Air Publication 3393 Volume 1 Edition , 13, Am'eridrrien 1

Version • , Date Applicable act=F1- - iz- R /3 Title Officer Commissioning and Terms of Service AP 3393

ROYAL AIR FORCE

AP 3393 • VOLUME 1 Officer Commissioning and Terms of Service

13th Edition

(Supersedes October 2011 Edition)

Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment Statement

This policy has been equality and diversity impact assessed in accordance with Departmental policy. This resulted in:

- Part 1 screening only completed (no direct discrimination or adverse impact identified / policy is a reflection of statutory requirements and has been cleared by a Legal Adviser). This policy is due for review in Apr 13 or as required by changes to TOS policy.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE By Command of the Defence Council

August 2012

)

Edition 13 AP 3393

CONTENTS

Page i-iv Introduction Chapter 1 Officer Entry Requirements Chapter 2 Entry Schemes Chapter 3 Commissioned Branches (Functional and Specialist) Chapter 4 Training Chapter 5 Rank, Seniority and Promotion Chapter 6 • Terms of Service Changes Chapter 7 Exits

Appendix 1 Abbreviations

Edition 13 AP 3393 INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF OFFICER COMMISSIONING AND TERMS OF SERVICE

1. Air Publication (AP) 3393 Volume 1 is owned and published by RAF Employment Policy and details the terms of service for officers serving as members of the regular RAF. This AP does not apply to members of the Reserve Forces, whose terms of service are published separately. Branch and Specialisation Sponsors are responsible for the content of the relevant sections of - Chapter 3. Any other suggestions for amendments are to be sent to RAF Employment Policy, . Hurricane Block, HQ Air Cmd, RAF High Wycombe. This introduction gives an overview of Officer commissioning and terms of service as described in this edition of AP 3393 Volume 1. Conditions of Entry

2. The RAF has set a minimum level of medical fitness, minimum academic qualifications, conditions of nationality and residence, and age limits, which candidates for commissioned service must meet. The general requirements are outlined in Chapter 1, whilst Chapter 2 details the conditions of specific entry schemes (e.g. the Internal Commissioning Scheme). Branch-specific requirements are detailed in Chapter 3. • Types of Commission

3. Officers are commissioned by the Monarch to serve in HM Forces. The majority of serving officers in the regular air force wilF serve on either Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC) terms.

4. " Temporary, Honorary and Short Term Regular Commissions (STRC) may be available but must meet the strict criteria determined by the Air Forcp Board. Detailed guidance on these commission types is given in Chapter 1, Section 2. •Methods of Entry

5. There are several different methods of entry into commissioned service in the RAF, •including: sponsored entry of scholars; bursars and cadets; direct entry of,graduates; qualified professionals and unqualified civilians; serving personnel from the ranks; re-entry of ex-RAF personnel; and those applying to join the RAFfrom the other Services. The methods of entry for officers appointed to commissions are detailed in Chapter 1, Section 3.

6. Each method of entry has specific eligibility criteria which an individual must meet in terms of qualifications and experience. Chapter 2 contains guidance on some of the special entry schemes and Chapter 3 contains branch specific eligibility criteria. Branches of Employment

7. The commissioned strength of the RAF is employed in the following • branches:

a. Functional Branches. Most officers will join one of the Functional Branches, which cover a broad range of management, leadership and war-fighting roles. An officer will usually remain in their functional branch. Exceptionally, where it is in the Service interest, an officer may apply to transfer to an alternative branch if eligible. The functional branches are as follows:

Edition 13 " AP 3393

Branch • Specialisation

Flying (Fg) Pilot

, Weapons Systems Officer (WSO)

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Aerospace Battle Manager (ABM) . Intelligence (int) .

Flight Operations (Flt Ops) -

Flt Ops Fire

RAF Regiment (Regt) • .. Provost (Prov)

Engineer (Eng) • Aerosystems (AS) T.

Communications-Electronics (CE)

Logistics (Logs) .

Personnel (Pers) ,

b. Specialist Branches. The RAF requires officers who can provide highly specialised and professional skills in orderto support operational capability. As defined Linder Queen's Regulation (QR) 117, these are the Specialist Branches. Such officers are usually recruited as pre-qualified professionals and some have bespoke terms and conditions of service that differ to those,of the functional branches above. These difference's can, but not always, include time promotion to higher ranks, different pay scales and different commission types. The Specialist Branches are as follows:

Branch • • • • Specielisation -

Medical . • -

Dental . • -

Medical Support Officer (MSO) . - •

• MS0 (PhySiotherapist) .

Chaplain -

Legal -

Nursing. Officer. • -

Directöi- of Music (DOM) -

8. Chapter 3 gives detailed guidance on each branch and any specific.entry requirements that apply.

EditiOn. 13 AP 3393

Medical, Dental and Nursing Officers Terms of ServiCe

9. ConditiOns of service •for Medical, Dental and Nursing officers joining on and after 1 Apr 03 and those who joined before this date, but elected to transfer, are detailed in the Career Management Regulations for Defence Medical Services (JSP 527). Pre-1 Apr 03 conditions of service are retained in this AP for reference purposes ,only.

Training

10. Whilst under training, officers are deemed to be non-productive and their continued employment will be dependent on the satisfactory completion of Initial Officer Training (Phase 1) and the professional (Phase 2) training required for their particular branch/specialisation. Personnel who fail their professional (Phase 2) training, for whatever reason, may be re7selected to an alternative, suitable branch / specialisation or have their commission terminated. Officers are usually regarded as being in productive service on successful completion of professional (Phase 2) training and on appointment to an established post. However, for certain branches/specialisations this will be subject to a requirement to cómplete further on the job training, such as an OCU for aircrew or initial endorsement for the ATC and ABM specialisations, during which such officers are regarded as being pre-productive. Officers may be required to undertake further training at any time during their career, the failure of which may result in compulsory exit. Details of the particular terms of service whilst under training are in Chapter 4.

Promotion

11. Until 1 Apr 13, rank and seniority on appointment and the length of time officers are required to serve before promotion to the rank of flt It depend primarily upon.their branch and mode of entry. Credits for seniority may be awarded for relevant qualifications and civilian experience, as well as previous service. From 1 Apr 13, the rules relating to timed-promotion will change to align non-graduate and graduate entry to the FunctiOnal Branches. Full details of time-promotion to flt It are contained within Chapter 5 Section 3. All forms of promotion are subject to an officers continued fitness and suitability for service. See Chapter 5 for further guidance.

12. Changes to an officer's terms of service, such as a variation of branch and/or commission, may be necessary during their period of regular service. At certain times an officer may be offered further serkiice to a new retirement date or by extension beyond such a date. Also, terms of service may be varied as a result of attending professional training. Chapter 6 provides further guidance.

Officer Career Management — the Mainstream and the Executive Stream •

13. All officers in non-specialist (Functional) Branches will commence their careers within the Mainstream (MS) of their respective branches. The No 3 Combined Selection Board (CSB) will then consider officers for promotion to wg cdr rank and for Advanced Staff Training (AST). Those •selected for AST will transfer to the Executive Stream (ES), in which officers will be managed to develop those identified as possessing the highest potential. Selection to the ES may occur before, simultaneously with, or after selection for promotion to wg cdr. Membership of the ES is not to be considered permanent and is subject to performance reviews by Manning. Officers may return to the MS at a later point in their career, either following a performance review or through the officer electing to return to the MS. Officers not selected for AST, and those not yet eligible for consideration by the No 3 CSB, will be managed within the MS.

14. Specific management instructions and processes including transitional provisions that are

Edition 13 AP 3393 used to manage the careers of officers within the ES and MS are contained within AP 3393 Volume 2. Exit

15. On completion of regular service an officer will usually transfer to the Reserve at the end of a SSC or will retire at the end of a PC. Officers can apply to leave prematurely•(by means of Early Termination (PVR)) or retire at a natural exit point, such as the normal or optional retirement date. Service may be•terminated compulsorily iaw QR 2905 due to medical, adeninistrative or disciplinary reasons. See Chapter 7 for further informatión. Variations to Terms of Service Policy

16. Officers terms of service are governed by the regulations contained within this AP and will be applicable as at the time of appointment to a commission. Changes to terms of service may occur as directed by the Air Force Board or where individual circumstances dictate, such as on . transfer between commission types or upon election to adopt new terms of service where offered. Officers with reserved rights, or those who believe they have such rights under earlier terms of service, should consult the relevant edition of AP 3393, available from the document sponsor (RAF Employment Policy). NCA Terms of Service • 17. Non-Commissioned Aircrew (NCA) terms of service were removed from Edition 7 in favour of the primary regulations contained in the Royal Air Force Terms of Service Regulations under the Air Force Act 1955, superseded by the Armed Forces Act 2006, and Queen's Regulations. Detailed guidance on NCA terms of serx./ice are also contained within AP 3376, Volume 1 Part 2.

iv

Edition 13 ) AP3393 ) )40 CHAPTER 1 ) OFFICER ENTRY ) CONTENTS

) Section 1 Conditions of Entry ) Section 2 Types of Commission ) Section 3 Methods of entry )

Edition 13 . )

AP3393

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 Comrnonwealth1 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 Security2, 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 applicants country of residence.

Medical and Fitness Standards

1105. Candidates must meet the required medical standards as determined by an 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 frorn 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 3 and 4 for full details.

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 countrys 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 • 11.1111111 •-• as •• • - •• • • •• • •- •• - - ••• -• •••• •

2 JSP 440 —Defence Ilianual of Security (Part 6, Section 2, Chapter 7).

Edition 13 (- AP3393 ) Age Limits ) 1107. The minimurn age for entry into commissioned service is 17% years (age as at day 1 of ) Phase 1 training), except where otherwise specified. The norrnal upper age limit is as follows (except where stated otherwise see the relevant branch-specific sections for details):

a. The maximum age for Civilian candidates is 36. Therefore, they are normally selected so as to be able to start Phase 1 training before their 37th birthday.

, b. The maximum age for Serving personnel, except Commissioned Warrant Officer candidates and entrants with former reckonable service Is 44. Therefore, they shoUld not have reached their 45th birthday by the start.of Phase 1 training.

1108, Candidates must enter full time service training before the upper age lirnit is reached. The . age limit stipulated in paragraph 1107a is based on an officer being able to complete 18 years reckonable service by the age of 55 in order to qualify for immediate financial benefits under AFPS 05. It rnay be possible, in exceptional circumstances and depending on the needs of the Service, to waive the upper age limit. However, there is no guarantee that such personnel will be offered additional service beyond age 55 to enable them to qualify for imrnediate financial benefits.

) Basic Educational Qualifications 1109. Candidates for commissioned service in the RAF, except candidates for the Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS) and the Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO) Scheme (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 the aptitude based branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) at Grade ) B, or higher, in Mathematics and at Grade C or higher in English Language and 3 other ) acceptable subjects (see paragraph 1110) or; Sdottish Standard Grades at Grade 2 or higher in Mathematics and at Grade 3 or2 hig,her in English Language and 3 other subjects (see paragraph 1110). However, where a candidata holds a UK degree.at grade 2:2 or higher or and acceptable alternative, the GCSE requirement (or equivalent) is reduce.d to that of English Language and Mathernatics only.

b. For the remaining branches, a GCSE at Grade C, or higher, in Mathematics and at • Grade C or higher in English Language and 3 other acceptable subjects (see paragraph 1111) or; Scottish Standard Grades at Grade 3 or higher in Mathematics and at Grade 3 or higher in English Language and 3 other subjects (see paragraph 1110). However, where a , candidate holds a UK degree at grade 2:2 or higher or and acdeptable alternative, the GCSE requirement (or equivalent) is reduced to that of English Language and Mathematics only.

and

c. Two passes at General Certificate of Educatidn (GCE) A2 Level at Grade C or higher), or; three Scottish Highers at Grade C or above with a minimum value of 160 UCAS points, or; equivalent qualifications. The General Studies and Critical Thinking papers are specifically excluded. However, where a candidate holds à UK degree at grade ) 2:2 or higher or and acceptable alternative, the A2 Level requirement (or equivalent) is sUperseded. ) 1110. Other Acceptable and Equivalent Qualifications. S03 P2 Processing at OASC is ) responsible for the approval of other acceptable qualifications and agreement of any suitable equivalencies. )

) Edition 13

) 1 -1 -2

AP3393

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.

1112. Additional Branch Qualification Requirements. Additional qualification requirements for specific branches are set out in the paragraphs below. It should be noted that a number of these requirements (e.g. Qualified Entry to all bar Eng branch (ICS)) will dease on 1 Apr 13.

Functional Brandt;Specific Additional Educational Qualifications

1113. ATC — Qualified Entry. Until 1 Apr 133, in addition to the requirements of paragraph 1109a, either of the following are required in order for a candidate to be considered for qualified entry into the ATC Branch:

a. Candidates should hold a Higher National Award (BTEC, SCOTVEC and NCVQ awards or equivalent are considered) in an acceptable subject and a GCSE pass at Grade C or above (or equivalent) in Mathematics.

b. Candidates for the ATC Branch who hold a degree obtained on a part-time basis in a coMputer-related subject or any other subject considered by the RAF to be of value to the branch may be accepted for qualified entry.

1114. ATC — ICS Entry. NCA seeking commissions in the ATC Branch are to have passed the ATC Aptitude Test before completing 10TC and the Joint Air Traffic Control Course.

1115. Intelligence — Qualified Entry. Until 1 Apr 13, either of the following are required in order for a candidate to be considered for qualified entry into the Intelligence Branch:

a. Candidates should hold a Higher National Award (BTEC, SCOTVEC and NCVQ awards or equivalent are considered) in an acceptable subject and a GCSE pass at Grade C or above (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English/English Language.

.b. Candidates who hold a degree obtained on a part-titne basis in any other §ubject considered by the RAF to be of value to the branch may be accepted for qualified entry.

1116. Flight Operations — Qualified Entry. Until 1 Apr 13, candidates for the Fight Operations (Flt Ops) Branch who hold a degree obtained on a part-time basis in a computer-related subject or any other subject considered by the RAF to be of value to the branch may be accepted for qualified entry. There is no qualified entry available into the Flt Ops (Fire) Specialisation. • 1117. Flt Ops (Fire) — ICS Entry. The Flt Ops (Fire) Specialisation is open to RAF fire-fighters who have successfully passed FT1/FT2 Theory Examinations and passed the FT1 practical course4.

Those personnel who currently hold the FT1 course may also apply. •

1118. Engineer Officer — University Graduate. The minimum academic qualifications required for Graduate Entry to the Eng Branch is a GCSE in English Language at Grade C or better, or an acceptable equivalent, and a degree in an appropriate engineering subject. Degree subjects are categorized as follows:

a.- Category 1 — Preferred Degrees. Preferred degrees are those undergraduate degrees which are relevant to either the AS or CE engineering specialisations and meet the

3 The Qualified Entry route will cease from 1 Apr 13 as the new terms implemerhed at that point will align graduate and non-graduate .entry. This alignment will render the Qualified Entry scheme irrelevant for the majority of branches. 4 Applicants who have not met the minimum criteria may be considered at the discretion of the Branch Sponsor.

Edition 13

1-1-3

AP3393

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 one or more of the 4 professional engineering institutions deemed to be most closely aligned to the RAF's requirements: the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the•British ) Computer Society (BCS). This will also provide a useful indication to the recruiting staff as to which branch specialization candidates should be directed towards. Staff should access the EC web site at www.encic.orci.uk and.follow the appropriate instruthtions from the index page to the accredited courses database. Further guidance may be obtained from OASC Eng Specialist and, if required, tbe Eng Branch Sponsor (via OASC).

(1) Aerosystems (AS). AS candidates are to have, or be studying for, degrees accredited by the RAeS, the IMechE or the IET.

• (2) Communication/Electronics (CE). CE candidates are to have, or be studying for, degrees accredited by the BCS or IET; in certain circumstances, degrees accredited by the IMechE and RAeS may also be acceptable for entry to the CE specialization, on the advice•of the OASC Eng Specialist.

b. Category 2 - Other Acceptable Degrees. 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 either AS or CE engineering specialisations. 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 Sponsor, 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 specialization for which the candidate intends to apply.

1119. Engineer Officer — Qualified Entry. The following points are to be noted:

a. Candidates from civilian life are not eligible for qualified entry into the Eng Branch.

b. Serving personnel may be considered for qualified entry to the Eng Branch providing that they, in addition to the requirements of paragraph 11 09b, 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.

1120. Engineer Officer — Internal Commissioning 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 ) comrnissioning will normally complete the BES foundation degree (Fd) course delivered by DCAE ) and DCCIS prior to entering 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 IOTC. Ex-ground trades personnel who have been commissioned in another Branch and failed to complete professional (Phase 2) training may enter ) the Eng Branch via the BES if deemed suitable during re-selection at OASC. Serving personnel are eligible for the BES proVided they:

• a. Have obtained GCSE at grade C or higher, or SCE at standard grade 3 or higher (or recognised equivalent), in English Language, and

b. Have attained one of the following academic standards:

Edition 13

) 1-1-4 AP3393 (1) BTEC/SCOTVEC Nati()nal Certificate or National Diploma or equivalent Level 3 qualification in a relevant engineering subject. (2) GCSE rk level passes at grade E, or above, in Mathematics and an appropriate science subject with appropriate supporting passes at GCSE grade C, or higher, or a recoghised equivalent.• (3) A combination of OU credits which must include at least 3 first level credits in mathernaticš, science and technology (typically chosen frorn M101; S101, $102, T101 and T102 or their updated equivalents) and 2 relevant second leVel technology credits; queries are to be addressed to S03 P2 Processing, OASC. Personnel selected for the BES Course Will be issued a distance learning maths induction course by DCAE/DCCIS, which must be completed prior to commencement of the course.

1121. Logistics — University Graduate Entry. •Until l Apr 13, preference will be given to degrees in Logistids, Business Studies/Administration, Supply Chain Manadement, Information Technology, TranspOrtation Management, Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisition, Airport and/or

Airline Management, Chemistry, Nutrition and Catering and/or Hospitality•Management. • 1122. Loditics — QUalifiqd Entry. Until 1 Apr 13, in addition to the requirements of paragraph •1109b, candidates are to be in possession of one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for qualified entry into the Logistics Branch: • • a. Revised National Qualifications Framework (NQF) leVel 4 (or higher) in Information Technology, BusinešS Studies, Logiatics or Transportation related topics. c. • Higher.National Diploma, or TEC, or SCOTEC Higher Diploma in Hospitality/Catering related Management. d. Institute of Hospitality (Level 4) Diploma in Managernent for Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism. •e. NVQ Level 4/5 in HOspitality/Catering related Management. The appropriate grade of membership of one of the following: • (1) •Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport — Mernber or Associate Member. () 'chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply — Member or Graduate. • (3) British Cornputer Society — Member or Associate Member. • (4) Institute for the Management of Information Systeme — Professional • Menibership. (5) Institute of HosPitality — Full Membership. Consideration will also be given to candidates possessing other qualifications gained by examination; including membership of other institutions. 1123. LogistiCs — Basic Entry. Candidates should hold either the basiclualifications set out in •Chapter 1 Settion 1 or an Ordinary National Award, or a BEC/BTEC National Award, in Business

Studies. • 1124. Personnel Branch - University gtaduate (including Bursars). Until 1 Apr 13, candidates must normally hold a recognised degree to be considered for University Graduate Entry. Exceptionally, candidates May be considered for University Graduate Entry if they possess à,

Edition 13 • 1-1-5

AP3393

complete pass in the final examination óf a Chartered Institute relevant to one or more Personnel Branch eMployment fields.

Specialist Branch-SpeCific Additional Educational Qualifications

1125. Medical, 'Dental and NurSing'Branches. Refert JSP 527. Legacy terms apply, see Chapter 3, Section 4.

1126. Medical Support Dfficer (Physiotherapist). Candidates must bp registered as a Physiotherapist with the Health Professions Council.

1127: Chaplains Branch. A candidaie for appoiritment as a,Chaplain of the Church of England5 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 denominations6 are seleCted on 'recommendation of their ecclesiastical suPerior, or of the governing bodies of their respective denorninations.

1128. 1,egal 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 and have completed a training contract. Ideally, they should have 2 or more years' post qualification experience, preferably in the Criminal and Cornrnon Law Courts. Those who•have not been able tb obtain this experiente will be considered if suitable in all other respects.

1129. Director of Music. Applibations for commi•ssioned seivice 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.

5 Including all Anglicans. 6 Church of Scotland and Free churches (including Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist, Presbytprian, United Reform, Assemblies of

God, Elim Pentecostal and Salvation Army) and Roman Catholic. •

Edition 13.

) 1-1-6 )

AP3393

CHAPTER 1 SECTION 2 TYPES OF COMMISSION

Introduction

1201. Commissions may be granted in the regular air force as follows

a. Permanent (PC).

b. Short Service (SSC).

c. Temporary.

d. Honorary.

e. Short Term Regular (STRC).

1202. The types of commission listed above are distinct and separate terms of service. On change of commission frorn a SSC to a PC, officers are permitted to count all reckonable SSC service towards the completion of the PC. The effective date of appointment to a commission in the RAF will be the date shown in the London Gazette.

Permanent Commissions

1203. The initial Permanent Commission (PC) is based upon the completion of a period of reckonable service to an Initial Retirement Date (IRD), the point at which immediate financial benefits are payable on exit, as follows:

a. Officers Appointed to a PC From 6 Apr 057. Officers appointed to a PC or commissioned on or after 6 Apr 05, or those who elected to transfer to AFPS 05, will serve to the 40/18 point. The 40/18 point is defined as the date on which an officer reaches the age of 40 or the day after completion of 18 years reckonable service from the date of joining, whichever is later.

