay purposes will be determined in accordance with para 3418.

Recognised Medical/Dental Experience

3416. For the purpose of calculating seniority for both pay and seniority purposes, recognised experience is defined as verifiable time spent in the practice of conventional medicine or dentistry, following registration (other than temporary registration) with the GMC/GDC within the UK or abroad. It is the responsibility of the RAFMS to verify an individual’s recognised experience. For the purposes of all seniority calculations, no previous experience may be counted twice.

3417. Seniority – Direct Entry Medical. 100% of military medical experience and 75% of recognized civilian medical experience from the date of attaining Independent practitioner/Fully Accredited (IP) status (expressed as time) within the specialty for which the applicant is to be employed, will be counted towards seniority. 100% of recognised civilian and military experience (expressed as time) within the approved training programme for the speciality, for which the applicant is employed, will also be counted towards military seniority. Additionally, 50% of recognized medical experience that was out of the speciality for which the applicant is applying will also count towards seniority.

3418. Seniority – Direct Entry Dental Officers. From 1 Jan 17, 100% of recognised civilian and military experience (expressed as time) within an approved dental Foundation Training or General Professional Training programme will be counted towards military seniority. 100% of military dental experience and 75% of recognized civilian dental experience from the date of completion of either Foundation Training or General Professional Training will also be counted towards seniority.

3419. Seniority – Direct Entry Candidates Re-Entering With Previous Non-Medical Service. In addition to para 3414, 50% of previous experience in any Service, in a branch or trade other than medicine (expressed as time) will also count towards seniority.

3420. Maximum Seniority for Rank. The normal maximum seniority for rank for Direct Entry qualified medical and dental officers from registration is sqn ldr for medical officers and flt lt with 5 years seniority for dental officers.

3421. Maximum Seniority for Pay. There is no cap on seniority for pay for medical officers. The normal maximum seniority for pay for Direct Entry qualified dental officers from full registration is flt lt with 5 years seniority.

3422. Seniority – Re-Entrant with Previous Medical/Dental Service. A candidate’s start point on re-entering the specialization in which they had previous military commissioned service will be the rank and seniority that they held on leaving the Service plus additional seniority for time spent


between original departure and re-entry calculated in accordance with the regulations at para 3415.

3423. Operational Service as a Reservist. A medical or dental officer who, as a member of the Reserve Forces, has served on an operational tour in their medical capacity may have their seniority increased by an amount equal to the number of days they have served under the Reserve Forces Act 96 (RFA 96) S52, 54, and 56. Time served in a medical or dental role on FTRS(FC) will also be counted in full towards seniority.

Initial General Duties (GD) Time – Medical and Dental Officers

3424. General Duties (GD) time is an essential Service requirement, both for the clinical manpower it provides and in the experience and exposure gained by the individual early in their military career. GD time is considered to start from the commencement of military (Phase 1) training. They will then undertake Phase 2 military medical and PMD(A) training. On completion of Phase 2 military medical training a period of GD will then be completed, except for DE GPs who will normally be assigned immediately into a Medical Centre position. The duration of GD time will vary in accordance with Service need and specialist training.

Time Promotion for Medical Officers

3425. Medical Officers will be awarded promotion to sqn ldr having attained 5 years seniority as a flt lt. For Medical Officers serving in the Primary Care specialization promotion beyond sqn ldr will be by competitive selection. Medical Officers serving in the Secondary Care specialization will be awarded the rank of acting wg cdr on the award of the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and will be substantiated after confirmation by the ASCAB and on completion of ICSC(A) (whichever is the later).

Time Promotion for Dental Officers

3426. Time promotion for Dental Officers was withdrawn on 19 Jan 15. Personnel with legacy promotion rights to sqn ldr after 5 years served will retain this right. These personnel will also be eligible for consideration on the flt lt to sqn ldr board, prior to their time promotion date, provided they meet the pre-boarding criteria. Professional Appointment

3427. Appointment as a General Medical Practitioner (GMP). A doctor will be awarded a CCT or a Certificate of Equivalent Experience from the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB). This qualifies the doctor to work as an unrestricted Principal in General Practice in the NHS and throughout the EU. The date of formal certification is the date of appointment as an accredited GMP.

3428. Appointment as a General Dental Practitioner (GDP). Following graduation, a dental officer undertakes a Foundation Training “year” which normally ends annually on 31 July. On successful completion of Foundation Training, the Dental Officer is granted formal certification by the Defence Postgraduate Dental Dean in accordance with authority delegated by the General Dental Council (Statutory Authority). The date of formal certification is the date of appointment as an accredited GDP in the Armed Forces.

3429. Appointment as a Consultant. An MO who has successfully been appointed as a consultant by the Armed Services Consultant Appointments Board (ASCAB) in their speciality will transition to the accredited consultant pay spine. This will take place on the date that the HdRAFMS signs MOD Form 423 or the date the RAFMS appoints the individual as a locum consultant, whichever is the earlier, providing the individual has received their CCT. Accredited Consultant pay rates are not to be paid for any period prior to the award of a CCT. Those that fail


their first ASCAB, will only move on to the accredited consultant pay spine on the date of their eventual successful ASCAB, with no backdating.

3430. Appointment as a General Medical or General Dental Practitioner Trainer. Subject to the Defence Deanery and the Statutory Authority accreditation and selection criteria being met, individual GMPs and GDPs may be appointed as Trainers or Associate Trainers. This attracts additional pay, the details and procedures for which are contained in JSP 75461.

Transfer between Services

3431. Subject to single Service manning levels, limited opportunities may occur for medical and dental officers to transfer between Services.

3432. The opportunity to transfer to another Service does not apply to officers who joined after 1 April 1989 and are serving on gratuity-earning commissions, unless they transfer to pension-earning terms. MOs and DOs on AFPS 05 (those joining after April 2005 and those previously on AFPS 75 who elected to transfer to AFPS 05) receive taxable bonus payments at certain career change points, as an encouragement to give longer service. Full details are available in JSP 764 Part 4 Ch 7 and in a directed letter of 30 March 2006 from SP Pol Pensions.

TERMS OF SERVICE FOR NURSING OFFICERS

Eligibility

3433. Qualifications. Candidates must be registered on an appropriate part of the Register of the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting and have a minimum of one years whole-time or part-time recognised post-registration experience at the time of commission. When assessing post-registration experience, proof of working will be required.

Seniority

3434. Antedated Seniority. The first two years relevant post registration experience is counted in full with remaining years of relevant experience counted in half up to an overall maximum of 6 years. For the purposes of part time working, this should be expressed as a percentage using 37.5 hours as the baseline for whole time working e.g. if an applicant worked part time at 24 hours a week for 12 months this would equate to 64% of 12 months = 7.68 months. All nursing officers enter with the rank, which reflects their seniority; any antedated seniority, for the purpose of qualifying for increments of pay, will count from the date of joining. Individuals with non-NHS experience will be considered on a case by case basis. Maximum rank will be flt lt with 2 years seniority.

TERMS OF SERVICE FOR MSO (PHYSIOTHERAPIST)

Eligibility

3435. All candidates must be registered as a Physiotherapist with the Health Professions Council. MSO (Physio) commissioned on or after 1 Sep 11 will receive time credits for civilian experience.

Seniority

61 JSP 754, Chapter 5, Section 1, Annexes B and C.


3436. Up to 5 years seniority may be awarded for the following civilian experience:

a. Full-time Civil Experience. MSO (Physio) officers will be awarded a time credit for full-time civil physiotherapy experience in a recognized appointment after registration as a Physiotherapist with the Health Professions Council. Time credits are set against the normal time-promotion progression to assess rank and seniority on entry. Subject to a maximum total of 5 years they are awarded in accordance with the following scale:

(1) The first 2 years in full.

(2) Any later experience – in half.

b. Part-time Civil Experience. Officers commissioned on or after 1 Sep 11 may also be awarded a time credit for part-time civil physiotherapy experience within the overall maximum of 5 years and in accordance with the following rules:

(1) The part-time employment in question must be recognised by the profession and acknowledged by its governing body as qualified experience for professional appointments.

(2) The part-time employment must be on a regular basis and the period spent in employment must be a minimum of 3 months.

(3) The part-time work must add up to a minimum of 2½ days per week (which is to include at least 5 half-day sessions).

(4) Only days actually worked can be included in the credit calculations. Two half days equates to one full day.

(5) The part-time employment is to be certified by the Head of Profession as being of value to the MSO (Physio) specialization.

(6) Special cases which do not meet the above rules, but which are considered by the Head of Profession and Branch Advisor to warrant further consideration are to be referred to the Manning Organisation.

Time Credits for Previous Service.

3437. Officers are granted time credits equal to the whole period of any previous service after registration on full pay as a physiotherapist in any of the Armed Forces of the Crown. They can be re-appointed in their former rank and seniority (or equivalent). However, there is no provision for the automatic award of previous rank and seniority. Each case is judged on its merits, in the light of the Service manning needs and with regard to the relevance of civil experience and professional qualifications (see Chapter 5, Section 4). If they are re-appointed to a commission on or after 1 Sep 11 and the credit for their previous service is less than 5 years they can count their civil experience gained during the break in service; only half of the relevant intervening civil experience will be credited for seniority purposes (e.g. for 320 days experience, only 160 will be credited for seniority) to bring their total credit up to a maximum of 5 years.


CHAPTER 4

TRAINING

CONTENTS

Section 1 Terms of Service Whilst Under Phase 1 Training

Section 2 Enlistment of Officer Cadets (Airman) and Commissioning of Officer

Cadets (Officer)

Section 3 Disposal of Non-productive and Pre-productive Officers

Section 4 Training Return of Service


CHAPTER 4

SECTION 1

TERMS OF SERVICE WHILST UNDER PHASE 1 TRAINING

Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC)

4101. All entrants to the Functional Branches and Directors of Music, except WOs who meet the CWOC eligibility criteria, will undergo phase 1 training through completion of the Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC), which they will undertake in the rank of Officer Cadet (Airman) (OC(A)). Detailed instructions relating to the enlistment of OC(A)s are contained in Section 2 of this chapter. On successful completion of Phase 1 IOTC, OC(A)s are commissioned in the rank of plt off or, in the case of the Fg and Eng branches, fg off. If, on successful completion of officer training, an OC(A) is medically unfit for commissioning, appointment to a commission will be deferred until the requisite medical standard has been attained, from when the commission will become effective retrospectively for all purposes (including pay). Failure to complete the phase 1 IOTC invariably leads to termination of Service. Exceptionally, trainees who fail the phase 1 IOTC may be considered for entry to training leading to service as non-commissioned aircrew or as ground trades personnel.

Specialist Officers Initial Training Course (SOITC)

4102. All prospective Specialist Officers will undergo initial officer training through completion of the Specialist Officer Initial Training (SOITC) course. All individuals will undertake SOITC in the rank of Officer Cadet (Officer) (OC(O)). Detailed instructions relating to the commissioning of OC(O) are contained in Section 2 of this chapter. Additionally, selected ICS entrants to the Medical Support Officer (Mainstream) branch who hold professional qualifications and registration (specifically, Environmental Health, Biomedical Scientist and Radiographers), with no requirement to complete Phase 2 training, may be permitted to complete SOITC vice IOTC6263.

4103. Entrants on the SOITC Course are commissioned on entry to service in the rank appropriate to their Specialist Branch terms and conditions of service. Prior to the successful completion of the SOITC Course; however, entrants will wear the rank and insignia of, and be referred to as, OC(O).

Medical and Dental Officers

4104. The terms of service for Medical and Dental cadets appointed to a commission between 1 Apr 03 and Ed 16 of this AP (Jan 15), are detailed in the Career Management Regulations for Defence Medical Services (JSP 527).

4105. Terms of service for Medical and Dental cadets appointed to a commission before 1 Apr 03 can be found in Chapter 2 Section 8 of Ed 15 of this AP.

University Bursars

4106. Terms of service for university bursars can be found in Chapter 2 Section 6.

62 Decision to be made by Branch Advisor. 63 ICS entrants to the MSO branch will undertake SOITC in the rank of Officer Cadet(Airmen).


Re-joining

4107. Offers of service will be produced for all re-joiners and will detail the ToS under which individuals will serve in addition to setting out any Phase one, 2, or 3 training requirements. Officers who undergo the Transferees and Re-joiners Course (TARC) will be appointed to their rank from day 1 of the course. Further details relating to re-joiners are contained within para 5414.

Serving Non-Commissioned Personnel

4108. Serving and non-commissioned personnel from any of the Armed Forces of the Crown who are selected for a RAF commission are required to undergo Phase 1 training as determined by AP7000. Serving RAF personnel who undertake IOTC remain on their current engagement for the duration of training but assume the status of OC(A). Serving RAF personnel who fail officer training are normally required to return to their original trade and complete the remainder of their engagement in accordance with QR569(1)(c).

Commissioned WO and Internal Commissioning Scheme

4109. Officers commissioned under either of the WO commissioning schemes will be appointed to a commission at the start of the CWO Commissioning Course. Commissions awarded via the ICS will be awarded on the date of graduation; commissioned service will be calculated from the following day.

Previous RAF Reserve Service

4110. Officers of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force or the RAF Volunteer Reserve may be permitted to complete phase 1 IOTC in their auxiliary or reserve rank.

Professional Phase 2 Training

4111. After successful completion of the applicable officer training, all newly commissioned officers are required to undertake such professional training as may be necessary. Whilst under training, officers are deemed to be non-productive and their continued employment is dependent on the satisfactory completion of the professional training required for their branch/specialization. Commissions are not confirmed until officers have entered productive service. Officers enter productive service on successful completion of professional (Phase 2) training and on appointment to an established post. Failure to complete professional training successfully normally leads to the termination of the commission, although officers may be offered reselection at OASC. Officers suspended from flying training, or professional ground training, are normally referred to OASC by their respective Phase 2 Training Unit for consideration of reselection to another branch, return to previous trade or exit from the Service. If it is determined that exit from the Service is the only option, this will be actioned by the relevant Phase 2 Training Unit Personnel Services Flight. The rules governing the disposal of officers who are suspended from flying duties or training before entering productive service, and of officers who qualify for the flying badge, are set out in Section 3.

4112. On transfer to another branch, officers are required to undertake such professional training as deemed necessary. Officers who fail to complete such training satisfactorily are liable to have their commission terminated unless they are considered suitable for return to their original branch; refer to Chapter 7 Section 1 for further details.


Post Phase 2 Training

4113. Officers may be required to undertake further training at any time during their Service careers. Officers who fail to successfully complete any training courses required to qualify them for continued productive service in their branch/specialization are liable to have their commission terminated. Participation in the generic PMD(A) programme is mandatory for all personnel joining the RAF, linked to effective day-to-day employment and career progression, with content matched to rank, experience and likely future appointments. Further detail is provided in AP 7000.


CHAPTER 4

SECTION 2

ENLISTMENT OF OFFICER CADETS (AIRMAN) AND COMMISSIONING OF OFFICER CADETS

(OFFICER)

4201. This section outlines the requirements for the enlistment of Officer Cadets (Airman) (OC(A)) on commencement of phase 1 IOTC and commissioning of Officer Cadets (Officer) (OC(O)) on commencement of SOITC.

4202. The period for which an officer serves, begins on day 1 of IOTC or SOITC and lasts until their exit date. OC(A) will serve only part of this period under commissioned service (see paragraph 4203), whilst OC(O) will serve the entire period under commissioned service (see paragraph 4209).

Direct Entrant - Officer Cadet (Airman)

4203. Entrants from civilian life, including graduates, are to be enlisted in the rank of aircraftsman in accordance with RAF Terms of Service Regulations64 and afforded the title Officer Cadet (Airman). Entrants will be enlisted on an initial engagement, which will be terminated at the conclusion of IOTC, either on appointment to a commission or, if they fail to complete the course successfully, release from the RAF.

4204. Entrants with previous RAFVR or RAuxAF service may be promoted to any higher rank for which they may be qualified under QR 491 but retain the status of OC(A) for the duration of their IOTC.

Internal Commissioning Scheme – Officer Cadet (Airman)

4205. Serving personnel who are accepted into training for commissioned service via the ICS are to remain on their current engagement, extended if necessary, to cover the period of IOTC. On entry to IOTC they remain in their existing rank and trade or NCA category but are given the status of OC(A). On successful completion of IOTC their airman service is terminated and their commission is awarded. Dependant on the requirements of the branch, they will then be designated as untrained pending successful completion of Phase 2 trg.

4206. If serving personnel are on the promotion selection list for their former ground trade they are not to be promoted during their time on IOTC. If they subsequently fail IOTC they will be held on the PSL until the next available vacancy. For WOs/MAcr commissioned under the CWO Scheme, refer to paragraph 4109.

4207. Serving personnel who have held paid acting rank for a minimum of 35 days immediately before leaving their unit will retain the acting rank throughout the period of officer training. Those who have held paid acting rank for a period of less than 35 days will relinquish it entirely on commencement of IOTC, and if subsequently appointed to a commission, their rank on appointment and subsequent promotion as officers will be related to their substantive ground trade rank.

64 As per AP3376 Vol 1, TCOS for Airmen of the Royal Air Force.


4208. Those who fail to complete the IOTC successfully will be returned to their trade and are required to complete their current engagement in accordance with QR569(1)(c)).

SOITC - Officer Cadet (Officer)

4209. Officers65 undertaking the SOITC Course are commissioned on entry and serve on commissioned terms (including accumulation of seniority in rank) throughout Phase 1 trg. OC(O) are to be administered in accordance with extant Officer Terms of Service and procedures. Failure to satisfactorily complete SOITC will lead to such officers having their commission terminated in accordance with QR2905(1)(a).

65 MSO commissioning through the ICS undertake SOITC as OC(A).


CHAPTER 4

SECTION 3

DISPOSAL OF NON-PRODUCTIVE AND PRE-PRODUCTIVE OFFICERS

Officers Suspended from Professional (Phase 2) Training

4301. Suspension from training occurs as a result of a recommendation by the Service and may result in referral to the OASC Reselection Board; however, other than in exceptional circumstances, individuals will only be afforded one opportunity for reselection. The final recommendation of the Reselection Board will be dependent upon the suitability of the officer concerned and the existence of vacancies in the gaining Branch/Specialization, but the Board will take into consideration the wishes of the officer concerned. Officers suspended from training will be dealt with in one of the following ways:

a. Further training in existing aircrew category e.g. from fast jet to rotary training.

b. Training in another aircrew category, e.g. from pilot failure to WSO (ICS only).

c. Reversion to former branch.

d. Training for a commission in another branch/specialization.

e. Termination of commission and enlistment for training and regular service as Non-Commissioned Aircrew or Non-Commissioned Controller.

f. Termination of commission and re-enlistment in original NCA Category or Trade Group.

g. Termination of commission and return to civilian life.

