Contents
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION 1-1
CHAPTER 2
STRUCTURE OF THE SERVICES AND ORGANIZATION OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE 2-1
CHAPTER 3
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFICERS 3-1
SECTION 1 - INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMANDERS 3-1
SECTION 2 - INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFICERS GENERALLY 3-17
SECTION 3 - INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO PARTICULAR BRANCHES OF THE SERVICE 3-18
CHAPTER 4
COMMAND, CORRESPONDING RANK AND PRECEDENCE 4-1
CHAPTER 5
CEREMONIAL 5-1
CHAPTER 6
UNIFORM AND DRESS 6-1
CHAPTER 7
ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS 7-1
CHAPTER 8
APPOINTMENT, ATTACHMENT, LOAN, POSTING AND PROMOTION OF OFFICERS,
INCLUDING PROMOTION EXAMINATIONS 8-1
SECTION 1 - APPOINTMENT AND LOAN, ETC, OF OFFICERS. 8-1
SECTION 2 - OFFICERS AND NON-COMMISSIONED AIRCREW - POSTINGS AND ATTACHMENTS 8-3
SECTION 3 - PROMOTION OF OFFICERS 8-
CHAPTER 9
TRAINING 9-1
SECTION 1 - TRAINING POLICY 9-1
SECTION 2 - TRAINING ADMINISTRATION AND PROVISION 9-2
SECTION 3 - GENERAL SERVICE TRAINING 9-4
SECTION 4 - LANGUAGE TRAINING 9-6
SECTION 5 - FLYING TRAINING 9-7
SECTION 6 - RAF REGIMENT TRAINING 9-7
SECTION 7 - PHYSICAL EDUCATION & PARACHUTE TRAINING 9-8
CHAPTER 10
AIRMEN - ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION, DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS,
DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE 10-1
SECTION 1 - ENTRY OF RECRUITS 10-1
SECTION 2 - PROMOTION 10-6
SECTION 3 - REMUSTERING, TRANSFER BETWEEN TRADES, REDUCTION AND REVERSION 10-8
SECTION 4 - AIRMEN IN GROUND TRADES - POSTING AND ATTACHMENT 10-16
SECTION 5 - EXTENSION OF SERVICE, RE-ENGAGEMENT AND CONTINUANCE IN SERVICE 10-18
SECTION 6 - PREMATURE VOLUNTARY RELEASE 10-22
SECTION 7 - TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE 10-26
SECTION 8 - DISCHARGE 10-30
CHAPTER 11
ENGINEERING 111-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 11-1
SECTION 2 - RESPONSIBILITIES 11-1
SECTION 3 - ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS 11-3
SECTION 4 - MAINTENANCE OF AIRCRAFT AND OTHER TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT 11-3
CHAPTER 12
FLYING 12-1
CHAPTER 13
GENERAL DUTIES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 13-1
SECTION 1 - DAILY DUTIES 13-1
SECTION 2 - RELIGION AND THE CHAPLAINCY SERVICES 13-12
SECTION 3 - MILITARY AID TO THE CIVIL AUTHORITIES 13-18
SECTION 4 - MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS 13-21
SECTION 5 - BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT 13-37
SECTION 6 - PRISONERS OF WAR. 13-44
SECTION 7 - PROTECTION OF CIVIL INTERESTS 13-45
SECTION 8 - WAR MEMORIALS 13-46
SECTION 9 - MAKING A WILL 13-47
SECTION 10 - SERVICE INSTITUTES, CORPORALS' AND airmen’s CLUBS, NAAFI SERVICES 13-48
CHAPTER 14
GENERAL LEGAL MATTERS 14-1
SECTION 1 - JURISDICTION 14-1
SECTION 2 - CIVIL LAW AND PROCEEDINGS 14-52
SECTION 3 - INQUIRIES INTO DEATHS 14-57
SECTION 4 - LEGAL AID SCHEMES 14-59
CHAPTER 15
DISCIPLINE 15-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 15-1
SECTION 2 - SEARCH, ARREST AND CUSTODY 15-22