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

(1) PC Terms. Officers commissioned under the ICS on PC terms will be 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 1204).

(2) SSC Terms. Officers commissioned under the ICS on SSC terms will be required to Complete a 9-year SSC.

c. Other Officers with Previous Service. Other officers with previous reckonable service (commissioned or non-commissioned), as defined in Chapter 5 Section 5 paragraphs 5501-5508, will be commissioned undei- one of the following terms:

7 Note: 6 Apr 05 was the date AFPS 05 was introduced.

Edition 1 3

1-2-1 AP3393

(1) PC Terms. Officers commissioned under the ICS on PC terms will be required to serve the balance of an 18 year comniission, sUbject to a minimum period of service of 8 consecutive years from the date of re-instatement or re- employment8. 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 witb an appropriate periOd of prodUctive service in which to become competitive for promotiOn or coriSidered for further seryice (assiMilation) with their peers.

(2) SSC Terms. Officers commissiOned with previous reckonable service may • be offered a 9-year SSC.

d. Officers AppOinted to a PC Prior to 6 Apr 05. Officers commiSsioned prior to 6 Apr Q5 who elected not to transfer to AFPS 05, continde to be conditioned to serve to an IRD at the 38/16 point. The 38/16 point is defined as the date on which an officer reaches the age of 38 or the day after completion of 16 years reckohable service from the age of 21, •whichever is later.

1204. Late Entrant Officers from the Ranks. Officers cornrnissioned under the CWO Scheme, all FSs and W0s/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), will normally be appointed to an initial PC to the Normal Retirement Date (NRD) at age 55. However, subject to Service requirements they may alternatively be offered a •9-year SSC:

Short Service Commissions'

1205. A Short Service Cbrnmisšion is a Specified period of regular service which, although pensionable, does not attract immediate financial benefits on exit. Officers appointed to SSCs initially serve for periodS varying from 3 tO 12 years according to their branch. • Full details are to be found in the branch-specific sections (Chapter 3, Sections 2 and 3). PMRAFKIS (Nursing Officers — N9) who entered service pripr to 1 Apr 03 •on gratuity earning terrns have the opportunity to transfer to pension-earning terms up until the point at which the gratuity is claimed. ,On cornpletion of regular service, any officer who has served on a SSC is normally required to serve for 4 years in the RAF Reserve of Officers.

1206. The SSC is a commission in• its own right and distinct from a PC. However, on transfer to a PC, officers are permitted to count their period of reckonable SSC service towards the completion of their PC.

Temporary and Honorary•Cornmissions

1207. Temporary and honorary commissions are given in such ranks and under such conditions • as the Air Force Board may determine.

•Short Term Regular Commissions •

• 1208. RAFR and RAuxAF officers may volunteer to serve on a Short Term Regular Cornmission (STRC) to meet a short term Service need. RAFR and RAuxAF officers joining on STRCs must serve for a minimum of 6 months and will be subject to the same terms and conditions of service as regular personnel for the duration of their STRC. They serve in the regular equivalent of their RAFR/RAuxAF branch at, or below, their substantive RAFR/RAuxAF rank and receive the regular rates of pay and allowances. Ex-regular reservists may be similarly reinstated.

8 The balance of the commission is only deducted by previous commissioned service.

Edition 13

1-2-2 AP3393

:1209. • University Placpment STRC. STRCs are also used for short-term university pjacement sCherries in the maximum rank of acting pilot officer for b6tween 4 mths (minimum) and 12 mths (maximum)- The STRC is relinquished upOn completion of the placement The STRC 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 acadernic qualification. Placement officers are subject to Air' Rime discipline, pay and allowances..

COMmi$sioning Scheme

1210. Particular bommisioning schemes 'exist for sponsored (cadets, bursars and scholars) and serving non-commišsioned personnel. Details of the schemes arid th'e eligibility requirements are in Chapter 2.

Edition 13

1-2-3 AP3393

CHAPTER 1 SECTION 3 METHODS OF ENTRY

introduction

1301. The methods of entry for officers appointed to commissions on or after 1 Apr 02, are: a. University graduate entry and holders of degree equivalent qualifications (For the Engineer and Specialist Branches only post-1 Apr 13).

b. Qualified entry (ceases for majority of functional branches from 1 Apr 13).

c. Basic entry.

• d. Internal Cornmissioning Scheme (ICS).

e. Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO).

f. Bursary. entry.

g. Scholarship entry.

h. Re-entry/Transfer.

1302. Some entry types are not available to all branches as indicated in Chapter 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).

University Graduate Entry (Valid up to 31 Mar 13 for all Functional Branches, then Eng Branch only beyOnd 1 Apr 13)

1303. Candidates with a degree from a United Kingdom university.or an equivalent United• Kingdom establishment 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.

1304. University Graduate Entry into some branches is only permitted in respect to specific degree subjects held. Other branches are-'non-specific as to the degree subject they require. Some branches permit membership of a relevant professional body at appropriate level as a substitute for a qualifying university degree. Details can be found in the relevant branch-specific sections in Chapter 3.

1305. This scheme will be removed for entry into Service from 1 Apr 13 onwards for all branches bar Engineer and the Specialist Branches (excl mainstream MS0). For the remaining branches from 1 Apr 13, progression to flt It will be equal for both graduates and non-graduates (Basic Entry).

Edition 13

1-2-4 AP3393 Qualified Entry (Valid up to and including 31 Mar 13 only for Functional Branches and throughout for Eng) "

1306. Candidates from civilian life, serving officers and serving personnel who hold the basic educational qualifications set out earlier in this Chapter and a complete pass in the intermediate examination, and in some cases the final examination, of a professional body which, in the 'opinion of the RAF,. would qualify them for the duties of their chosen branch, are eligible to apply for consideration for qualified entry.

1307. Qualifications acceptable for entry into one branch are not normally acceptable for qualified entry into any other branch. Details can be found in the relevant Branch Information Leaflet (available from RAF Recruiting, Branch Sponsors or on the Intranet or within Edition 12 of this publication (available from the document sponsor)). This scheme will be removed for entries into Service from 1 Apr 13 onwards (bar Engineer ICS entrants). Basic Entry

1308. Candidates from civilian life who hold the basic qualifications set out earlier in this Chapter are eligible to apply to enter the Service on Basic Entry terms. Rules may vary from branch to branch; details can be found at Chapter 3. Internal Commissioning Scheme • 1309. On 1 Apr 02 the ICS replaced the Serving Airmen scheme for serving personnel. Details of the Scheme and minimum qualifications are set out in Chapter 2, Sections 1 and 2. 'Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme

1310. Serving W0s/MAcr are eligible for commissioning under thb CWO Scheme. W0s/MAcr commissioned under the CWO Scheme must be cdpable of taking up a junior officer post without undertaking IOTC or Phase 2 professional training. (excluding the Int Branch). Details of the CWO Scheme are found in Chapter 2 Section 3. RAF Bursaries

1311. 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 tuff-time study leading to the award of a recognised university first degree. The RAF supports 2 bursary schemes; the RAF University Air Squadron Bursary Scherne (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. Defence Sixth Form Scholarships

1312. The RAF supports the tri-Service Defence Sixth Form Scholarship scheme. This scheme is designed to support high quality students who wish to specialise in engineering or logistics as a full military career during their lower and upper sixth years at Welbeck College. Details of the Defence Sixth Form Scholarship scheme are provided at Chapter 2 Section 7. - Re-Entrant Officers

1313. Candidates with previous full-time commissioned service in the Armed Forces of.the • United Kingdom (including the RAF) or other Commonwealth countries are dealt with in Chapter 5, Section 5.

Edition 13

1-2-5

AP3393

Branch Officer Scheme - obsolete

1314. Prior to 31 Mar 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.

) ) ) ) )

Edition 13

1-2-6 AP3393

CHAPTER 2 ENTRY SCHEMES CONTENTS

Section 1 Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS) Section 2 ICS — Minimum Qualifications Section 3 Commissioned WO Scheme (CWO)

Section 4 CWO —Affiliated Employment Categories, Trades and Branches Section 5 Branch Officer dommissions (prior to 1 Apr 02) Section 6 RAF Bursaries Section 7 RAF Scholarships Section 8 Medical and Dental Cadetships

Edition 13 2 AP3393

CHAPTER 2 • SECTION 1 INTERNAL COMMISSIONING SCHEME

Introduction

2101. Serving personnel in the rank of SAC and above are eligible to apply for the Internal Commissioning Scheme (ICS). The Scheme replaced the Serving Airman scheme on 1 Apr 02. LACs and below who wish to be considered for comrnissioning must meet the appropriate eligibility criteria for direct entrants as stipulated in Chapter 1 Section 3. W0s/MAcr may also apply through the Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme (CWO Scheme), details of which are in Section 3 of this Chapter.

) Conditions of Eligibility 2102. Details of the minimum qualifications required to qualify for service under the ICS are at Section 2. Some branches require more than the Minimum qualifications; the rules specific to each ) branch are provided at Chapters 3. NCA must have completed a three year productive tour of duty at the time of entry into the IOTC. ) Commissions Available ) 2103. Serving personnel are eligible to apply for permanent and short service commissions in most branches. More experienced personnel may be appointed to PCs, and.therefore gain service ) to the IRD or age 55, but this is subject to the needs of the Service and branch specific requirements. For more junior personnel and where Branch requirements dictate, serving personnel ) may be appointed to a 9-year SSC. Service beyond the SSC period would be subject to selection at ) a subsequent PC Board that would consider performance as an officer, as would occur for direct entrant officers. ) Rank, Seniority and Promotion ) 2104. All personnel entering IOTC via the ICS do so as officer cadets (0Cdt) (see Chapter 4 ) Sections 1 and 2). Until 1 Apr 13, an individual who gained a degree prior to initially joining the service may be appointed to a commission on graduate or qualified entry terms, with progression ) • accprding to Chapter 5 Section 3 paragraph 5301, if this is to their advantage. Serving personnel who are commissioned on graduate entry terms will undertake IOTC as an OC and remain on their ) existing TOS, but wiH have their commissioned seniority adjusted on graduation from IOTC.

) 2105. 'W0s/MAcr commissioned under the CWO.Scheme do not attend full initial officer training and are appointed in the rank of flt It with no additional seniority. All other serving 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 ) 3 paragraph 5305. Promotion to flt It 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 3. Promotion to ) sqn [dr and above is by selection in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 6.

) Applications

) 2106. Instructions on how serving personnel can apply for commissioned service under the ICS are contained in AP 3391 — Manual of Recruiting and Selection.

Edition 13

"2-1-1 AP3393

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 or above (including English Language, Mathematics and three other acceptable subjects — or equivalent). For the aptitude branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematics is required.

or: • b. • 4 x GCSEs at Grade C 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). For the aptitüde branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematics is required.

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

a. • 4 x GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English Language, Mathematics and two other acceptable subjects — or equivalent). For the aptitude branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematips is required.

or:

b. 3 x GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English Language, Mathematics and one other acceptable subject — or equivalent) and successful completion of JMLC and TMT 1. For the aptitude branches of Flying, Air TraffiC Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade

B in Mathematics is required. • or:

c. 2 x GCSEs at Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics and successful completion of Intermediate Management Leadership Course (IMLC) and Trade Management Training 2 (TMT2). For the aptitude branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle . Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematics is required.

2204. On completion of 10 years' reckonable service or more: a. 4 x GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English Language, Mathematics and two other acceptable subjects — or equivalent). For the aptitude branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematics is required.

or: b. 3 x GCSEs at Grade C or above (including English Language, Mathematics and one other acceptable subject — or equivalent) and successful completion of JMLC and TMT1. For the• aptitude branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematics is required. or:

Edition 1 3

2-2-1 AP3393 c. 2 x GCSEs at Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics and successful completion of IMLC and TMT2. For the aptitude branches of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematics is required. or: d. 2 x GCSEs at Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics and successful completion of the Advanced Management Leadership Course (AMLC). For the aptitude branches• of Flying, Air Traffic Control, Aerospace Battle Manager and Intelligence, a Grade B in Mathematics is required.

Edition 13

AP3393

CHAPTER 2 SECTION 3 COMMISSIONED WARRANT OFFICER SCHEME

•introduction

2301. Serving W0s/MAcr are eligible for commissioning under the Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO) Scheme. W0s/MAcr commissioned under the CWO Scheme do not undergo the full initial officer or, normally, Phase 2 professional training courses and must be capable of taking up a flt It appointment after successfully completing the CWO Commissioning Course at Cranwell. WOs of the Int Trades are required to successfully complete Phase 2 training iri order to become productive in the Int Branch and will be subject to a 3 year Training RoS requirement. The provisions of paragraph 7606b in respect of Early Termination (PVR) do not apply to WOs commissioned into the Int Branch under the CWO scheme.

Conditions of Eligibility

2302. 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 commissioning9.

b. Have at least 5 years left to serve to the NRD (age 55) on the date of commissioning.

c. Hold a permanent JMES of A4L2M1E1 or above.

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

e. W0s/MAcr are eligible for commissioning in a branch affiliated to their trade sub- specialisation as per the list of affiliated trades in Section 4.

f. Functional Skills (FS) Level 2 qualification (all elements) or acceptable proxies in both literacy (English) and numeracy (Maths).19

2303. Requests for variations to the eligibility criteria deemed essential to meet the operational needs of the Service are to be addressed to OASC who will seek policy direction from RAF Employment Policy.

Commissions Available

2304. Officers commissioned under the CWO Scheme will normally be appointed to an initial PC to age 55 and are appointed to a commission at.the start of the CWO Commissioning Course. However, subject to Service requirements, they may alternatively be offered a 9-year SSC.

Rank, Seniority and Promotion

2305. 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 !dr on the basis of merit in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 6.

9 From 1 Apr 10 the award of substantive WO will only be made after successful completion of the WO Study Period (WOSP). 10 Details of RAF Literacy and Numeracy Policy are contained in AP3397, Leaflet 1560.

Edition 1 3

2-3-1 AP3393

Applications

2306. OASC publishes the details of the annual CWO competition to units, advising the branches that have vacancies and the• method of application.

• Editipn 13.

2-3-2

AP3393

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, and • officer branches for the purpose of commissioning W0s/MAcr under the CWO Scheme. Non-Affiliated Trades

2402. W0s/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 Sponsor. Affiliated Employment Specialization and Trades

Employment Specialization Officer Branch Specialisation

NCA

WSOp (Aco) Flying • WSO (TACCO)

WSOp (Air Eng) Flying WS0 (AEng)

WSOp (Cmn) Flying •WSO (Cmn)

WSOp (EW) Flying • WSO (TACCO)

WSOp (L) •• Flying WSO (TACCO)

Trade Group No and Name Officer Branch Specialisation

Trade Group 1 . A Eng Tech • Engineer AS Eng Tech W

Trade Group 4 • ICT Tech Engineer CE ICT Al Erect AS/CE

Trade Group 5 • Gen Eng Tech Engineer AS/CE

Trade Group 6 • Logs (MTD) Logistics

Edition 1 3

2-4-1 AP3393 ) ) • Trade Group No and Name Officer Branch. • Specialiskion , ) Trade Group 8 RAFP Provost • . RAF Regiment ) Gnr • . . • Fftr • . • • Flight OPerations (Fire) .. . ) Trade Group 9 • . • • ATC • Air traffic Control FOM Flight Operations . . ) • Trade Group 10 • • •

) RAF PTI . Personnel • •

) Trade Group 11

) Int An • Intelligence. Int An (V) ) . Trade Group 12 • • AS Mngr ) •. Aerospace Battle Manager SNCO WC . ) AS Op . . Trade Group 13 ) , ' • SE Fitt • Engineer ) Ptr and Fnr Trad'e GroUp 14 ) • Photo • No affiliated branch ) Air Cart •

Trade Group 15

WOs in any of the medical trades Medical Support •

Trade Group 16 •

WOs in any of the dental trades Medical Support . Trade Group 1.7

•Personnal (Spt) • Personnel ) . . .Trade Group 18 .

) Logs, (Sup) Logistics Logs (Mov) )

Trade Group 19 • •• ) Logs (Chef) and Logs (Cat Mgr Chef) Logistics ) LogS (Cat) and Logs (Cat Mgr) • . ' ) Trade Group• 21 • Musn . - DOM ) •

Edition 13

2-4:72 AP3393

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 It.

Conditions of Eligibility

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 It:

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 !dr by the time they have attained 8 years' seniority in the substantive rank of flt It 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.

Edition 13

2-5-1

AP3393

Unsuccèssful PAS applicants or those ineligible to àpply for the PAS will transfer to Specialist AircreW (SA) terms of sèrvice at the point thèy have 8 years sèniority as a flt It and will continue to be Considered fOr proMotion in accordance,With the paragraphs below. alidance on the application of the PAS and SA terms to i3Os is given in .Chapter 6.

) PI"..ornotion to SO Ldr and Beyond

) 2508. P.Os are considered for promotion to sqn ldr under the same rules and šligibility criteria as other, officer brandies, aš deiailed in Chapter 5. • " ) 2509. Sqn Ldr ŠOs in the flying branch on the PAS or SA terrns may be considered •for prornotiOn to wg cdr in competition with Main/xecutive Stream Personnel buttheir selection will be Subject to the terms of service changes as detailed in Chapter 6. )

)

) ) I 0

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

).

)

EditiOn 13

2-5-2 AP3393

CHIPTES 2 SECTION 6 RAF BURSARIES General

2601. The RAF offer 2 separate bursary schemes to support students through their university 'etudy; the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) and the RAF University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme (RAF UASBS). Bursaries are available as follows:

a. 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.

b. Successful Bursars will have a place in officer training confirmed at the point of graduation, subject to continued phyšical 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. Bursars • may be awarded either SSC or PC terms of service as determined by OASC.

c. • 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), Chaplain and the specialisations of MSO (e.g. 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.

d. 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.

e. 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.

2602. The bursary value will vary depending on which scheme is entered. DTUS Bursars receive £400011 pa whereas RAF UAS Bursars will receive a maximum of £60008 during the period of their university study within a maximum of £30008 in any one year with no cash award made during the first yearof study. An exception is made for Dentists who will receive £40008 pa in y'ears one and two before competing for a Cadetship. 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.

11 Subject to annual variation. For current rates, contact OASC for details.

Edition 1 3

2-6-1

AP3393

2603. • Bursary holders remain civilians while at university. On graduation from university, bursars will be appointed to either a SSC or PC, subject to their continuing good character and physical and medical fitness, and the continuing requirements of the Service. Until 1 Apr 13, for the ) purposes of seniority and pension calculations, on successful graduation from IOTC, the date of entry into such training is used as the Bursar's date of commissioning. ) Courses ) 2604. 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.

) 2605. 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 1119; however, allied disciplines may be acceptable to the RAF.

2606. 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.

2607. Personnel Specialisation. Candidates 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, ) Mathematics, Physics or Engineering but applications from students in other subjects will be ) considered in the light of the Service need. Conditions of Entry ) 2608. 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

2609. Fg Branch. Candidates should be over 171/2 years on entry to university direct from school, but an application will be.considered if they will become 17% years during the first term of univer§ity. 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 before their 26th birthday.

2610. Other Branches. Candidates should be over 17% years on entry to university direct from school, but an application will be considered if they will, become 17% 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 and Dentistry may be considered up to their 35th birthday. In the case of the Engineer Branch, ) candidates who will hav.e reached their 25th birthday on entry to university may be considered. ) Educational Qualifications

) 2611. 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.

Edition 13

2-6-2 AP3393 Undert king

2612: Those awarded burearies are required, as a condition of the offer, to sign an undertaking to agree to complete a specified period of productive service as a commissioned officer in the RAF. • The minirhum period of productive service is 3 years for most branches and 6 years for Fg Branch bursars; JSP 527 contains the detail for Medical and Dental Cadetships, although for RAF Medical sponsorship, the transition to the Cadetship will not be permitted before year 4 of the standard MediCal degree (i.e. exclUding intercalated years). It is normal practice for the RAF tO seek to recover. its oUtley in teems of tuition fees, education grants, Uniform copts and miscellaneous , expenses (e.g. goi/vh hire, thesie 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 eought froth those individuals-whose service, Or bursary, is terminated through no fault of their own (e.g. a previously undiscovered medical condition) and may be waived in whole or in part on compassionate grounds of 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 resident in the United Kingdom wiil be required to obtain a guarantor domiciled in the United Kingdom who will guarantee the repayment of all-sums referred to in this paragraph. Conditions during Training

2613. During the univereity course, Burears are regarded as ordinary undergraduates. They wear civilian clothes eXcept when undergoihg instruction With the UAS, the DTUS squadron or when on RAF duty. .

2614. 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 throudh the OAS and will follow a formal training syllabus to develop their leadership and teamwork skills.

2615. 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 seesion and thoše who fail to maintain the requisite standard may have their bursary withdrawn. In theee circumstancesThe RAF will consider whether an offer of an alternative form of cornmiesion can be made and/or whether financial redovery of bursary costs should be initiated.

2616. All university Bursars undergo IOTC before continuing to their appropriate professional Phase 2 training coUrses. Failure to complete officer training satisfactorily will lead to dismissal from the Service and conšideration given to the financial recovery of bureary costs. •

Edition 13

2-6-3

1-) AP3393

CHAPTER 2

SECTION 7 • •RAF SCHOLARSHIPS (2011 ONWARDS)

General

2701. The RAF holds a coMpatition each year for the award of a liMited number of schOlarships. These are intended to attract high quality students into a career as an RAF officer and afford financial assistance to parents or guardians towards the c6st of the scholars GCE A2 level studies. The award of the Scholarship does nõt guarantee entry into the RAF, either es a direct entrant, or after subsequént university sponsorship; this will be subject to the continuing requirements of the Service, satisfactory A2 level performance, Continuing good character, medical fitness and passing boarding procedures at the Officer and Aircrew Selecticn Centre (OASC).