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) from Training

Officer Cadet (Airmen)

4302. Officer Cadets (Airman) (OC(A)) are enlisted on commencement of IOTC. Exceptionally, a trainee may apply to VW from Phase 1 or Phase 2 trg with a view to exiting from the Service. Beyond the 6 month point from enlistment (see 4303 below), discharge is not an automatic right, but may be possible if it is deemed to be in the interests of the Service and for the individual to exit under the terms of QR2905(1).

4303. OC(A) who wish to Voluntary Withdraw (VW) from training with a view to discharge can do so as a statutory right (QR 607 (32)) in the following circumstances:

a. Up to 6 months from their date of enlistment.

or,

b. Up to their 18th birthday, whichever is the later.


4304. OC(A) who have passed the point of Discharge As Of Right (DAOR) at (a) and (b) above but who have yet to complete Phase 2 Training may apply to VW from their training with a view to discharge. Personnel who fall into this category have no right to leave the Service in this way. However, if by exception it is deemed in the interests of both the individual and the Service, authority to discharge may be granted, iaw QR2905(1)(a) and the review procedures detailed in AP 3379 Lft 2380.

Officer Cadet (Officers)

4305. Officer Cadet (Officer) (OC(O)) are commissioned on commencement of SOITC. The regulations on VW are contained in AP 3393 Vol 7 Chapter 7 Section 2. OC(O) must relinquish their commission and are subject to exit under QR 2905(1)(a).

Re-allocation of Branch (RoB)

4306. Personnel undergoing Phase 2 professional training are not normally permitted to apply for training in another Branch. However, exceptionally, an application for RoB is permissible during Phase 2 professional training providing the criteria set out at sub paras a – d all apply:

a. The application should normally be submitted to the CO of the relevant Phase 2 Training Establishment (TE) between the end of the 4th week and the end of the 10th week of Phase 2 professional training for courses of more than 10 weeks duration, or between the end of the 4th week and the end of the day before graduation day for courses of less than 10 weeks duration.66

b. The branch for which they wish to be trained is currently open to recruiting.

c. Their ability grading and educational standards satisfy the requirements of the selected branch.

d. The reason for the application is endorsed by the TE and re-allocation is recommended by the CO of the TE.

4307. The CO of the TE is to forward recommended applications to OASC without delay. An individual re-allocated to training for another branch under the terms of this paragraph will not be regarded as a training failure. An individual is to be given only one opportunity to be re-allocated to training for another branch under the provisions of this paragraph. The OASC Reselection board will take into consideration the wishes of the officer concerned. The overall RoB process is owned by 22 Gp and can be found in AP3379 Lflt 2380.

Officers Withdrawn from Flying Duties or Training on Medical Grounds

4308. The disposal of officers withdrawn from flying duties or training owing to permanent medical unfitness for flying or duty are dealt with in Chapter 7 Section 5.

66 Personnel on the Junior Regiment Officer Course (JROC) will be able to apply for re-allocation at the end of the 11th week which is the point on the Cse where personnel would have experienced most aspects of life in the RAF Regiment.


Disposal of Non-Productive Officers67 - OASC Reselection Boards (Air/Ground)

4309. All non-productive officers who have been suspended from professional training, with the exception of fg branch personnel declared permanently medically unfit for further service in the RAF and those accepted for further training by a reselection board, are to be sent to OASC for interview by the appropriate OASC Reselection Board. The Suspension Board recommendations are to be sent to SO2 P2 Processing, OASC who, in conjunction with appropriate branches, will initiate the reselection process. If the non-productive officer is not reselected, the final disposal will be conducted by the unit HR staff at the respective Phase 2 Training Unit.

Disposal of Pre-Productive Qualified Aircrew68

4310. The Initial Flying Training Course (including the first OCU or CFS) is subject to the tri-Service Training Return of Service (Trg RoS) policy as published in JSP 750. A Trg RoS will normally commence on the completion of the course. However, the Trg RoS requirement is incurred from the start date of the course and may be applied, subject to Service needs, at any time, irrespective of the final outcome. The current Trg RoS for the Initial Flying Training Course is 72 months. All pre-productive fg branch officers, whether they have been awarded the flying badge or not, who voluntarily withdraw or are suspended from training are not free to leave the Service. Their retention and future employment is subject to the discretion of the RAF Manning Organisation. Such officers may be required to complete the Trg RoS requirement serving, if necessary, in flying-associated ground appointments.

Withdrawal of Flying Badges

4311. Officers who have been awarded the flying badge on a provisional basis normally forfeit the badge if they are withdrawn from flying before entering productive service (see QR J727). Withdrawal of the flying badge is, however, in all cases subject to the approval by the Air Force Board.

Disposal of other Pre-Productive Officers69

4312. All pre-productive officers who voluntarily withdraw or are suspended from training designed to fit them for productive service in their branch/specialization are not free to leave the service. Their retention and future employment is subject to the discretion of Comdt RAFC Cranwell (see Chapter 7 Section 2). Such officers may be re-selected, discharged or may be required to complete the Trg RoS requirement serving in associated appointments.

Terminal Leave

4313. Terminal leave is not to be granted when termination of commission is followed immediately by re-enlistment on a Regular engagement.

67 Whilst under training, officers are deemed to be non-productive, as per Para 411168 Certain branches require individuals to become Combat Ready prior to becoming ‘Productive’. During this interim period, these individuals are deemed to be ‘Pre-productive’. 69 Certain branches require individuals to become Combat Ready prior to becoming ‘Productive’. During this interim period, these individuals are deemed to be ‘Pre-productive’.


CHAPTER 4

SECTION 4

TRAINING RETURN OF SERVICE

Policy

4401. Training Return of Service (Trg RoS) is defined as: “a period of time that an individual who has undertaken a course of trg shall be required to serve in order to give a reasonable return on the investment made by the MOD”. Trg RoS are reviewed and updated regularly (at least annually) by the publication of JSP 750.

Initial Trg RoS

4402. All officers incur an initial Trg RoS of at least 3 years upon, commencing initial professional (Phase 2) trg. Some branches may incur longer RoS, such as the fg branch. Trg RoS is incurred from the start date of the trg/education. However, the period of the Trg RoS will start on the date of completion of, or withdrawal from the trg, irrespective of the final course outcome. Officers with an outstanding Trg RoS are not normally permitted to exit the Service on ET until the Trg RoS period has been completed.

Further Trg RoS

4403. Some types of additional trg, including professional trg upon a change of branch/specialization, may incur further periods of Trg RoS. Additional Trg RoS will normally run concurrently unless otherwise agreed by the RAF Manning Organisation. Details of Phase 3 courses that incur a Trg RoS are contained in JSP750.

Cadetships and Bursaries

4404. Cadets and Bursars agree to complete a specified period of productive service as a condition of their undertaking. RAF Bursaries are covered at Chapter 2 Section 6 of this publication whilst the JSP 750 covers the RoS for Medical and Dental Cadetships.

Waiver of Trg RoS

4405. Exceptionally, when it is in the interests of the Service or in other such circumstances (e.g. extreme compassionate grounds) the requirement to complete a Trg RoS may be waived by the RAF Manning Organisation.

Transfer of Trg ROS to service in the Reserves

4406. RAF Manning may, when it is in the interests of the Service, permit personnel to transfer to Reserve Service (FTRS or ADC) prior to the completion of a Trg ROS period subject to a requirement to serve any remaining Trg ROS period in the Reserve Forces, which will be reflected in their Reserve Commitment. A RoS cannot be transferred to the Part Time Volunteer Reserve (PTVR) or Regular Reserve.


CHAPTER 5

RANK, SENIORITY, AND PROMOTION

CONTENTS

Section 1 Rank and Seniority on Appointment to a Commission in the Functional Branches and Promotion to Flt Lt – For those who Enter Service on or after 1 Apr 13

Section 2 Standard Time Progression to Flt Lt in the Functional Branches

Section 3 Accelerated Promotion - Legacy

Section 4 Rank and Seniority for Re-joiners and Transferees

Section 5 Promotion

Section 6 Acting Rank


CHAPTER 5

SECTION 1

RANK AND SENIORITY ON APPOINTMENT TO A COMMISSION IN THE FUNCTIONAL

BRANCHES AND PROMOTION TO FLIGHT LIEUTENANT - FOR THOSE WHO ENTERED

SERVICE ON OR AFTER 1 APR 13

General

5101. Rank and seniority on appointment and speed of promotion to the rank of flt lt depends on branch. Credits of seniority for relevant qualifications are only awarded to the Engineer branch. Credits for previous service may be applicable for some categories of re-entrants and serving personnel from the ranks. Time promotion is subject to the criteria detailed in Chapter 5 Section 5.

Specialist Branches

5102. Most Specialist branches have enhanced ToS which affect rank on appointment and time promotion. In these cases the relevant branch-specific section (Chapter 3 Section 3) should be consulted.

Rank on Appointment

5103. Following successful completion of IOTC, officers are commissioned in the ranks of either plt off or fg off, as shown in Section 2, dependant on their branch.

Seniority on Appointment

5104. Section 2, paragraph 5201 shows the standard progression to flt lt for Direct Entrants and University Graduate Entry (Eng branch only). The basic time promotion period for officers in the Fg and Eng branches to attain the rank of flt lt is 2 ½ years from completion of IOTC and 3 ½ years in the other Functional branches. Section 2, paragraph 5205 shows the standard progression for personnel using the Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS).

Time Credits for Qualifications

5105. Post-1 Apr 13, time credits for qualifications (other than Engineer Branch) ceased. Engineer officers with a Masters Degree or equivalent will qualify for a further 1 year time credit, enabling them to reach the rank of flt lt within 1 ½ years of completion of IOTC.

Serving Personnel and those with Previous Service

5106. From 1 Apr 02, serving RAF, ex-Service (including other Armed Forces of the Crown), and transferring, non-commissioned personnel are awarded seniority under the provisions of the Internal Commissioning Scheme (see Chapter 2 Section 1) according to their non-commissioned rank as shown in Section 2 of this Chapter.

5107. Personnel entering under the Warrant Officer Commissioning Scheme (see Chapter 2 Section 3) are commissioned in the rank of flt lt and no awards of additional seniority are possible under this scheme.

5108. Before 31 Mar 02, serving and ex-RAF non-commissioned personnel appointed to commissions were able to count half their non-commissioned service towards rank on


appointment, seniority in that rank and increments of pay. This system also applies to serving and former non-commissioned personnel from the other Services too (see Section 4 for further details).

Re-joining

5109. The provisions regarding credit of rank and seniority for re-joiners with previous commissioned service in the RAF or another service, as a regular or reservist, or non-commissioned service in other Armed Forces of the Crown are detailed in Section 4.

Rank on Transfer between Branches

5110. The rules relating to transfer between branches/specializations and reassessments of seniority are detailed in Chapter 6, Section 1.

Previous TOS on Rank and Seniority on Appointment to a Commission and Promotion to Flt Lt

5111. For the rules applying to officers commissioned before 1 Apr 13, see AP 3393, Vol 1, 13th Edition Chapter 5, available from the document sponsor. For the rules applying to officers commissioned before 1 Apr 83, see AP 3393 6th Edition Chapter 3, available from the document sponsor.


CHAPTER 5

SECTION 2

STANDARD TIME PROGRESSION TO FLT LT IN THE FUNCTIONAL BRANCHES

5201. Following the introduction of the Pay 16 in Apr 16 , the standard rank, seniority, pay point on entry and time progression to flt lt for Direct Entrant officers in the Fg, Air Ops, Int, Flt Ops, Regt, Provost, Eng, Logs, Personnel, and MSO70 branches is to be calculated using the table below:

Serial

No Cohort Branch(es)

OC Plt Off Fg Off Overall Time to Flt Lt

Officer Pay Range 171

IL172 IL2 IL3 IL4

1 Flying Branch Flying (Pilot/RPAS(P)/ WSO)

Officer cadet service + 2 ½ years

2 Ground Branches (excluding Engineer

Branch)

Ground Branches Officer cadet service + 3 ½ years

3 University graduate

- BEng or equivalent

Engineer Branch (AS

and CE) Officer cadet service + 2 ½ years

4

University graduate

- MEng or equivalent

Engineer Branch (AS and CE)

Officer cadet service + 1 ½ years

70 The progression to flt lt for MSO (Physiotherapist) officers is detailed in Chapter 3 Section 3. 71 Each column, except that of officer cadet, represents a 6 month period. Officer Cadet equates to the length of time spent on IOTC. 72 Increment Level.


Direct Entry – Officers’ New Entrants Rate of Pay (NERP) Transition Legacy Cohort (Graduating between 14 Feb 10 - 27 Sep 13).

5202. In order to facilitate the introduction of NERP, a legacy cohort was identified as those graduating from IOTCs 20-32 between 14 Feb 10 - 27 Sep 13, whose standard flt lt promotion dates were later than those shown at sub-paragraphs a-d below. To prevent this legacy group being overtaken in terms of timed-promotion to flt lt73 by those joining on the new terms below from 1 Apr 13, accelerated promotion was applied to individuals within this group from 1 Apr 13 to facilitate a common promotion date to flt lt. This legacy cohort was split into the following groups:

a. Fg Branch Basic Entrants – Promoted to flt lt on 20 Mar 16.

b. Ground Branch (excl Engineer) Basic Entrants – Promoted to flt lt on 20 Mar 17.

c. Engineer Branch (BEng or equivalent) Entrants – Promoted to flt lt on 20 Mar 16.

d. Engineer Branch (MEng or equivalent) Entrants – Promoted to flt lt on 20 Mar 15.

For those legacy cohort individuals who graduate from IOTC before 1 Apr 13 (IOTCs 20-30), additional seniority74 was applied to JPA records with effect 1 Apr 13 to facilitate timed-promotion to flt lt to coincide with the dates above. The remaining legacy cohort (IOTCs 31 and 32) was aligned to the new NERP terms for the remaining duration of their Phase 1 IOTC training (i.e. moved to pay level IL5). At the point of their IOTC graduation, this group was then given additional seniority to facilitate timed-promotion to flt lt in accordance with the timings set out at sub-paragraphs a-d above.

5203. The NERP Transition Legacy Cohort did not affect those entering the IOTC via the Internal Commissioning Scheme.

73 The amended timed-promotion dates to flt lt reflect the promotion dates of the new cohort (Direct Entry from 1 Apr 13) with an additional 3 mths applied to reflect the gap between IOTC 32 (last of legacy group) and IOTC 33 (new cohort) graduation dates. 74 Without back-dated pay.


Internal Commissioning Scheme

5204. The rank, seniority on entry and time progression to flt lt for serving, and ex-RAF non-commissioned personnel selected for a commission after 1 Apr 1675 is calculated using the table below. Pay points are for guidance only as actual pay may be specially determined.

Former Rank76

(or equivalent)

Off Cadet Plt Off Fg Off

Overall Time to Flt Lt Officer Pay Range 177

IL1 IL2 IL3 IL4 IL5

WO/ MAcr

(OR 9)

N/A for

CWOS/ECWOS

0 Years

FS/ Chf Tech

(OR 7&8) 1 Year

Sgt

(OR 6) 1 ½ Years

Cpl

(OR 4) 2 Years

SAC/ JT/ LCpl

(OR 2&3) 2 ½ Years

75 With the introduction of Pay 16. 76 Airmen who hold Normal Paid Acting Rank prior to Commissioning will be assessed using their acting rank. Airmen who hold Special Paid Acting Rank prior to Commissioning will be assessed in their substantive rank 77 Each column, except that of officer cadet, represents a 6 month period. Officer Cadet equates to the length of time spent on IOTC. Personnel entering the Eng branch who obtained an Engineering Related degree (deemed suitable by the Eng branch advisor) prior to Commissioning will gain an additional 6 months seniority on entry and time progression to flt lt.


Legacy Standard Time Progression to flt lt in the Functional Branches – For personnel who joined prior to 1 Apr 13

5205. The standard rank, seniority, pay point on entry and time progression to flt lt for Direct Entrant officers in the Fg, ATC, ABM, Int, Flt Ops, Regt, Provost, Eng, Logs, Personnel and MSO78 branches was calculated using the table below; however, paragraph 5202 explains how personnel who joined before 1 Apr 13 will have their time progression to flt lt accelerated so that NERP will not disadvantage anyone currently not yet at flt lt rank.

Serial

No

Type of

Entry

Branch OC APO79 Plt Off Fg Off Overall

Time to Flt Lt

Pay Level80

1 5 5 6 7 8 9

1

University graduate – 4

year course81

(includes

sandwich type courses82)

Fg Branch

Ground Branches

18 months

2½ years

78 The progression to flt lt for MSO (Physiotherapist) officers is detailed in Chapter 3 Section 3. 79 Regrading from a/plt off to plt off will take place on appointment, as a productive officer, to an established post. For parity of treatment across Branches the length of service to flt lt will be in accordance with the final column of the table at paragraph 5206, with promotion to fg off occurring as though the early promotion to plt off had not occurred. 80 Each column, except that of officer cadet, represents a 6 mth period. Officer Cadet equates to the length of time spent on the IOTC. 81 Graduates of the Service based Air Transport Engineering Course enter in accordance with Serial 1. 82 Excludes a 4 year degree course at a Scottish university, a degree course where the 4th year is beyond first degree level (eg an elective masters) or where the 1st year is at foundation level, and a BEd degree awarded in the 4th year after award of Cert. Ed. Antedates of seniority are only awarded for first degrees, except where provided for by the relevant branch-specific section.