SECTION 3 - INVESTIGATION AND DISPOSAL OF CHARGES 15-30
SECTION 4 - SUMMARY AND MINOR PUNISHMENT 15-43
SECTION 5 - SUMMARY APPEALS 15-50
SECTION 6 – PROCEDURE IN CASES OF ABSENCE, DESERTION AND OFFENCES AGAINST ENLISTMENT 15-59
SECTION 7 - DISPOSAL OF PERSONS SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT OR DETENTION 15-60
SECTION 8 - APPLICATION OF PART II AIR FORCE ACT TO CIVILIANS 15-66
CHAPTER 16
COURTS-MARTIAL 16-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 16-1
SECTION 2 - CASE PAPERS AND FORMAL PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS 16-6
SECTION 3 - AWARD OF SENTENCES AND DISPOSAL OF PROCEEDINGS 16-6
SECTION 4 - APPEALS AGAINST FINDINGS AND/OR SENTENCE OF COURTS-MARTIAL 16-8
SECTION 5 - REVIEW AND SUSPENSION OF SENTENCES 16-9
SECTION 6 - COMPENSATION FOR MISCARRIAGES OF JUSTICE 16-9
CHAPTER 17
BOARDS OF INQUIRY, UNIT INQUIRIES, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 17-1
SECTION 1 - BOARDS OF INQUIRY AND UNIT INQUIRIES 17-1
SECTION 2 - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 17-3
CHAPTER 18
INSURANCE AND INSURANCE POLICIES 18-1
CHAPTER 19
MEDICAL AND DENTAL 19-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 19-1
SECTION 2 - MEDICAL BOARDS AND EXAMINATIONS 19-3
SECTION 3 - DUTIES OF MEDICAL AUTHORITIES 19-9
SECTION 4 - MEDICAL ATTENDANCE 19-16
SECTION 5 - CIVILIAN MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS 19-23
SECTION 6 - DENTAL SERVICES AND TREATMENT 19-25
SECTION 7 - MEDICAL CENTRES, HOSPITALS AND MINISTRY OF DEFENCE HOSPITAL UNITS (MDHUs) 19-31
SECTION 8 - MEDICAL AND DENTAL MATERIEL 19-35
SECTION 9 - REGULATIONS FOR THE SUPPLY OF ARTIFICIAL LIMBS, EYES AND SURGICAL APPLIANCES 19-35
SECTION 10 - COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FAILURE OF MEDICAL CARE 19-35
SECTION 11 - PRINCESS MARY'S ROYAL AIR FORCE NURSING SERVICE 19-37
CHAPTER 20
MESSES 20-
SECTION 1 - OFFICERS' MESSES 20-1
SECTION 2 - SERGEANTS' MESSES 20-2
SECTION 3 - JUNIOR RANKS' MESS 20-2
CHAPTER 21
ALLOTMENT AND OCCUPATION OF SERVICE ACCOMMODATION 21-1
CHAPTER 22
ESTATE, WORKS AND LAND 22-1
CHAPTER 23
CLAIMS AND COMPENSATION 23-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 23-1
SECTION 2 - INDEMNITIES 23-4
CHAPTER 24
MECHANICAL TRANSPORT 24-1
CHAPTER 25
ROYAL AIR FORCE BANDS 25-1
SECTION 1 - ESTABLISHED BANDS 25-1
SECTION 2 - VOLUNTARY BANDS 25-4
CHAPTER 26
EDUCATION AND RESETTLEMENT 26-1
CHAPTER 27
AIRMEN'S DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS 27-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 27-1
SECTION 2 - THE RECORD OF SERVICE 27-6
SECTION 3 - RECORD OF PERFORMANCE, POTENTIAL AND CONDUCT 27-7
SECTION 4 - CONDUCT RECORDS 27-7
SECTION 5 - MEDICAL ENVELOPES 27-8
CHAPTER 28
OFFICE PROCEDURE, CORRESPONDENCE & RECORDS 28-1
SECTION 1 - CORRESPONDENCE AND OFFICE INSTRUCTIONS 28-1
SECTION 2 - HANDLING OF RAF MAIL AND PROVISION OF POSTAL FACILITIES 28-5
SECTION 3 - COMMUNICATION SECURITY MATERIAL 28-5
SECTION 4 - SAFES, Keys And combinations 28-6
SECTION 5 - MAPS AND CHARTS 28-10
SECTION 6 - STATIONERY, PRINTING, OFFICE MACHINERY, BOOKS, PUBLICATIONS, FORMS, ETC 28-12
SECTION 7 - CASUALTY REPORTING 28-13
SECTION 8 - OFFICERS' RECORDS 28-13