The RAF $ixth Form schOlarshi0 $cheme

2702. The award of a RAF Sixth Form Scholarship will• require the scholar to make an application for either univetsity sponsorship (dependent on Branch choice) or apply as a Direct Entrant.

2703. The current RAF Sixth Form Scholarship Scheme came into effect on 1 Sep 10. Conditions of Entry

2704. Candidates Must fulfil the nationality and residence requirements set out in Chapter 1 Section 1 and be medically fit, as determined by a RAF Medical Board.

Age Limits

2705. Candidates rnust be between 16 and 17 years 11 months of age on 1 Sep of the intended year of entry to Year 13 (the upper sixth form year).

Educational Qualifications

2706. Candidates must have obtained, as a minimum, GCSE pasšee (at Grade Q or hidher) in 5 subjects inCluding English Language and Mathematics, or the equivalent of such passes. Only one of the remaining 3 subjects may be non-academic.

2707. Candidates must be in full-time attendanCe at ä school, a sixth forrn college, or a college of further education in the UK, the: isle of Man, the Channel Islands, or at a British School overseas, that has facilities for education up tO A2 levet standard, or its equivalent.

Undertaking

2708. The parent or guardian will be expected to sign an undertaking stating that the scholar intends to remain at school or college and will make every effort to gain the necesSary A2 levels (or equivalent), required for entry to the RAF as an Officer and will attend the OASC for bOarding. The parerit or guardian Will also be required to sidn the undertaking stating that they will give the scholar every encouragement and assistance in this, end will refund any monies paid by the MOD sh,ould the scholar, Without good)reasön, fail to gain the qualifications that are required to enter the RAF or, if having gained the qualifications, decides not to join the RAF in cirdumstances considered by the MOD to constitute a breach 6f the undertaking. •

, Edition 13

• 24-1 AP3393 Participation

2709. It is recomrnended that Scholars become members of the Air Training Corps or Combined • Cadet Force, if there is a convenient unit available and visit RAF units and attend Sei-vice presentations wherever possible. Scholars will be required to complete a 1 week 'PreParation for Leadership course at a nominated Outdoor Activities Cêntre during the summer holidays.

•

Edition 13 •

2-7-2 AP3393

• CHAPTER 2 SECTION 8 MEDICAL AND DENTAL CADETSHIPS

Medical and Dental Cadetships Awarded on or after 1 Apr 03

2801. Conditions of eligibility for medical and dental cadetships awarded on and after 1 Apr 03, and terms of service for Medical and Dental cadets appointed to a commission on and after 1 Apr 03, are detailed in the Career ManageMent Regulations for Defence Medical Services (JSP 527).

2802. Notwithstanding the Medical Cadetship eligibility criteria set out in JSP 527, applicants for a RAF Medical Cadetship from 1 Sep 08 must be within two 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 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.

2803. For Dental Cadetships, the eligibility criteria set out in JSP 527 remain unchanged for applications after 1 Sep 08.

2804. Medical and Dental 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.

Medical and Dental Cadetships Prior to 1 Apr 03

2805. Medical. Medical cadetships, leading to a SSC, were available to medical students who satisfied certain conditions of eligibility. Students who applied within one term of taking an appropriate examination were considered, but were not awarded a cadetship until they had passed the examination. Awards of cadetships were nct subject to annual competition, but were made within the limits of annual quotas.

2806. Dental. Dental cadetships leading to a SSC were available. Applications were considered at any time, but cadetships were only awarded for periods commencing at the beginning of an academic term and did not normally exceed 2 academic years.

Conditions of Eligibility

2807. Candidates were required to fulfil the nationality and residence requirements šet out in Chapter 1 Section 1. Candidates were to be medically fit, as determined by a RAF Medical Board. • 2808. Medical. Candidates were to be engaged in the clinical phase of studies at the teaching hospital of a university, or affiliated medical school, in the United 'Kingdom for a qualification in Medicine. They had to hold a pass in the second MB examination, or equivalent, and were to be within 3 years of their anticipated date of qualification.

2809. Dental. Candidates were to be studying for a dental qualification at a university in the United Kingdom and were to be within their last 2 academic years.

Undertaking

2810. Candidates offered cadetships leading to a SSC were 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, were

Edition 13

2-8-1 • AP3393 they to 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 (see Chapter 5 Section 4). Release from the Service before the normal date of exit was allowed only at the discretion of the Air Force Board.

Terms of Service under Training •

2811. Appointment.to a cornrnission took effect from the date of reporting to 10TC. All medical cadets, and dental cadets who passed the secdnd BDS examinatiorowere appointed in the rank of plt dff. •

2812. During the period of university vacations medical and dental university cadets were required to attend for Service training or annual training with the university air squadron. However, six weeks was granted as ordinary annual leave and, in addition, adequate periods of study leave were rnade available.

2813. Medical and dental university cadets were expected to make satisfactory progress with their studies. Reports on their progress were obtained at the end of each academic session and those who failed to maintain the requisite standard could have had their cadetships withdrawn and their commissions terminated. In these circumstances the MOD considered whether an offer of an alternative form of commission was to be made.

2814. Medical Cadets were promoted to the rank of fg off on provisional registration and were posted to a civilian or SeMce hospital for their pre-registration year training. On full registration they were normally promoted to flt It. Dental Cadets were normally promoted to flt It on leaving university, having qualified to practise as dental surgeons. Both Medical and Dental Officers then undertook initial officer training courses at the RAFC Cranwell and appropriate professional training courses at •their respective training centres. Failure to complete 10TC satisfactorily invariably led to termination of the commission. •

Edition 13

2-8-2 ) • AP3393 )

) Ali CHAPTER 3 • ) FUNCTIONAL & SPECIALIST BRANCHES ) CONTENTS ) ) Section 1 Branch Overview

) • Section 2 • Functional Branches ) Section 3 Specialist Branches ) Section 4 Summary of Legacy Branch Terms AP3393

CHAPTER 3 SECTION 1 BRANCH OVERVIEW

The Functional and Specialist Branches

3101. The tables at Sections 2 and 3 to this chapter provides details of the branch specific information regarding eligibility for joining and deViations from the normal career progression detajled within Chapters 1 and 2. Some braches 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 sponsor 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 Recruiting12. Detail regarding career management and progression is provided within AP 3393 Volume 2.

Introduction of New Entrants Rate of Pay (NERO) — 1 Apr 13

3103. On 1 Apr 13 NERP will be introduced for all new entrants. NERP will align graduate and non- graduate terms for all functional branches with the exception of Engineer, which has unique educational requirements. NERP will reduce the time taken for a new entrant to progress to flt It from completion of Phase 1 training. Details of the new progression times to flt It 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 prornotion to flt It by the new cohort. It should also be noted that NERP will render the Qualified Entrant scheme irrelevant for all of the Functional Branches bar Engineer ICS candidates.

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 frorn one edition to another, Service Personnel may retain legacy/reserve rights to the ToS that applied to them on entry/promotion. An example of which is the legacy ToS for Medical, Dental and Nursing offjcers who joined prior to 1 Apr 03. Legacy ToS are detailed at Section 4 to this Chapter.

12 Copies of the latest BIS are available at this link: http://irww.cranviell.raf.r.mil.uk/live/AP3391/Index.htrn

Edition 1 3

3-1-1

,)

• AP30 •

CHAPTER 3 SECTION 2 FUNCTIONAL BRANCHES - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRESSION

3201. This table details the variations to the Conditions of Entry as detailed at Chapter 1:

. . , 'RciuteS (As:13ef4haptail:,.SeCtifin:3 geitqi. . ) , „ _. _ „ ,f '• • ...... ''' - :. . . :. • • , , : ,, _ _, ., - : • • • ,,- .. . ., • . . , •

. ; • .. ...

• ..- • 1S) , - . - .M,iedical:.:, te .,o, • Uhl Max . , 10 cs ia -. ( :FitbeaS.:-- ;? —tiditiopal, Educational; _

vi - _ , . . '0. •o„ Age- ' ' Age - .; it+ , ..- . . . • - A- ..• - • — e _ -:---1 . u l: ci:rperand: "-"pmalifidatitip•-.% .- itItiitiiiSaldris , .• ROOK,tebiqritY . -

t? BtariCh ' 4e0aliaatuiti, .--1- .g - -....-•-...... , a ing . cib

0 •E i '4Prt , .• f CO . 44/ ' `-- ' ;agoVe '• • 13eqUiteiffebtatit diredit ' - Availablii17 : aridliivinetiert • - - l' p ! ,,,. : sPecIA.4aticiTI. g . • •. - try .- u•I i9 em • t `.',• Chapter. • : ,. ter Experiancw16 . ., „ 137 • ' 14 . . ity

.,.. hp! En ,w..Q., ‘m, 0 • - I' t -...' . . iss 4n i# • o , .- ' -4) :•:,-1 =_ • . : • -- C.I., (5 E • - 0 .. . , , ' • , in . i •, E . • . . • ., .., 1 •

0 t oin_ . .• , . • ., ,-

: . :.);4o - ... fr - it4t* ! töm • .- . - ' . . - - Flying Pilot - V N/ V V X V V V 17.5 25 As•per - • SSC (12 years), As per Chapter 5 A , (26 for . AP 1269A PC (40/18) or as Sections 1-3 • • ICS) per Chapter 2 • Sections 1-3 for • • ICS/CWO '

Weapon Air Electronics X N/ X V V X 'X X 17.5 46 - • As per Chapter 2 • Systems Officer Operator (AEO) A 18 15 Sections 1-3 for . (WSO) - . ICS/CWO . • . . Flying Weapon Air Engineer X N/ X I V X X X 17.5 46 As per - As per Chapter 2 • As per Chapter 5 15 Systems Officer (AEng) . A 15 AP 1269A • SectidhS 1-3 for Sections 1-3 • • • -•ICS/CWO

13 Must bot enter Phase 1 training until reaching age shown by Day 1 of training. 14 Must haveentered Phase 1 training:by age shown (e.g. up te X(age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 training). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme. 15 Over and above Basic educational qualification requirements as per Chapter 1, Section 1. 18 Credit fdr•ciyilian experience will-cease tò be awarded for functional. branches from 1 Apr 13. 17 buratiobs of'SSCs arelhdicative and can be varied (between.3-12 years) in erderto meet the needs of the Service. 18 WSdpisame specialisation) only.

Edition 13

3-2-i • AP3393 _ Entry Routes (As per Chapter 1, Section 3)

•

te Nledical fer CS) Min Max I des WO

i Fitness Additional" Educational ( ns

dua Age

d Age

rv a l

Sub- try e (over and Qualification Commissions Rank, Seniority

.a hip

ing Branch Specialisation 0 ty ori on . Se Gr a n

specialisation F..- En above Requirements or Csedit Available17 and Promotion try ion t /Tra

s Entry • lars Entry ,.., io "ra s ic terna 13 14 16 ity Lmapter for Experience š En CWQ) her is ( s ho t In Bur is el tran 1.) m o Bas SC En iver mm Com Un frorn Re- Co

(WSO) . . . •

Crewman (Cmn) X N/ X V V X X X 17.5 46 • As per Chapter 2 A 15 15 Sections 1-3 for . • • ICS/CWO

. Linguist (L) X N/ X - I V X X X 17.5 46 As per Chapter 2 A 15 15 Sections 1-3 for • ICS/CWO

Navigator (Nav) V N/ I V X V V V • 17.5 25 SSC (12 years), A (26 for PC (40/18) or as ICS) per Chapter 2 • . Sections 1-3 for ICS/CWO

Tactical X N/X V V X X X 17.5 46 As per Chapter 2 15 15 Coordinator A • Sections 1-3 for (TACCO) ICS/CWO

Air Traffic - - V i V V V V I I 17.5 36 • As•per For entry into the RAF up SSC (9 years), PC ' As per Chapter 5 19 Control • AP 1269A to 1 Apr 13, Candidates (40/18) or as per Sections 1-3 • with a min of 2 years Chapter 2 suitable experience (incl Sections 1-3 for Reserve Service) may be ICS/CWO

19 Qualified entry available for entry up to 1 Apr 13 only,

Edition 13

3-2-2

\-1

APAR

'' "- ' 1 ' ,.' '- ' ' • ' :': ' ' "' • : • Etittr RiWtes,(As, per CliOtot:i, Siic.tion 3) -•

; ;

;

S) Medical te fOr

' - 11,filb MO)t- , , lC •.. :- :: , : -... ,, ,,, ( ide „ Fittigss--., Actcpti0.04"--40,p0t10(Tar .. ,, -. , . , Aoe . Age , i

- dua • dWO

- , . iti iv

• • SM.- - '! l„ lower And 1 ':. ' ittualifidattön - •digiiriiiš4ohi' ' ' ' 1 ' Rank 4thiotity: .

tr ' "Btonoh $01eciAlis tii:ip : • ing . — a) , ''E' , ne , 'f,, ' 'y ge l .

! kk speidialisatitni - ; . F• ,. la , ha Ati, • Apove - , 1104,00riients' otc,rpdrt , Avallablp ' at* ProMotiO0: io i; r -Entry : Efitty ' " , iõi n 0 I ter 1'4 '.0.hapter fe#Stp-eriOce1.9 - , - •• šs E i the šira Un

r ' '03' • • • t : o . . , ,; co, : 9, ., ve ti• . i - :tp • , • , — ., ömn :-. .. ' . • ' òišš C ..- tro - Ae C

_ . . ' .. • considered'fbr additional • • • seniority (6-18 mths) on entry by the Branch • Sponsor.

Aerospace - Weapons .,/ N/ ,./ s( ,r i s( ./ 17.5 36 (44 . - SSC (9 years), PC

Battle . • Control A for (40/18) or as per Manager • . ICS) • Chapter 2 Sections 1-3 for • ICS/CWO * - Surveillance • . . . .

. • . . . Intelligence sr V i • ,r sr ,( 1 1 - 17.5 36 (44 - For entry into-the RAF up SSC (9 years), PC 19 • for to 1 Apr 13, Candidates (40/18) or as per • ICS) with a min of 2 years • Chapter 2 . suitable experience (incl Sections 1-3 for . Reserve Service) may be ICS/CWO • considered for additional - seniority (6-18 mths) on entry by the Branch . . Sponsor. . - , - Flight Ops - _ i• ,,/ i ,/ i ,,/ ,,,' v" 17.5 36 (44 - For entry into the RAF up SSC (9 years), PC As per Chapter 5 19 for • to 1 Apr 13, Candidates (40/18) or as per Sections 1-3 ICS) with a min of 2 years Chapter 2 • ' . suitable experience (incl - Sections 1-3 for • • Reserve Service) may be ICS/CWO • considered for additional seniority (6-18 mths) on entry by the Branch Sponsor. . . . - •

Edition 13

3-2-3 • • • AP3393

. FfitryRoutes (As per Chapter 1, Section 3)

_

s

te Medical O fer

1 CS) Min Max

I š _ W

ide FitnetS Additionar5 EdUdatiorial ( . V dua

d Age Age ip an

a _

Sub- l

ti ,t e (over and Qualification h ,on ComMistioris Ranki Senitirity Brarith Specialitatien , 10 ic n 2' on deg Ser iTr O) rs specialisation Gr F. ui es above Requirements or Credit Available17 and ProinOtiori

ttia io t ary

la Entry , Entry ier i te

ity 13 "14 Chapter • š fOr EXperience16 te CW her iss ( t ih i is a as to tran 1.) i o ers

m : Sdhc rnn En iv

_ eat Co Uh tr Re- Comn

Flight Ops (Fire) - X N/X V V X X X 17.5 44 - FT1/FT2 Theory As per Chapter 2 As per Chapter 5 20 17 A Examinations passed and Sections 1-3 for Sections 1-3 FT1 practical course ICS/C1/1/0 . . completed21 •

Regiment - - V N/ V I V V V V 17.5 3622 - For entry into the RAF up SSC (9 ye6rs), PC. As per Chapter 5 A - to 1 Apr 13, Candidates (40/18) or as per Sections 1-3 . . • with a min of 2 years Chapter 2 • suitable experience (incl Sections 1-3 for • Reserve Service) may be ICS/CWO considered for additional seniority (6-18 mths) on entry by the Branch Sporisor. • .

- i• Nu v v v v v v 21 23 3624 Provost - - - For 6ntry into the RAF up SSC (9 years), PC As per Chapter 5 A (44 for to 1 Apr 13, Candidates (40/18) or as per Sections 1-3 ICS) with a min of 2 years Chapter 2 suitable experience (incl Sections 1-3 for Reserve Service) may be ICS/CWO . considered for additional seniority (6-18 mths) on • entry by the Branch Sponsor.

20 TG8 Firefighters only. 21 Applicants who have not completed all of the FT courses/exams may be considered.at the discretion of the Branch Sponsor. 22 Candidates who can demonstrate the ability to meet the minimum physical requirements of the specialisation undertaken during PROC/JROC will be considered subject to Branch Sponsor approval. This restriction does not apply to CWO scheme applicants. 23 All candidates applying to join the Provost Branch will be subject to interview by the Branch Sponsor. 24 Exceptional candidates with i:elevant experience may be accepted subject to Branch Sponsor's approval. Edition 13 3-2-4

AP"

, , , _ ".„ ____ ' • . . Ehtry RgutO .1.,,-Se'otion 3,) . (AS.'• OF ChaPte.r

„ ,..,. • ,

• - Mec,iWal ' .L. • te Õ Mio Max ' .-- - -- , , .•., Is, -.-

. . ices A.,,, ,A, - - filne§p) Arichtipnal•-gdmeatiortat . ,. . . dua dW , , ip N d a

t tItAllifjoatioi ,, - cpriap*stotit ,, 4! ' &Jib, • f- .„, , '-'-''' ' • '--'9P-' : fgivdrand_. karikt,:Sontority - ,, ) Brag Sf?opialigtion ' S a Oh' ', ••:- , •011 - - Sg e! Gr SpgctalfgAppq .' 11.9. il I '611 •.abpVe, RQC1flite,r110,04.i*(ke,dit; Avoirobje - ,' :.#1.).1;14.r9m0,0q r r , liflO Entry. tilt ..- ; d l :2! : 'larsp

ti , ., . • - . , . tO 4,0•Opetke0,e - - ' , '" " - - ' • ' „ ity Az . 1:-( • 'pilaw)! , , ššiòne

1,5,._ lie Eñtry ,.. • Ow . =! ho t

š . , . _, : [( îi A? -• in I - Su• • "'. - ap , 3 fl -,2, 41: ' •:. i o ér SO .

iv . i ., • I . Offi

•... ' , Jí ! .. : . Côm fr ! '

: . _ .. ., . • 26 Engineer Aerosystems • - V V X V v V v V 17.5 42 CP2 • See Chapter 1, ection 1 SSC (9 years), PC As per Chapter 5 25 . (AS) . (40/18) or as per - Sections 1-3 Chapter 2 . Sections'1-3 for (Additional seniority ICS/CWO for MEng graduates)

. Communications - •V V X V V •V V V 17.5 42• CP226 SSC (9 years), PC As per Chapter 5 25 -Electronics (40/18) or as per Sections 1-3 (CE) • Chapter 2 . - Sections 1-3 for (Additional seniority . ICS/CWO forMEng graduates) -

Logistics - -.. v sr v i v v v I 17.5 30 (30 _ For entry into the RAF up SSC (9 years), PC As per Chapter 5 19 for to 1 Apr 13, Candidates (40/18) or as per Sections 1-3 ICS) 27 with a min of 2 years Chapter 2 suitable experience (incl Sections 1-3 for Reserve Service) may be ICS/CWO • considered for additional seniority (6-18 mths) on • entry by the Branch : Sponsor.

25 Only available for ICS candidates. 26 oolour perception of CP4 may be accepted in exceptional circumstances, but employability would be limited (e.g. can not work with explosive ordnance). 27 Branch Sponsor's approval required for exceptional entrants up to age of 37 who can demonstrate at least one of the following: a. A graduate-level or above qualification in one or more of the following logistics areas: Logistics, Supply Chain Management , Transportation Management, Procurement/Acquisition, Airport and/or Airline Management, or Catering b. 5 or more years experience in logistics at a management level. c. Membership ofthe Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) (minimum 'MILT membership). d. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (minimum 'FCIPS membership).

Edition 13

3-2-5 110 AP3393 _ .. .. _ ... _ Entry Routes (As per Chapter I, Seddon 3) ,

i

r

te 0 Medical

1:3S) Min Max I ge

ices 3 Fitness Additional15 Educational / n , ( dua Age Age d ig l Sub- try CoMmissionš Rank, Seniority

(over am! I; hiO ovalification Branch Spedialisatien ! ir ,,c 6-; ,,.. , Oh 1 on l7 ten Ma M Gra fie na

speCialitatiOn En above i Requirenients or Credit Available and PO:Unction

try r o , 4,7 t

li

la 16 ien

a 3 v ; te

ity Chapter for Experience š E EVY

En VY 3 0 , 3 an her Mc t he in is tr Qu E m ' I) - eN o Ba Šd En iV E 1 m Mm i o 1 Ur

0 fro Re- Co

_ , Personnel - - V V V V 1 V V V 17.5 3028 - For entry into the RAF up SSC (9 years), PC As per Chapter 5 19 (44 for to 1 Apr 13, Candidates (40/18) or as per Sections 1-3 . ICS) with a min of 2 years Chapter 2 - . suitable experience (incl Sections 1-3 for Reserve Service) may be ICS/CWO • considered for additional . seniority (6-18 mths) on . • entry by the Branch - Sponsor.

e. ICS (Serving Airmen) - Applicant can show evidence of general logistics experience and/or logistics qualifications in line with the outlined qualification areas above (a-d).