Serial

No

Type of

Entry

Branch OC APO79 Plt Off Fg Off Overall

Time to Flt

Lt

Pay Level80

1 5 5 6 7 8 9

2

University

graduate 3 year course or

equivalent83

Fg Branch

Ground

Branches

2½ years

3½ years

3

Qualified entrant84

Ground

Branches only

5 years85

4 Basic entrant86

Fg Branch

Ground Branches

5½ years + Off Cdt

service

6½ years +

Off Cdt

service

83 Candidates who hold a qualification equivalent to a degree which is acceptable for graduate entry into one branch may also be eligible for graduate entry into other branches. For qualifications acceptable to each branch see the relevant branch-specific section.84 The qualifications required for Qualified Entrants are normally specific to a certain branch / specialization. This progression may also be used when an officer is initially appointed or transferred to a branch in which their qualifications are acceptable. For qualifications acceptable to each branch see the relevant branch-specific sections. 85 May be considered for accelerated promotion in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 3. For the purpose of accelerated promotion, ex-serving personnel are regarded as basic entrants. 86 All basic entrants attend IOTC as officer cadets and are commissioned upon graduation. Exceptionally, basic entrants from civilian life with at least 3 years acceptable civilian experience gained after reaching the age of 18 years may considered to be commissioned on entry into ATC, ABM, Int, Flt Ops, RAF Regt, Provost and Logistics Branches and Personnel specialization. See the relevant branch-specific sections. May be considered for accelerated promotion in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 3. For the purpose of accelerated promotion, ex-serving personnel are regarded as basic entrants.


CHAPTER 5

SECTION 3

ACCELERATED PROMOTION – LEGACY

Introduction

5301. Accelerated promotion is not applicable to any individuals joining from 1 Apr 13 onwards. Two different schemes operated before 1 Apr 13; one for the Fg Branch and one for Ground Branches. Basic (i.e. non-graduates including ex non-commissioned personnel) and Qualified Entrants who are in the NERP legacy cohort (paragraph 5202 refers) may receive accelerated promotion to the rank of flt lt which will reduce the period to be spent in the rank of fg off87.

5302. Unlike the award of acting rank, the most important immediate consequence of accelerated promotion to flt lt is early entry into the field for promotion to sqn ldr. In all cases it follows that if an officer is to be given a significant lead over their contemporaries they must be assessed as being outstanding as a junior officer and demonstrating above average potential. Such assessments should have already been made, or at least positively forecast, in the most recent OJAR and must be fully supported in the narrative recommendations.

Fg Branch

5303. Promotion of members of the Fg Branch may be accelerated by up to a maximum of 1 year. Recommendations for accelerated promotion may be made:

a. By CAS following the award of a distinguished pass on completion of flying training as a pilot, RPAS(P) or WSO.

b. By their Stn Cdr after entering productive service. The decision to support the recommendation will fall to the appropriate AOC. The AOC’s decision to accelerate promotion is to arrive at Manning’s Change of Engagements not more than 6 months and not less than 3 months before the recommended date of promotion.

5304. No other action is required by units in respect of a promotion authorised in this manner.

Ground Branches

5305. Ground Branch officers may be identified for accelerated promotion, by up to a maximum of 2 years88, through two routes;

a. By Career Managers as part of the re-assignment process.

b. Through recommendation by the individual’s Stn Cdr (or equivalent).

5306. To be eligible for consideration an individual must, in addition to being assessed as an outstanding junior officer who is demonstrating above average potential have completed a minimum of 1 year productive commissioned service and have received at least 1 OJAR.

5307. The decision to support the recommendation will fall to the appropriate AOC. The AOC’s decision to accelerate promotion is to arrive at Manning’s Change of Engagements not more than 6 months and not less than 3 months before the recommended date of promotion.

87 See table at paragraph 5206 for details. 88 No additional seniority at flt lt level will be awarded.


CHAPTER 5

SECTION 4

RANK AND SENIORITY FOR RE-JOINERS, LATERAL ENTRANTS, AND TRANFEREES

Introduction

5401. In order to fulfil a specific Service need, as identified by Air Manning, the RAF may accept into service, the following types of entrant:

a. Re-joiner – An individual with previous Regular and/or Reserve service in the RAF, Royal Navy, British Army or other Foreign and Commonwealth armed force, as described in para 5402 below.

b. Transferee – A serving member of the Royal Navy or British Army who can be released for transfer to the RAF.

c. Lateral Entrant – An individual who possesses desirable KSE for a role above base-rank yet does not possess any previous Regular or Reserve service experience. Such individuals may be considered for entry above base-rank in exceptional circumstances, subject to assessment of their KSE and any bespoke training requirements for such entry into Service.

Re-joiner Eligibility

5402. For the purposes of this AP, the term ‘re-joiner’ is used to describe an individual who may be considered for a Regular commission in the RAF who has previous military experience as an officer or other rank having left one of the following armed forces:

a. The RAF89.

b. The Reserve Air Forces (i.e. RAFR or RAuxAF)90.

c. The Royal Navy (as a Regular or Reservist).

d. The British Army (as a Regular or Reservist).

e. Foreign and Commonwealth armed forces (as a Regular or Reservist).

All re-joiners must satisfy the minimum nationality, residency, academic, security, medical and fitness requirements as set out in Chapter 1, Section 1 and for their respective branch91.

Re-joiner Rank and Seniority

5403. In determining the appropriate rank and seniority to be offered to a re-joiner, the following elements will be considered:

a. The Service need to fill a specific position(s).

89 Excludes those whose previous military experience was only in respect of a Short Term Regular Commission (University Placement). 90 Excludes those whose previous military experience was only in respect of RAFVR(T), RAFVR(UAS), RAFVR(DTUS) or RAFR(CC) service or their equivalents in the Army Reserve and Maritime Reserves, unless the individual holds a specially called for, or urgently required, level of KSE. 91 Re-joiners and lateral entrants may be attested prior to receipt of a permanent JMES, security clearance, meeting fitness standard. Should the re-joiner fail to satisfy any of those requirements the Service may prematurely dispose of the re-joiner prior to the end of their agreed engagement.


b. An individual’s previous rank, seniority and military KSE.

c. Any relevant KSE that an individual may have gained since leaving their previous Military service.

5404. Offers to re-join will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The type of previous Military service that a prospective re-joiner has (as described in Paras 5401) will normally be used as a baseline for determining the rank and seniority92 that they may be offered93. Where an individual has also gained relevant KSE since leaving their previous Military service, they may be offered additional rank and seniority above the baseline indicated.

5405. Re-joiner with Previous Commissioned Service in the RAF. An officer who has previously completed a period of commissioned service in the regular RAF will normally be reinstated or re-join as follows:

a. Re-instatement. An officer who has previous RAF commissioned service will normally be reinstated if they return to their former branch in the substantive rank held on exit. However, such reinstatements are not automatic and each case will be judged on its merits. The period of time spent out of regular service will not normally count towards seniority on reinstatement. However, any period of reserve service, since previous regular service, may count towards seniority as per paragraph 5411.

b. Re-joining to a Different Branch. An officer who has previous RAF commissioned service and who returns to another branch, or in a different rank and/or seniority level will normally be determined as follows:

(1) When the officer re-joins in a different branch, seniority in the re-employed rank is to be assessed in accordance with the regulations governing transfer between branches (see Chapter 6 Section 1).

(2) The period spent out of regular service will not normally count towards seniority on re-employment.

(3) If the officer re-joins in their former branch, but in a lower substantive rank than the one held on exit, seniority will be the original date of substantive seniority in the lower rank. The period spent out of regular service will not normally count towards seniority on re-employment.

In both instances, any periods of reserve service, since previous regular service, may count towards seniority awarded as per paragraph 5403.

5406. Re-joiner with Previous Commissioned Service in other Armed Forces of the Crown. Officers who have previously served full-time in a commissioned rank in any of the other Armed Forces of the Crown, including those of Commonwealth Countries, will normally be allowed to count all such service94 towards rank and seniority on re-joining95.

5407. Re-joiner with Previous Non-Commissioned Service in the RAF. Personnel with previous non-commissioned service in the regular RAF will normally have their seniority and pay progression calculated in light of their former rank in accordance with the rules for the ICS (see Chapter 5, Section 2).

92 See also JSP754, Part 2, Chapter 2, Section 11 for the pay policy for re-joining and transferring. 93 Prior to this edition of the AP, different rules existed for some of the groups described at Paras 5406 to 5412. For detail, see previous editions of this AP available from the sponsor. 94 Only productive service post Phase 2 training will count towards Seniority. 95 Different rules apply for Medical, Dental and Nursing Officers – see Para 5413.


5408. Re-joiner with Previous Non-Commissioned Service in other Armed Forces of the Crown. Ex-serving personnel who have previously served on a full time regular engagement in a non-commissioned rank in any of the other Armed Forces of the Crown, including Commonwealth Countries, will normally have their seniority calculated in light of their former rank using the same provisions as the ICS (see Chapter 5, Section 2). Those holding substantive WO2 rank (or equivalent) are to be managed according to the provisions for FS.

5409. Re-joiner with Previous Service in both the RAF and another Armed Force(s) of the Crown. Individuals with previous service in both the RAF and another Armed Force(s) of the Crown will be treated as ex-RAF or ex-other Armed Forces of the Crown (but not both), whichever is more beneficial to the individual in terms of rank on appointment, seniority in that rank and increments of pay on commissioning. Individuals will however be permitted to count aggregated Armed Forces of the Crown service in this regard if this is more beneficial.

5410. Re-joiner with Commissioned Service in the Reserve Forces. An officer currently serving, or with previous service, on FTRS96 or ADC terms in the UK Armed Forces will normally be permitted to count all such service towards rank and seniority on re-joining. These officers will normally re-join the Regulars at the same rank and with the same seniority that they currently hold/last held.97

5411. Re-joiner Commissioned Service in the Volunteer Reserve Forces. An officer currently serving or with previous service in the RAuxAF (or Royal Navy or British Army equivalents) may be allowed to count all such service towards rank and/or seniority on appointment. The rank and seniority offered to these officers will always be determined on a case-by-case basis recognising that many may have gained relevant KSE out with their part-time Military service.

5412. Medical, Dental and Nursing Officers. The provisions for determining the rank and seniority to be offered to Medical, Dental and Nursing officers who are re-joining is set out in Chapter 3 Section 4.

5413. Re-joiner Training Requirements. The bespoke training process as detailed in AP7000 will be used to assess the Phase 1, 2 and 3 training requirements for each re-joiner.

5414. Re-joiner Engagement Length. Re-joiners will normally be selected to fill a specific post for a defined length of engagement to meet a specific Service requirement. This enables the Service to fill manpower gaps with SQEP re-joiners without an obligation to retain them in-Service beyond the requirements of a single post, should that be in the best interests of the Service. A re-joiner may subsequently be offered further extensions/longer commissioned engagements, should the Service wish to retain them after their initial engagement period. Where a more enduring requirement is identified, a longer engagement length may be offered by the Service at the outset.

5415. Effect on AFPS of Re-joining. Personnel should be aware of the financial implications on their AFPS of re-joining the Services which will differ depending on the TACOS being offered, which AFPS the individual is a member of and the length of break in Service. Specifics for each individual’s circumstances should be confirmed by reference to the relevant Pension Scheme material98.

96 On any form of FTRS be it on Full Commitment, Limited Commitment or Home Commitment terms. 97 For example, a wg cdr serving on ADC terms with 3 years seniority may be offered, on re-joining, Regular service at wg cdr rank with 3 years seniority. 98 Details of the various Pension Schemes (AFPS 75, AFPS 05, AFPS 15, FTRS 97 and RFPS 05) can be found on the Defence Intranet (navigation path from the Home Page: Personnel>Military>Remuneration Policies>Pensions for the Armed Forces). Also available in this area is a booklet entitled ‘Armed Forces and Reserve Pension Schemes: Re-employment’.


5416. Personnel should be aware that both AFPS 7599 and AFPS 05100 can require an abatement of Pension and possible repayment of EDP benefits when re-joining the Armed Forces. Advice regarding AFPS implications on re-joining can be obtained from:

DBS Veterans UK Mail Point 480 Kentigern House 65 Brown Street Glasgow G2 8EX

Telephone: 0800 085 3600

5417. Serving Airmen Scheme (Before 1 Apr 02). Serving and ex-serving RAF personnel selected for commissions under the Serving Airmen Scheme before 1 Apr 02 were subject to different rules. Exceptions existed for Branch Officers (see Chapter 2 Section 5), officers of the Medical, Dental, Medical Technician (before 1 Jun 98), Chaplains and Legal branches, and officers of the PMRAFNS (see the appropriate branch-specific Sections). Modified rules also applied to service personnel entering certain branches prior to 1 Apr 83; details are contained in AP 3393 6th Edition Chapter 3, a copy of which is available from the document sponsor.

Definition of Transferees

5418. For the purposes of this AP, the term ‘transferee’ is used to describe an individual who may be considered for a Regular commission in the RAF and who is currently serving as a regular in the Royal Navy or British Army be it as an officer or other rank.

5419. All transferees must satisfy the nationality, residency, academic, medical and fitness requirements as set out in Chapter 1, Section 1 and for their branch.

Transferee Rank and Seniority

5420. Providing there is a RAF Service need and they can be released, serving Royal Navy or British Army personnel may be offered a RAF commission. The rank and seniority that may be offered these personnel is detailed below:

a. Serving Officers. As per the provisions for re-joiners set out in Para 5406 above.

b. Serving Other Ranks. As per the rules for the ICS. WO transferees will not normally be able to access the CWO or ECWO schemes until they have 2 years’ seniority as an RAF WO.

Transferee Training Requirements & Appointment to Rank

5421. The bespoke training process as detailed in AP7000 will be used to assess the Phase 1, 2 and 3 training requirements for each transferee. All re-joiners, transferees, and lateral entrants who undertake the Transferees & Re-Joiners Course (TARC) will be appointed to their rank and commence reckonable service from day 1 of their course.

Lateral Entrants

5422. On occasion the Service may recruit and commission people with desirable, often specialist, KSE yet do not have any previous Regular or Reserve service experience; this cohort of

99 Any Immediate Pension (IP) in payment will be reduced or suspended so that the new rate of pay together with the IP does not exceed the old rate of pay. 100 The re-joiner must repay the ‘unexpired portion’ of the EDP Lump Sum and the EDP 05 income stream will cease.


personnel are defined as ‘lateral entrants’. The recruitment of lateral entrants will be similar to that of a re-joiner in that they will be selected to fill a specific position commensurate with their KSE. Their seniority and rank on appointment will be determined by the position and the KSE that they offer to the Service.

5423. All lateral entrants must satisfy the minimum nationality, residency, academic, security, medical and fitness requirements set out in Chapter 1, Section 1 and for their respective branch101. Additionally, they may require a bespoke training route into Service.

101 Should the lateral entrant fail to satisfy any of those requirements the Service may prematurely dispose of the lateral entrant prior to the end of their agreed engagement.


CHAPTER 5

SECTION 5

PROMOTION

Substantive Promotion

5501. Substantive promotion of officers is conferred by the RAF Manning Organisation on the basis of selection on merit or by length of qualifying service (i.e. time promotion). Where there are more established posts than substantive promotees, acting rank may be granted (see Section 6). Substantive promotion takes effect from the date stated in the London Gazette (this date will be replicated on JPA).

5502. Professional Military Development (Air). From 1 Apr 08, participation in the generic PMD(A) programme is mandatory for all personnel joining the RAF and is linked to effective day-to-day employment and career progression. In order to be considered for promotion, all PMD(A) components commensurate to the current rank held must normally be completed and recorded as such on JPA. Specialists on timed promotion to sqn ldr are to complete as much of the JODP (or IOD 1-3) as practicable, but once promoted to sqn ldr will then move onto ICSC(Air) (or IOD 4 and 5) without having to complete the remaining JODP or IOD 1-3 elements. Further guidance is contained within AP7000.

5503. Seniority. Seniority, for the purpose of promotion, can be defined as paid or reckonable Service in substantive rank, which is usually quantified in whole calendar years. For the avoidance of doubt, the full period of time on a Flexible Service arrangement (incuding the ‘Non Duty Days’) is reckonable Service for the purpose of seniority. The minimum seniority for selection for promotion is shown below:

Wg Cdr to Gp Capt

4 years Regular

4 years PMRAFNS

4 years Medical/Dental

Sqn Ldr to Wg Cdr

4 years Regular

10 years service for Chaplains

4 years Medical/Dental and PMRAFNS

Flt Lt to Sqn Ldr

4 years Regular102

4 years PMRAFNS

4 years Dental

Medical ‘time promotion’ after 5 years seniority

Flt to Sqn Ldr – Commissioned

Exec WO103

1 OJAR and positive recommendation automatically presented the

board – guaranteed for 3 promotion seasons.

102 Legal officers awarded a PC after 1 Sep 10 will be subject to the Regular Officer seniority requirement. In addition, all Legal Branch personnel who were successful on the 2015 No3 Promotion Board are to be given substantive rank effective from the date they were assigned into their OF4 roles. Legacy legal officers who received a PC before 1 Sep 10 will receive time promotion to wg cdr after 10 years service. However, those Legal Branch personnel on pre Sep 2010 TCOS who hold acting rank at OF4 are eligible for promotion provided that their consecutive period of acting rank and substantive rank meets the 4 year criteria. 103 Executive Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme.


Officers with less than the minimum seniority may be presented for consideration as Below The Zone (BTZ) candidates to the appropriate PSB providing that the pre-boarding officer identifies a candidate who in their view is outstanding and should be brought to the attention of the PSB. All such proposed BTZ candidates will be approved by ACOS Manning, via the Supervising Officer and respective DACOS.

Declining Promotion.

5504. An individual who declines promotion, will not normally be offered any further promotion opportunity in that promotion year, but will be considered (if remaining competitive) at the next Promotion Selection Board. However, Manning retains the right in exceptional circumstance to make a further offer in the same promotion period if it is in the Service interest to do so. Option points (OEP, ORD) are not to be withdrawn from officers who decline promotion.

Time Promotion

5505. Officers must complete the required periods of satisfactory service in each lower rank in order to qualify for time promotion, subject to such exceptions as the Manning organisation may authorize.

5506. In those Specialist Branches where time promotion to the ranks above flt lt still applies, promotion will take place when the required period of satisfactory service has been completed. In the case of officers whose promotion is deferred because their service has not been satisfactory, further appraisal report(s) will be called for by Manning. The officer concerned will be informed by their Career Manager that their promotion has been deferred.

5507. Promotion to the ranks up to and including flt lt will take place on the due date unless a deferral recommendation has been submitted. The RAF Manning Organisation will notify Units of the names of officers who qualify for time promotion 8 weeks before the date on which the officer is due promotion. Units are to submit, to Manning, recommendations for deferment of promotion in respect of those officers who:

a. Are considered to be unfit for promotion.

b. Are medically unfit for the duties of their branch.

