Branches

Question 1

What is a Branch?

Answer 1

The best way to conceptualise the organisation of the various different roles in the RAF is like a complicated tree structure.

1) Fundamentally you're 
   an officer.
2) You're then grouped into your job type, your branch 
     which is broadly classified as one of the following: 
     - Aircrew
     - Air Operations Support
     - Communications and Intelligence
     - Force Protection
     - Logistics
     - Medical and Medical Support
     - Personnel Support
     - Technical and Engineering
3) ... Within which there are multiple jobs or postings you 
    may engage in.

Question 2

What are the 8 different fundamental branches?

Answer 2

• Aircrew
  
  • Air Operations Support
  • Communications and Intelligence
  • Force Protection
  • Logistics
  • Medical and Medical Support
  • Personnel Support
  • Technical and Engineering

Question 3

A trade is: the skilled practice of a ___ ___ carried out by ___-___ airmen/women.

A branch is: a ____ in an area within a larger organisation carried out by ____ ____.

Answer 3

Practical occupation, non-commissioned

Specialisation, commissioned officers

Question 4

Non-commissioned aircrew - on aircraft work as ___ ___ ___.

They can work on board ___ aircraft or in an __ ___ role.

Answer 4

Weapon systems operators

Reconnaissance aircraft, air transport

Question 5

Name the three main weapon systems operator roles

WSO A
WSO C
WSO L

Answer 5

WSO acoustic - use sonar technology to locate/track subs and ships, use radar to locate/track land targets

WSO Crewman - responsible for making sure loads and passengers are carried safely on either fixed wing or rotary aircraft

WSO Linguist - analyse foreign language radio emissions providing military commanders with combat support

Question 6

Non-commissioned aircrew have only three ranks in their career structure.

Name them in ascending order

Answer 6

Sergeant (aircrew)
Flight sergeant (aircrew)
Master aircrew (WO)

Question 7

What is the role of a WSO?

Answer 7

To manage the sensors and weapons of a particular aircraft during operational missions, whilst at the same time gathering intelligence and supporting forces on the ground.

Question 8

What is the role of a IntO?

Answer 8

To obtain, analyse and present defence intelligence from a variety of sources and manage a team of Intelligence Analysts and Linguists.