28 Branch Sponsor's approval required for direct entrants over the age of 30 on entry (exceptionally, candidates may be taken up to age 37).

Edition 13

3-2-6

• AP3.

CHAPTER 3 SECTION 3 SPECIALIST BRANCHES - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRESSION 3301. This table details the variations to the Conditions of Entry •as detailed at Chapter 1: - - .....„ _... _ • " .. • -,- : , .... Entry, Rotite,p, , ' ., • i .. „ • _ (A,s,•: er 0 kaptert •BectJOA p)) ,, ••• - • • • ,i • -

•• , • 0 ': .; -, -,- • • t .• , . • : • ------• , '' - : • •r . ' ' - •: , Nirestop ;

, . .... r ...... td "Pitness fe 01,

p Min, i - NO Max - - - - • , , , ". ' • (CA) l 10 (over , AdclitiotiatEcIticationat ., .. ..1, : :. dy

a .,-,... - . ..,..,,,,-. -,;: . - ... Onp ., :.; , - om.rrn§fign . ,isarik, ont',Ority.:an ' '13farecti 0 Agel,• ; l

- ' 1T etialKatioti — tiy ' -a' g 2, : [ , nnl , , , t, on an% , pgalification mectinrementp,, , tO . • , • ...a,t19,11„, lt . AVailable., -- '; Protriatitin,: ey *

- 4-, na • ? .6 nl, En e 1 ;fi p , ..il 2 ' '4400 ',06:eeeditfor, iOn r: . ,Entry/ ; Entry, upotion.09,- - • '------•: -• ... 'c •- 's , pt i ty - ter •ghapter • .. eWb) '5, tW - Eht - •A is M , , , t: •

(

si . i t sW . ln i 1 ‘• ' r cm, - -5, n ._ ' _ 'O VI.

Ela . 7 -• nu. Vx • • . itt ivp ill Ent . . 111 .. • 6 , 9 ' • -... " gp

, . - - . ' . frg '10p •.•. . . ;R .. P. ,•.- . 1 • • • : • ' . , '„, ' '

..... i . .. Medical, Dental and Nursing terms were valid for entry into Service up to 31 Mar 03 (excluding those who opted to transfer to the new terms on 1 Apr 03). Entrants from 1 Apr 03 entered under the terms contained within JSP 527 (kin/ Terms and Condition of Service) • •

Medical • - - - 394 - See relevant previous edition SSC (3 or 6 • See relevant previous 5 of AP 3393 Vol 1 years) or PC edvo iti lord of AP 3393 • N/A AP 3393 Vol 1 TCOS closed to new (40/18) on entrants from 1 Apr 03. - application - 4 Dental• - - - 39 - • See JSP 527 for current entry routes

. Nursing - - - 44 - .

Medical - • - i X s( 1 ,( X X • V 20 296 - As per Chapter 1,.Section 1 • SSC (6 years), As per Chapter 5 Sections

' Must not enter Phase 1 training until reaching age shown by Day 1 of training. . • 2 Must have entered Phase 1 training by age shown (e.g up to X(age shown) years and 364 days on Day 1 of Phase 1 training). Max age does not apply to CWO Scheme. 3 Durations of SSCs are indicative and can be varied (between 3-1.2 years) to meet the needs of the Service. 4 Exceptionally candidates may have been accepted up to age 55, with the agreement of the Branch Sponsor 5 Available from.document sponsor

Edition 13

3-3-1 AP3393 • _. Entry ,Routes (As per Chapter 1, Section 3)

Medical .

,

_ S te , Fitness

ICS) 'Min Max WO

.. ide

( (over Additional Educational nger

dua i SUb- V d Age : Age Commissions Rank, Seniority and _ Branch l try

Specialisation e hip . and Qualification RequireMents specialisation 1g ing t S on on Available3 Prometion Ber Gra

En (a Ma try F. 2 ion i above or Credit for Experience t

lar ion

s Entry Entry irs B n ic terna ity En CING)

her Chapter

is =

= ( ho In iss a m ' tra 1) Ot Bas Sd MM En ivers Co Un from Be- COmm

' Support . Basic qualifications. • For entry PC (40/18) or as 1-3 (MSO) ' into the RAF up to 1 Apr 13, per Chapter 2 • Candidates with a min of 2 Sections 1-3 for • _ years suitable experience (incl ICS/CWO Reserve Service) may be ' . considered for additional seniority on entry by the Branch Sponsor.

Physiotherapist V X V I V V I V 20 36 - Must be registered as a Physiotherapists will be • Physiotherapist with the commissioned in the rank . Health Professions Council. of fg off with an award of 1 year seniority. Antedated seniority of up to 5 Promotion to flt It will be years (flt It + 2 years) may be achieved on reaching 4 awarded for relevant civilian . years seniority in rank at experience. Full details are fg off subject to • •

• • provided at Section 4 recommendation (default 3 paragraph 3420. years). All further . • . . promotions will be by • competitive selection on - • merit, and subject to requirement to fill • • established posts. . -

, Chaplain - - - - V V X X • X X X V 26 49 - Must have been in the Priests' SSO (6 years Chaplains are awarded ,. • Orders for not less than 2 with the option . the relative rank of flt It on " years and have the written to leave after.4 completion of SERE.

6 Branch Sponsor's approval required for entrants over the age of 29 on entry.

Edition 13

3-3-2

• Ap30 _ ._,..... _ Entry, Rtitgos, , . . : . : z7. l'iks4i4rOttoOter-1-, SOOtiott ly, • . - 7 • ._ •, - • , •,- • • ; : ' • •- ,,., , : 1 , , ,. • ,, - _,• • • . 2 1 • -1 • ,, • •

,. ,.. , • • . .1 2 .' :1 :: 10.410:0-17. ' :. . . i ,. 4.. . , ' •: • ,- .

.. : e 2 . s ' 7 ei 7 - - Fitness" . - • ': ' ,• , ' e, „ , ,„. • "il • • MO*. ' -- . _, - - :, . 1:-., -. . . • ...,- .1 , • • • O

, -,, ic -atEdpcatton,01 - " over- „Acklition ; o: -- :, 4 - - - - • --- ...:' . - - •• ,:, - - .- -z, 1' - - . , ' 7 'On : -: -Commissions, nk -Seniontv,anci - - 13rati Oh • OdiatiSittif ,4- t.' . _ -, 'ft" ,,, ,-, ery . tOt,I " ' • 'utiaiitiOatiOn iketitiit'ettionts i. - ! --- '-;3, / • 4'1- ,.._, .7i,- ' 0 - ?' - : ' - • - -: s obi atisation. ; tr , - : -- — 'S;

..,:-:- . , :• ,. ,. , :, At( ,

0 --- ,. :. :61',000,it,f0"-,Elfri,otiOnee • 4 " — ' • ' '' ' .: ii ,pboye, : - : • r • .

i n , En As, 'p - zei , • • , ; , . • ONO): ! Chapter-f.

h :

''' •• ", ••• ' - ' '' 4 ir , ( ,..z- t -.. --,-, ..., „, 109 . i • "-. ".=7 , "elY 1,- ii , ti

, ' ' i - ... . -. ,> -• -.' ' co.• On _ • -,, . , . T dit . , 6 „ - • .. ;• ,

fr .... ft . .-- .,, , • - - .. .„ .. , , -..- • " .1 A. ,•i - • ' . • / ',- reCoMtneridation-of their ,-Oarš with 12" " - Chajileihs.are achienCed to- bishop: Other denominations' mths notice). the relative-rank of sqn Idr are selected on the Chaplains-on a. after 3 years' service as a • recbmmendation of their - SSC may apply chaplain, accompanied by

fl . fl ' ecclesiastical superior, or of for a PC (40/18) satisfactory appraisals. the governing bodies of their after completing, Advancement to the . . respective denominations. 4. years regular relative-rank of wg cdr, or . service. PCs above, is by seleetion to fill Antedates of-seniority are are awarded an established vacancy. available for civilian automatically.on • , experience up to a maximum promotion to the of 6 years'. relative rank of fl . Wg Cdr. .

_ • Legal v X X ,f X X X 1 17.5 35 " - You must be either a member SSC (6 years) Legal OffiCers are • . of the English, Scottish or on entry only. - awardedthe rank of flt It fl . Northern 'Irish Bar, .and have PC (40/18) is by on entry andthen • completed pupillage, or be an competitive " promotion to sqn !dr and admitted English, Scottish or selection only beyond is on merit

fl Northern Irish solicitor -

fl • ...cont. . Legal . • (cont.) ' . Antedated seniority of up to 2 years may be awarded on the - agreement of the Branch Head for relevant civilian •

7 In addition to Church of England (including all Anglicans), Church of Scotland andfree churches (including 'Baptist, Congregationalist, Methodist, Presbyterian, United Reform, Assemblies of God, ElimPentecostal and Salvation Army) and Roman Catholic are eligible to apply to join the RAF as a Chaplain. 8,R eckonable experience is calculated from date of ordination to the Diaconate, or from graduation from theological college to full-time Ministry according to denomiriational 'practice. Antedates of seniority are foriay purposes only and will not lead to earlier advancement in rank.

Edition 13

3-3-3 • AP3393 , Entry Routes . , (As per Chapter 1, Section 3)

A Medical ,

te Fitness • fer

lCS)_ Min Max WO ices (over AdcNona( Educational ( ns v dua SUb- d Q. . Age Age Commissions Rank, Seniority and

, l

Branch Specialisation , .0 try , z., :a• awl' Qualification Requireme ntp spacialitation a) ing on on ,Available3 Promotion Ser 1Tra na

Bra try above iene or Credit for Experience t En r _

ion Entry' • Entry 2 7 ic ter ity En CWO) = "5 he Chapter iss

= s ( t In iss rs a• co -=0 tran 1): o Ba tn co . h inin En

iVe

_ Co Un frot Re, Com

• experience. •

Director - - X X X ‘r VX X X 17.5 44 - Applications.for commissioned As per Chapter As per Chap 6 Sect 2. of Music service as a Director of Music 2 Sections 1-3 Additionally, promotion to are only acceptable from for ICS/CWO sqn Idr after 6 years • ' serving personnel who have satisfactory service in the qualified through Trade Group rank of flt It. Promotion to 21 CPD training system and wg cdr on merit. PMD(A) possess the Licentiate of the engagement is mandatory Royal Schools of Music for all entrants post 1 Oct (LRSM) Music Direction 08. Diploma

Edition 13

3-3-4 AP3393 • CHAPTER 3 SECTION 4 SUMMARY OF EXTANT LEGACY BRANCH TERMS

.)4 Medical and Dental Branches

3401. Officers Joining on or after 1 Apr 03 — Refer to JSP 527. Conditions of entry, including rules for time credits and promotion, for Medical and Dental officers joining on and after 1 Apr 03, and for those who have transferred to Common Terms of Service (CTOS), as well as conditions of eligibility for medical and dental cadetships awarded on and after 1 Apr 03 are detailed in the Career Management Regulations for •Defence Medical Services (JSP 527).

) 3402. Conditions of Entry for those who joined prior to 1 Apr 03. Conditions of entry for officers who joined prior to 1 Apr 03 and who have chosen not to transfer to CTOS are detailed in the remainder of this Section.

) 3403. Age Limits. The normal upper age limit for Medical Officers was 39 by the date of full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), however, older candidates were exceptionally considered up to the age of 55. The normal upper age limit for Dental Officers was 39 years, but older candidates up to the age of 55 were considered on their merits.

3404. Qualifications. Medical candidates had to be registered with the GMC of the United Kingdom. Candidates who wished to enter the non-specialist side of the.Medical Branch, but who had not completed post-graduate Vocational Training before entry, could only apply for a 6-year SSC. Dental candidates had to be qualified to practicp dentistry and be fully registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) of the United Kingdom. 3405. • Cadet Entry. Candidates from civilian life were eligible to apply for medical cadetships ) which initially led to a SSC. Details of this scheme are set out in Chapter 2 Section 8.

3406. Types of Commission. Between 1 Apr 84 and 31 Mar 03, entrants to the Medical Branch were initially appointed to SSCs of 3 or 6 years. Officers appointed to SSCs before attaining full registration did not commence their period of regular service until they were fully registered. Officers were able to apply for appointment to a PC to the IRD, or to age 58, at any time provided that they were able to complete sufficient service to qualify for retired pay. SSCs could be extended upon request, at the discretion of the Defence Council, to complete up to a maximum of 8 years' regular service; the officers service in the Reserve was reduced accordingly so that the total period of service equalled 8 years, and in some cases left no reserve call-out liability.

) 3407. Entrants to the Dental Branch were initially appointed to a SSC. Officers could apply for a PC to the IRD. They were able to apply for service to age 58 after completing 10 years regular ) service. Exceptionally, Dental Offibers who had completed less than 10 years service were invited to accept service to age 58. ) 3408. All medical and dental officers retain the TOS detailed at paragraphs 4109 and 4110 ) unless they elected to accept the one-off offer to transfer to CTOS or subsequently accept an offer of further service (i.e. when accepting an offer to move to a CTOS Medium Commission during or on ) completion •of a,pre 1 Apr 03 SSC); CTOS are detailed in JSP 527.

) 3409. Rank and Seniority on Appointment and Promotion. Fully registered doctors and dentists who, on appointment, qualified for a credit of their civil experience of less than 5 years as ) • calculated in the paragraphs below, were appointed in the rank of flt It with appropriate seniority. Those who qualified for a credit of 5 years or more were appointed in the rank of sqn !dr (the highest ) appointable rank on entry) with appropriate seniority.

) Edition 13

3-4-1

AP3393

3410. Time Credits for Civil Experience. For the purposes of calculating seniority, recognised experience was defined as verifiable time spent in the practice of conventional medicine/dentistry, whether supervised or unsupervised, within the United Kingdom or abroad. In the Medical and Dental Branches officers were awarded a time credit for civil experience in a recognized professional appointment after full, temporary or limited registration. Time credits were set against the normal time promotion progression to assess rank and seniority on entry. Maximum total credits were 7 years for Dental officers; 8 years from full registration for Medical officers requiring higher professional training; and 13 years from full registration for consultants and vocationally trained GMPs.

3411. For Direct Entrant Medical Officers, 75% of recognised civilian experience within the speciality for which the applicant was to be employed determined the seniority awarded. For recognised civilian experience that was out of the speciality for which the applicant was applying, 50% counted towards military seniority. Time spent away from the practice of medicine did not count. For Direct Entrant Dental officers, 75% of recognised civilian experience within recognised civilian dentistry determined military seniority. Time spent away from the practice of dentistry did not count. Special cases which did not meet the above rules, but were considered by the Branch Sponsor to warrant further consideration were referred to the RAF Manning Organisation.

3412. • Time Credits for Previous Service. Offiáers were granted time credits equal to the whole of any previous service after full registration on full pay as ä medical or dental officer in any of the Armed Forces of the Crown or other Service which the Ministry of Defence approved as equivalent. They could be re-appointed in the rank and with the seniority that their previous Service equated to when set against the normal RAF time promotion progression. However,' there was no provision for the automatic award of previous actual or equivalent rank and seniority (officers were not normally re-appointed in a rank higher than sqn ldr). Each case was judged on its merits, in light of the Service manning need. Officers who were re-appointed in the rank of sqn Idr, who met the criteria for promPtion to wg cdr, required a minimum of 2 years service on re-entry and 2 annual appraisals with appropriate promotion recornpendations before they were considered for promotion to wg cdr.

3413. Promotion to the Ranks of Squadron Leader and Wing Commander. Officers were normally promoted to the substantive rank of sqn [dr on completion of a total of 5 years satisfactory service after full registration (including any time credits awarded) provided they were considered fit in all respects for the higher rank. Officers were normally promoted to the substantive rank of wg cdr on completion of 8 years satisfactory service in the rank of sqn [dr (including any time credits awarded) provided they were considered fit in all respects for the higher rank. Following the introduction of revised terms of service on 1 Apr 03, time promotion was restricted to those that qualified prior to 31 Dec 04 and is no longer available. • 3414. Promotion to Ranks above Wing Commander. With the exception of senior sPecialists cornmissioned after 1 Jul 85, officers who were recognised as RAF consultants in secondary care, senior specialists or orthodontists in the Dental Branch were normally promoted to the rank of gp capt on completion of 10 years satisfactory service in the rank of wg cdr provided they were fit in all respects for the higher rank. Promotion to ranks above gp capt was by selection.

3415. Promotion of officers, other than thow identified at paragraph 3414, to the ranks above wg cdr was by selection. Individuals were looked at for promotion from wg cdr to gp capt during the 10th year of seniority in the rank of wg cdr.

3416. Specialist/Consultant Status. Medical and dental officers were, within the requirei-nents of the Service, recognized as RAF specialists, senior specialists or consultants by the Director General of Medical Services (RAF) (DGMS (RAF)). This was according to the criteria laid down in the Ministry of Defence Medical Services Post-g-raduate Training Schedules, as well as on the advice of the appropriate Consultant Adviser (the Director of Dental Services (RAF) for the Dental Branch) where recognition as a specialist was concerned, and on the advice of a professional

Edition 13 •

3-4-2 AP3393

board where recognition as a senior specialist or consultant was concerned. Further details on the )410 scheme were published in the 7th Edition of AP 3393, which is obtainable from the document sponsor (RAF Employment Policy).

Medical Support Branch

3417. Med Spt Officers (MSO) Commissioned on or after 1 Jan 00. Rank on appointment and time promotion for officers in the Med Spt Branch commissioned on or after.1 Jan 00 follows the standard progression (Chapter 6 Section 2). The branch includes the Physiotherapist specialisation, however, MSO (Physio) follow a different prornotion progression (See Chapter 3, Seption 3). Further promotion for MSOs is by selection on merit (Chapter 5 Section 6). PMD(A) engagement is . mandatory for all entrants commissioned from 1 Jul 06 onwards in accordance with AP7000, Chapter 2.

3418. Med Sec Officers Commissioned before 1 Jan 00. Details of the time progression to flt It for officers commissioned into the Med Sec Branch prior to 1 Jan 00 are detailed in previous editions of this publication, available from the document sponsor. ) 3419. Medical Technician Branch Officers Commissioned before 1 Jun 98. Med Tech Branch officers were normally commissioned in the rank of plt off, but those with an antedate of 2 years or more were appointed in the rank of fg off, with appropriate seniority. Plt offs were -) promoted to the rank of fg off after 2 years reckonable service, including antedates. Officers were promoted to the rank of flt It after 6 years' total reckonable service. Promotion to the rank of sqn ldr took place 6 years after appointment to the rank of flt It. Promotion to the rank of wg cdr was by ) selection within a fixed quota. The effective date of promotion was that on which a vacancy occurred. ) Medical Support Branch (Physiotherapist)

3420. MSO (Physio) Commissioned on or after 1 Sep 11 — Time Credits for Civilian Experience. As per Chapter 3 Section 3, up to 5 years seniority may be.awarcled 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. )

)

) • Edition 13

3-4-3

AP3393

(3) . The part-time work must add up to a minimum of 2% 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) specialisation.

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

d. Time Credits for Previous Service. 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 9f 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. If they are re- appointed to a commission on or after 1 Sep 11 and the credit for their previous service is less thàn 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 (eg: for 320 days experience, only 160 will be credited for seniority) to bring their total credit up to a maximum of 5 years.

Chaplains Branch — Prior to 1 Jan 00

3421. Chaplains Commissioned before 1 Jan 00. Details of commissions awarded prior to 1 Jan 00 are detailed in Edition 7, available from the document sponsor.

3422. 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 Jan 00 could have been be appointed with the relative rank of sqn Idr.

3423. Chaplains appointed prior to 1 Jan 00 were advanced to the relative rank of sqn [dr after one year's satisfactory service as a Chaplain and to the relative rank of wg cdr after 14 years' satisfactory service.

Legal Branch — Prior to 1 Sep 10

3424. Type of commission. Prior to 1 Sep 2010, officers were initially appointed to a SSC of 6 years, or exceptionally, a PC to age 60 with an ORD at the 40/18 point.

3425. Rank on Appointment and Seniority. Officers were normally commissioned in the rank of flt It. Previous commissioned service as a Legal Officer in the Legal Branch of the RAF will have been counted in full towards seniority, time promotion and increments of pay. Other commissioned service was considered on merit for the award of credit. Additionally, a credit of up to 2 years may have been granted at the discretion of the Director of Legal Services (RAF) in recognition of relevant civilian experience.

3426. Promotion. Officers who joined prior to and who are holding a PC on 1 Sep 10 will be promoted to the rank of sqn !dr on the completion of 4 years' commissioned service as a Legal Officer (including any service reckonable under paragraph 3424), provided they are fit in all respects for the higher rank. Such officers will be promoted to the rank of wg cdr on completion of 10 years' commissioned service as a legal officer (including any service reckonable under paragraph 3424),

Edition 13 •

3-4-4

AP3393

provided they are fit in all respects for the higher rank. Promotions to the ranks of gp capt and above were and will be by selection.

Nursing Branch — Prior to 1 Apr 03

) 3427. Officers Joining on or after 1 Apr 03 — Refer to JSP 527. Officers Joining on or after 1 Apr 03 — Refer to JSP 527. Conditions of entry, including rules for time credits and promotion, for Nursing Officers joining on• and after 1 Apr 0.3 and those who joined before this date and have elected to transfer to CTOS are detailed in the Career Management Regulations for Defence ) Medical Services (JSP 527). Pre-1 Apr 03 conditions of entry are detailed in this Section.