5508. Officers for whom a deferment recommendation is forwarded for either reason will have their time promotion deferred and are to be informed accordingly by their unit. Further appraisal reports on officers assessed under sub-paragraph 5506a will be called for by the RAF Manning organisation, and such officers will be promoted from the date on which they are subsequently assessed as fit for promotion.

5509. Time promotion will be cancelled with retrospective effect where a report of an adverse nature has been raised on an officer before they are due for such promotion, but it does not reach the RAF Manning Organisation until after the officer’s promotion has been promulgated.

5510. Officers who are medically unfit for the duties of their branch on the day that time promotion becomes due, or when it is about to be promulgated, will have their promotion deferred until the requisite medical standard has been re-attained, when the promotion will be made retrospective (to the original date) for all purposes (including pay). Officers who are selected for a branch change are to note para 6106 for the effective date of transfer.


5511. If an officer forfeits seniority as a punishment, the period covered by the loss will not count for time promotion purposes (see QR 1072). If an officer's rank and/or seniority is adjusted for any other reason, service in the rank reckonable for the purpose of time promotion will be from the new seniority date.

5512. Where a period of ab initio or basic training is extended, because of an officer's unsatisfactory training progress, the Manning organisation may defer time promotion correspondingly. However, if the reason for lack of progress is outside the officer's control, promotion will not be deferred. Lack of aptitude for a course, including aptitude for a particular aircrew category, will not be considered as constituting unsatisfactory service.

Promotion by Selection

5513. Substantive promotion will not normally be offered unless there is a prospect of an officer completing a reasonable period of service in the new substantive rank104. Officers serving on an IC who are selected on merit for promotion to a higher substantive rank will be required to transfer to a longer commission on accepting promotion.

5514. The provisions for promotion offers before Oct 14 and dual offers on promotion between Oct 14 and Sep 15 are available in Ed 17 of this publication. Copies are available from the document sponsor.

5515. Oct 15 onwards – NEM Commission Lengths. For personnel selected for promotion from boards held during the 15/16 Promotion Cycle and beyond, personnel will be offered the NEM commission length only as a condition of their promotion offer. Promotion offers that are LOS-based that would otherwise take personnel beyond MEOS, will be limited to MEOS only.

5516. Flying Branch. Officers promoted to the substantive rank of sqn ldr are automatically conditioned to serve to MEOS (age 60) (unless precluded from doing so on medical grounds, paragraph 5523 and Chapter 7, Section 5 refers).

5517. Ground Branches. Officers promoted to the following substantive ranks are automatically conditioned to serve as follows (unless precluded from doing so on medical grounds, paragraph 5523 and Chapter 7, Section 5 refers):

a. Sqn Ldr – LOS 30 commission.

b. Wg Cdr – LOS 35 commission.

5518. Specialist Branches. Each of the specialist branches will follow a unique structure.

a. Legal Officers promoted to the substantive rank of sqn ldr are automatically conditioned to serve on an EDPC. Those promoted to the substantive rank of gp capt will be offered service to LOS 30 (limited by mandated retirement at age 60 years). Any other offers of extensions to service will be awarded on selection by Manning.

b. Medical Officers – Primary Care. Medical Officers serving in the Primary Care specialization will normally be awarded an IC of 6 years on joining for DEs holding a CCT (or equivalent) or 12 year IC for personnel requiring further speciality training. All other extensions of service will be by competitive selection. The rank of sqn ldr will be awarded after 5 years seniority as a flt lt. Promotion beyond sqn ldr will be by competitive selection.

104 Extensions of service (normally not beyond MEOS) may be offered in order to meet a RoS following promotion.


c. Medical Officers – Secondary Care. Medical Officers serving in the Secondary Care specialization will normally be awarded an IC of 6 years on joining for DEs holding a CCT (or equivalent) or 12 year IC for personnel not requiring further speciality training. The rank of sqn ldr will be awarded on 5 years seniority as flt lt. Acting wg cdr will be granted on the award of a CCT and will be substantiated on ASCAB and completion of ICSC(A) (whichever is later).

d. Dental Officer. Dental cadets undertaking Foundation Year 1 do so as Officer Cadet (Officers). On completion of Foundation Year (FY) 1 and SOITC, promotion will be awarded the rank of flt lt. Seniority is not backdated. For DE Dental officers the rank of flt lt is awarded on completion of SOITC. Promotion is on competitive selection. Extensions of service beyond the IC of 6 years is on competitive selection.

e. Nursing Officers promoted to sqn ldr are awarded an EDPC; on promotion to gp capt LOS 35 will be awarded. All other extensions of service are awarded on competitive selection.

f. Chaplains on a 6 year IC may apply for a 12 year IC after completing 4 years regular service. EDPC are awarded automatically on promotion to the relative rank of Wg Cdr. Extensions of service and service to MEOS will be awarded on selection by Manning.

g. Directors of Music will commission into an EDPC if it is longer than their current engagement. LOS 30 is awarded on promotion to sqn ldr (automatic after 6 years). Extensions beyond LOS 30 are by selection by Manning.

5519. Aircrew Assessment. To be eligible for promotion to sqn ldr, JO aircrew must have received an ‘above-average in the air’ aircrew assessment which relates to an OJAR A- Professional Effectiveness grade, at some point during their flying career. This assessment provides an unequivocal statement by the chain of command that an aircrew officer is fit to undertake the specific professional, supervisory and safety responsibilities required at the next rank, is sufficiently experienced in their primary professional competence and has the credibility to assume command responsibilities.

5520. Incidents of an Adverse Nature. Except where an officer is eligible for time promotion, officers are in open competition within their branch/specialization for promotion to the rank of sqn ldr and beyond. Officers selected for promotion but subject to a report of an adverse nature prior to substantiation will be removed from the promotion list pending resolution.

5521. Officers not promoted to the rank of sqn ldr by their IRD. Officers not promoted to the rank of sqn ldr by their IRD may be considered for and offered further service to meet the needs of the Service in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 2. Officers who are granted further service will remain eligible for promotion to sqn ldr and above.

5522. Promotion of Officers with Lowered JMES. An officer with a temporary or permanent medical category below E-2 can be considered and selected for promotion, as a lowered JMES will not be taken into account at either the pre-board stage or by the PSB. Where the medical restrictions conflict with the employment role to be offered, the Officer Career Manager (OCM) may invoke a Manning Review Board (MRB) to request a formal delay of promotion. However, extension of service will not be offered along with promotion until their JMES reaches the minimum eligibility standard. If the officer continues to hold a medical category below E-2, subsequent Extensions of Service can nevertheless be considered, upon which a MRB will obtain from the medical authorities a prognosis of the medical category before issuing the offer of an Extension of Service.


Promotions and Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) (incl language training in advance of Advanced Staff Training (AST)).

5523. Officers selected to attend AST will be promoted to wg cdr in accordance with the following conditions:

a. Officers who score within the PSL on the No 3 PSB Merit Order List (MOL) who also achieve an ACSC place will be awarded substantive rank at the start of their ACSC.

b. Officers who score within the PSL on the No3 PSB MOL, who are selected for an overseas staff college placement that also requires language training, will be awarded substantive rank at the start of their language training.

c. To ensure that those individuals offered an ACSC place but who are below the PSL (within the quota) are not disadvantaged against peers who may be below them on the PSL, but pulled for promotion, the following arrangements are to be applied:

(1) If an individual below the PSL (in the quota) is ‘leap-frogged’105 by a person below them on the MOL then, provided they would have been suitable in all respects for the post into which the person below them has been appointed, the individual on ACSC is to be substantiated on the same date as the person who ‘leap frogged’ them is appointed.

(2) However, if this ‘leap frogging’ occurs before the start of ACSC, then the individual should be substantiated at the start of their ACSC course in the same way as those within the PSL.

d. Officers who are selected for ACSC but are outside of the PSL for promotion will attend AST as a sqn ldr unless the conditions in para b above apply. Officers will re-compete for promotion on the following PSB.

e. Officers who score within the PSL on the latest No 3 PSB but who are already attending AST as a sqn ldr (from the previous year’s combined selection board) will be awarded substantive rank on appointment, post ACSC in the higher rank.

105 Overtaken for promotion and seniority by an individual lower in the Merit Order List.


CHAPTER 5

SECTION 6

ACTING RANK

Selection for Acting Rank

5601. An officer is selected for substantive promotion only after a promotion board has examined the merits of all officers in the seniority field under review. Where there are more established posts than substantive promotees, acting rank may be granted. Selection for acting rank depends not only upon suitability for substantive promotion, but also on the particular qualifications which the post demands and the availability of suitable candidates. The award of acting rank does not, therefore, carry any promise of selection for substantive promotion, although it will provide an opportunity for the officer concerned to demonstrate their suitability for such promotion. An officer will not usually be granted acting rank more than one rank higher than their substantive rank.

5602. An officer selected for appointment to a higher acting rank, whether paid or unpaid, will wear the badges of the higher rank as from the date of reporting to take up the appointment. This confers the right to use the style and title of the acting rank for prestige and disciplinary reasons. When paid acting rank is granted, entitlement to the pay and emoluments of the higher rank will be effective from the date on which the officer officially assumes the duties of the post, as quoted in an assignment notice.

Grant of Acting Rank

5603. Paid acting rank. Paid acting rank may be granted by the RAF Manning Organisation in the following circumstances:

a. When an officer is appointed to a post in an authorized establishment in a rank higher than their substantive rank.

b. When an officer is appointed to a post in a unit forming under a MOD instruction, or under a provisional establishment to meet an unforeseen operational commitment at home or abroad.

5604. Award of Paid Acting Rank to Personnel Unqualified for Promotion. The award of Paid Acting Rank to personnel unqualified for promotion is inappropriate under normal circumstances. However, on occasions operational commitments/deployments may require an individual who is unqualified for promotion to undertake the duties of a higher rank and it may be possible for units to provide appropriate training to enable an individual to fulfil this task. The Service has a duty of care to ensure that individuals are fully trained to carry out the duties demanded of them and to meet this, where an operational commitment/deployment requires an individual unqualified for promotion to be awarded Paid Acting Rank, then the OC of the unit is to confirm that the individual is adequately trained to undertake the duties of the post when submitting the request.

5605. Personnel appointed to Paid Acting Rank will be appraised in their substantive rank. Appointments will be made on the strict understanding that there is no guarantee of retaining that rank and that the Paid Acting Rank will be withdrawn when the requirement ceases, and that no seniority will be earned for time spent in the Paid Acting Rank. The effective date of relinquishment


will be determined by Manning and there is no right of appeal against reversion106. The relinquishment of Paid Acting Rank for these reasons reflects no discredit whatsoever on the individual concerned.

5606. Sqn Ldrs and Above. Selection for acting rank depends not only upon suitability for substantive promotion, but also on the particular qualifications that the post demands and the availability of suitable candidates. Officers scored by the latest relevant promotion board may be appointed to acting rank as and when required once the quota is exhausted and they meet the competence requirements of the post for which they are being considered for.

Appointments to Acting Flt Lt.

5607. Conditions for Award. Where a CM is satisfied that a substantive flt lt is not and cannot reasonably be made available to fill an established flt lt post, they are to appoint an eligible fg off to acting flt lt rank.

5608. Selection Criteria. The most senior fg off available should normally be appointed subject to the following criteria:

a. Has received a positive promotion recommendation on the latest finalized AR.

b. Has completed 12 months’ productive service (post Phase 2 Training).

c. Is assigned to an OF2 (only) position. The award of Acting Flt Lt rank is not permissible where a fg off is filling an OF1 or OF1/OF2 position.

5609. Unpaid acting rank. Unpaid acting rank is usually only granted for handover periods or a series of courses leading to an appointment to paid acting rank which has been approved by the Manning organisation. Unpaid acting rank may be granted to meet special circumstances on the authority of the ACOS Manning.

5610. Dual Ranked and Rank Ranged Posts. Acting rank will not be granted to officers appointed to fill posts established in the dual ranks of flt lt/fg off or those designated as rank ranged. Dual ranked posts may be filled by substantive flt lts, fg offs or plt offs as appropriate. Rank ranged posts, such as those that may be a flt lt or sqn ldr, are filled on the basis of competency and do not require promotion to the higher rank range, except where this may happen subsequently through merit selection by a promotion selection board.

Retention of Acting Rank

5611. Except as provided below, acting rank will only be retained for the period during which the officer concerned actually performs the duties of the higher rank.

5612. An officer will be permitted to retain paid acting rank when under instruction to move from one unit to another and whilst not actually performing the duties of the higher rank, as indicated below:

a. On attachment to a course of instruction, irrespective of the duration, provided that the post against which the officer is assigned remains unfilled.

106 This does not affect a SP right to submit a Service Complaint, if they believe they have been wronged in a matter related to their Service.


b. For periods, not exceeding 20 days, on authorised annual or relocation leave or on temporary duty at another unit, provided that no other officer is appointed to the post against which the officer is assigned.

c. When assigned to take over an appointment of rank equivalent to, or higher than that vacated, for a maximum period of 10 days, provided that the acting rank has been held (either continuously or for broken periods) for a total qualifying period of 3 months for the ranks of wg cdr and below, 6 months for gp capt and 12 months for air rank. Under certain circumstances, however, the period of retention will be as follows:

(1) On posting to an in-command post abroad, or between in-command posts abroad, to an appointment of rank equivalent to, or higher than that vacated, a maximum period of 20 days beyond the assignment date.

(2) On return from abroad, the duration of relocation leave and a further maximum period of 10 days during take-over of a new appointment in a rank equivalent to, or higher than, that vacated.

(3) Periods of terminal and invaliding leave, as authorised in accordance with current regulations.

5613. Officers who are absent from duty for medical reasons (including absence on sick leave), whether attributable or not to air force service, will retain for the period of their absence, up to a maximum period of 4 months from the date of ceasing duty, any paid acting rank held at the time they became non-effective. Acting rank may be granted to a relief under paragraph 5603.

Relinquishment of Acting Rank

5614. An officer will relinquish acting rank in the following circumstances:

a. When assigned to an appointment of lower rank.

b. When assigned to a course of instruction, irrespective of the duration of the course, and is no longer filling the post for which acting rank was awarded.

c. On completion of a period of 4 months from the date on which they became non-effective (see paragraph 5608).

d. When ceasing to perform the duties for which the acting rank was granted, through being placed in arrest or otherwise suspended from duty. If an officer in arrest is subsequently acquitted, or for any reason is not brought to trial, they may be re-appointed to the post they vacated, with effect from the date of vacation, and the acting rank will be deemed to have been held continuously.

Notification of the Grant, Retention or Relinquishment of Acting Rank

5615. Notification concerning the grant, retention or relinquishment of acting rank will normally be conveyed on the assignment notice, but, subject to current regulations, the Chief of the Air Staff may authorize the retention or relinquishment of the acting rank of flt lt on the appropriate assignment order.

5616. Appointments to acting rank below AVM will not be gazetted. Appointments to acting rank below air cdre will not be shown in the Air Force List.


Sqn Ldr and Above Declining Acting Rank

5617. An individual who declines promotion to Acting Rank, will not normally be offered any further promotion opportunity in that promotion year, but will be considered (if remaining competitive) at the next PSB. However, Manning retains the right in exceptional circumstance to make a further offer in the same promotion period if it is in the Service interest to do so. Option points (OEP, ORD) are not to be withdrawn from officers who decline promotion to Acting Rank.


CHAPTER 6

TERMS OF SERVICE CHANGES

CONTENTS

Section 1 Variation of Commission and Transfer Between Branches

Section 2 Extensions and Further Service

Section 3 Return of Service

Section 4 Professional Aviator Spine

Section 5 Specialist Aircrew – Reserved Rights

Section 6 Disposal of Productive Officers who are Permanently Withdrawn from their Duties

Section 7 Chaplains Branch – Prior to Jun 01


CHAPTER 6

SECTION 1

VARIATION OF COMMISSION AND TRANSFER BETWEEN BRANCHES

Change of Commission

6101. Officers may apply for or be offered a different type of commission, as appropriate, to meet the needs of the Service.

Rank on Change of Type of Commission

6102. On appointment to a PC (Pre Apr 15), officers are normally permitted to count the period of their reckonable SSC service towards the completion of the PC. On change of type of commission, officers normally retain their rank and seniority when service is in the same branch. Different regulations apply where transfer between branches is involved (see applicable sections below).

Transfer from IC/SSC to EDPC

6103. Officers serving on an IC/SSC are eligible to apply for an EDPC provided that they satisfy the conditions of Chapters 1 and 4 for the branch for which they are being considered and have entered productive service. The effective date of appointment to an EDPC will be the date on which medical fitness is confirmed. For Officers of the Fg Branch, appointment to an EDPC will occur automatically on successful completion of their OCU or on streaming as QFI/QHI for their 1st tour.

Rank on Change of Type of Commission

6104. On appointment to an EDPC, officers are normally permitted to count the period of their reckonable service under their IC/SSC towards the completion of the EDPC. On change of type of commission, officers normally retain their rank and seniority when service is in the same branch. Different regulations apply where transfer between branches is involved (see applicable sections below).

Transfers Between Branches

6105. Transfer between branches is at the discretion of the RAF Manning organisation and is subject to the Service need. The effective date of transfer of an officer between branches will be the start of Phase 2 Trg in the new branch. Branch transfers will not normally result in an extension of commission, unless the individual would be unable to complete their new Phase 2 Trg RoS. SO1 TRPM, HQ 22 Gp is to be informed of all Branch Changes by the relevant BTA, as they will affect Into Training Targets (ITT) and Gains to Trained Strength (GTS) for both the gaining Branch and losing Branch.

6106. On transfer, pay will be assessed in accordance with JSP 754, Part 2, Chapter 2, Section 10. Rank and seniority in the new branch will be calculated as if the officer's total actual service had been in the new branch, in accordance with rules in place at the time they joined, subject to the specific rules provided in this section. Any previous full-time commissioned service will be allowed to count in full, as it would be if they had joined the new branch initially.

6107. Officers who have completed Ph 2 trg in the Eng or Fg branches and are de-selected for service reasons e.g. branch restructuring and transfer to another functional branch, will retain the


seniority that they held in their original branch. For those who are de-selected before completing Ph 2 trg their seniority will be assessed on a case by case basis by the gaining Branch Advisor. Officers whose progression in the current branch has been delayed for reasons within their own control will have their progression similarly delayed in the new branch.

