In the RAF depending on whatever job it is, do you have to stay for the usual service?

Question

I'm interested in becoming a pilot in the RAF and i have just recently seen that the usual service is 18 yrs or to the age of 38. However does one have to stay this long or can he/ she leave earlier?

P.S if any RAF pilots happen to answer to this can you give me some advice for the future to help ensure a place in the RAF as a pilot.

Thanks

Answer 1

yes when u go to ur AFCO (Air force Careers officer) and take ur exams.. u will be told about enlistment  ..... usually it is 9 yrs or at least mine is.. im not sure bout 18 yrs.... but if u do wish to leave earlier than ur 18 yrs u have to serve a minimum of 4 years then give 18 months notice to leave... or have some sort of medical condition which means u can no longer serve...  

Answer 2

I had the same ambitions before joining the Army and I was told that due to the heavy investment (time, money, resources) in training pilots, that the minimum term of service is 18 years or to the age of 38, whichever is earliest. It's a top notch career though if you can make it through selection and training. You'll have a job for life as a pilot, inside and later outside the RAF.