3428. Direct Entrants. Candidates from civilian life, who were Registered General Nurses RGN)/Registered Nurse (Adult) (or Registered Mental Nurses (RMN)/Registered Nurse (Mental Health) commissioned post 31 May 98), with a minimum of 2 years post-registration experience and preferably holding a second certificate, were eligible for SSCs. They would normally have been at least 23 years of age and should not haVe reached their 45th birthday. Exceptionally, candidates above the age of 45 were considered on merit.

3429. NCO Staff Nurses. NCO Staff Nurses who held an acceptable post-registration qualification, had at least one year's RAF service experience and were aged between 23 and 45 years could also apply for selection for a PC to the 38/16 point, or to age 55 for those aged 39 plus. NCO Staff Nurses were also eligible for short service commissioning.

) 3430. Change of Commission. Officers could apply for selection for a PC to the 38/16 point after they had completed their first 2 years regular service on a SSC. Officers were considered for selection for service to age 55 on- two occasions between 3% and 1% years before their IRD.

3431. Initial Terms of Service. All officers in the PMRAFNS were initially appointed to SSCs for 6 or 4 years Regular Service, plus 4 years Reserve Service. Subject to Service requirements, ) SSCs could have been extended to any period of whole years, but the total period of such service wduld normally be limited to a maximum of 8 years regular service. The Reserve liability of Nursing Officers who had extended their regular service was •proportionally reduced. Candidates who had not previously served in HM Forces were permitted to leave the Service after they had served 3 months from the date of entry provided that they applied, giving at least one month's notice, at any time before the 3 month point. Officers who left the Service in this way were •required to refund their uniform allowance and the value, at the time of commissioning, of items of uniform issued without charge.

3432. Commissioned NCO Staff Nurses who were candidates for SSCs for 4 or more whole years were required to serve at least until the date when they would have been discharged or transferred to the Reserve as a ground trades personnel. Nursing Officers retain the TOS detailed above unless they elected to accept the one-off ) 3433. offer to transfer to CTOS or subsequently accept an offer of further service (i.e. when accepting an ) offer to move onto a CTOS Medium Commission during or on completion of a pre 1 Apr 03 SSC); CTOS are detailed in JSP 527. ) 3434. Time Credits for Civil Experience - Full-time Civil Experience. Nursing officers were ) awarded a time credit for full-time civil nursing experience in a recognized appointment after registration as a Registered General Nurse. Time credits were set against the normal time- ) promotion progression to assess rank and seniority on entry. Subject to a maximum total of 6 years they were awarded in accordance with the following scale: ) a. • The first 2 years in full.

b. Officers who possessed a Registered Nurse Tutors Certificate on entry.- the first 3 years in full.

Edition 13

) 374-5

AP3393

c, Any later experience -- in .half. • 3435. Time Credits for Civil Experience - Part-time Civil Experience. Officers • comMissioned on or after 1 Apr 86 may also have been awarded a time credit fär part-time civil nursing experience within the overall maximum. of 6 Oars and in accordance with the following rules:

A. • The part-time employment in question must have been recognized by the profession and acknowledged by its governing body as qualified exPerience•for professional appointments. b. The part-tiMe employment must have been on a regular basis and the period spent in employment must have been a minimum of 3 months. c. The part-time work must have added up to•a minimum of 21/2 days per week (which was to includ.e at least 5 half-day sessions). d. Only days actually worked could be included in the credit calculations. Two half- days equated to one full day. e. The part-time employment was to be certified by the Branch Sponsor as being of value to the PMRAFNS. • • f. Special cases which did not meet the above rules, but which were considered by the Branch Sponsor to warrant further consideration, were to be referred to the Mantling Organisation. 3436. Rank on Appointment. Fully qualified nurses and eligible NCO Staff Nurses who, on appointment, qualified for a credit for their nursing experience of less than 4 years, as calculated above, were appointed in the rank of fg off with appropriate seniority. Those who qualified for a credit of 4 years or more were appointed in the rank of flt lt with appropriate seniority. - 3437.. Time Credits for Previous Experience. Officers were granted time credits equal to the whole period of any previous service after registration 'on full pay as a nursing officer in any of the Armed Forces of the Crown. They could be re-appointed in their forrner rank and seniority (or equivalent). However, there was no provision for the automatic award of previous rank and seniority. Each case was judged on its merits, in the light of the Service manning needs and with regard to the relevance of civil experience and professional qualifications. lf, they were re-appointed to a commission on or after 1 Apr 86 and the credit for their previous service was less than 6 years they could count their civil experience gained during the break in service in accordance with the rules abovelo bring their total credit•up to the 6 years maximum. • 3438. Officers who had previouSly served in non-commissioned rank in any of the recognized nursing services of the Armed Forces of the Crown could count their non-commissioned service as civilian experience in accordance with the rules above. 3439. • Promotion to the Ranks above Fit Lt. Officers who were commissioned in the PMRAFNS prior to 1 Apr 02 were to be prornoted to the rank of sqn ldr after 12 years satisfactory service, including any credits awarded in accordance with the rules above. Promotion to sqn ldr for- those commissioned after 31 Mar 02, and to the ranks above sqn ldr for all members of the PMRAFNS was by selection to fill vacancies in the establishment.

Edition 13 • 110-• 3-4-6 () AP3393

Director of Music 7- .Prior to 1 Apr 02

3440. . Officers were awarded credit for preyi6uš service rendered after the age of 171/2 in the ranks uP to and including WO in the Trade of, Musician in accordande With AP 3301 Chapter 6. Section 1 of the :Edition in publiCation at the time (see,dobument sponsor fde accesS (RAF • Employment- Policy)). This was reckonable towards r:ank on appointment, Seniority, time prornotion and increments of pay. Prómotion-to the rank Of sqn ldr took place 8 yeats from the date of seniority aš, a flt It. -Promdticin tothe rank Ofwg Cdr was by Selectibn within a fixed quota: The effective date of promotiOn Was that on whibh a Vacancy occurred.

Edition 13 • 3-4-7 AP3393 •

CHAPTER 4 TRAINING CONTENTS

Section 1 Terms of Service Whilst Under Training Section 2 Enlistment of Officer Cadets and Commissioning of Student Officers Section 3 Disposal of Non-productive and Pre-productive Officers 'Section 4 Training Return of Service

Edition 13 (- 4

AP3393 • CHAPTE - 4 SECTION 1 TERMS OF SERVICE WHIL,ST U DER PHASE 1 TRAINING

) Initial,Officer Training (IOTC)

) 4101. All entrants to the Functional Branches and Medical Suppòrt Officers (excluding Physiotherapists) will undergo initial Officer training through completion of the Initial Offiber Training ) Course (IOTC), which they Will undertake in the rank of Officer Cadet (0Cdt). Detailed instructions relating to the enlistment of OCs are contained in Section 2 of this chapter. On successful completion of IOTC, OCs are commissiohed in the rahk of plt off or, in the case of the Fg and Eng branches, fg off. lf, on successful completion of officer training, an OC is medically unfit for commissioning, appointment to a comrnisSion will be deferred until the requisite medical standdrd has been attained, from when the commission will become effective retrospectively for all purposes (including pay). Failure to complete the IOTC satisfactorily invariably leads to 'Early Termination from the Service. Exdeptionally; trainees who fail the IOTC may be considered for entry tO training leading to service as non-commissioned aircrew or as ground trades persOnnel.

Specialist Entrant and Re-entrant (SERE) ) 4102. All other entrants not discussed at Paragraph 4101, with the exception of CWO, and re- ) entrants with previous commissioned service will undergo initial officer training thrOugh completion of the Specialist Entrant and Re-éntrant (SERE) Course, which they Will undertake in the rank of Student Officer (SO). Detailed instructions relating to the commissioning of SOs are contained in Section 2 of this chapter. Additionally, selected ICS entrants to the Medical Support Offider ) (Mainstream) branch who hOld professional qualifications and registration (specifically, Environmental Health, Biomedical and Radiographers), with no requirement to complete Phase 2 ) trainihg, will be permitted to complete SERE vice iOTC37.

) 4103. Entrants on the Specialist Entrant and Re-entrant (SERE) Course are commissioned on entry to service in the rank of Student Officer (SO). ) •Medical and Dental Cadets ) 4104. The terms of service for Medical and pental cadets appointed to a commission on and ) after 1 Apr 03, 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.

) University Bursars

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

) Serving / Ex-Serving Officers

) 4107. Entrants from civilian.life applying to re-enter within 5 year§ of their exit date and those applying to transfer into the RAF and who have previous full-time productive commissioned service in any of the Armed Forces of the Crown may be given such professional training as required before re-entering productive service. They are not normally required to undergo IOTC and are

37 Decisionlo be made by Branch Sponsor.

Edition 13'

4-1L1

AP3393

commissioned immediately on re-entry. All application's are considered, by OASC and Manning, on their own merits. Those seeking to re-enter after a break in service of in excess of 5 years may be required to undertake the IOTC. • Serving / Ex- Serving Non-Commissioned Personnel

4108. Serving and Ex-Serving Non-Commissioned personnel from any of the Armed Forces of the Crown who are selected for an RAF commission are required to undergo IOTC, either in part or in full as directed by OASC. RAF personnel remain on their current engagement for the duration of training but have the status of OC. Serving RAF personnel who fail officer training are normally required to complete the remainder of their regular engagement in accordance with QR569(1)(c).

4109. • Officers commissioned under the CWO Scheme will be appointed to a coMmission at the • start of the CWO.Commissioning Course. Previous Reserve Service

4110. Officers of the Royal Auxiliary Air.Force or the RAF Volunteer Reserve may be permitted to complete IOTC in their auxiliary or reserve rank. Professional (Phase 2) Training 4111. After successful completion of IOTC, 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/specialisation. Commissions are nbt confirmed until officers have entered roductive service Officers enter productiVe service on successful completion o 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 given the option to transfer to another branch for which they may be suited, or for service as Non-commissioned Aircrew. 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.

4112. 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.

4113. On transfer to another branch, officers are required to undertake such prbfessional 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

4114. Officers may be required to undertake further training afany 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/specialisation 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.

Edition 13 •

4-1-2

AP3393

CH PTE 4 SECTION 2 ENLISTMENT OF OFFICER CADETS AND COMMISSIONING OF STUDE .\, T OFFICERS

4201. This sectiOn outlines the requirements for the enlistment of Officer Cadets (OCs) on • commencement of IOTC and commissioning of Student Officers (SOs) on commencement Of SERE. All entrants, other than those listed in Section 1, paragraph 4102 and 4109, attend OACTU as OCs and enlist/serve on 'regular engagements before being appointed to a COmmission on-successful completion of the Initial Officer Training (IOTC) COurse.

Officer Cadets

4202. Entrants from civilian life are to be enlisted on a regular engagement in the rank of aircraftsman in accordance with RAF Terms of Service Regulations. Entrants will be enlisted on notice engagements pending successful completion of IOTC and the award of a commission. • 4203. Entrants with no previous service in the RAF, RAuxAF or RAFVR are afforded the status of OC following attestation. Those with previous service may be promoted to any higher rank for which they may be qualified under QR 491 but retain the status of OC for the duration of IOTC.

4204. Entrants from civilian life will have their regular engagement terminated at the conclusion of IOTC either on appointment to a commission or, if they fail to complete the course successfully, they.may be considered for service as NCA (or for service in one of the Ground Trades), or they may be released from the RAF.

Serving Pereonnel

4205. Serving personnel on a regular engagement who are accepted into training för cornmissioned service are to remaid 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. If serving personnel are on the proMotion selection list for their former ground trade they are not to be promoted' during their time ort IOTC. For W0s/MAcr commissioned under the CWO Scheme, refer to paragraph 4108.

4206. Serving personnel who have held paid acting rank for a minimum of 35 days imrnediately 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 tõ a Commission, their rank on appointment and Subsequent promotion aS offiCers will be related to their substantive ground trade rank.

4207. Those who fail to complete the coUrse successfully will be required to cOmplete their current engagement in accordance with QR569(1)(c)).

Student Officers

4208. Officers undertaking the SERE Course are commissioned on entry and serve on comtnissioned terrns (including accumulation of Sentority in rank) throughout.Phase 1 trg. SOs are to be administered in accordance with extant Officer Terms of Service and procedures. Failure to satisfactorily complete SERE will lead to suCh officers having their commission terminated.

Edition 13

4-2-1

AP3393

CHAPTER 4 SECTION 3 DISPOSAL OF NON-PRODUCTIVE AND PRE-PRODUCTIVE OFFICERS

Officers.Suspended from Professional (Phase 2) Training

4301. Officers suspended from training will be dealt with in one of the ways listed below at sub- paragraphs a — g. Suspension from training can occur as a result of a recommendation by the Service or by the Voluntary Withdrawal of the Officer. A request to. re-branch during Phase 2 or pre- productive training will also result in referral to the OASC Reselection Board. The final recommendation of the Reselection Board will be dependent upon the suitability of the officer conceMed and the existence of vacancies in the gaining Branch/Category/Trade Group, but the board will make an effort to take into consideration the wishes of the officer concerned:

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.

c. Reversion to former branch. •

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

e. Termination of commission and enlistment for training •and regular service as non- commissioned aircrew.

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

g. Termination of commission and return to civilian life.

Officers Withdrawn from Flying Duties or Training on Medical Grounds

4302. 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.

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

4303. 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 local reselection board, are to be sent to OASC for interview by the appropriate OASC Reselection Board. The Suspension Board re,commendations are to be sent to S02 Candidate 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 Aircrew

4304. 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 and updated by Defence Instruction and Notice (DIN). 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

Edition 13

4-3-1

AP3393

the RAF Manning:Organisation. Such offiders may be required to complete the Trg RoS. ) reqUirement serving, if necessary, in flying-associated grciund appointments: .

Withdrawal of. F-lying Badges

) 4305. .0fficers who haVe been awarded the flying badge on a provisional basis hormally forfeit . the badgeff they are withdrawn from flying befOre entering productive serVice (see.QR J727). ) Withdrawal of the flying badge iš, however, in all Cases subject tO the approval by the Air Force BOard: liipospi of other Pre-PrOduotive pfficers -

430.6. All, pre-productive officers who voluntarily withdraw or are suspended from training designed to fif thern for prodUctive Service in théir branch/5pecialisation are not free to leave the service. Their retention and future employment is subject to ihe discretion of the RAF Manning prganisation and will be dealt with by the QR 1027 process. Such officers may be re-selected or may. be required tO complete the Trg iRoS requirement serving in assoOated appointmentS.

Terminal Leave ) 4307. Terminal leave is not to be granted when termination of commission is followed ) irnmediately by re-enlistment on a Tegular engagement. ) ) ) ) ) )•

Edition 13

4-3-2, AP3393

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 MOW. Trg RoS are reviewed and updated regularly (at least annually) by the publication of a Defence Instruction and Notice (DIN).

4402. The extant Trg RoS policy for Service personnel is that:

a. A zero Trg RoS is the normal option for trg courses attended by Service personnel; additionally for a course to attract a Trg RoS full justification must have been provided to the tri-Service Trg RoS Working Group.

b. Lists are produced and published in the DIN of the tri-Service and single-Service courses that exceptionally attract a Trg RoS. The exception lists are based upon courses that are demonstrably expensive, of a certain length, are in areas where there is a significant operational requirement to maintain the skills, or lead to highly marketable skills or qualifications.

Initial Trg RoS

4403. All officers incur an initial Trg RoS of at least 3 years upon completion of initial professional (Phase 2) trg. Some branches may incur longer RoS, such as the Fg Branch and Medical and Dental officers. Officers with an outstanding Trg RoS are not normally permitted to exit the Service on Early Termination (PVR) until the Trg RoS period has been completed.

• Further Trg RoS

4404. Some types of additional trg, including professional trg upon a change of branch/specialisation, may incur further periods of Trg RoS. Trg RoS will start on completion of the trg/education. However, the Trg RoS is incurred from the start date of the course and may be applied subject to Service needs at any time, irrespective of the final course outcome. Additional Trg RoS will normally run concurrently unless otherwise agreed by the RAF Manning Organisation.

Cadetships and Bursaries •

4405. Cadets and Bursars agree to complete a specified period of service (Trg RoS) as a condition of their offer/award. RAF Bursaries are covered at Chapter 2 Section 6 of this publication whilst JSP 527 covers Medical and Dente! Cadetships.

Waiver of Trg RoS •

4406. • Exceptionally, when it is in the interests of the Service• or in other such circumstances (e.g. extreme compassionate grounds), the requirement tõ complete ä Trg RoS may be waived by the RAF Manning Organisation.

Edition 13

4-4-1

AP3393

CHAPTER 5 RANK, SENIORITY AND PROMOTION CONTENTS

• Section 1 Rank and Seniority on Appointment to a • Commission in the Functional Branches and Prornotion to Flt Lt — For those who Entered Service Prior to 1 Apr 13 Section 2 Rank and Seniority on Appointrnent to a Commission in the Functional Branches and Promotion to Flt Lt — For those who Enter Service on or after 1 Apr 13 .Section 3 Standard Time Progression to Flt Lt Section 4 Accelerated Promotion ) Section 5 • Effect of Previous Service on Rank and seniority • on Appointment )

Section 6 Promotion Section 7 Acting Rank )

) ) ) ) ) )

) Edition 13

5 AP3393

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 PRIOR TO 01 APR 13

General

5101. Rank and seniority on appointment and speed of promotion to the rank of flt It depend primarily on branch and mode of entry. Credits of seniority may be awarded to direct entrants for relevant qualifications and civilian experience. Credits for previous service may be applicable for some categories of re-entrants and serving personnel from the ranks. Most Specialist Branches have enhanced TOS which affect rank on appointment and time promotion. In these cases the relevant branch-specific section (Chapter 3 Secti9n 3) should be consulted.

5102. Time promotion is subject to the criteria detailed in Chapter 5 Section 6.

Specialist Branches •

5103. 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

5104. Following officer cadet service (if applicable), officers are commissioned in the ranks of acting plt off or plt off, as shown in Section 3, unless otherwise specified in the relevant branch- specific section or if a time credit (see below) has been awarded.

Seniority on Appointment

5105. The basic time promotion period for officers to attain the rank of fit It is 5 Y2 years (excluding officer cadet service) in the fg branch and 6 'A years in other branches. These periods may be reduced for officers with time credits (also known as antedates of seniority) awarded for academic or professional qualifications, or relevant civilian experience, in accordance with paragraphs 5106-9. In some cases, this may result in some officers being appointed to a commission in the rank of flt It. The majority of officers will be appointed as plt off or fg off with a reduced time to serve until time promotion to flt It. Those entrants recruited from civilian life, including ex-serving members of the Services, who are attested as airmen whilst under going officer training are not permitted to count any such service towards rank and seniority on commissioning.

Time Promotion

5106. Section 3 shows the standard progression to fit It for University Graduate Entry, Qualified Entry, Basic Entry and Internal Commissioning Scheme into the Fg, Ops Spt, Eng, Logistics, Personnel, MSO and DOM branches. Section 2 applies to all officers commissioned after 31 Mar 83 (MSO after 31 Dec 99). For the rules applying to officers commissioned before 1 Apr 83, see AP 3393 6th Edition Chapter 3, available from the docurnent sponsor.

Accelerated Promotion to Flt Lt

5107. Once an individual has entered productive service and then exhibits exceptional qualities, the individual's chain of command are able to seek accelerated promotion for the individual. Details of the scheme are available at Section 4 to this Chapter.

Edition 13 -

5-1-1 AP3393

Time Credits

5108. Officers who entpr from civilian life and who have specified higher qualifications may be awarded a time credit to recognise the time spent on obtaining their qualifications so that they will not be at a disadvantage, in terms of career progression, when compared to those who enter with basic qualifications. This is known as University Graduate Entry or Qualified Entry, depending on the qualifications in •question; see the relevant branch specific section for further details.

5109. In certain branches, offim-s may also be awarded a time credit for relevant civilian experience gained after the award of a qualification — see paragraph 5109 below and the relevant branch-specific section. Time credits are calculated by OASC, in consultation with the RAF Manning Organisation and the relevant branch/specialization sponsor, on an individual case by case basis.

Time Ceedits for Qualifications

5110. Academic or professional qualifications will qualify for the award of a time credit only if they are obtained before entry or re-entry to the Service. Consideration may be given to officers who obtain such qualifications within 12 months of entry or re-entry, provided they were unable to complete the studies prior to commencing IOTC. However, there is no automatic right to graduate status and cases will be considered on an individual basis. Officers•awarded a time credit for qualifications are required to serve the prescribed period in plt off rank, unless they are also awarded a time credit for civilian experience in accordance with paragraph 5109. When an officer who re-enters the Service is awarded a time credit for academic or professional qualifications obtained wholly between periods of service and a time credit for civilian experience following the award of the qualification, the credit will not exceed the period spent out of regular service.

Time Credits for Civilian Experience

5111. , A time credit of up to a maximum of 5 years (7 years in the Eng Branch) rr9y be awarded for relevant civilian experience and, where applicable, post-graduate study. Time credits for civilian experience are only awarded for experience gained after the degree/degree equivalent qualification or HND level or equivalent qualification, which gives entry into the branch concerned. Tirne credits awarded for civilian experience are added to those awarded for qualifications and -the total is set against the time promotion progression table to assess rank on entry and the period to be served before promotion to flt It. Where the total credit exceeds the time normally spent in plt off or•fg off rank officers will be appointed in flt It rank with appropriate seniority on entry. Time credits for civilian experience are not awarded in the Fg Branch.

Serving Personnel and those with Previous Service

5112. From 1 Apr 02, serving and ex-RAF non7commissioned 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 3 of this Chapter.