6108. Officers who joined before 1 Apr 13 who entered their existing branch on commissioned or qualified entry terms to which they would not have been entitled had they joined their new branch initially will have their progression abated by a period equivalent to 32 weeks (assessed as officer cadet service).

6109. Officers who joined before 1 Apr 13 who entered their current branch as an officer cadet (i.e. basic) but who would have enjoyed commissioned or qualified officer entry terms had they entered the new branch initially, will have their progression enhanced by 32 weeks (assessed as officer cadet service). Progression will be calculated using the table at paragraph 5206.

6110. Officers who joined after 1 Apr 13 who transfer within the functional branches will only have their progression reviewed should they transfer from or into the Fg or Eng branches due to these branches enjoying enhanced progression over the other functional branches (as per Chapter 5 Section 2 paragraph 5201).

Transfer to the Fg Branch from a Ground Branch

6111. Officers serving in ground branches are eligible to apply for transfer to the Fg branch. An EDPC will automatically be awarded on successful completion of the OCU or on qualification as a QFI/QHI if the individual had not been awarded one prior to transfer. Rank and/or seniority will be adjusted in accordance with paragraph 5201.

6112. Former Aircrew. Officers who have formerly qualified as Fg branch aircrew may apply to be considered for transfer back to their former aircrew category. Applicants must not have passed their 31st birthday on the date of application. Transfer to the Fg Branch is effective from the date of acceptance into their former branch.

6113. Other Ground Branch Officers. Officers who have not previously qualified in an aircrew category are eligible to apply to transfer up their 27th birthday. Before they are accepted for training they will be required to undergo medical examinations and flying aptitude tests at the OASC. Successful applicants are given the same training course as ab initio entrants into the branch. Those who fail to qualify as aircrew normally revert to their former branch.

Transfer between Fg Branch Specializations

6114. Flying Branch Officers may apply to change specialization to pilot if they are able to begin a recognised RAF flying training course before their 27th birthday.

Transfer from the Fg Branch to a Ground Branch

6115. The general rules on the disposal of productive aircrew officers permanently withdrawn from flying duties are given in Chapter 6 Section 6, and for non-productive aircrew officers in Chapter 4 Section 3. Those officers who are withdrawn from flying duties on account of permanent medical unfitness and who fail professional training in a ground branch retain their right to be invalided.

6116. Any aircrew officer, regardless of whether they are productive or non-productive, who transfers to a ground branch, will have their rank and/or seniority adjusted in accordance with paragraphs 6105, 6106 and paragraph 5201.


Transfer to a ground branch is subject to the successful completion of any necessary professional (Phase 2) training. An officer who fails to complete the training satisfactorily will have their commission terminated or be invalided, as appropriate.

Transfer between Ground Branches

6117. Transfers between ground branches is subject to the successful completion of any necessary professional (Phase 2) training. Officers who fail to complete such training satisfactorily are liable to have their commissions terminated, unless suitable for return to their original branch. Within the functional branches rank and/or seniority will be adjusted in accordance with paragraphs 6104 above and paragraph 5201.

6118. Transfer to and from Functional and Specialist Branches. Personnel transferring between Functional and Specialist Branches will have their seniority assessed by the gaining Branch Advisor.

Transfer of Sqn Ldrs and Senior Flt Lts

6119. The RAF Manning organisation and the appropriate Branch/Specialization Advisor will reassess the rank and seniority of sqn ldrs, or flt lts with more than 3 years seniority in rank upon transfer to the new branch.

Nursing Officer Transfer Scheme

6120. Officers in the rank of flt lt and below who have served a minimum of 3 years107 productive commissioned service may apply to transfer into the PMRAFNS from any branch. The requirement will be based on Service need and individuals will be considered on a case by case basis. Candidates must meet the minimum entry requirements and academic entry standards for the PMRAFNS. Details of which, including the Employment Strategy can be found within AP3376 Vol 2, Chapter 15, Sect 6, Leaflets 1 – 4.

6121. Following successful completion of specialist interview and Manning Authority agreement, individuals will be placed into Phase 2 student nurse training, sourced by the Nurse Education Advisor (NEA) RAF. Completion of student nurse training will lead to a BSc in Nursing and entry onto the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Register.

6122. Successful applicants are transferred into the PMRAFNS with effect from their university start date and will undertake study whilst on the terms of their existing commission. Following successful completion of training, individuals will be appointed to a 12 year Initial Commission. Individuals will not be paid from the Nursing Pay Spine until nurse training has been completed and individuals are registered with the NMC. Applicants will transfer in their current substantive rank and lose any accrued seniority. Those transferring in the rank of fg off and below will receive time promotion to flt lt108 in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 5. Individuals transferring in the rank of flt lt will not be eligible for promotion to sqn ldr until 4 years after graduation and associated registration with the NMC. In order that applicants are not disadvantaged financially, a Mark Time Rate of Pay (MTRP) will be imposed for the period of the nurse training (degree course), plus 6 months.

107 Exceptionally, officers with less than 3 years productive service may be considered. 108 As per para 3301.


CHAPTER 6

SECTION 2

EXTENSIONS AND FURTHER SERVICE BEFORE 1 APR 15

Service to Age 55

6201. In certain cases the PC will provide service to age 55109 as follows:

a. Officers who accept promotion by selection to sqn ldr before their IRD will be required to accept further service to age 55. Such officers acquire an ORD, which will be the same date as their previous IRD or a date 3 years from the date of their substantive promotion, whichever is the latter.

b. Officers in the Fg Branch who are not promoted to sqn ldr by their IRD may:

(1) Be offered further service to age 55, (known as assimilation). Officers in the pilot and WSO specializations110 may be also be offered a transfer to the Professional Aviator Spine (PAS) remuneration package. Full details of the pay policy for PAS can be found in JSP 754; Section 4 of this Chapter details the TOS elements of PAS.

(2) Be offered further service to age 55, (known as assimilation), with transfer in the rank of flt lt at their IRD to a ground branch. Officers accepting such an offer will cease to be eligible for flying pay with effect from the date of transfer.

c. A number of officers in the ground branches who are not promoted to the rank of sqn ldr by their IRD may be offered further service to age 55 (known as assimilation).

d. Officers commissioned under the CWO Scheme, ex-serving FSs and WOs/MAcr regardless of age, and all other ex-serving personnel over the age of 37 years (39 years for those commissioned prior to 6 Apr 05), will normally be appointed to an initial PC to age 55. However, subject to Service requirements, they may be offered a SSC (9 years).

6202. Any officer serving on a PC who accepts an offer of service beyond their retiring date, who does not gain an ORD(s), but who subsequently wishes to retire before reaching their 55th birthday, must apply for ET. Chapter 7 Section 6 contains further details.

Retention in Regular Service

6203. If a national emergency exists or appears to be imminent at any time when an officer's period of service would normally be about to expire, or if there are other exceptional circumstances that make it desirable to retain an officer's services for a temporary period, the officer may, at the discretion of the Air Force Board, be retained in regular service until the emergency has passed, or for so long as their services are required.

6204. Officers with a Reserve Liability who are retained in Service under the provisions of paragraph 6203 beyond their expected date of transfer to the Reserve will transfer to the Reserve when their services are no longer required. They will have the additional period spent in regular service deducted from their period of reserve service.

109 The date of an officer’s retirement is their 55th birthday; their last day of paid service is the day prior to their 55th birthday. 110 RPAS(P) are not eligible for PAS.


Extensions of Service

6205. All extensions of service are granted by the RAF Manning Organisation and applications are considered in against the Service need and the requirements of the individual branches.

Officers Serving on a PC

6206. Officers serving on a PC may apply or be requested by the RAF Manning Organisation to extend their service beyond their current retirement date. Such periods of service will be treated as continuous employment in regular service.

6207. An officer serving on an initial PC who accepts an offer of service for a specific period beyond their current retirement date, other than to age 55 under the terms of paragraphs 6201 and 6202, will be required to serve to the new retiring date. Service to this date will entitle them to normal retirement with full terminal benefits. If such officers subsequently wish to retire before reaching their new retiring date they must apply for ET.

6208. Only in exceptional circumstances will an officer's service be extended beyond the age of 55 years; the provisions of paragraph 6207 still apply to such officers. Applications to serve beyond the NRD will not normally be considered until officers are in their last 3 years of service.

Officers Serving on a SSC

6209. Officers serving on a SSC who wish to extend their service are normally expected to apply to transfer to a PC. They may, however, apply to extend their SSC by any period of whole years, but the total period of such service will be limited to a maximum of 14 years.

Reserve Liability

6210. Extensions of service granted under the terms of paragraph 6209 do not affect an officers' liability for reserve service, except that the reserve liability of Nursing Officers who extend their period of regular service, and Medical or Dental Branch officers who extend their regular service for any period beyond 4 years, will be reduced by an equal amount. The general liabilities of an officer on transfer to the Reserve are detailed in JSP 753 / AP 3392 Vol 7.

Applications

6211. Applications for extensions of service should be submitted to the RAF Manning Organisation. Officers may apply to extend their service at any time after completing 2 years' commissioned service. All officers are advised to submit their applications not later than 6 months before they are due to leave regular service. Applications are not normally accepted once an officer has started terminal leave.

6212. Applicants may, if they wish, give alternative periods of extension in the applications and, if none of these can be granted, the RAF Manning Organisation may offer a different period. Officers are informed individually by letter, through the normal channels, of the results of their applications.


EXTENSIONS AND FURTHER SERVICE POST 1 APR 15

Officers Serving on a Short Service Commission or IC

6213. Officers serving on an SSC or IC who wish to extend their service are normally expected to apply to transfer to an EDPC. They may, however, apply to extend their IC by any period of whole years, but the total period of such service will be limited to a maximum of 16 years.

Service Beyond EDPC

6214. Service beyond an EDPC is available as follows:

a. Officers serving on an EDPC may apply or be requested by the RAF Manning Organisation to extend their service beyond their current retirement date. Such periods of service will be treated as continuous employment in regular service. All extensions of service are granted by the RAF Manning Organisation and applications are considered against the Service need and the requirements of the individual branches.

b. An officer serving on an EDPC who accepts an offer of service for a specific period beyond their current retirement date, other than to MEOS will be required to serve to the new retiring date. Service to this date will entitle them to normal retirement with full terminal benefits. If such officers subsequently wish to retire before reaching their new retiring date they must apply for ET.

c. Only in exceptional circumstances will an officer's service be extended beyond the age of 60 years; the provisions of paragraph 6214 (b) still apply to such officers. Applications to serve beyond the NRD will not normally be considered until officers are in their last 3 years of service.

6215. Ground Branch Promotion to Sqn Ldr. Details of the transitional arrangements to introduce the NEM Commission lengths are in paras 3512 to 3514 and 5513 to 5516.

a. Officers in the Ground Branches who accept promotion by selection to sqn ldr before their IRD will be required to accept further service.

b. In these cases, officers acquire an ORD, which will be the same date as their previous IRD or a date 3 years from the date of their substantive promotion, whichever is later. Chapter 5 Section 5 paragraph 5513 and Chapter 7 Section 3 refer.

6216. Flying Branch Promotion to Sqn Ldr. Details of the transitional arrangements to introduce the NEM Commission lengths are in paras 3512 to 3514 and 5513 to 5516.

a. Officers in the Flying Branch who accept promotion by selection to sqn ldr before their IRD will be required to accept further service.

b. In these cases, officers acquire an ORD, which will be the same date as their previous IRD or a date 3 years from the date of their substantive promotion, whichever is later. Chapter 5 Section 5 paragraph 5513 and Chapter 7 Section 3 refer.

Officers in the Fg Branch Not Promoted to Sqn Ldr by their IRD.

6217. Officers of the Fg Branch, excluding RPAS(P), may be offered a transfer to the Professional Aviator Spine (PAS) which will require them to accept further service to MEOS. Further details of the TOS related to PAS can be found in Chapter 6 Section 4. Full details of the PAS can be found in JSP 754.


Alternatively, Officers in the Fg Branch, including RPAS(P), may be offered transfer in the rank of flt lt at their IRD to a ground branch (subject to Service requirement) with an offer of further service in order to meet the RoS in the ground branch. Officers accepting such an offer will cease to be eligible for RRP(fg) with effect from the date of transfer.

Retention in Regular Service

6218. If a national emergency exists or appears to be imminent at any time when an officer's period of service would normally be about to expire, or if there are other exceptional circumstances that make it desirable to retain an officer's services for a temporary period, the officer may, at the discretion of the Air Force Board, be retained in Regular Service until the emergency has passed, or for so long as their services are required.

6219. Officers with a Reserve Liability who are retained in Service under the provisions of paragraph 6218 beyond their expected date of transfer to the Reserve will transfer to the Reserve when their services are no longer required. They will have the additional period spent in Regular Service deducted from their period of reserve service.

Reserve Liability

6220. Extensions of service granted under the terms of paragraph 6222 do not affect an officers' liability for reserve service (The general liabilities of an officer on transfer to the Reserve are detailed in JSP 753 / AP 3392 Vol 7).

Applications

6221. Applications for extensions of service should be submitted to the RAF Manning Organisation. Officers may apply to extend their service at any time after completing 2 years' commissioned service. All officers are advised to submit their applications not later than 6 months before they are due to leave regular service. Applications are not normally accepted once an officer has started terminal leave.

6222. Applicants may, if they wish, give alternative periods of extension in the applications and, if none of these can be granted, the RAF Manning Organisation may offer a different period. Officers are informed individually by letter, through the normal channels, of the results of their applications. Paragraph 6222 summarizes the extension options potentially available.

Additional Short Periods of Service

6223. The regulations for other specific forms of short extensions are detailed below:

a. The regulations regarding applications to defer Termination of Service for resettlement purposes are contained in JSP 534.

b. Extension of Service to meet an EDP due to accumulation of unreckonable service should be applied for in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 2 Lflt 701 Annex A.

c. Deferment of Termination on medical grounds is to be processed through Unit Medical staff to Med Cwrk, HQ Air.

d. Deferment of Termination on Recovery grounds is to be processed through Unit HR to SO1 Recovery Delivery, HQ Air.


Summary of Potential Extensions

6224. The table below summarizes the extensions in rank that are available for consideration by Manning where there is a Service Need:

Extension Extension Offers

before 1 Apr 15

NEM Offers

from 1 Apr 15 onwards

Beyond

SSC

Assimilation to PC (to 18/40 with

NEM alignment offer to EDPC)

Assimilation to EDPC.

Beyond IC

less than 6 years

N/A Normally, whole years in a maximum of 4- year

blocks. Extension to 6 or 12 year IC. Assimilation to EDPC.

Beyond IC 6 years

N/A Normally, whole years in a maximum of 4- year blocks.

Extension to 12 year IC. Assimilation to EDPC.

Beyond IC 12 years

N/A Normally, whole years in a maximum of 4- year blocks.

Assimilation to EDPC.

Beyond

PC

Assimilation to age 55 (with NEM

Alignment offer to where relevant, depending on branch)

Normally, whole years up to a maximum of 5-

years in one block up to MEOS. Fg Branch personnel (not RPAS(P)) will be considered for transfer to PAS and extension to

MEOS.

Beyond

EDPC

N/A Normally, whole years up to a maximum of 5

years in one block up to MEOS. Fg Branch personnel (not RPAS(P)) will be

considered for transfer to PAS and extension to MEOS.

Beyond LOS 30

N/A Normally, whole years up to a maximum of 5 years, up to MEOS.

Beyond LOS 35

N/A Normally, whole years, up to a maximum of 5 years in one block, but not beyond MEOS.

Beyond

age 55

Normally, whole years, up to a

maximum of 5-years, but not beyond MEOS.

Normally, whole years, up to a maximum of 5

years, but not beyond MEOS.

Beyond MEOS

N/A Normally in exceptional cases, to meet a Service Manning Need, normally whole years to a

maximum of 3-years.


Eligibility Criteria

6225. To be eligible for consideration for an extension of service an individual must:

a. Normally be within their last 3 years of service of their current commission.

b. Have no personal or domestic circumstances which would prevent the applicant from meeting their full service obligations.

c. Not be the subject of any outstanding disciplinary matters or any other investigation, which may cast doubt on their suitability for an extension of service.

d. Normally have a JMES not below A4 L2 M4 E2 (Ground branches) or A2 L2 M4 E2 (Aircrew), not have been referred for specialist medical review, and a Colour Perception Standard not below that specified for their branch; cases where a medical limitation may inhibit an extension of service will be identified by Manning111.

e. Have 3 appraisal reports on record with a minimum OPG of B- on the latest OJAR.

A review board will convene in respect of personnel who have Conduct Record entries (both service and civilian) to determine suitability. In doing so, each case will be considered on its merit.

111 For extensions of one year or more only.


CHAPTER 6

SECTION 3

RETURN OF SERVICE

Introduction

6301. The RAF Manning organisation has the authority112 to apply a Return of Service (RoS) to any assignment if it is considered to be in the interests of the Service. Personnel must be notified of any RoS attached to a future assignment and given the opportunity to reject the assignment offer. The period of the RoS will commence from the date of completion of, or earlier re-assignment from, the assignment to which it is attached; however, the RoS requirement is incurred from the start date of the assignment.

Amortisation of Command Appointments

6302. Command is a privilege and the essence of service in the RAF; it is an opportunity given only to the very best of officers. With it comes responsibility, some of which are legal responsibilities which cannot be delegated. Therefore, those in command will not normally be permitted to leave the Service during their command tour and normally resettlement activity cannot occur while in command. Officers in command appointments will be permitted to submit a request to Early Terminate (ET) or exercise an ORD during their tour however, they should be aware that their exit date must normally fall after completion of their tour and that normally no resettlement activity will be permitted whilst in command. Individuals will retain the opportunity to complete resettlement within the Service at the end of their command or have their resettlement entitlements deferred post discharge. The RAF has removed the requirement for a Return of Service for those who undertake Command appointments.113

Effect on Normal Release from Service Pre 1 Apr 15

6303. Officers who have an ORD at the 16/38 18/40 or 20/40 point, which would otherwise occur during their assignment and before completion of the RoS, will normally be required to waive or defer the option. Officers with an ORD at the 22/44 point, which would otherwise occur during the assignment and before completion of the RoS, will normally be required to waive or, where there is an over-riding service need, defer the option. It should be noted that deferrals will not be permitted if the revised ORD would be more than 3 years beyond the original option point.