SECTION 9 - SERVICE BOOKS, PUBLICATIONS, ETC, TO BE KEPT 28-15
SECTION 10 - BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES 28-16
SECTION 11 - ELECTORAL REGISTRATION 28-20
CHAPTER 29
MATERIEL AND STORES 29-1
CHAPTER 30
CLOTHING, ARMS, ACCOUTREMENTS, CLOTHING ALLOWANCE AND DISPOSAL
OF EFFECTS 30-1
SECTION 1 - CLOTHING GENERALLY 30-1
SECTION 2 - CLOTHING ALLOWANCE 30-8
CHAPTER 31
COMPENSATION FOR LOST AND DAMAGED PERSONAL EFFECTS 31-1
CHAPTER 32
RATIONS, RATION ALLOWANCE, FUEL AND LIGHT 32-1
SECTION 1 - RATIONS - GENERAL 32-1
SECTION 2 - SOLID FUEL, ELECTRICITY AND GAS 32-2
CHAPTER 33
ACCOUNTING FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES 33-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 33-1
SECTION 2 - PUBLIC CASH ACCOUNTING (REQUISITIONING, CUSTODY, RECEIPT AND PAYMENT) 33-5
SECTION 3 - PAY AND ALLOWANCES FOR OFFICERS 33-7
SECTION 4 - RECOVERIES FROM OFFICERS 33-10
SECTION 5 - PAY AND ALLOWANCES FOR AIRMEN 33-15
SECTION 6 - PAYMENT OF AIRMEN 33-16
SECTION 7 - ALLOTMENTS 33-18
SECTION 8 - RECOVERIES FROM AIRMEN 33-18
SECTION 9 - COMPULSORY DEDUCTIONS FROM PAY TO MEET JUDGEMENT DEBTS 33-23
SECTION 10 - MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES - PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS 33-25
SECTION 11 - PUBLIC ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH OFFICERS OTHER THAN ACCOUNTS TRAINED MEMBERS OF
THE ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH ARE RESPONSIBLE 33-25
SECTION 12 - TRANSFER OF PRIVATE MONEY BY PERSONNEL SERVING ABROAD 33-26
CHAPTER 34
SECURITY, OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS 34-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 34-1
SECTION 2 - ACTIVITIES INVOLVING THE USE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION OR EXPERIENCE 34-3
SECTION 3 - PUBLIC RELATIONS 34-10
CHAPTER 35
TRAVELLING, CONVEYANCE OF FURNITURE AND BAGGAGE AND ASSOCIATED
ALLOWANCES 35-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 35-1
SECTION 2 - ENTITLEMENT TO TRAVEL AT PUBLIC EXPENSE OFFICERS AND AIRMEN 35-1
SECTION 3 - METHOD AND CLASS OF TRAVEL 35-14
SECTION 4 - MOTOR MILEAGE ALLOWANCE 35-19
SECTION 5 - SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE 35-26
SECTION 6 - FAMILY TRAVEL AND HOUSEHOLD REMOVALS 35-34
SECTION 7 - VISITS BETWEEN SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS 35-37
SECTION 8 - COMPASSIONATE LEAVE TRAVEL AND TRAVEL IN CONNECTION WITH SICK VISITING
AND FUNERALS 35-38
SECTION 9 - BAGGAGE 35-38
SECTION 10 - HOUSE PURCHASE AND SALE 35-39
SECTION 11 - MISCELLANEOUS 35-39
CHAPTER 36
PAY AND ALLOWANCES OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, AND THE PRINCESS MARY'S ROYAL AIR FORCE NURSING SERVICE 36-1
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 36-1
SECTION 2 - PAY - GENERAL 36-2
SECTION 3 - ADDITIONAL PAY 36-17
SECTION 4 - ALLOWANCES - GENERAL 36-29
SECTION 5 - ACCOMPANIED BENEFITS 36-30
SECTION 6 - EXCESS RENT ALLOWANCE 36-41
SECTION 7 - LODGING ALLOWANCE 36-43
SECTION 8 - EDUCATION ALLOWANCES 36-43
SECTION 9 - (OMITTED)
SECTION 10 - CHILD BENEFIT (OVERSEAS) 36-44
SECTION 11 - LOCAL OVERSEAS ALLOWANCE 36-48
SECTION 12 - ALLOWANCES TO ATTACHES, ADVISERS AND SUPPORT STAFF ABROAD 36-51