5113. WOs and MAcr entering under the Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme (see Chapter 2 Section 3) are commissioned in the rank of flt It and no awards of additional seniority are possible

under this scheme. •

5114. Before 31 Mar 02, serving and ex-RAF nonj•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 now applies to serving and former non- commissioned personnel from the other Services too (see Section 5 for further details).

Re-entrants

5115. Rules regarding credit of rank and seniority for entrants 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 5.

Edition 13

5-1-2 AP3393 Rank n Transfer between ra ches 5116. The rules relating to transfer between branches/specialisations and reassessments of seniority are found in Chapter 6 Section 1.

Edition 13 '' • 5-1-3

AP3393

- CHAPTE-, 5 SECTION 2 RANK AND SENIORITY ON APPOINTMENT TO A COMMISSION IN THE FUNCTIONAL BRANCHES AND PROMOTION TO FLIGHT LIEUTENANT - FOR THOSE WHO ENTER SERVICE ON OR AFTER 01 APR 13

General

5201. Rank and seniority on appointment and speed of promotion tO the rank of flt It 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 reentrants and serving personnel frOrn the ranks. Time promotion is abject to the criteria detailed in Chapter 5 Section

Specialist Branches

5202. Most Specialist branches have enhanced ToS which affect rank on appointment and time promotion. In these cases the relevant branch-specific section (Chapter 3 Sedtion 3) should be consulted.

Rank on ApPointment

5203. Fdliowing IOTC, officers are commissioned in the ranks Of either plt off or fg off, as shown in Section 3, dependant on their branch.

Seniority on AppOintment

5204. Section 3, pare 5304 shows the standard progression to flt It for Direct Entrants and University Graduate Entry (Eng branch only). The basic time promOtion period for officers in the fg and ?rig branches to attain the ranic of flt It is 2 1/2 years from completion of IOTC and 3 1/2 years in the other Functibnal branches. Section 3, para 5305 shows the standard progression for personnel using the Internal.ComMissioning Scheme (ICS).

Time Credits for Qualifications.

5205. Post-1 Apr 13, time credits for qualifications (other than Engineer Branch) will cease. Engineer officers with a Masters Degree or equivalent will qualify for a 1 year time credit, enabling them to reach the rank of flt It Within 1 1/2 years of completion of IOTC.

Accelerated. Prornotion to Flt Lt

5206. Once an individual has entered produdtive service and then exhibits exceptional qualities, the individual's bhain of command are able to seek accelerated promotion for the individual. Details of the scheme are available at Section 4 to this Chapter.

Serving Personnel and those with Pi•evious Service

5207. From 1 Apr 02, serving and'ex-RAF nOn-cornmissioned 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 3 of this Chapter.

5200. WOs and MAcr entering under the Commissioned Warrant Officer Scheme (see Chapter 2 Section 3) are commissioned in the rank of flt It and no awards of additional seniority are posSible under this scheme. •

• Edition 13.

5-2-1

AP3393 5209. 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 now applies to serving and former non- commissioned personnel from the other Services too (see Section 5 for further details).

Re-entrants

5210. Rules regarding credit of rank and seniority for entrants 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 5.

Rank on Transfer between Branches

5211. The rules Telating to transfer between branches/specialisations and reaseessments of seniority are found in Chapter 6 Section 1.

Edition 13 • -

5-2-2 411393

CHAPTER 5

SECTION 3 STANDARD TIME PROGRESSION TO FLT LT

Direct Entry — Up to and Including 31 Mar 13

5301. The standard rank, seniority, pay point on entry and time progression to flt It for direct entrant officers in the Fg, ATC, ABM, Int, Flt Ops, Regt, Provost, Eng, Logs, Personnel and MS0'8 branches is calculated using the table below.

OC APO" Plt Off Fg Off Serial Branch Overall Type of 40 Pay LeveI - No EntrY . Time to Flt Lt 1 5 5 6 • 7 8 9 University 1 Fg Branch _ I. 4 o 18 months graduate — Al 4 year 41 course - - " (includes Ground I0. AI • .- 4 Al . 2/years sandwich type -V 4 courses42) Branches • •

38 The progression to flt It for MSO (Physiotherapist) officers is detailed in Chapter 3 Section 3.. 39 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 It will be in accordance with the final column of the table at paragraph 6201, with promotion to fg.off occurring as though the early promotion to plt off had not occurred.

48 Each column, -except that of officer cadet, represents a 6 mth period. Officer cadet equates to the length of time spent on the 10TC.

41 Graduates of the Service based Air Transport Engineering Course enter in accordance with Serial 1. 42 Excludes a 4 year degree course at a Scottish university, a degree course where thee year is beyond first degree level (e.g. an elective masters) or where theist year is at foundation level, anda 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.

Edition 13

5-3-1 93

• OC AP039 Plt Off • Fg Off' • Serial Type of Branch • • Overall Pay Level40 . No Entry Time to Flt Lt

'I 5 • 5 6 , 7 8 9

2 - University Fg Branch . 4 4 4 4 * 2% years • •graduate

• . 3 year • " • • course or • Ground • ti. 4. . equivalent e. 4 4 -4 4 4 .• 4 3% years • 43 Branches • • • Ground 0 3 Qualified 0. q Ai • • ' 4 - q - \I • •4 • 4 •- v - \I 4 •5 years" . entrant44 Branches • • only

0 51/ ys + Off Cdt 4 • Basic Fg Branch 4• 4 4 4 . • • service entrant" • •

• Ground • 4 • AI " 4 4 4 4 4 4 • 4 Al 4 4 4 4 6% years +

• Branches Off Cdt • •

. service Direct Entry — Officers New Entrants Rate of Pay (NERP) Transition Legacy Cohort (Graduating between 23 Sep 11 - 27 Sep 13)

43 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.

44 'The qualifications required for Qualified Entrants are norinally specific to a certain branch / specialisation. 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 branctrsee the relevant branch-speCific sections.

43 May be considered for accelerated promotion in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 4. For the purpose of accelerated promotion, ex-serving personnel are regarded as basic entrants. ."

46 All basic entrants attend IOT as officer cadets and ere commissioned upon graduation. Exceptionally, basic entrant§ 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 specialisation. See the relevant branch-specific sections. May be " considered for accelerated promotion in accordance•with Chapter 5 SectiOn 4. For the purpose of accelerated promotion, ex-serving personnel are regarded'as basic entrant§.

Edition 13

5-3-2

5302. In order to facilitate the introduction of NERP, a legacy cohort has been identified as those graduating from IOTCs 24-32 between 23 Sep 11 - 27 Sep 13, whose standard flt It promotion dates are later than those shown at sub-paras a-d below. To prevent this legacy group being overtaken in terms of timed-promotion to flt 1t47 by those joining on the new terms. below from 1 Apr 13, accelerated promotion will be applied to individuals-Vithih—this group from 1 Apr 13 to facilitate a common promotion date to flt It. This legacy cohort will be split into the folloWing groups:

a. Fg Branch Basic Entrants — Promoted to flt It on 20 Mar 16.

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

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

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

5303. For those legacy cohort individuals who graduate from IOTC before 1 Apr 13 (IOTCs 24-30), additional seniority48 will be applied to JPA records with effect 1 Apr 13 to facilitate timed-promotion to flt It to coincide with the dates above. The remaining legacy cohort (IOTCs 31 and 32) will be 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 will then be given additional seniority to facilitate timed-promotion to flt It in accordance with the timings set out at sub-paras a-d above.

47 The amended timed-promotion dates to flt It 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 IOT 32 (last of legacy group) and IOT 33 (new cohort) graduation dates.

48 Without back-dated pay.

Edition 13

5-3-3 4110 A093

Direct Entry — From 1 Apr 13

5304. Following the introduction of NERP on 1 Apr 13, the standard rank, seniority, pay point on entry and time progression to flt It for direct entrant officers in the Fg, ATC, ABM, Int, Flt Ops, Regt, Provost, Eng, Logs, Personnel and MS049 branches is to be calculated using the amended table below:

Plt OC . Off Fg Off Serial . Cohort Branch(es) Overall Time to Flt Lt No PayLevels°- • 5 6 7 8 . 1 Flying Flyin g Branch 4 r. q Al q 4 AI Officer cadet service -4-• 2 1/2 years • (Pilot/WSO)

Ground Branches 2 (excluding Ground.Branches -4 • 4 Al Officer cadet service + 3 1/2 years Engineer Branch) University • 3 graduate - BEng Engineer Branch J. o. q .4 4 g 4 Officer cadet service + 2 1/2 years or equivalent (AS and CE) , 4 University Engineer Branch graduate - MEng (AS and CE) • -4 e. q 4 4 0, Officer cadet service + 1 1/2 years or equivalent • -

Internal Commissioning Scheme

5305. The rank, seniority on entry and time progression to flt It for serving and ex-RAF non-commissioned personnel selected for a commission after 31 Mar 02 is calculated using the table below, unless Chapter 2, Section 1 paragraph 2104 is to their advantage, in which case they will be employed in one of the

49 The progression to flt It for MSO (Physiotherapist) officers is detailed in Chapter 3 Section 3.

50 Each column, except that of officer cadet, represents a 6 mth period. Officer Cadet equates to the length of time spent on 10T.

Edition 13

5-3-4 0393 entry types detailed in paragraph 5301 or paragraph 5304 with progression according to that entry type. Pay points are for guidance only as actual pay may

be specially determined. •

Off Plt Off Fg Off • Overall

• Cadet • Serial Former Time to Flt Lt Type of Entry Substantive •No • • Rank • • Pay Level

1 5 6 7 • 8 9 b. 5 • Internal WO/ MAcr •• 0 Years Commissioning Scheme FS/ CT • • • • 4 4 1 Year

Sgt • NI 4 4 l % Years Cpl - *•q 4 • 4 4 2 Years

SAC/ JT/ LCp1• • •4 .4 2 %Years

- 51 Each column, except that of officer cadet, represents a 6 mth period. Officer cadet equates to the length of time spent on IOT. Personnel commissioned before 01 Apr 13 entering a ground branch who obtained a degree prior to initially joining the Service will gain an additional 6 mths seniority on entry•and time progrethion to flt It.

Edition 13

5-3-5

AP3393

CHAPTER 5 SECTION 4 ACCELERATED PROMOTION

Introduction

5401. Direct entrants (including ex-non commissioned personnel) and professionally qualified entrants in Ground Branches may receive accelerated promotion to the rank of flt It which will reduce the period to be spent in the rank of fg off. Two different schemes operate; one for the Fg Branch and one for Ground Branches.

5402. Unlike the award of acting rank, the most important immediate consequence of accelerated promotion to flt It is early entry into the field for promotion to sqn Idr. 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

5403. 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 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.

5404. No other action is required by units in respect of a promotion authorised in this manner.

Ground Branches

5405. Ground Branch officers may be identified for accelerated promotion, by up to a maximum of 2 years52, 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).

5406. 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.

5407. • 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.

52 No additional seniority at flt It level will be awarded.

Edition 13

5-4-1 AP3393

CHAPTER 5 SECTION 5 ) EFFECT OF PREVIOUS SERVICE ON RANK AND ) SENIORITY ON APPOINTMENT •

) Introduttion Officers who have previous RAF service as a commissioned officer may be permitted to ) 5501. count all or sorne of that service towards rank and seniority upon re-joining. Officers, includino those joining from another Service, may be granted seniority depending on the terms of their re- instatement or re-employment. Non-commissioned personnel from another service are assessed ) under the rules in this Section. Current and ex-RAF non-commissioned personnel who are cornmissioned under the internal Commissioning Scheme are given seniority in accordance with the ) rules at Chapter 2 Section 1 and Chapter 5 Sections 1 and 2.

) Previous Commissioned Service in the RAF ) 1110 5502. An officer who has previously completed a period of commissioned service in the regular Air Force will normally be reinstated or re-employed: ) a. Reinstatement. An officer who has previous commissioned service will be reinstated if ) they return to their former,branch in the substantive rank held on retirement; however such reinstatements are not automatic. Each case will be judged on its merits by the Manning ) • organisation, in the light of the Service manning need and with regard to the relevance of any additional civil experience or professional qualifications that rnay have been gained since the ) • officer left regular service. The period of time spent out of regular service will not count towards seniority on reinstatement unless it qualifies for a credit under the terms of Chapter 5 ) Section 1 or 2. Consequently, the original date of seniority in the substantive rank will normally be adjusted by the period spent out of regular service. ) b. Re-employment. An officer who has previous commissioned service in the regular air ) force and who returns to another branch, or in a lower rank, is re-employed. Seniority will be determined as follows: ) .(1). When the •officer is re,employed in a different branch, seniority in the re-employed ) rank is to be assessed in accordarice with the regulations governing transfer between • branches (see Chapter 6 Section 1). The date of seniority in the re-employed rank is ) • then to be recalculated by the period spent out of regular service, unless qualifying for a • credit under the terms of Chapter 5 Sections 1 or 2. ) (2) When the officer is re-employed in the 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, but abated by the period spent out of regular service. ) Previous Non-Commissioned Service in the RAF ) 5503. The rules governing the award of seniority to ex-RAF non-commissioned personnel are ) contained in Chapter 5 Sections 1 and 2.

Edition 13

5-5-1

AP3393

PreviOus Commissioned Service in other Armed Forces of the Crown

5504. Officers who have previOusly served full-time in a commissioned rank in any of the other Armed Forces Of the CroWn, including those Of COMrnonwealth Countries, will normally be allowed to count all such service towards rank and seniority On appointment to an RAF cornmission. The conditions of Chapter 1 Sebtion 2 apply to all such Officers.

5505. Previous commissioned seNice which ie allowed to count under these provisions, and which is in excess of the period required to qualify for the rank in which an officer is appointed, Will cOunt as seniority reckonable.for promotion except thatofficers will not nörmälly be appöintdd in the ranK of sqn ldr or higher. However, rules differ for the Medical and Dental Branches, Chaplains' Branch, Legal Branch and Nursing Officer Branch; see the relevant branch-specific sections. The counting of previous commišsioned service for purposes of pay and retired pay is subject to the conditions set out in QRs 2659A and 2930 respectively.

Previous Non-Commissioned Service in other Armed Forces of the Crown

5506. Serving and 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 Cbuntries, appointed to RAF commissions may be allowed to count half their non- commissioned service towards rank on appointment, seniority in that rank and increments of pay, subject to the following: • a. Appointment will not be in rank higher than fg Off.

b. Promotion to flt lt will b0 dependent on the cornpletion of a minirhum total of 18 mths' satisfactOry comrnišsioned service. ' •

PreVious Service in both the RAF and other Armed Forces of the Crown

5507. Individuals that have previou$ service in the RAF and other Armed Force of the Crown will be treated as ex-RAF or ex-other Armed Forces of the Crown (but nôt both), whichever is more beneficial to the individual in terms of rank on appOintment, seniority in that rank and inCrements of pay on commis$ioning. lndividUals will however be perrnitted to count aggregated Armed Forces of the Crown servide in calculatind paragraph 5508 if this i$ the more beneficial.

Commissioned Service in the Reserve Forces

5508. Officers of the Reserve Forces, transferring to regular service in the RAF may, at the discretion of the RAF be permitted to count their former Reserve Forces commissioned service towards rank and/or seniority on appointment as follows: •• a. Full-Time Reserve Service (Full Commitment) (FTRS (FC)). An officer who previously served on FTRS (FC) terms may be allowed to count all such service.

b. Full-Time Reserve Service (Limited and Home Commitment) (FTRS (LC) and (HC)). An officer who previously served on FTRS (LC) or (HC) terms may be allowed to count two thirds of such service.

c. Part-Time Service RAFR. An officer who previously served as a part-lime mernbbr of the RAFR may be.allowed to count one third of such service.

d. Part-Time Service RAuxAF. An officer who previously served as a part-time member of the RAuxAF may be allowed to count one third 'of any such service for which Training Bounty was earned.

Edition 13

5-5-2

) AP3393

e. Part-Time Service as a Member of other Reserve. Forces. An officer who previously served as a Member of any reserve force may be allowed to count one third of any such service for which Training Bounty was earned.

5509. Service in any of the following categories, and their equivalents in the TA and RN(R), do NOT qualify for the award of antedated seniority:

a. RAFVR (T). ) b. RAFVR (UAS). c. RAF (CC) and members of the MOD Civil Service of Agencies appointed to RAFR commissions as a term of servjce.

d. STRC (University Placement).

Serving Airmen Scheme (Before 1 Apr 02)

5510. 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 peronnel 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. ) ) )

) )

)

Edition 13

5-5-3

AP3393

CHAPTER 5 SECT11 N 6 PROMOTION

Substantive Promotion

5601. 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 7). Substantive promotion takes effect from the date stated in the London Gazette.

5602. 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. New Cohort sqn ldrs (those gaining acting or substantive rank on or after 2 Jul 08) are required to attend ICSC(A) within the first year of rank. From 1 Jul 12, all newly promoted sqn ldrs will be required to successfully complete the ICSC(A) before being considered for promotion to wg cdr. PMD(A) engagement policy for officers including the Specialist Branches are detailed in AP7000, Chapter 2 Annex B.

5603. Recognising that they may wish to serve in specialist fields, officers may be permitted to decline prornotion if it is not against the Service interest. In declining such a promotion, officers must accept that they will not be considered again for promotion for a minimum of one promotion selection board, nor thereafter until their official letter rescinding their decision has been received and accepted by the RAF Manning organisation. This rule also applies to the refusal of acting rank. Option points (12 year OEP, IRD, ORD) are not to be withdrawn from officers who are permitted to decline promotion.

Time Promotion

5604. 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.

5605. In those Specialist Branches where time promotion to the ranks above flt It 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 offiœrs concemed will be informed by their Career Manager that their promotion has been deferred.

5606. Promotion to the ranks up to and including flt It 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 offiœrs 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.

5607. 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 5606a will be called for by the RAF Manning

• Edition 13

5-6-1

AP3393

organisation, and such officers will be promoted from the date on which they are subsequently assessed as fit forpromotion.

5608. 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

5609. Officers who are medically unfit for the duties of their branch on the day that tirne 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).

5610. 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 officers rank and/or seniority is adjusted for any other reason, service in the rank regkonable for the purpose of time promotion will be from the new seniority.date.

5611. Where a period of ab initio dr 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 officers 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 5612. It is RAF policy not to offer substantive promotion unless there is a prospect of an officer completing a reasonable period of service in the new substantive rank. Officers serving on a short- service commission that are selected on merit for promotion to a higher substantive rank must transfer to PC ToS on accepting promotion. Officers promoted to the substantive rank of sqn !dr are automatically conditioned to serve to age 55 (unless precluded from doing so on medical grounds,- Chapter 7, Section 5 refers). To reflect the investment the Service has made in selecting an indMdual for advancement, substantive promotion attracts a Return of Service (RoS) of 3 years for officers up to and including the rank of air cdre. An officer may be promoted on the understanding that their date of retirement will be deferred until•they have completed the prescribed RoS period. Where an individual is within 3 years of their NRD, a 2 year expectation of service will apply. Regulations covering the deferment of IRDs and ORDs as• a result of substantive promotion RoS are covered in Chapter 7 Section 3.

5613. • Aircrew Assessment. To be eligible for prornotion to sqn !dr, 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.

5614. Except where an officer is eligible for time promotion, officers are in open competition within their branch/specialisation for promotion to the rank of sqn Idr and beyond. Officers selected for promotioh but subject to a report of an adverse nature prior to substantiation will be removed from the promotion list pending resolution. 5615.0fficers not promoted to the rank of sqn Idr by the IRD may be considered for and offered further service (known as assimilation) to age 55 in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 2. Such officers will remain eligible for *motion to sqn Idr and above.

Edition 13 AP3393

Promotion by Selection of Medically Unfit Officers 5616. A restricted medical category imposes a limitation on an officer's employability and this is • a factor which must be taken into account when offers of promotion are being considered. The Promotion Board, therefore, take note of this and balance it objectively against the overall requirements of the Service and the officer's professional fitness for prornotion to higher substantive rank. In cases where it is deemed appropriate, a Promotion Review Board will obtain from the medical authorities a prognosis of the medical category which temporarily restricts an officer's posting and this will be taken into consideration, together with all other relevant factors, when assessing an offer of promotion. Substantive promotion will only be granted in cases where a reasonable period of further service can be foreseen; such a period must not be less than the period laid down in paragraph 5612.

Edition 13

5-6-3

AP3393

CHAPTER 5 • SECTION 7 ACTING RANK

Selection for Acting Rank

5701. An officer is selected for substantive promotion only after a promotion board has 6xamined 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.

5702. An officer selected f6r 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 Paid acting rank: Paid acting rank may be granted by the RAF Manning Organisation in ) 5703. • 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.

5704. 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.

) 5705. 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 tt/fg off or those designated as rank ranged. Dual ranked posts may be filled by substantive flt Its, fg offs or plt offs as appropriate. Rank ranged ) posts, such as those that may be a flt It or sqn [dr, 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

) 5706. 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. )

) Edition 13

) 5-7-1

AP3393

5707. An offiter xtiill be perMitted to retain paid acting rank when under instruCtion to move from - • one unit to another and whilst not actually PerfOrrning the duties of the higher rank, as indicated below:

a. • On attachment to a course of inetrOction, irrespective of the duration, provided that the post against whibh the officer is assigned remains unfilled. • b. Fcir periods, not exceeding 20 days, 9n authOriped.annuol or relocation leave or on terriporary dUty at another unit, provided that no other officer is appointed to ihe post againet whibh the officer is assigned.

c. When pbsted to take over an apPointment of rank equivalent to, Or higherthan that • vacated, for a Maximum period of 10•days, provided thet the acting rank has been held (either continuously or for broken periods) for a total qualifying period of 3 Monthe for the ranks of wg cdr and below, 6 months for gp capt arid 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 renk equivalent to, or higher than thot \located, a maXimum period

of 20 deys beyond the assignment date. • • (•

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

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

5708. 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 peripd of 4 monthe from the date of ceasing duty, any paid acting rank held at the time they became non-effective. Acting rank rnay be granted to a relief under paragraph 5703. Relinquishment of Acting Rank •

5709. An officer will relinquish acting rank in the following circumstances: -

a. When assigned to an apointment of lower rank. b. When assigned th a course of instruction, irrespective of the duration of the course, and • is no longer filling the post for which acting rank was a\karded.

c. On completion of a period of 4 months from the date on which they became non- effective (see paragraph 5708).

d. When ceasing to perform the duties forwhich the acting rank was granted, through being placed in arrest or otherwise suspended from duty. lf 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 frorn the date of vacation, and the acting rank will be deerned to have been held continuously.