Effect on Normal Release from Service Post 1 Apr 15

6304. Officers who have an ORD at any date, which would otherwise occur during their assignment and before completion of the RoS, will normally be required to waive (if following a Cmd tour) or defer the option. It should be noted that deferrals will not be permitted if the revised ORD would be more than 3 years beyond the original option point.

Impact on Applications for Early Termination

6305. The provisions of Chapter 7, Section 6, will apply. Exceptionally, when it is in the interests of the Service (or in other circumstances, such as compassionate grounds) the requirement to complete a RoS may be waived by the Manning organisation.

112 ACOS Manning holds the authority to approve a RoS. CMs who consider that they need to apply a RoS are to staff a case to ACOS Manning through DLS(RAF) for approval. 113 RAF IBN 40/18.


6306. RAF Manning may, in exceptional circumstances, permit personnel who have unexpended periods of RoS to transfer to Reserve service where it is in the Service interest to do so, and subject to a requirement to serve any remaining RoS period in the Reserve Forces, which will be reflected in their Reserve Commitment114.

Training and Other Returns of Service

6307. A RoS applied to an assignment will run concurrently with training and other RoS requirements. Full details of the tri-Service Trg RoS are at Chapter 4, Section 4, and Chapter 6 Section 4 for PAS.

114 A RoS can only be transferred to FTRS or ADC commitments. See JSP 750 for further details.


CHAPTER 6

SECTION 4

PROFESSIONAL AVIATOR SPINE

Introduction

6401. The Professional Aviator Spine (PAS) is detailed in JSP 754, which is the authoritative tri-service manual on pay. PAS is a financial incentive designed to retain aircrew115 in flying appointments, or appointments closely related to flying, at or beyond their IP- or EDP-earning point. PAS officers do not receive RRP (Fg), but an enhanced rate of basic pay that recognizes their aircrew skills and employment in flying and flying related appointments. PAS is a separate pay scale for selected officers of flt lt and sqn ldr rank within the Fg Branch.

6402. The PAS replaced the Specialist Aircrew (SA) scheme on 1 Apr 03, although some personnel continue to serve on SA Terms of Service (SATOS) (see Section 5), as not all those employed on SATOS are automatically eligible or selected for transfer to the PAS.

6403. PAS Transfer Points. Transfer to PAS will be considered at one of the following points:

a. Officers with pension benefits under AFPS 75 only: the transfer point will be at or beyond the IP qualification point116. For officers who commission from the ranks their transfer point will be the earlier of the following dates: the date they qualify for the officers’ IP (which must include at least 5 years served as a commissioned officer), or the airmens’ IP qualification point117.

b. Officers with pension benefits under AFPS 75 and AFPS 15: the transfer point will be at the IP qualification point. For officers who commission from the ranks their transfer point will be the earlier of the following dates: the date they qualify for the officers’ IP (which must include at least 5 years served as a commissioned officer); the airmens’ IP; or the AFPS 15 EDP-earning point.

c. Officers with pension benefits under AFPS 05 only: the transfer point will be at the AFPS 05 EDP-earning point – 18/40.

d. Officers with pension benefits under AFPS 05 and AFPS 15: the transfer point will be at the AFPS 05 EDP-earning point – 18/40.

e. Officers with pension benefits under AFPS 15 only: the transfer point will be at the AFPS 15 EDP-earning point – 20/40.

Eligibility

6404. Sqn ldrs and flt lts of the Flying Branch that are eligible in accordance with JSP 754, Part 2, Chapter 5, Section 7, may be considered by the RAF Manning Organisation for transfer to the PAS.

115 RPAS(P) are not eligible for PAS. 116 A member qualifies for an Officer’s AFPS 75 Immediate Pension after completing 16 years’ reckonable service from age 21 or date of joining, whichever is the later. 117 A member qualifies for an OR AFPS 75 Immediate Pension after completing 22 years’ reckonable service from age 18 or date of joining, whichever is the later.


Transfer to the PAS

6405. Before 1 Jan 15. Transfer to the PAS was by selection and the acceptance of an offer required the officer to serve to age 55 from the date of acceptance. Sqn ldrs were eligible to apply for transfer to PAS in competition with flt lts. However, designation as PAS and calculation for RoS takes effect from the IRD for flt lts or date of acceptance in writing for sqn ldrs. Subject to a service need, in exceptional circumstances, the RAF Manning Organisation may offer PAS to flt lt aircrew officers who have passed their IP/EDP. For those aircrew officers offered PAS after their IP/EDP, designation as PAS took effect from the date of acceptance in writing.

6406. After 1 Jan 15. Transfer to the PAS is by selection for flt lts and sqn ldrs. In all but exceptional circumstances, offers will be made no earlier than 2 years prior to an individual’s PAS transfer point as defined above. Acceptance of an offer will condition the officer to serve to MEOS from the date of acceptance in writing. Transfer to PAS terms of service will take effect from the individual’s PAS transfer point, or from the date of acceptance in writing, whichever is the later. The PAS has no provision for ORDs, therefore officers selected for PAS will forfeit any existing Mainstream ORDs on transfer to PAS terms of service. Subject to a Service need, in exceptional circumstances, the RAF Manning Organisation may offer PAS to aircrew officers who have passed their transfer point; transfer to PAS terms of service in such cases will take effect from the date of acceptance in writing.

Promotion

6407. Once they have transferred to PAS terms of service, flt lt PAS personnel remain eligible for promotion to sqn ldr and, if selected, can elect to remain on the PAS. However, as PAS sqn ldrs, their employment will normally be limited to flying or flying-related ground appointments. PAS flt lts who are promoted to sqn ldr and elect to remain on PAS terms of service will not receive a pay increase on promotion.

6408. After 01 Apr 17. Those NCA who have been selected for PAS, but have not yet transferred to those terms of service, and who are subsequently selected for commission, may either; elect to accept selection for commission and remain on Mainstream terms of service, or decline selection for commission and continue to transfer to PAS.

6409. After 1 Apr 17. Those flt lts who have been selected for PAS, but have not yet transferred to those terms of service, and who are subsequently selected for promotion, may either; elect to accept promotion and remain on Mainstream terms of service, or decline promotion and continue to transfer to PAS.

6410. Sqn ldr PAS personnel remain eligible for promotion to wg cdr. However, sqn ldr PAS personnel who accept promotion to wg cdr must leave the PAS and will be unable to re-join at any future point during their current service. Personnel who leave the RAF and subsequently re-join can be considered for re-entry to PAS under the terms and criteria available at the time of re-joining.

6411. Branch Officers of the Fg Branch who have transferred to the PAS may request to transfer to the Mainstream depending upon their circumstances and the Service manning requirement.

Return of Service

6412. Before 1 Jan 15 personnel accepting entry on to the PAS will be subject to a 5-year RoS from the date of transfer.

6413. After 1 Jan 15 all personnel accepting entry on to the PAS will normally be subject to a 5-year RoS from the date of acceptance.


Pension

6414. The above RoS does not remove or replace the qualification period for the AFPS 75 PAS Pension supplements, which requires personnel to complete 5 years on PAS terms of service from date of transfer to PAS.


CHAPTER 6

SECTION 5

SPECIALIST AIRCREW - RESERVED RIGHTS

Introduction

6501. The following provisions only apply to officers of the Fg Branch who have been designated as Specialist Aircrew (SA) and are not eligible for transfer to the PAS. Officers were selected for SA on one of the following occasions:

a. At the 16/38 point when:

(1) Flt lts not promoted to the rank of sqn ldr by their IRD point and who had accepted service to age 55.

(2) Flt lts who served on a PC within the former General list and who had waived their option to retire at their IRD.

b. At the appropriate point when:

(1) Ground Branch officers who transferred to the Fg Branch at or beyond the IRD prior to 1 Apr 03.

(2) Branch Officers (BOs) who have/had attained 8 years' seniority in the rank of flt lt are/were designated as SA.

(3) Ex-serving personnel, selected for a commission to age 55 after 31 Mar 02, who had completed 16 years in their aircrew category, attained 8 years’ seniority in the rank of flt lt or had reached age 38, whichever was the later.

6502. Prior to 1 Apr 03, flt lts granted an extension of service beyond their IRD, under the terms of Section 2 of this chapter, were not designated SA until they had accepted an offer of assimilation to age 55. If the offer was accepted prior to the original IRD, the officer was designated SA at their IRD. If the offer was accepted after their original IRD had passed, then SA terms applied with effect from the date on which the offer was accepted in writing.

Promotion

6503. SA flt lts will be considered for promotion to sqn ldr in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 6. All SA flt lts will be considered for promotion to sqn ldr (SA) from age 45 years onwards. These promotions will be subject to an annual limitation and will provide a limited number of management opportunities which would otherwise not be available to SA. SA sqn ldrs will normally be employed in junior officer posts, but may fill Mainstream sqn ldr appointments. On promotion they lose the enhanced SA rate of flying pay, but their total emoluments will not be less than those for which they were eligible on the day preceding the effective date of promotion (see QR 2661A(1)).

Promotion of Branch Officers

6504. Branch Officers (BOs) of the Fg Branch who have already transferred to SA and are subsequently promoted to substantive sqn ldr will be required to serve on the following terms:

a. On or before their 45th birthday – Career Stream (CS) terms of service.


b. After their 45th birthday – SA terms of service.

6505. BOs of the Fg Branch who are promoted to substantive sqn ldr but have yet to attain 8 years seniority as a flt lt will be required to serve on the following terms:

a. On or before their 45th birthday – CS terms of service.

b. After their 45th birthday – SA terms of service.


CHAPTER 6

SECTION 6

DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE PERMANENTLY WITHDRAWN FROM

THEIR DUTIES

Circumstances of Withdrawal from Duty

6601. Productive officers may be permanently withdrawn from their duties for one or more of the following reasons:

a. Medical Unfitness.

b. Disciplinary reasons.

c. Failure to maintain a satisfactory standard of proficiency (either professionally or as an officer) having entered into productive service. This includes failure to pass a course of instruction.

6602. Reporting action is to be taken in accordance with QR 1027. Instructions for permanent withdrawal from duties and subsequent disposal are issued by HQ Air. In the case of aircrew officers, this includes instructions regarding retention or withdrawal of the flying badge.

6603. Exceptionally, the Air Force Board may decide that an officer is to be permanently withdrawn from their duties in circumstances other than those described in paragraph 6601.

Medical Unfitness for Duties

6604. Details on the medical review and exit of officers who are assessed as medically unfit for either the duties of their branch or the Service are at Chapter 7 Section 5.

Reasons other than Medical Unfitness

6605. Officers who are withdrawn from the duties of their branch for reasons other than medical unfitness may be retained in regular service for employment in another branch, provided that they are suitable and medically fit for such duties and there are posts available in which they can be employed. Transfer to another branch will always be considered against the possible effect on the career prospects of officers already serving in that branch. Officers who are not willing to remain in regular service or who cannot be offered alternative employment will have their commissions terminated, be retired, or be required to relinquish their commissions under the appropriate regulations as set out in Chapter 7 Section 4. An officer withdrawn from flying duties in circumstances leading to the withdrawal of the flying badge will not, in any circumstances, be retained in the Fg Branch.

Transfer of Officers to another Branch

6606. Transfer of productive officers is covered in Chapter 6 Section 1.


CHAPTER 6

SECTION 7

CHAPLAINS BRANCH PRIOR TO JUN 01

6701. Chaplains Commissioned before 1 Jun 01. Details of commissions awarded prior to 1 Jun 01 are detailed in Edition 6, available from the document sponsor.

6702. Chaplains were normally commissioned with the relative rank of flt lt, but those who had 12 months’ or more previous commissioned service on full pay as chaplains in any of the Armed Forces of the Crown before 1 Jun 01 could have been be appointed with the relative rank of sqn ldr.

6703. Chaplains appointed prior to 1 Jun 01 were advanced to the relative rank of sqn ldr after one year's satisfactory service as a Chaplain and to the relative rank of wg cdr after 14 years' satisfactory service.


CHAPTER 7

EXITS

CONTENTS

Section 1 Exit from Service – General

Section 2 Release/Disposal Authorities and Terms of Service Implications

Section 3 Normal Release from Service

Section 4 Premature Compulsory Release

Section 5 Medical Review and Exits

Section 6 Early Termination


CHAPTER 7

SECTION 1

EXIT FROM SERVICE - GENERAL

Introduction

7101. Officers exiting the Service will leave either by normal release, premature compulsory release or Early Termination (ET). Officers exit under the appropriate clause of QR 2905 or 2906.

Normal Release

7102. Normal release is when an officer leaves the Service at a prescribed compulsory retirement or exit point for their branch and commission, exercises an available option point, or retires at the prescribed maximum age for their branch or specialization. Normal release is described in detail in Section 3 of this Chapter.

Premature Compulsory Release

7103. Premature compulsory release is the early termination by the RAF of an officer’s service on either medical grounds (medical discharge) or non-medical grounds, other than at a prescribed compulsory exit point or retirement date, and includes occasions where an officer is called upon to resign or retire and does. Premature compulsory release is described in detail in Section 4, paragraph 7402. Premature compulsory release for medical reasons is detailed at Section 5.

Early Termination

7104. ET is an officer’s release from service at their own request, other than at a prescribed option point or exit date. ET is described in detail in Section 6.

Modes of Exit from the Service

7105. The modes of release from regular service are:

a. Training Failure. When the RAF terminates the service of an officer on any type of commission when they fail to become productive.

b. Transfer to the Reserve. When an officer holding a commission which carries a reserve liability finishes regular service, and begins reserve service.

c. Relinquishment. When an officer holding a commission with no reserve liability, or whose reserve liability is waived because their reason(s) for exit render their recall to regular service impractical, leaves regular service.

d. Retirement. When an officer holding an EDP or longer commission leaves regular service either prematurely or at a prescribed date.

e. Resignation. A mode of premature release requested by the individual and only granted in exceptional circumstances and for which retired pay may not be granted.

f. Removal. When HM The Queen prematurely terminates the service of an officer on any type of commission.


g. Medical Discharge. When an officer’s regular service is prematurely terminated on medical grounds.

h. Administrative Exit. When an officer’s service is prematurely terminated administratively; this may include on medical, disciplinary or other grounds.

Section 2 shows the release or disposal authority for each mode and other terms of service considerations, such as reserve or recall liability.

Restrictions on Accessing Resettlement During Command Appointments

7106. Command and promotion Returns of Service were removed with effect from 1 Sep 18 (see IBN 40/18). Those in command will not normally be permitted to leave the Service during their command tour and normally resettlement activity cannot occur while in command. Officers in command appointments will be permitted to submit an application to Early Terminate (ET) or exercise an ORD during their tour however, they should be aware that their exit date must normally fall after completion of their tour and that normally no resettlement activity will be permitted whilst in command. Individuals will retain the opportunity to complete resettlement within the Service at the end of their command or have their resettlement entitlements deferred post discharge.

Acceptance of Business Appointments after leaving the Service

7107. QR J913 refers; within 2 years of leaving the service, all officers must obtain the approval of the MOD before accepting an offer of employment with a UK or international defence contractor or organisation, or enter the service of any Government outside the UK. This procedure is necessary to ensure that when an officer accepts such employment there is no cause for suspicion or allegations of impropriety.

Retired Officers in Civil, Commonwealth or Foreign Employment

7108. QR J2914 refers; Officers who leave regular service must not, so long as they continue to hold a commission, or to draw retired pay, enter the service of any government outside the UK, or organisation sponsored by such a government, or any international organisation, without the consent of the MOD.

Date of Retirement

7109. The date of retirement, transfer to the reserve or relinquishment, resignation or termination of commission will be the day after the final day of paid service. For officers called upon to resign their commission in consequence of a sentence of imprisonment by the civil power, the exit date will be the date of conviction. The date will be notified in the London Gazette. Where the officer appeals unsuccessfully, the exit date will be unaffected by such an appeal.

7110. For an officer dismissed with disgrace, or simply dismissed from the Service by sentence of court martial, the exit date and that in the London Gazette will be that of promulgation of the sentence. For an officer who is removed from the Service due to prolonged unauthorized absence, the date of removal will be the day after the date of the submission to the Sovereign.

Conscientious Objectors

7111. The rules regarding release of personnel declared as conscientious objectors are detailed in AP 3392 Volume 5 Leaflet 113.


Retention of Rank

7112. QR 3002 - 3007 refers; Officers are normally permitted to retain their rank in civilian life unless their conduct has been deemed unsatisfactory by the Defence Council.

Entitlements on Exit

7113. An officer’s eligibility for terminal leave is governed by JSP 760, for Resettlement by JSP 534 and for retired pay by QRs, Chapter 38 / JSP 764.


CHAPTER 7

SECTION 2

RELEASE/DISPOSAL AUTHORITIES AND TERMS OF SERVICE IMPLICATIONS

7201. The release and disposal authorities for officers and the implications of the various modes of exit are given in the table below:

Mode of Release

(a)

Type of Commission

(b)

Circumstances of Exit

(c)

Release/Disposal Authority Subject to completion of the appropriate period of service is eligible for:

Air Officers

(d)

Gp Capts

(e)

Wg Cdrs

(f)

Sqn Ldrs and Below

(g)

Retention of Rank Flt Lt and Above

(h)

Reserve or Recall Liability

(i)

Training Failure or Voluntary

Withdrawal

All Commissions

Premature Compulsory

Release:

Non-productive officers under QR2905(1)

(see Note 1)

N/A N/A N/A ACOS Career

Management or Commandant RAF

College No No

Transfer to the Reserve

IC (1 – 12 year)

including Re-joiners and

lateral entrants.

Normal Release N/A N/A N/A

ACOS Career Management

Yes Yes

Early Termination N/A N/A N/A

ACOS Career

Management (See Note 2)

Yes Yes


N/A N/A N/A Air Force Board No No


118 The Defence Council may, in accordance with QR3002, withdraw the privilege in respect of any higher rank awarded on re-joining or lateral entry.119 The Defence Council may, in accordance with QR3002, withdraw the privilege in respect of any higher rank awarded on re-joining or lateral entry.

Failure to meet Re-joiner requirements

Air Force Board

Air Force Board

Air Force Board Yes118 No

Relinquishment

IC (1 – 12

years)

including Re-joiners and

lateral entrants.