SECTION 13 - (OMITTED)
SECTION 14 - OFFICIAL ENTERTAINMENT 36-52
SECTION 15 - MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND UNIVERSITY CADETS 36-54
SECTION 16 - BONUS SCHEMES 36-54
CHAPTER 37
MISCELLANEOUS ALLOWANCES 37-1
SECTION 1 - OUTFIT AND TROPICAL KIT ALLOWANCES 37-1
SECTION 2 - FUNERALS 37-2
CHAPTER 38
RETIREMENT, RESIGNATION, TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE AND RELINQUISHMENT OF COMMISSION, ETC - OFFICERS 38-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS 38-1
SECTION 2 - CALCULATION OF SERVICE RETIRED PAY AND PRESERVED PENSIONS FOR SENIOR
RAF OFFICERS 38-4
SECTION 3 - SERVICE RETIRED PAY, SERVICE INVALIDING RETIRED PAY, SERVICE ATTRIBUTABLE
RETIRED PAY, TERMINAL GRANTS...……………………………………………………………………………….38-5
SECTION 4 - TERMINAL GRANTS, DEATH IN SERVICE GRATUITIES, ATTRIBUTABLE INVALIDING
GRATUITIES, ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTABLE GRATUITIES, SPECIAL CAPITAL PAYMENTS 38-16
SECTION 5 - RETIRED PAY AND TERMINAL GRANTS OF RETIRED OFFICERS 38-18
SECTION 6 - GRATUITIES FOR OFFICERS ON SHORT SERVICE COMMISSIONS 38-19
SECTION 7 - PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES FOR GALLANT CONDUCT AND GOOD SERVICE 38-23
SECTION 8 - RANK ON RETIREMENT, RESIGNATION, ETC. 38-23
SECTION 9 - ATTRIBUTABLE BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF A RESERVE FORCE 38-26
SECTION 9A - ATTRIBUTABLE BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE RECALLED FOR REGULAR
ACTIVE SERVIC………………………………………………………………………………………………38-26
SECTION 10 - CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION OVERSEAS 38-29
SECTION 11- CLOSURE OF PENSION ARRANGEMENTS AND APPLICATION TO SERVICE ON OR AFTER
6TH APRIL 2005………………………………………………………………………………………………38-29
CHAPTER 39
SERVICE PENSIONS, SERVICE INVALIDING PENSIONS, SERVICE ATTRIBUTABLE PENSIONS, TERMINAL GRANTS AND GRATUITIES - AIRMEN 39-1
SECTION 1 - SERVICE PENSIONS, SERVICE INVALIDING PENSIONS, SERVICE ATTRIBUTABLE PENSIONS 39-1
SECTION 2 - TERMINAL GRANTS, DEATH IN SERVICE GRATUITIES, NON-COMMISSIONED AIRCREW
GRATUITIES, ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTABLE GRATUITIES, SPECIAL CAPITAL PAYMENTS 39-11
SECTION 3 - REGULAR AIRMEN CONTINUING IN SERVICE DURING A FUTURE EMERGENCY 39-14
SECTION 4 - PENSIONS, ANNUITIES AND AWARDS FOR GALLANT CONDUCT AND LONG SERVICE 39-4
SECTION 5 - YEOMAN WARDER'S REWARDS 39-16
SECTION 6 - ATTRIBUTABLE BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF A RESERVE FORCE 39-16
SECTION 6A - ATTRIBUTABLE BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE RECALLED FOR REGULAR
ACTIVE SERVICE…………………………………………………………………………………………….39-17
SECTION 7 - CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION (OVERSEAS) 39-19
SECTION 8 - CLOSURE OF PENSION ARRANGEMENTS AND APPLICATION TO SERVICE ON OR AFTER
6TH APRIL 2005……...………………………………………………………………………………………...39-19
CHAPTER 40
PRESERVED BENEFITS: OFFICERS AND AIRMEN RESETTLEMENT GRANTS 40-1
CHAPTER 41
FAMILY PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES TO SURVIVING SPOUSES, SURVIVING CIVIL PARTNERS, SURVIVING ELIGIBLE PARTNERS AND CHILDREN OF OFFICERS AND AIRMEN……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....41-1