Edition 13

5-7-2

C_

AP3393 Notification of the Grant, Retenti n or Relinquishment of Acting Rank

5710. Notification concerning the grant, retention or relinquishrnent of acting rank will normally be conveyed on the assignment notice, but, subject to current regulations, CAS may authorize the retention or relinquishment of the acting rank of flt It on the appropriate assignment order.

5711. Appointments to acting rank below AVM will not be gazetted. Appointments to acting rank below air cdre will notte shown in the Air Force List. Refusal of Acting Rank

5712. Officers may be permitted to decline acting rank if it is not against the Service interest. In declining acting rank officers must accept that they will not be considered again for promotion to substantive rank for a minimum of one promotion selection board, nor thereafter until their official letter rescinding their decision has been received and accepted by the Manning organisation. Option points (12 year OEP, IRD, ORD) are not to be withdrawn from officers who are permitted to • decline acting rank..

Edition 13

5-7-3 AP3393

CHAPTER 6 TEU S F SERVICE C ES CONTENTS

Section 1 Variation of Commission and Transfer Between Branches Section 2 Extensions and Further Service Section 3 Professional Aviator Spine Section 4 Specialist Aircrew — Reserved Rights Section 5 • Disposal of Productive Officers who are Permanently Withdrawn from their Duties

Edition 1 3 6 AP3393.

CHAPTER 6 SECTION I VARIATION OF COMMISSION AND TRANSFER BETWEEN BRANCHES

Change of Commission

6101. Officers may apply:for or be offered 8 different type of cornmission, as appropriate, to

meet the needs of the Service. •

Transfer from SSC to PC

6102. Officers serving on a SSC are eligible to• apply for a PC to the 40/18 point provided that , they satisfy the conditions of Chapters 1 and 3 for the branch for which they are being considered and have entered productive service. For officers of the Fg Branch this is defined as after the award •of the flying badge. On appointment, such officers should be able •to corhplete at least 18 years reckonable service befOre age 55; the provisions of Chapter 1 Section 2 paragraph 1203 apply. The effective date of appointment to a PC will be the date on which medical fitness is confirmed. ip Rank on Change of Type of Commission

6103.•• On appointment to a PC, 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 berm).

Transfer to the Fg Branch from a Pround Branch

6104. Officers serving in other branches are eligible to apply for transfer to a PC for aircrew duties in the Fg Branch.

6105. Formar Aircrew. Officers who have formerly qualified as pilots or WSOs 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. Rank and seniority on tranSfer will be re-assessed and any previous commissioned service will be allowed to count in full.

6106. Other Ground Branch Officers:

a. Officers who have not previously qualified in an aircrew category are eligible to apply to transfer up to the age of 25% years. Before they are accepted fOr training they will be reqUired ILO undergo medical examinations and flying aptitude tests at the OASC. Successful applicants are given the sarne training course as pb in/tic) entrants into the branCh. Officers serving on a SSC are normally appointed to a PC with effect from the date •of• reselection, subject to the needs Of the Service. Those who fail to qualify as aircrew normally revert to their former • brandh and will remain on a PC, except in exceptional circurnstances,'subject to the approval of the RAF Manning organisation.

• b. Transfer of an officer from a ground branch .16 the Fg Branch Will take place frorn the • date of reselection. In accordance with Chapter 5, subsequenttime promotion up to the rank of flt It Will depend on the rank and seniority assessed on transfer to the Fg Branch. In assessing rank and,seniority on transfer; any previous full-tirrie cornmissioned service will be allowed to count in full. Officers who joined before 01 Apr 13 who entered their existing branch on cbmrnissióned (r.e. graduate: or qualified entry) terms to which they would not have been entitled had they joined the Fg Branch initially, will have their progression in the Fg Branch

Edition 13

6-1-1.

AP3393

abated by 6 months (assessed as officer cadet service). Pay will be assessed in accordance With QR 2659(3).

Transfer from the Fg Branch to a Ground Branch •

6107. Th,e general rules on the disposal of productive aircrew officers permanently withdrawn from flying duties are given in Chapter 6 Section 5, and for non-productive aircrew officers in Chapter 4 Section 3.

6108. Transfers of officers from the Fg Branch to a ground branch, except for those referred to in paragraph 6111, will take place from the date of reselection to the new branch. 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.

6109. A productive aircrew officer transferred to the ATC, ABM, int, Flt Ops, RAF Regt or Provost Branch will retain their rank and seniority. Non-productive aircrew officers who transfer to the ATC, ABM, int, Flt Ops, RAF Regt or Provost Branch, and both productive and non-productive aircrew officers who transfer to another ground branch, will have their rank and/or seniority adjusted in accordance with paragraph 6114.

6110. 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

6111. Transfer between ground branches is at the discretion of the RAF Manning organisation and. is subject to the Service need.

6112. On transfer to another branch, officers are required to undertake professional (Phase 2) training as necessary. Officers who fail to complete such training satisfactorily are liable to have their commissions terminated, unless suitable for return to their original branch.

6113. A transfer from one ground branch to another will pormally take effect from the date of reselection to the new branch. On transfer, pay will be assessed in accordance with QR 2659(3), as a result the officers rank and seniority in the new branch will be calculated as follows:

a. Transfers to the Medical and Dental Branches in accordance with Chapter 3 Section 3 and/or the Career Management Regulations for Defence Medical Services (JSP 527). Recognition for previous service will be determined by the Branch Sponsor on a case-by-case basis. • b. Transfers to the Legal Branch in accordance with Chapter 3 Section 3.

c. Transfers to Nursing Officer Branch in accordance with Chapter 3 Section 3 and/or the Career Management Regulations for Defence Medical Services (JSP 527).

d. Transfers to all other branches — as if an officers total actual service had been in the . new branch, in accordance with the current rules and. subject. to the following:

(1) Officers who joined before 01 Apr 13 who entered their current branch on commissioned officer entry terms (i.e. graduate or qualified entry) to which they would not have been entitled had they joined the new branch initially, will have their progression in the new branch abated by 32 weeks (assessed as officer cadet service).

(2) Officers who joined before 01 Apr 13 who entered their current branch as an officer cadet (i.e. basic) but who would have enjoyed commissioned officer entry terms had they

Edition 13 • )

6-1-2 AP3393

entered the new branch initially, will have their progression calculated as if they had entered as an officer, with full allowance for antedates if applicable.

(3) 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.

(4) Officers who joined after 1 Apr 13 will only have their progression amended should ) they transfer from or into eitherthe. Eng of Fg Branches due to these branches enjoying enhanced progression over the other functional branches (as per Chapter 5 Section 3. ) paragraph 5304). Eligible transfers into the Fg or Eng branches from another functional branch will receive an enhancement of 1 year (or 2 years for- MEng graduate into Eng ) branch). Transfer from the Fg or Eng branches to another functional branch will lead to a reduction in progression of 1 year (or 2 years for MEng graduate into anther functional branch). Eligible transfers between thé Fg and Eng branches will retain their current progression unless a MEng qualification is held (e.g. +/- 1 year depending on the direction of transfer (to or from Eng branch).

Transfer of Sim Ldrs and Senior Fit Lts

6114. Special arrangements may be authorised by the RAF Manning organisation and the appropriate Branch/Specialisation Sponsor for the re-assessment of rank and seniority of a sqn [dr or a flt It with considerable seniority in their previous branch, although officers in the rank of sqn !dr ) will normally be required to revert to the rank of flt It. ) )

)

) ) )

Edition 13

6.-1-3

AP3393

CHAPTER 6 SECTION 2 EXTENSIONS AND FURTHER SERVICE

Service to Age 55

6201. In certain cases the PC will provide service to age 5553 as follows:

a. Officers who accept promotion by selection to sqn Idr 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. Chapter 5 Section 6 Paragraph 5612 and Chapter 7 Section 3 refer.

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

•(1) Be offered further service to age 55, (known as assimilation), which may also be accompanied by an offer of the Professional Aviator Spine (PAS) remuneration package. Full details of the PAS can be found in JSP 754.

(2) Be offered further service to age 55, (known as assimilation), with transfer in the rank of flt It 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.

G. A number of officers in the ground branches who are not promoted to the rank of sqn !dr 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 W0s/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 9-year SSC.

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 Early Termination (PVR). 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 officers perjod of service (PC or SSC) would normally be about to expire, or if there are other exceptional circumstances that make it desirable to retain an officers 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 (e.g. those on a SSC or those on a PC who are exiting under Early Termination (PVR) who are retained in Service under the provisions of *agraph 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.

53 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.

Edition 1 3

6-2-1 AP3393

Extensions of Šervice.

6205. All extensions of service are granted by the RAF Manning Organisation and applications are considered in the light of 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 serVide fora 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. lf §uch officers subsequently wish to retire before reaching theitnew retiring, date they Must apply for Early Termination (OVR).

6208. Only in exceptional circumstances will. an officers service be extended beyond the age of 55 years; the proviSiOnS of paragraph 6207 still apply tO such offiCers. Application§ to serve beyond the NRD Will not normally be considered until officers are in their last 3 years Of service.

Officers Serving On a Sc •

6209. Offiters serving on a SSC who wish td 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 rnaximum of 14 years.

Reserve Liability

Exterision§,of serviCe granted under the terms,of paragraph 6209 do not affect an officers' liability for reserVe service (Chapter 1 Section 2 paragraph 1205 refers), except that the reserve liability of Nlyr§ing OffiCerS who extend their period of regular service, and MediCal or bental Branch officers who extend theirregular 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 yol 7. •

Application

6211. Applications for extensions of service should. be submitted to the RAF Manning Organisation. Officers May apply to• extend their servide at any tirne after completing 2 years' comMissioned service. All officers. are adVised to submittheir 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; itthey Wish, give alternativeiJeriods.of extension in the épplications and, if none of these can begranted, the 'RAF Manning Organisation rnay offer a different Period. - Officers are inforrnedindividuallyby letter, through the normal channels, of the results of their applications. •

)410 Ed Mon .13

6-2-2

AP3393

CHAPTER 6 SECTION 3 PROFESSIONAL AVIATOR SPINE Introduction

6301. The Professional Aviator Spine (PAS) is detailed in jSP 754, which is the authoritatiye tri- service manual on pay. PAS is a financial incentive designed to retain aircrew in'flying or closely related flying appointments at or beyond the IRD/EDR PAS officers do not receive Specialist Pay (Flying), but an 'enhanced rate of basic pay that recognizes their aircrew skills and employment in flying and flying related appointments. PAS is therefore a separate pay scale for selected officers within the Mainstream of the flying branch.

6302. 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 4), as not all those employed on SATOS are automatically eligible or selected for transfer to the PAS. Eligibility

6303. Sqn ldrs and flt Its of the Flying Branch that are eligible in accordance with JSP 754, Chapter 5, Section 6, rnay be considered by the RAF Manning Organisation for transfer to the PAS. Transfer to the PAS

6304. • Transfer to the PAS is by selection and acceptance of an offer will condition the pfficer to serve to age 55 from the date of acceptance. However, designation as PAS will take effect from either the IRD/EDP or date of acceptancé in writing, if later. Sqn ldrs are eligible to apply for transfer to PAS in competition with flt Its. Promotion

6305. Flt It PAS personnel remain eligible forpromotion to sqn Idr and if selected will remain on the PAS. However, as PAS sqn ldrs, their employment will normally be limited to flying or flying- related ground appointments. PAS flt Its who are promoted to sqn Idr and remain on the PAS will not receive a pay increase on promotion.

6306. Sqn !dr PAS personnel remain eligible for promotion to wg cdr. However, sqn !dr PAS personnel who accept promotion to wg cdr must leave the PAS and will be unable to rejoin at any future point.

6307. 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

6308. All personnel on accepting entry on to the PAS will be subject to a 5 year RoS.

Edition 13 (.

6-3-1 ) AP3393 ) )0 CHAPTER 6 ) SECTION 4 ) SPECIALIST AIRCREW - RESERVED RIGHTS ) Introduction

) 6401. 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 38/16 point when: .

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

(2) Flt Its 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' (B0s) who have/had attained 8 years seniority in the rank of flt It ) 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 It or had reached age 38, whichever was the later.

) 6402. Prior to 1 Apr 03, flt Its granted an extension of sérvice 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. ) 4) Promotion

) 6403. SA flt Its will be considered for promotion to sqn [dr in accordance with Chapter 5 Section 6. All SA flt Its will be considered for promotion to sqn Idr (SA) from age 45 years onwards. ) These promdtions will be subject to an annual limitation and will provide a limited number of rnanagement 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 Idr 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

) 6404. Branch Officers (B0s) of the Fg Branch who have already transferred to SA and are subsequently promoted to substantive sqn Ur will be required to serve on the following terms: ) a. On or before their 45th birthday — Career Stream (CS) terms of service.

b. Atter their 45th birthday — SA terms of service.

Edition 13

) 6-4-1 AP3393 (- 6405. BOp of the Fg Branch who are promoted to substantive sqn Idr but have. yet to attain 8 years seniority as aftt lt will be required tò serve ón the following terms: ( : (-- 1 a. On or before\ their 45th birthday — CŠ terrhs of service. 1 1 b. After their 45th birthday — SA terM$ of serVice. . 1

Edition 13

6-4-2

AP3393

CHAPTE 6 SECTION 5 DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE PE MANENTLY WITHDRAWN FROM THEIR DUTIES Circumstances of Withdrawal from Duty

6501. 'Productive officers may be perrnanently 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.

6502. Reporting actiori 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.

6503. Exceptionally, the Air Force•Board may decide that an officer is to be perrnanently withdrawn from their duties in circumstances other than those described in paragraph 6501. Medical Unfitness for Duties

6504. 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

6505. Officers who pre 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 in the light of 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 cornmissions terminated, be retired; or be required to relinquish their commissions under the appropriate regulations as set oat 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

6506. Transfer of productive officers is covered in Chapter 6 Section 1.

Edition 13

6-5-1 AP3393

CHAPTER 7 EXITS CONTENTS

Section 1 Exit from the 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 (Premature Voluntary Release) Section 6 Amortisation of Command Appointrnents

Edition 13 7

AP3393

CHAPTER 7 _ •SECTION 1 ' EXIT FROM SERVICE -,GENERAL

Introduction

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

Normal Release

7102. Normal release is when an officer leave§ the Service at a prescribed coMpuleory retirement or exit point for their branch and commission:exercises an available option point, or retires at the prešcribed maximurn age fbr their branch or specialization.. Normal release is described in detail in SeCtion 3 of thiS Chapter.

Premature Compulsory Release

7103. Prernature compulsory release is the Early Termination by the RAF of an officer's service on either medical groundš (Invaliding') or non-medical grounds, other than at a prescribed compulsory exit point or retirement date, and indludes 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 (PVR)

7104. Early Terminatibn (PVR) is an officer's release from service at their own request, other than ata prescribed option point or exit date: Early Terrnination (PVR) 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 terrninates the service of an officer on any type of commission when they-fait to beCome produbtive

LI.. Transfer'to the Reeerve. When an Officer holding a non-permanent cornmiseion which carries a reserve liability finishes regular šervice, and begins reserve service.

) c. Relihquišhment.. When an 'officer holding a non-perManent cornmission with no reserve liability, or Whose reserve liability le waived because their reason(s).for exit render ) their recall' to regdar service irripractibal, leaves regular service.

) d. RetfreMent When an officer hOlding a pc leavee regular service either prematurely Or at a preecribed date. • ) e. Resignation. Amode of prernatyre release requested by the individual and only granted in exceOtibnal 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 tOrnrnission.

g.. When.an officer's regular service is prematurely terMinated on medical - grounds.

Edition. 13

) • 7-1-1

AP3393

h. Admjnietrative Exit. When an officer's regular service is prematurely terminated administratively; this may include on medical, disciplinary or other grounds. Section 2 showe the release or disposal authority for each mode and other term§ of service considerations, such as reserve or recall liability. Acceptance of Business Appointments after 'leaving the Service 7106. QR J913 refers. Within 2 years of leaving the service, all officers must obtain the appf-oval 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 eneure that when an officer accepts such emplojrment there is no cause for suspidion or allegations of impropriety. Retired Officers in Civil, Commonwealth or Foreign EmplOyment 7107. QR J2914 refers. Officers ANN leave regular service must not, so long as they continue to .hold a cdmmission, or to draw retired pay, enter the service of any government outside the UK, or organisatioh sponsored by such a government, or any international organisation, without the consent of the MOD. Date of Retirement 7108. 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 impriscinment by the civil power, the exit date will be the date of conviction. Thè date will be notified in the London Gazette, Where the . officer appeals unsuccessfully; the exit date will be unaffected by such an appeal. 7109. For an officer disrnisšed with disdrace, or simPly dismissed frorn 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. Consoientious Objectors • 7110. The rules regarding release of personnel declared as conscientious objectors are detailed in AP 3392 Volume 5 Leaflet 113. • Retention of Rank 7111. Officers may be eligible and can apply to retain their rank in civilian life under certain conditions. Regulations concerning retention of rank are in QR 3002 - 3007. Entitlements on Exit 7112. An officer's eligibility for terminal leave ie governed by JSP 760, for Resettlement by JSP 534 and for retired pay by QRš, Chapter 38.

Edition 13 •

7-1-2 ...a)

4,393

CHAPTER 7 SECTION 2 RELEASEIDISPOSAL 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.

Release/Disposal Authority • Subject to completion of the , appropriate period of service is Mode of Release Type of Circumstances eligible for: Commission of Exit . Air Gp Capts Wg • Sqn Ldrs Retention of Reserve or Officers Cdrs and Below Rank Flt Lt and Recall Liability Above

• (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (9) (h) (i)

Premature N/A N/A N/A ACOS Manning or • Compulsory Commandant RAF College Release: and Director of All Recruitment and Initial Trg • TRAINING FAILURE No No . Commissions Non-productive (RAF) as appropriate officers under QR2905(1) . . (see Note 1)

Edition 13

7-2-1 • AP3393

Release/Disposal Authority Subject to completion of the appropriate period of service is Mode of Release Type of Circumstances eligible for: Commission of Exit Air Gp Capts Wg Sqn Ldrs • Retention of Reserve or Officers Cdrs and Below Rank Flt Lt and Recall Liability • Above

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) . (f) (g) (h) (i) •

Normal Release N/A N/A •N/A ACOS Manning Yes Yes • •

Early Termination N/A N/A N/A ACOS Manning Yes Yes TRANSFER TO THE • Non-Permanent (PVR) (See Note 2) RESERVE • Premature N/A N/A N/A Air Force Board No . No Compulsory. Release

•

Normal Release N/A N/A N/A ACOS.Manning Yes • No

Early Termination N/A N/A N/A • ACOS Manning • Yes • No RELINQUISHMENT Non-Permanent (PVR) (See Note 2)

Premature N/A N/A N/A Air Force Board No No Compulsory •Release .

Normal Release CAS COS Pers ACOS Manning Yes Yes • / Air (See Note 2) Secretary

Edition 13

7-2-2 s."1'

• 393 , • - Release/Dispošal AUthority • Subject to completion of the apptOpriate period of servíce is , Mode &Release . Type of Circumstances - eligible fOr: ' COmmission of Exit , Air Gp Capts Wg Sqn Ldrs • Retentibn of Reserve or • . . . . Officers - Cdrs and Below • Rank Fit Ltand. Recall Liability Above

(a) • (b) • (c) (d) (e) (f) • (9) •• (h) . (i) .

Early Termination CAS COS Pers: ACOS Manning Yes Yes (PVR) / Air . • :RETIREMENT Permanent • Secretary (See Note 2)- . . Premature . Air Force Board . • Yes • :Yes Compulsory Release . (but see (but see QR3002(7)) QR2905(2)) . ,

Early Termination CAS COS Pers ACOS Manning •No • NO . • • (PVR) • / Air • (See Note 2) ' Secretary . . • • RESIGNATION All Commissions Premature Air•Force Borda No No • Compulsory Release

REMOVAL • All Premature • HM The QUEEN . No No . • Commissions CompolsOry . Release • _ . .

INVALIDING • All Invaliding CAS COS Pers ACOS Manning Yes • • No

ComMissions • . / Air (See Note 2) • •

Edition 13

7-2-3

AP3393

• Release/Disposal Authority Subject to completion of the appropriate period of service is Mode of ReleaSe Type of Circumstances eligible for: • Commission of Exit • • Air Gp Capts Wg • Sqn Ldrs Retention of Reserve or Officers , Cdrs and Below Rank Flt Lt and Recall Liability . . Above

(a) (b) . (c) (d) (e) (f) (9) (h) - (i)

Secretary .

ADMINISTRATIVE All Administratively Air Force Board Yes No .

EXIT • Commissions under QR2905(4) • (but see . QR3002(7))

Notes:

1. Commandant RAF College and Director of Recruitment and Initial Training (RAF) (Corridt RAFC and DRIT (RAF)) 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 sugh cases). ACOS Manning is the release/disposal authority for qualified aircrew and ATC and ABM Branch 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 sqn ldrs and below is normally delegated to the appropriate DACOS within the RAF Manning Organisation.