Normal Release N/A N/A N/A ACOS Career

Management Yes No

Early Termination N/A N/A N/A ACOS Career Management (See Note 2)

Yes No


N/A N/A N/A Air Force Board No No

Failure to meet Re-joiner

requirements

Air Force

Board

Air Force

Board Air Force Board

Yes119 No

Retirement EDPC or longer

Normal Release CAS COS

Pers / Air

Secretary

ACOS Career Management(See Note 2)

Yes Yes

Early Termination CAS COS

Pers / Air Secretary

ACOS Career Management

(See Note 2) Yes Yes

Premature Compulsory

Release Air Force Board

Yes

(but see

QR3002(7))

Yes

(but see QR2905(2))


Points to Note

1. Commandant RAF College (RAF) (Comdt RAFC) is the release/disposal authority for all officers failing or wishing to voluntarily withdraw (VW) in initial Phase 1 and Phase 2 training and subject to exit under QR2905 (1)(a) (AP3392 Vol 5 Lflt 130 details the process to be followed for all such cases). ACOS Career Management is the release/disposal authority for qualified aircrew and Air Ops Branch officers who fail to gain the requisite combat ready/operational categorisation (see AP3392 Vol 5 Lflt 131), and all officers subject to exit under QR2905(1)(b). This includes productive officers who undertake Phase 2 training as part of the branch transfer process.

2. Release authority for flt lts and below is normally delegated to SO1 APC.

Resignation All

Commissions

Early Termination CAS

COS Pers / Air

SecretaryACOS Career Management (See Note 2)

No No


Air Force Board No No

Removal All Commissions


HM The QUEEN No No

Medical DischargeAll

Commissions

Invaliding under QR2905(4)

CAS COS Pers / Air Secretary

DACOS A1

(See Note 2) Yes No

Medical Administrative Non-

invaliding under QR2905(3) DACOS A1

Administrative ExitAll Commissions

Administratively under QR2905

Air Force Board

Yes

(but see QR3002(7))

No


CHAPTER 7

SECTION 3

NORMAL RELEASE FROM SERVICE

Normal Retirement Points

7301. Initial Retirement Date (IRD). An IRD is the date upon which an officer is due to retire having completed a PC or EDPC and who has not been offered, or who has declined, further service. Previous non-commissioned service is not taken into account when calculating IRDs120, unlike previous commissioned service which is included. Engagement length is not linked to the pension an individual is on121.

a. Officers awarded a PC prior to 5 Apr 05. Officers who were awarded a PC prior to 5 Apr 05 will have an IRD at the later of 16 year’s reckonable commissioned service, or the date on which they reach the age of 38. Reckonable service starts from the age of 21 or the start date of the IOTC, whichever is later. The IRD for airmen who commissioned from the ranks is calculated from the day after their graduation, and Warrant Officers commissioned from the ranks; from the start date of the CWOC.

b. Officers awarded a PC on or after 5 Apr 05 or who transferred to AFPS 05. Officers who were awarded a PC on or after 5 Apr 05 will have an IRD at the later of 18 year’s reckonable commissioned service, or the date on which they reach the age of 40. Reckonable service starts from the age of 18 or the start date of the IOTC, whichever is later. The IRD for airmen who commissioned from the ranks is calculated from the day after their graduation, and Warrant Officers commissioned from the ranks; from the start date of the CWOC.

c. Officers awarded an EDPC on or after 1 Apr 15. Officers awarded an EDPC on or after 1 Apr 15 will have an IRD at the later of 20 year’s reckonable commissioned service, or the date on that they reach the age of 40. Reckonable service starts from the age of 18 or start date of the IOTC, whichever is later. The IRD for airmen who commissioned from the ranks is calculated from the day after their graduation, and Warrant Officers commissioned from the ranks; from the start date of their CWOC.

d. Offer to Extend - Officers who accepted a ‘FAFPS Offer to Extend’. In accordance with IBN 43/13 will have an IRD at the EDPC point and will gain an Optional Retirement Date (ORD) at their previous 16/38 or 18/40 IRD. Offers to Extend were calculated from the start of the IOTC for all recipients.

e. Alignment Offer. Officers of Flt Lt rank or below who were awarded an engagement length less than 20/40 and who accepted an NEM alignment offer in accordance with IBN 15/15 will gain an IRD at the EDPC point but their previous IRD (16/38 or 18/40) will not become an ORD. If subsequently additional service is accepted on promotion, the 20/40 IRD will become an ORD. Sqn Ldrs and above whose engagement to age 55 was below that of the equivalent NEM LOS for their branch, and accepted an NEM alignment offer in accordance with IBN 15/15, will not gain an ORD at the age 55 point nor will they gain a 20/40 ORD as they did not previously have an IRD at the 20/40 point. NEM Alignment Offers were calculated from the start of the IOTC for all recipients.

120 This is to avoid officers aggregating ORDs outside the normal engagement length. 121 For example and officer who accepted a PC after 5 Apr 05 may have remained on AFPS 75. They would therefore have an IRD at the 18/40 point not the 16/38 point.


7302. Deferment of an IRD. Deferment of an IRD, other than to meet a specific Service need, is not normally permitted.

7303. Calculation of Length of Service (LOS) engagement for officers who joined prior to 1 Apr 15. The start date for the commission depends on the terms under which the officer joined:

a. Direct Entrants – from day 1 of the IOTC or SOITC. Although classed as an Officer Cadet (Airman) whilst undertaking the IOTC, the LOS starts counting from the start of the IOTC.

b. Graduate Entrant – from day 1 of the IOTC or SOITC.

c. Bursary – from day 1 of IOTC or SOITC.

d. Internally Commissioned – Internally Commissioned officers will not be appointed to a commission that will give them less service than their airmen’s engagement. Commissions awarded via the Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS) will be awarded on the date of graduation; commissioned service will be calculated from the following day.

e. Transferee – from day of graduation if undertaking IOTC; commissioned service will be calculated from the day after graduation. Commissioned service for transferees undertaking SOITC or the TARC is calculated from day one of the course. Commissioned service for transferees going directly to Phase 2 will commence from their first day at Phase 2 trg, or holding appointment where applicable.

f. Commissioned Warrant Officers – from day 1 of the Commissioned Warrant Officers Course.

g. Cadetship (excluding Medical and Dental Cadet) - from day 1 of IOTC or SOITC. Time as a cadet counts as pensionable service but not towards the LOS.

h. Medical/Dental Cadets (who joined before 31 Mar 03) – from day 1 of SOITC.

i. Medical/Dental Cadets (who joined 1 Apr 03 – 31 Mar 15) – from date of full GMC/GDC registration.

j. Medical/Dental Cadets (who joined after 1 Apr 15) – from day 1 of SOITC.

7304. Prior to 1 Apr 15 - Normal Retirement Date (NRD). The date upon which an officer is due to retire having reached the end of their commission.

Branch Air Chief

Marshal

Air

Marshal

Air Vice-

Marshal

Air Cdre Group

Captain and below

General Duties 58 57 - - -

Medical and Dental (Pre 1 Apr 03)

Except for:

Consultants and Senior Specialists (except as in b).

Consultants and Senior Specialists in Occupational and

-

-

-

-

-

60

-

65

60

58

65

60

58

65

58


7305. Before 1 Apr 15 -officers selected for further service beyond their IRD will normally be conditioned to serve to age 55 with an Optional Retirement Date (see paragraph 7314) on the same date as their previous IRD. The date of an officer's retirement is their 55th birthday; their last day of paid service is the day prior to their 55th birthday. Officers will be retired at age 55 unless their rank and branch dictate otherwise, as shown below:

7306. From 1 Apr 15 Engagement Expiry Date (EED) – The date on which an officer is due to retire having reached the end of their commission or having reached the Mandated End of Service age. For a LOS-based engagement the date of an officer’s retirement will be the anniversary of joining; or for Officers who internally commission, the date of commissioning123. Their last day of paid service is the day before the anniversary. For an age-based engagement the date of an officer’s retirement is the appropriate birthday; their last day of paid service is the day prior to the birthday.

a. Officers will be retired at age 60 unless exceptional service need dictates otherwise. Where the RAF considers that it is necessary, an officer may be retained beyond their EED, or beyond MEOS. When an officer is retained, such continued employment will be for a specific period of time and will be treated as continuous employment in regular service and not as re-employment. Consultants and Senior GMPs, GDPs, and Nursing Officers may, in exceptional cases, and only to fill specific service requirements, serve to age 65.

b. Whilst the RAF adheres to the normal retiring ages wherever possible, the RAF reserves the right to retire an officer prematurely at any time should it consider this to be necessary. However, in general, such a right would not normally be exercised before the officer has completed the service necessary to qualify for retired pay unless it was necessary for the efficiency of the Service.

c. A Chaplain selected for appointment as Chaplain-in-Chief is normally required to complete 3 years in the post before retirement and will be retained, if necessary, beyond the compulsory retiring age until they complete the requisite period.

7307. End of SSC. Officers awarded a SSC before 1 Apr 15 will serve for the period set out in their offer of service letter; from 1 Jan 12, periods of service were normally 9 years. In exception, both after 1 Jan 12 and prior to that time, periods of service varied from 3 – 12 years depending on the branch. Those officers who are not selected to transfer to a PC or EDPC will be transferred to the Reserve at the end of their SSC.

7308. End of IC. From 1 Apr 15 officers appointed to an IC will normally serve for 12 years. Officers in some of the Specialist Branches may be appointed to a 6-year IC. By exception, or in the case of a Re-joiner, periods of service may vary from one – 12 years depending on the requirements of the service. Those officers who are not selected to transfer to an EDPC will be transferred to the Reserve at the end of their IC.

122 NOs can be invited, for Service reasons, to serve until 57. Otherwise the NRD will remain at 55. 123 Airmen who internally commission remain as Airmen throughout IOTC as OC (Airmen). Reckonable commissioned service is calculated from the last day of Ph 1 Officer Trg.

Community Medicine and other officers.

Branch Air Chief Marshal

Air Marshal

Air Vice-Marshal

Air Cdre Group Captain and

below

Legal - - 60 60 60

Nursing Officer - - - - 57 (Gp Capt only)122


7309. Re-joiner. Re-joiners will normally be appointed to an IC of between one and 12 years depending on the requirements of the service. Access to IRD/OEP/ORDs from previous service will not be possible, and neither will continuation of Service counting towards an IRD/OEP/ORD. Any potential later transfers to an EDPC will attract an IRD/ORD according to accumulated service from the point of re-joining, not previous point of commissioning.

Optional Exit Point – Legacy

7310. Twelve Year Optional Exit Point (OEP). This is the date on which an eligible officer elects to transfer to the Reserve. Entrants who were commissioned before 1 Apr 13 on graduate, University Cadet or professionally qualified (graduate equivalent terms) who were, on initial entry to the Service, immediately appointed to a PC have an OEP at the 12-year point. Those who are not offered, or do not accept promotion to the rank of sqn ldr within 12 years' of joining (excluding service as a university cadet) will, after the completion of 10 years, have the option to leave the Service at the 12-year point. The 12-year point for university cadets is the date that they complete 12 years' full-time service, from their effective date of promotion to plt off. Officers intending to exercise this option are to do so in writing to their Career Manager not less than one year before the due date. The 12-year OEP will be withdrawn from those who accept substantive promotion to sqn ldr.

7311. Deferment of 12 year OEP. An officer with a 12-year OEP may be asked to defer the OEP to fulfil a Trg RoS or where Service manning considerations require it. It would be innapropriate to defer an OEP against the individual’s consent. An officer who has consented to such a deferment retains the right to leave at the deferred date if not subsequently promoted to sqn ldr. Officers are not normally allowed to request a deferment of their OEP. Normally the maximum period of time an OEP can be deferred is 3 years.

7312. An officer who has elected to retire at an OEP will not normally be permitted to rescind this decision, rather the decision will be based on Service manning need.

Optional Retirement Date (ORD)

7313. An ORD is the date on which an Officer who has been promoted to sqn ldr may elect to retire. Officers extended in rank (ie. prior to being promoted to sqn ldr) will normally be granted an ORD, even if subsequently promoted. However, they may also be awarded an ORD under the provision of paragraph 7325. ORDs are usually aligned to the particular pension scheme(s) that an individual is a member of. They may fall at the point at which their IRD was, with exception to the 12 year IRD (for 12 year IC), which is lost on extension or promotion.

7314. Officers with pension benefits under AFPS 75. Leaving at an ORD allows officers with pension benefits from AFPS 75 to exit on compulsory rates of pension which are higher than the PVR rates. The longer a person serves the closer the compulsory and PVR (Voluntary Outflow) rates become.

7315. Officers with pension benefits under AFPS 05 or AFPS 15. AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 do not have different compulsory and PVR (Voluntary Outflow) rates.

7316. Affect of ORDs (and IRDs) on RRP. Officers who elect to retire on at an IRD or ORD do not forgoe their entitlement to RRP.


7317. Where an officer has Internally Commissioned and the balance of their non-commissioned service meant that they were given a commission length longer than a 16/38, 18/40, 20/40124 they will gain an ORD at the IRD if they subsequently accept further service on promotion.

7318. Effect on Recruitment and Retention Pay (RRP). Officers on any AFPS who leave at an ORD will continue, if they remain eligible in all other respects in accordance with JSP 754 Pt 2, to receive RRP until their exit date. Entitlement will cease from the date of approval of their application in accordance with JSP 754, Pt 2 for Officers who leave on PVR (Voluntary Outflow) terms.

7319. Multiple ORDs. It is possible to have multiple ORDs such as a 16/38, 20/40 and 22/44. Only the next available ORD is able to be viewed on JPA Self Service user.

Service that Does Not Count Towards an ORD

7320. Unpaid service such as a Career Intermission, unpaid maternity/adoption/shared parental leave or detention does not count as reckonable service towards an ORD. An application should be submitted to Manning to extend service if a period of unpaid absence prevents an ORD being met.

7321. Consideration for Promotion. Provided that they are otherwise eligible, officers will be considered for promotion by selection irrespective of any statement of intention about optional retirement. However, they will not normally be promoted during the 3-year period preceding the ORD unless they have either:

a. Elected not to exercise the right of optional retirement.

or,

b. Stated that, where a return of service on promotion is applied, they are willing to have their ORD deferred to complete a minimum of 3 years from the date of substantive promotion.

Exercising an ORD

7322. Officers who have an ORD at the 16/38, 18/40, 20/40 or 22/44 point are to state as soon as possible after coming within 3 years of the ORD whether they intend to exercise their option. Officers who have not stated their intention beforehand are to do so not less than one year before their ORD, unless exceptional permission to delay the decision has been granted by Manning. Officers without exceptional permission who fail to state their intention by one year before their ORD will forfeit their option. Officers wishing to exercise an ORD are to do so by notifying their Career Manager in writing; all notifications will be acknowledged.

7323. An officer who has elected not to exercise the right of optional retirement, or who has forfeited that option, and who subsequently wishes to retire at the optional date will normally, if permitted to do so, be required to retire under the conditions for ET (see Section 6).

Deferring an ORD

7324. Deferment of 16/38, 18/40 or 20/40 ORD. The 16/38, 18/40 or 20/40 ORD can be deferred as a condition of:

124 Non- commissioned service is not taken into account when calculating the 16/38, 18/40 or 20/40 point.


a. Selection for ACSC or post-graduate course undertaken to meet a service need.

b. Pre-employment training to fulfil the Trg RoS required for such training.

c. As a condition of selection for substantive promotion.

d. Where a deferment is not contrary to the Service interest.

Other than for an over-riding service need, an ORD should not normally be deferred by more than 3 years from the original option point (but see para 7318).

7325. Exceptional Deferment of 16/38 ORD to Align with 20/40. An officer with some element of pension benefits payable under both AFPS 75 and AFPS 15, with an ORD at 16/38 may apply to defer that ORD to the 20/40 point, in order to align with the EDP-qualification point on AFPS 15

a. Deferral beyond the normal 3-year period (under paragraph 7317) will only be considered to allow officers to align their ORD with the 20/40 point. An ORD deferred in this way will not be deferrable beyond that point.

b. Officers who wish to defer their 16/38 ORD to the 20/40 point are to state as soon as possible after coming within 3 years of the ORD whether they intend to exercise or defer their option. Officers who have not stated their intention to defer their ORD beforehand are to do so not less than one year before their ORD.

c. Where the 16/38 ORD has already passed or been waived it cannot be deferred retrospectively.

d. An officer who did not transfer to AFPS 15 (i.e. they are in the Protected Cohort) will only be able to extend their ORD beyond the normal 3-year period in exceptional circumstances125.

e. A decision to defer an option point, once agreed by Manning, will not ordinarily be reversed. However, CMs may consider requests to do so against both Manning requirements and the Service Need.

Rescinding an ORD

7326. An officer who has elected to retire at an ORD will not normally be allowed to rescind this decision unless exceptional permission is granted by Manning. If an ORD is rescinded it remains available but may only be exercised or deferred in accordance with paragraphs 7323 & 7324 of this section.

22/44126 Optional Retirement Date

7327. The 22/44 ORD has never been formally adopted by the RAF as a term of service and only applies to those in AFPS 75 who have not transferred to the PAS. The following information is included for reference purposes only and does not constitute formal adoption of this ORD.

7328. Background. The 22/44 ORD was introduced by the RAF as a short-term retention measure for aircrew (except Spec Aircrew) in 1980; it was extended to ground branch officers in

125 If personnel are not transferring to AFPS 15 then the 20/40 point will not be relevant to their pension benefits. 126 22 years’ reckonable service or age 44, whichever is later.


1985 and has remained in use ever since. It enabled individuals to leave at a conditioned exit point midway between the 16/38 point and age 50 without reducing the pension payment that AFPS 75 made to officers who exited on PVR terms before completing 29 years reckonable service. The other major attraction of the 22/44 ORD, when it was introduced, was being able to exercise the option and leave after as little as 12 months’ notice when the PVR Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) was 3 years and regularly enforced.

7329. The introduction of AFPS 05 necessitated a review of terms of service which included the continued use and relevance of the 22/44 ORD. The review found that the provisions of the new pension scheme made the 22/44 ORD meaningless to individuals in AFPS 05, so it recommended that it no longer be available to officers joining the RAF on or after 6 Apr 05 and that it be withdrawn from those who opted to transfer from AFPS 75 to AFPS 05. Officers who remain in AFPS 75 or who were transferred from AFPS 75 to AFPS 15 are to be granted a 22/44 ORD when they become eligible.