SECTION 1 - FAMILY PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES - GENERAL CONDITIONS 41-1
SECTION 2 - FAMILY PENSIONS PAYABLE TO THE ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS OF THOSE WHOSE SERVICE ENDED BEFORE 31 MARCH 1973 41-10
SECTION 3 - SHORT TERM FAMILY PENSIONS PAYABLE TO ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS OF THOSE WHO SERVED
ON OR AFTER 31 MARCH 1973 41-12
SECTION 4 - NON ATTRIBUTABLE LONG TERM FAMILY PENSIONS PAYABLE TO ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS OF
THOSE WHO SERVED ON OR AFTER 31 MARCH 1973 41-13
SECTION 5 - ATTRIBUTABLE LONG TERM FAMILY PENSIONS PAYABLE TO ELIGIBLE SURVIVORS OF
THOSE WHO SERVED ON OR AFTER 31 MARCH 1973 41-15
SECTION 6 - FAMILY PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES DERIVED FROM PRESERVED PENSIONS 41-18
SECTION 7 - DEATH IN SERVICE GRATUITIES 41-19
SECTION 8 - SPECIAL WIDOWS PENSION 41-21
CHAPTER 42
HALF-PAY, RETIRED PAY AND PAYMENT OF PENSIONS 42-1
SECTION 1 - OFFICERS 42-1
SECTION 2 - AIRMEN 42-3
SECTION 3 - EFFECT OF NATIONAL RETIREMENT PENSIONS ON SERVICE 42-4
SECTION 4 - FORFEITURE, SUSPENSION OR WITHHOLDING OF RETIRED PAY 42-5
SECTION 4A- PAYMENT OF CHARGES AND DEDUCTION OF TAX…………………………………………………….42-6
SECTION 5 - INTERNAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES 42-7
CHAPTER 43
PENSIONS INCREASE 43-1
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 43-1
SECTION 2 - PENSIONS INCREASE 2004 43-2
CHAPTER 44
REDUNDANCY - COMPENSATION TERMS 44-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL CONDITIONS 44-1
SECTION 2 - OFFICERS SERVING ON PERMANENT COMMISSIONS 44-2
SECTION 3 - OFFICERS SERVING ON SHORT SERVICE COMMISSIONS 44-4
SECTION 4 - SERVICEMEN 44-4
CHAPTER 45
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS 45-1
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 45-1
SECTION 2 - PURCHASE OF ADDED YEARS 45-2
SECTION 3 - ENHANCEMENT OF ALL NON-ATTRIBUTABLE BENEFITS 45-5
SECTION 4 - PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL NON-ATTRIBUTABLE SURVIVING SPOUSE'S OR SURVIVING CIVIL PARTNER'S BENEFITS 45-7
SECTION 5 - PURCHASE OF ENHANCED DEATH IN SERVICE LUMP SUM 45-9
SECTION 6 - PURCHASE OF ADDED YEARS ON RETURN FROM SECONDMENT 45-10
CHAPTER 46
RE-EMPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS AND AIRMEN 56-1
SECTION 1 - RE-EMPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS AND AIRMEN IN PEACETIME, OTHER
THAN ON CALL-OUT, RECALL OR IN AN EMERGENCY 46-1
SECTION 2 - RE-EMPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS AND AIRMEN ON CALL-OUT, RECALL, IN
AN EMERGENCY IN PEACETIME OR IN A PERIOD OF NATIONAL DANGER OR ANTICIPATED MOBILISATION 46-4
CHAPTER 47
PENSIONABILITY OF FULL TIME RESERVE SERVICE AND SERVICE ON SPECIAL SHORT TERM COMMISSIONS OR ENGAGEMENTS 47-1
CHAPTER 48
PENSION SHARING ON DIVORCE OR DISSOLUTION OF A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP 48-1
SECTION 1 - GENERAL 48-1
SECTION 2 - PENSION CREDIT MEMBERS 48-2
SECTION 3 - PENSION DEBIT MEMBERS 48-4
CHAPTER 49
RESETTLEMENT COMMUTATION SCHEME………………….………………………………………………….…………49-1
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