' Edition 13

7-2-4

AP3393

CHAPTER 7 SECTION 3 NORMAL RELEASE FROM SERVICE Normal Retirement Points

7301. Initial Retirement Date (IRD). An IRD is the date on which an officer is due to retire having completed an initial PC (as defined in Chapter 1 Section 2). It is applicable to an officer who has not been promoted to sqn !dr before the completion of the initial PC or those who have not been offered or declined to accept further service to the NRD. Officers awarded a PC prior to 5 Apr 05 will have an IRD at the 38/16 point. Those awarded a PC on or after 5 Apr 05.6r who transferred to AFPS 05 will have an IRD at the 40/18 point.

7302. Deferment of an IRD. Deferment of an IRD, other than to meet a specific Service need, is not normally permitted. However ex-serving personnel commissioned prior to 1 Apr 02 may have their IRD extended by up to 6 years where such action is justified for career management purposes.

7303. Normal Retirement Date (NRD). The date on which an officer is due to retire having reached the age appropriate to their rank and branch for compulsory retirement.

7304. Officers selected for further service beyond the IRD will normally be conditioned to senre to age 55 with an Optional Retirement Date (see paragraph 7314) on the same date as their previous IRD. The date of an officers 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: )

Branch • Air Air Air Vice- Air Cdre Group Chief Marshal Marshal Captain and ) Marshal below ) General Duties 58 57 - - . - Medical and Dental (Pre 1 Apr 03) - • - - 58 •• 58 Except for: a. Consultants and Senior Specialists (except as in b) - - 65 65 65 ) • b. Consultants and Senior Specialists in Occupational and ) Community Medicine and other officers • - 60 60 .60 58 ) Legal • - • - 60 60 • 60 • Nursing Officer - - - - 57 , (Gp Capt only)54

54 NOs can be invited, for Service reasons, to serve until 57. Otherwise the NRD will remain at 55.

• Edition 13

7-3-1

AP3393

• A Chaplain selected for appointment as Chaplain-in-Chiei 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.

7305. Certain officers appointed to a PC before 1 Apr 70 in the GD Branch and 1 Sep 70 in the Ground Branches may have reserved rights, the details of which can be found in AP3393 6th Edition Chapter 5, available from the document sponsor.

7306. While it is the policy of the RAF to adhere to the normal compulsory retiring ages, wherever possible, the RAF reserves the right to.retire an officer prematurely at any time-should they consider this to be necessary. However, in general, such a right would not 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. Similarly, where the RAF considers that it is necessary in the interests of the Service, an officer may be retained beyond the normal retirement date, or beyond the optional retirement date, where applicable. When an officer is retaihed Compulsorily 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.

7307. End of SSC. Officers appointed to a SSC will serve for the period set out in their offer of • service letter; from 1 Jan 12, periods of service will normally be for 9 years. In exception, both after 1 Jan 12 and prior to that time, periods of service may vary from 3 — 12 years depending on the branch. Those officers who are not selected to transfer to a PC will be transferred to the Reserve at the end of their SSC. Optional Retirement Points

7308. Optional Exit Point (OEP). This is the date on which an officer elects to tranfer to the Reserve. The OEP is only applicable to graduates or professionally qualified entrants on a PC (as defined in Chapter 1 Section 3) and to an officer of the Fg Branch appointed to a 12 year SSC before 1 Oct 98.

7309. Eight Year Option Point. Officers awarded a SSC in the Fg Branch before 1 Oct 98 have an OEP at the 8 year point. The policy was not included in AP 3393 until Oct 99; as a consequence in the period up to 1 Oct 99 a number of individuals were erroneously awarded an 8 year OEP, which is to be honoured. This OEP will be deferred to provide 6 years productive service following successful completion of an Operational Conversion course for the first time. If officers do not wish to continue in the Service beyond this point they must apply in writing to their Career Manager not less than 12 months before the due exit date. Failure to give the required notice will • normally entail a loss of option.

7310. Deferment of 8 year OEP. An officer with an 8 year OEP will be required to defer it to provide a Trg RoS or to enable them to fulfil the requirements of a particular appointment. • 7311. Twelve Year Option Point. Entrants who were commissioned before 01 Apr 13 on Graduate, University Cadet and professionally qualified (graduate equivalent terms) were, on initial• entry to the Service, appointed to a PC to the •IRD and have an OEP at the 12 year point. Those who are not offered promotion to the rank of sqn Ur within 12 years' whole time service (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. An officer leaving the Service at the 12 year option point will be transferred to the RAF Retired List. The 12 year OEP will be withdrawn from those who accept substantive promotion to sqn Edition 13 • 7-3-2

AP3393

7312. 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 rnanning considerations require it. An officer who has consented to such a deferment retains the right to leave at the deferred date if not subsequently ") promoted to sqn !dr. 7313. An officer who has elected to retire at an OEP will not normally be permitted to rescind this decision.

Optional Retirement Date (ORD)

7314. 38/16 or 40/18 Optional Retirement Date (ORD). This is the date on which an officer who has.been promoted to sqn Idr before their IRD may elect to retire. The date of the ORD will be the same as the individual's IRD, or a date 3 years from the date of substantive promotion, " whichever is the later. Paragraphs 5612 and 6201 refer. Officers who have accepted assimilation to age 55 will not gain a 38/16 or 40/18 ORD if subsequently promoted to sqn Idr. They rnay however be awarded a 44/22 ORD under the provisions of paragraphs 7319 to 7323. 7315. Officers who have an ORD at the 38/16 or 40/18 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 are to do so not less than orie year before their ORD, unless exceptional permission to delay the decision has been granted. Officers without exceptional perrnission who fail to state their intention by one year,before their ORD will forfeit their option. Officers are to notify their Career Manager in writing; all notifications will be acknowledged. 7316. 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 Early Termination (PVR) (see Section 6). An officer who has elected to retire at an ORD will not normally be allowed to rescind this decision. 7317. 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 be promoted during the 3 year period préceding the ORD unless they have either: a. Elected not to exercise the right of optional retirement; or b. Stated that, if promoted during that period, they are willing to have their ORD deferred to complete a minimum of 3 years frorn the date of substantive promotion. 7318. Deferment of 38/16 or 40/18 ORD: The 38/16 or 40/18 ORD can be deferred as a condition of selection for post-graduate or pre-employment training to fulfil the Trg RoS required for such training as a condition of selection for substantive promotion or where a deferment is not contrary to the Service interest. Other than for an over-riding service need, an ORacannot be ) deferred by more than 3 years from the original option point. ) 7319. 44/22 Optional RetireMent Date (ORD). The 44/22 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. ) 7320. Background. The 44/22 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 1985 and has remained in use ever since. It enabled individuals to leave at a conditioned exit point midway between the 38/16 point and age 50 without reducing the pension payment that AFPS 75 made to officers who exited on PVR terms before completing 29 years reckopable service. The other major attraction of the 44/22 ORD, when it was introduced, was being able to exercise the

Edition 13 7-3-3

AP3393 • option and leave after as little as 12 months notice when the PVR Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) was 3 years and regularly enforced: 7321. • The introduction of AFPS 05 necessitated a reviewof terms of service which included the continued use and relevance of the 44/22 ORD. The review found that the provisions of the new pensign scheme enade the 44/22 ORD .rneaningles$ to individuals in AFPS 95, 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 traufer from AFPS 75 to AFPS 05. Officers who remain in AFPS 75 are to be granted a 44/22 ORD as and when theNi becgme eligible, 7322. Since the PVR MWT was reduced to 12 months in 2000, harniOnising the notice period fon both PVR and exit at the 44/22 ORD, the sole retention incentive provided by the ORD has been the full rate of lrinmediate Pension that it provides to those in AFPS 75. However AFPS 05 provides much greater flexibility and individuals can exit on Early Termination (PVR) terms at any point after the initial EDP date without financial penalty. 7323. Deferment of 44/22 ORD. The 44/22 ORD may only be deferred in order to fulfil a Trg RoS for training provided by the Service or where there is an over-riding Service need for it to be deferred. A deferment may not bp granted to fulfil the requirements of sUbstantive promotion, refer to Chapter 5 Section 6 paragraph 5612. 41Ik

Aft Edition 13 Nilt

. 7-3-4

AP3393

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 corne under the following categories:

a. Training Failure. Termination of commission on failure to complete the training required for productive duty in a branch, either upon joining or re-employment or re-instatement.

b. Misconduct. Officers (including officers on the Retired List) will be liable to be removed from the Service (including the Retired List) or have their commission terminated at any time for misconduct.

c. Unsuitability. Officers who have not committed misconduct may at any time be called upon to retire, relinquish or resign their commission on grounds of unsuitability, incapacity, inefficiency or for any similar reason, should the circumstances, in the opinion of the Air Force Board, require it.

• d. Other Reasons. Officers to whom the provisions of the preceding clauses do not apply may nevertheless be called upon to retire, relinquish or resign their cornmission or be transferred to the reserve, or be compulsorily retired or transferred to the reserve at any time, should the Air Force Board consider this to be necessary. This will include officers to be invalided.

Compulsory Retirement or Transfer to. the Reserve, Removal and Termination

7402. In some cases the Air Force Board may call upon the officer to resign their cornmission or to retire. In such cases failure to submit a formal application to resign or to retire would involve removal or termination as decided by the Air Force Board. An officer convicted by Court-Martial of misconduct but not sentenced by the Court to be disrnissed from Her Majesty's Service may nevertheless be removed for misconduct. Alternatively, if the officers commission carries with it a liability for reserve service, they may, if the Air Force Board so decide, be called upon to apply for transfer to the reserve. Officers who fail to subrnit a formal application to retire, to resign, to relinquish their commission or to be transferred to the reserve when called upon to do so, will have their retirement, the relinquishment of their commission, their resignation or their transfer to the reserve, affected compulsorily.

Interview with Disposal Authority

7403. In cases where it is considered appropriate to terminate an officer's commission (including compulsory retirement and being called upon to retire) no disposal action will be taken 'until the officer has had the opportunity to make representations in person to the appropriate disposal authority in accordance with QR1027.

Edition 13

7-4-1 AP3393

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 officers 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. In certain circumstances, as decided by the RAF, officers with a reduced medical category may be offered retention in their branch on the understanding that a review will take place to assess their employability up to a maximum of 3 years hence. In some cases it may become necessary for the RAF to terminate their regular service on medical grounds prior to or at that review. In that event termination of service would normally be by invaliding and would, if Possible, be subject to at least 6 months notice after the decision to invalid. Any officer who is retained on this understanding will, in view of the potential negative effect upon career prospects and/or employability, have a reciprocal right to leave regUlar service having given 6 months' notice, or earlier, if releasable without inconvenience to the Service. A decision to leave at own request will normally mean release on Early Termination (PVR) terms but the RAF may decide whether inValiding is exceptionally justified. The period of 6 months' notice will not apply to Fg Branch officers retained under the terms of paragraph 7503 who become medically unfit for ground duties; termination of their service will be by invaliding in accordance with normal procedures.

Discharge or Retention of Medically Unfit Officers"

7503. Fg Branch. Productive Fg Branch officers who, as a result of a review under the terms of QR 1421, are withdrawn from flying duties solbly on account of medical unfitness may elect to be invalided under QR 1421(3). 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. lf, for any reason, an officer cannot be retained in regular service they will be invalided under QR 1421(2).

7504. 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.

7505. Other Branches. 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). 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 there are posts available in which they can be employed. lf, for any reason, an officer cannot be retained in regular service they will be invalided under QR 1421(2).

Discharge or Retention of Medically Unfit Officers under Training

7506. 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).

Edition 13 • (-

7-5-1

AP3393

7507. 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, howevér, 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).

7508. 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 Process

7509. 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 7503.

7510. The decision to retain in regular service or invalid officers who are absent frorn 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.

•7511. 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.

7512. To determine whether or not there is, or continues to be, a reasonable probability that an officer willbecome 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

7513. lf 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, invaliding

Edition 13

7-5-2

AP3393

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 7503.

7514. 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 rnonth 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.

7515. An officer about to be released may be retained on medical grounds only if, on the day appointed as the officers 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 officerS opinion as to the requirement for treatment.

Edition 13 110

7-5-3 ) AP3393

) . CHAPTER 7 • ) SECTION 6 ) EARLY TERMINATION (PREMATURE VOLUNTARY RELEASE)

Introduction

) 7601. The modes of premature release frorn regular service in accordance with QR 2906(2) are: ) a. Premature Voluntary Retirement. This is the normal route of release for officers holding PCs. ) b. Premature Transfer to the Reserve. This is the normal route of release for officers ) • holding non-permanent commissions which carry a reserve liability.

) c. Relinquishment. This is for officers holding non-permanent 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. The provisions of AP3392 Vol 5 Lflt 120 apply to those under the age of 18. ) Early Termination (PVR) ) 7604. . Officers who wish to prematurely voluntarily retire, transfer to the Reserve prematurely, ) resign or voluntarily relinquish their commission, must apply for Early Termination (PVR) giving full reasons to enable the RAF Manning Organisation to arrive at a decision. Early Termination (PVR) is ) not a right and application§ are considered in light of 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 grairt 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. 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 (PVR) Policy

) 7606. The present policy under which applications for Early Termination (PVR) will be considered is 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.

Edition 13 •

7-6-1 . AP3393

b. Officers at or over Age 50 or Completed 30 Years Total Service. In recognition of .their long service, officers who are aged 50 plus, or those who have completed 30 years' total • service, will normally be permitted to exit having given 6 months' notice, regardless of the Early Termination (PVR) waiting time for their Branch. The Service reserves the right, however, to retain officers for up to the maximum Early Termination (PVR) waiting time for their Branch, or to decline exit on Early Termination (PVR) terms, in exceptional circumstances. Officers in this category who exit on Early Termination (PVR) terms are not normally subject to the RoS- requirements at Chapter 4 but should also be aware of•the provisions of paragraph 2301.

c. • Officers under Age 50 and Not Completed 30 Years' Total Service. Officers who are under age 50 may be granted Early Termination (OVR) but this will be subject to Service manning needs and to satisfying the RoS requirements at Chapter 4 Sectioh 4. Officers are to give a minimum of 6 months notice to leave the service. Those officers who cannot be released on the requested date will have their application dealt with in accordance with•

paragraph 7608. •

Early Termination (PVR) Waiting Periods

7607. Every application will be considered by the RAF Manning Organisation on its individual •merits. Applications will be considered in the light of Service requirements and manning levels within the applicants' particular rank, branch and, where appropriate, specialization. Providing the RoS requirements set out in Chapter 5 Section 4 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. •

7608. 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 norrnally be given for a date no more than 12 months from the date of their application. If the ménning levels and/or Service requirements within an officer's particular rank, branch or specialisation 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 Terrnination (PVR) Waiting Periods

7609. Time Promotion. The approval of an officer's application for Early Termination (PVR) will not have any effect on tirne 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.

7610. Promotion by Selection. Provided they are in all other respects eligible, officers with "an approved Early Termination (PVR) 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

7611. 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 Early Termination (PVR) grounds. Early Termination (PVR) maximum waiting times do not apply to officers exiting on

the grounds of pregnancy. The Ministry of Defence produces its own guide on maternity • arrangements for Servicewomen in the regular Armed Forces which is published in JSP 760.

Edition 13

7-672 AP3393

Applications for Early Termination (PVR)

7612. Applications for Early Termination (PVIR) are to be made in accordance with current Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) Business Process Guide (BPG) for Early Termination. An officer whose request for Early Termination (PVR) is approved will be so informed by their Career Manager.

7613. Officers who apply for Early Termination (PVR), to transfer to the Reserve, resign or relinquish their commissions, are to be aware that by submitting their application for Early Termination (PVR) 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 Chap 2 concerning recall to regular service.

• e. QR's 2936, 2939 and 2984 concerning the effect of premature exit on non-effective benefits.

f. OR 2693(3) for medical and dental officers only.

g. Paragraph 7605 for officers transferring prematurely to the Reserve.

h. JSP 754 concerning the effects of Early Termination (PVR) on special pay.

i. JSP 534 concerning Graduated Resettlement Time.

j. JSP 760 concerning Terminal Leave.

7614. 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 Early Termination (PVR)/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 Early Termination (PVR) is granted at the sole discretion of Manning, that the release date will be considered jn the light of manning and 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, Trg or FRI. Officers are to be aware that if they have any such commitments they are liable to repay the full amount, JSP 754 Chapter 7 refers.

Applications to Rescind Early Termination (PVR)

7615. An application to rescind an approved request for Early Terminatiori (PVR), 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 Early Termination (PVR) are to speak to their Career Manager in the first instance and are to follow the JPA BPG for Early Termination (PVR).

Edition 13

7-6-3

AP3393 Miscellaneous Provisions

7616. 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 family compassionate reasons accepted by the RAF as necessitating the Early Termination (PVR) 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.

7617. Graduated Resettlement Time. Officers who retire prematurely may be entitled to an amount of Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) in accordance with JSP 534.

7618. Terminal Leave. Officers who retire prematurely may be entitled to Terminal Leave, JSP 760 refers.

7619. Applicants for Early Termination (PVR) who are the Subject of a Special Report or a Police Investigation whether they are in the UK or Overseas. Officers who are the subject of a special report under the terms of QR 1027 or are under investigation by the Service or Civilian Police and who wish to apply for Early Termination (PVR) are to be aware that their applications will be treated in accordance with paragraphs 7604, 7605, 7607 and 7608 above. An application for Early Termination (PVR) will not have any affect on either the Special 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 Early Termination (PVR). 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 Early Termination (PVR) is an admission of guilt.

Edition 13. •

7-6-4

t",

AP3393

)0 CHAPTER 7 SECTION 7 AMORTISATION OF COMMAND APPOINTMENTS

Introduction

1) 7701. Command is a privilege and the essence of service in the RAF; it is an opportunity given only to the very best of our officer corps. With it come responsibilities. These are Most evident whilst in appointment, but the experience gained in command is unique and it is in the best interests of the Service that it should seek a return on its investment in appointing individuals to command. Command appointments are, therefore, reserved for those officers who are prepared to show exceptional commitment to the RAF by providing an assurance of continued service which willallow them and the Service to capitalise on their command experience to the overall benefit of Defence. An officer who is not prepared to accept command under these terms will not have their appointment confirmed and will be removed from any future command competitions.

7702. A gp capt or wg cdr who takes up a command appointment55 is required to provide 24 months RoS following completion of their cornmand tour. The RoS will be incurred from the date on ) • which command is assumed and will normally comménce on the date that command is relinquished. ) Effect on Normal Release from Service

) 7703. Officers who have an ORD at the 38/16 or 40/18 point, which would otherwise occur during their command tour and before completion of the 24 month RoS, are required to waive or defer the option. Officers with an ORD at the 44/22 point, which would otherwise occur during the command tour and before completion of the 24 month RoS, are 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 rnore than 3 years beyond the original option point.

) Impact on Applications for Early Termination (PVR) 7704. 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.

Training and other Types of Return of Service

7705. The RoS required to amortize a command appointment will run concurrently with training ) and other RoS requirements. )

)

)

55 Command appointments include station and squadron executive appointments and those appointments which, in accordance with QR(RAF)80, require a 'handing-over certificate'.

Edition 13

7-7-1 Appendix 1 to AP3393 ABBREVIATIONS

ABM Aerospace Battle Manager MES Medical Employment Standard AEng Air Engineer MOD Ministry of Defence AEO Air Electronics Officer MS Mainstream AFPS75/05 Amied Forces Pension Scheme 1975/2005 MSO Medical Support Officer AP Air Publication MWT Minimum Waiting Time . AS Aerosystems Nav Navigator ATC Air Traffic Control NCA Non-Commissioned Aircrew BO Branch Officer NRD Normal Retirement Date CE Communications - Electronics OACTU Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit CFS Central Flying School OASC Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre CID Certificate of Identity OC Officer Cadet Cmn Crewman OCU Operational Conversion Unit CS Career Stream OEP Optional Exit Point CTOS Common Terms of Service ORD Optional Retirement Date CWO Commissioned Warrant Officer PAS Professional Aviator Spine DIN Defence Instruction and Notice PC Permanent Commission DLS Directorate of Legal Services PJFT Pre-joining Fitness Test DOM Director qf Music PMRAFNS Princess Mary's RAF Nursing Service DRIT Directorate of Recruitment and Initial PROC• Potential Regiment Officer Course DTUS Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme Prov Provost Branch EDP Early Departure Payments PVR Premature Voluntary Release ES Executive Stream RAFC RAF College ET (PVR) Early Termination (Premature Voluntary RAFFT RAF Fitness Test Fg Flying RAFR RAF Reserve Flt Ops Flight Operations RAFVR RAF Volunteer Reserve FRI Financial Retention Incentive RAuxAF Royal Auxiliary Air Force ICS Internal Commissioning Scheme Regt Regimeni Int Intelligence RoS Return of Service • IOT / IOTC Initial Officer Training Course RSE Regular Service Expiry IPP Immediate Pension Point SA Specialist Aircrew IRD Initial Retirement Date SSC Short Service Cornmission ISSC Individual Staff Studies Course STRC Short Term Regular Commission ICSC (A) Intermediate Command and Staff Course TACCO Tactical Co-ordinator JOCC / Junior Officers Command Course / TOS Terms of Service JROC Junior Regiment Officer Coursd TCOS •Terrns and Conditions.of Service JSP Joint Services Publication UAS University Air Squadron Linguist VW Voluntary Withdrawal MB Medical Board WSO Weapon Systems Officer

• Edition 13

1-1