7330. Since the PVR MWT was reduced to 12 months in 2000, harmonising the notice period for both PVR and exit at the 22/44 ORD, the sole retention incentive provided by the ORD has been the full rate of Immediate Pension that it provides to those in AFPS 75 and those who were previously in AFPS 75. However AFPS 05 provides much greater flexibility and individuals can exit on ET terms at any point after the initial EDP date without financial penalty. AFPS 15 provides similar flexibility, but those who have accrued pension rights under AFPS 75 will be financially penalised under the terms of AFPS 75 if they do not leave at an ORD or Engagement expiry date.

7331. Deferment of 22/44 ORD. Normally, the 22/44 ORD can only be deferred in the following circumstances:

a. Selection for a post-graduate course undertaken to meet a service need.

b. Pre-employment training.

c. To fulfil a Trg RoS applied in respect of the provisions of sub-paras a or b above.

d. To fulfil a promotion RoS.

e. Where there is an overriding service need to do so.

A deferment may only be granted to fulfil the requirements of command RoS (Chapter 6, Section 3 refers) in exceptional circumstances. Other than for an over-riding service need, an ORD should not normally be deferred by more than 3 years from the original option point.


CHAPTER 7

SECTION 4

PREMATURE COMPULSORY RELEASE

Compulsory Early Termination of Commission

7401. The Air Force Board, or an appropriately authorised delegate (see the table at Section 2 of this Chapter), may terminate an officer’s commission compulsorily in accordance with QR 2905. Such compulsory exits will usually be for training failures, misconduct, unsuitability or for medical or other reasons.


CHAPTER 7

SECTION 5

MEDICAL REVIEW AND EXITS

Medical Review

7501. The medical fitness standards for officers in the Fg Branch are set out in QR 1421 and for all other officers in QR 1422. These QRs also detail the action that will be taken to decide an officer's further service when, having appeared before a Permanent RAF Medical Board, the officer has been found to be permanently below the prescribed medical standard or is unlikely to reach that standard within a reasonable time.

Employability Review

7502. Employability Review Board (ERB). Where an officer has been found to be below the prescribed medical standard for their branch an ERB will determine whether or not they can be retained, and what, if any limitations will apply to their future employability. Personnel may, if they wish, be considered for retention in regular service in another branch, provided that they are suitable and medically fit for such duties and there are posts available in which they can be employed.

7503. Retention. Retention may include a change of branch or specialization, limitations on service or areas of employment, and a future employability review date being set. The Service will normally retain individuals for the period of their existing terms. However, a revised exit date may be appropriate in some cases. Individuals who do not wish to remain in the RAF with these limitations may, at any time, apply to leave the Service.

7504. Change of Branch or Specialization. Personnel found to be permanently below the medical standard required to conduct the full duties of their branch or specialization, or who are unlikely to reach that standard within a reasonable time, may be considered for an alternative branch or specialization. Where it is felt appropriate, Manning may offer alternative terms of service to suit the new specialization. Personnel who do not accept a transfer or change to their terms of service, may elect to leave.

7505. Review Period. If the prospects for long-term employability remains uncertain, a further review of employability may be required after a maximum period of 3 years, or at the next conditioned exit point if it is within 3 years. After the review the individual may be offered retention to the next conditioned exit point, further service (if eligible) or alternative employment. Otherwise service will normally be terminated on medical grounds. Individuals not offered further service upon reaching a conditioned exit point will leave on normal grounds. Individuals who reject further service will leave on normal grounds. The setting of a review date does not vary or extend the once-only right of Aircrew to elect medical discharge. Additional reviews may be required where long-term employability remains uncertain.

7506. Unfit Further Service. Officers who are assessed as not employable by an ERB or who are awarded an JMES of A6 L6 M6 E5/E6 (Perm) or lower by the RAF Medical Board will be considered unfit further service and will be medically discharged. A further board will assess the most appropriate mode of exit, depending on the circumstances of the case.


Personnel will normally be terminated under invaliding or administrative action terms as below. For Fg Branch officers, see para 7509 below. All other productive officers who, as a result of a review under the terms of QR 1422, are withdrawn from their duties solely on account of medical unfitness will be dealt with in accordance with QR 1422(3).

7507. Invaliding. Personnel found to be permanently below the medical standard required to conduct the full duties of their branch or specialization, including all general Service duties, or who are unlikely to reach that standard within a reasonable time, will be considered for invaliding iaw QR 2905(4).

7508. Administrative Exit. Personnel found to be permanently below the medical standard required to conduct the full duties of their branch or specialization, including all general Service duties, for reasons within their own control, will have their mode of exit decided by HQ Air Personnel Casework. This clause normally applies only where the condition/disability is unlikely to be lasting or is entirely within the individual’s own control. If invaliding is warranted the individual should be dealt with as above. If invaliding is not warranted, exit will be categorised iaw QR 2905(3).

Fg Branch Officers

7509. ERB. Officers will be transferred to ground duties as soon as it is decided that they are permanently unfit for flying duties even though they may, at the time, be temporarily unfit for ground duties. In accordance with QR 1421(4) and irrespective of rank, Fg Branch officers who cease to be suitable for flying duties for medical reasons may as a once only option elect to be invalided under QR 2905(4). Alternatively, they may, if they wish, be considered for retention in regular service in another branch, provided that they are suitable and medically fit for such duties and posts are available in which they can be employed. If, for any reason, an officer cannot be retained in regular service they will be invalided under QR 1421(3).

7510. Invaliding. Aircrew who elect to leave will normally do so under invaliding terms unless a case exists for administrative exit. The Discretionary Awards Panel will decide whether any invaliding benefits are to be paid and at what level. Officers with the right to elect to be invalided from the Service will be offered the opportunity for interview at Manning. Following notification or interview (whichever is latest) the individual has up to 28 days (extendable up to 3 months by unit request) in which to opt for invaliding.

7511. Recruitment and Retention Pay (Flying). Attention is drawn to JSP 754 concerning the effect on RRP (Fg) from the award of a non-flying MES (A4 and below) and from a decision to elect invaliding.

7512. Stress of Flying. Aircrew with a reduced MES as a result of being unable to withstand the stress of flying duties are to be subject of a special report iaw QR 1027.

Career Implications of Reduced MES

7513. Promotion. Officers with a permanently reduced MES will be considered by promotion boards on merit. If selected, a separate Board of Officers will decide whether the individual should be promoted or removed from the Promotion Selection List, based on the limitations the individual holds and the Service need.


7514. Further Service. Personnel who cannot meet the required medical standard will not normally be allowed to extend their current terms of service.

7515. Election to Leave. Personnel found to be permanently below the medical standard required to conduct the full duties of their specialization, or who are unlikely to reach that standard within a reasonable time, may apply at any time to leave the RAF iaw QR 2906(3). Although exit terms for those who elect to leave will be similar to ET, exit dates will usually be arranged as soon as administratively convenient (normally within 6 months, subject to Service need) and will not normally be subject to minimum waiting times. This type of exit does not attract invaliding terms and leaving benefits will depend upon reckonable service.

Discharge or Retention of Medically Unfit Officers under Training

7516. Officers who, on medical examination within 21 days of joining for duty are found to be unfit for service from a disability incurred before entry and who are unlikely to become fit for service within the maximum period of 18 months, will have their commission terminated at once under the provision of QR 2905(1)(a).

7517. Fg Branch. Officers withdrawn from flying training owing to permanent medical unfitness for flying due to causes not within their own control have, in general, the right to elect to be invalided. This does not apply, however, to officers who are committed to serve in some other capacity in the event of their withdrawal from training, such as former ground officers accepted for flying training under a transfer of branch, unless the individuals concerned are medically unfit for service in their former branch. Officers withdrawn from flying training on account of medical unfitness due to causes within their own control leave the Service under the provisions of QR2905(1)(a).

7518. Other Branches. All other officers under training will be medically reviewed and dealt with in the same manner as productive officers, except assessment will be based upon fitness to train as well as fulfil productive duties. Officers withdrawn from training on account of medical unfitness due to causes within their own control leave the Service under the provisions of QR2905(1)(a).

Medical Discharge

7519. An officer may be invalided at any time on account of medical unfitness irrespective of the type of disability and whether or not it is deemed attributable to the Service. An officer of the Fg Branch who is unfit for flying duties, but fit for ground duties, may be retained in regular service under the provisions of paragraph 7509.

7520. The decision to retain in regular service or invalid officers who are absent from duty on account of sickness or injury, depends on whether or not they are likely to become fit for duty within a minimum period of 18 months. This period is reckoned from the date of cessation of duty, excluding terminal leave. All periods of absence from duty due to the same disability will be aggregated against the 18 months maximum period, except where they are separated by a continuous period of not less than 6 months. Periods of absence due to different disabilities will be aggregated only if they are consecutive.

7521. An officer who is under treatment as an in-patient in hospital, convalescent home or rehabilitation centre, will be retained in regular service for a period of at least 5 months from the date that they last attended for duty, irrespective of their regular service exit date or the likelihood of them becoming fit for further service. This applies to individuals for whom such


treatment has been prescribed by a responsible RAF medical authority as being definitely and immediately required, including officers who are granted periods of leave between successive stages of in-patient treatment (e.g. when a surgical operation is performed in 2 or more stages) and includes those on terminal leave.

7522. To determine whether or not there is, or continues to be, a reasonable probability that an officer will become fit for duty within the 18 month period, the officer is to be considered by a medical board:

a. Five months after the date of cessation of duty, if still requiring in-patient treatment in a hospital, convalescent home or rehabilitation centre, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 4 months;

or,

b. On ceasing to require in-patient treatment.

Decision to Medically Discharge

7523. If at any time a medical board certifies that there is no reasonable probability that an officer will become fit for duty within 18 months or if an officer, who has been retained in regular service in the expectation that they will become fit, is still unfit at the end of that period, medical discharge action is normally to be taken immediately. This is not applicable to an officer who is eligible to be retained in regular service under the provisions of paragraph 7509.

7524. Officers will be retired or transferred to the Reserve on their normal service expiry date when a medical board has certified that, they are likely to become fit for duty within the 18 months maximum retention period and either their regular service is due to expire before the end of the 18 month period, or their normal service expiry date has already passed. In exceptional circumstances, however, the RAF may decide that an officer who is unfit for duty will be invalided before the normal service expiry date.

7525. An officer about to be released may be retained on medical grounds only if, on the day appointed as the officer's last day of attendance for duty, the medical officer of the unit provides a certificate to the effect that the officer:

a. Is receiving in-patient treatment in a hospital, convalescent home or rehabilitation centre;

or,

b. Is sick in bed at home or in the station medical centre;

or,

c. Has been prescribed a period of immediate in-patient observation or investigation in order to confirm the unit medical officer's opinion as to the requirement for treatment.


CHAPTER 7

SECTION 6

EARLY TERMINATION

Introduction

7601. The modes of premature release from regular service in accordance with QR 2906(2) are:

a. Premature Voluntary Retirement. This is the normal route of release for officers holding a commission beyond the EDP point.

b. Premature Transfer to the Reserve. This is the normal route of release for officers holding commissions which carry a reserve liability.

c. Relinquishment. This is for officers holding Honorary, Temporary or Short Term Regular commissions with no reserve liability, or for officers whose reserve liability is waived because their reasons for exit render their recall to regular service impracticable.

d. Resignation. This is an exceptional mode of release and has implications for retired pay, terminal benefits and preserved pensions.

7602. Phase 1 Trainees. Those who wish to apply to leave the RAF are to be disposed of in accordance with the OACTU Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) procedure. The provisions of AP3392 Vol 5 Lflt 120 apply to those under the age of 18.

7603. Phase 2 Trainees. Those who wish to leave the Service prior to successfully completing professional (Phase 2) training will exit under the terms of QR 2905(1). This does not include those of the Fg branch who have been awarded their wings but who have not completed the OCU course, to whom paragraph 4304 refers.

Early Termination

7604. Officers who wish to prematurely voluntarily retire, transfer to the Reserve prematurely, resign or voluntarily relinquish their commission, must apply for ET giving full reasons to enable the RAF Manning Organisation to arrive at a decision. ET is not a right and applications are considered against the Service need. Applications to resign will carry no special weight and will be considered in the same manner as applications for other modes of release. The RAF may impose waiting periods to suit the prevailing manning situation but may grant shorter waiting periods where exceptional compassionate grounds exist or where it is in the service interest to do so. Each case will be considered on its merits.

7605. The provisions under which applications for ET will be considered are as follows:

a. Applications for discharge on Compassionate grounds. Applications for a compassionate discharge are approved only where strong grounds exist. The process is contained in AP3392 Vol 2 Lflt 704.


b. Officers who have Completed 30 Years’ Total Service. In recognition of their long service, officers who have completed 30 years’ total Regular service, will normally be permitted to exit having given 6 months’ notice, regardless of the ET waiting time for their Branch. The Service reserves the right, however, to retain officers for up to the ET minimum waiting time for their Branch, or to decline exit on ET terms in exceptional circumstances or where a RoS is unexpired127.

c. Officers who are permitted to transfer to the Reserve prematurely at their own request will be required to serve in the Reserve until the date on which their service would have expired had they completed their full term of regular service.

Early Termination Waiting Periods

7606. Every application will be considered by the RAF Manning Organisation on its individual merits. Applications will be considered against Service requirements and manning levels within the applicants’ particular rank, branch and, where appropriate, specialization. Providing the RoS requirements set out in Chapter 4 Section 4 and Chapter 6 Section 3 are satisfied, the maximum waiting time from the date of the application will normally be no longer than 12 months. However the Service reserves the right to retain officers for more than 12 months in exceptional circumstances.

7607. Officers who apply for release on a date which is less than 12 months from the date of their application and which cannot be approved will be informed that, although they cannot be released on the requested date, approval will normally be given for a date no more than 12 months from the date of their application. If the manning levels and/or Service requirements within an officer’s particular rank, branch or specialization subsequently change, they may be offered an earlier date. Officers who do not wish to accept an approved date 12 months from the date of application will have their application refused.

Promotion of Applicants during Early Termination Waiting Periods

7608. Time Promotion. The approval of an officer’s application for ET will not have any effect on time promotion. An officer whose application has been approved, and who is eligible for time promotion in all other respects, will normally be promoted on the due date.

7609. Promotion by Selection. Provided they are in all other respects eligible, officers with an approved ET date will be considered for promotion in accordance with normal procedures. If such officers are selected by a Promotion Board, they will be required to rescind their application to leave early in order to be promoted. Officers in this category will be notified by their Career Manager.

Pregnancy

7610. An officer who is pregnant may elect to continue service after a period of paid and unpaid maternity leave or can elect to exercise a special right to leave the Service on ET grounds. ET maximum waiting times do not apply to officers exiting on the grounds of pregnancy. The Ministry of Defence produces its own policy on maternity arrangements for Servicewomen in the regular Armed Forces which is published in JSP 760.

Applications for Early Termination

127 This does not apply to WO commissioned into the Int Branch under the CWO Scheme (see para 2302)


7611. Applications for ET are to be made in accordance with current Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) Business Process Guide (BPG) for ET. An officer whose request for ET is approved will be so informed by their Career Manager.

7612. Officers who apply for ET, to transfer to the Reserve, resign or relinquish their commissions, are to be aware that by submitting their application for ET via JPA they are confirming that, within their knowledge, there are no claims outstanding against them and that they are aware of and understand the provisions of the following regulations (as applicable to them):

a. QR J913 concerning the acceptance of business appointments after leaving the Service.

b. QR J2914 which prohibits entering the service of a government outside the UK, or organization sponsored by such a government or any internal organization, without the consent of the MOD.

c. QR’s 2876, 2937, and 2984 (for officers applying to resign their commissions).

d. JSP 753 / AP3392, Vol 7, Part 1, Chapter 2 concerning recall to regular service.

e. QR’s 2936, 2939 and 2984 concerning the effect of premature exit on non-effective benefits.

f. Paragraph 7605 for officers transferring prematurely to the Reserve.

g. JSP 754 concerning the effects of ET on special pay.

h. JSP 534 concerning Graduated Resettlement Time.

i. JSP 760 concerning Terminal Leave.

7613. Officers applying voluntarily to retire, transfer to the reserve or resign their commission are to acknowledge that they are aware of and accept:

a. The financial implications of ET/resignation.

b. That they should not make any personal arrangements, i.e. acceptance of job offer etc., until formally advised of their exit date by the Manning Organisation.

c. That ET is granted at the sole discretion of Manning, that the release date will be considered against manning and Trg RoS requirements and that a later date than that applied for may be offered.

d. That they do not have a RoS commitment for University Cadetship/Bursary or FRI. Officers are to be aware that if they have any such commitments they are liable to repay the full amount. Chapter 2 Sections 6 to 8 and JSP 754 Chapter 7 refer.

Applications to Rescind Early Termination

7614. An application to rescind an approved request for ET, or to defer an approved exit date will be considered, but approval will be at the discretion of the Service. Officers considering rescinding their application for ET are to speak to their Career Manager in the first instance and are to follow the JPA BPG for ET.


Miscellaneous Provisions

7615. Financial Benefits. The financial benefits which may be paid to an Officer leaving the Service voluntarily are subject to the regulations detailed in Chapter 38 of QR(RAF). Officers should note that, other than those leaving on account of compassionate reasons accepted by the RAF as necessitating the ET of regular service, those who are permitted to leave prematurely may not (refer to QRs 2937 and 2984(2)(b)) be eligible for the award of retired pay or gratuity but, if they have completed sufficient service, may be made an award at the discretion of the RAF or may be eligible for preserved benefits under QR 3061.

7616. Graduated Resettlement Time. Officers who retire prematurely may be entitled to an amount of Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) in accordance with JSP 534.

7617. Terminal Leave. Officers who retire prematurely may be entitled to Terminal Leave, JSP 760 refers.

7618. Applicants for Early Termination who are the Subject of an Administrative Report or a Police Investigation whether they are in the UK or Overseas. Officers who are the subject of an administrative report under the terms of QR 1027 or are under investigation by the Service or Civilian Police and who wish to apply for ET are to be aware that their applications will be treated in accordance with paragraphs 7604-7607 above. An application for ET will not have any effect on either the administrative report process or a Service or Civilian Police investigation. The CO is to advise the relevant Career Manager and HQ Air Personnel Casework staff when an officer subject to any such action applies for ET. Officers are to be aware of the inference that a court might take from an early exit from the Service in advance of a hearing: for example, a jury might take the view that ET is an admission of guilt.

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