RAF Terms of Service
Foz 2,
Just to clarify, when you join the RAF it is either on a Permanent Commission (PC) or a Short Service Commission (SC). A PC is 16 years or 38 years old which ever is later. A SC is, as you rightly said, 12 years. However your return of service is 6 years, which means you can opt to leave after that point, but you do lose your pension and some other benefits. I would thoroughly advise you to join the RAF over the AAC, if flying is your main goal. As a Junior Officer in the RAF you have very little desk work to do, as opposed to the AAC Officers. People seem to be alot happier and better treated in the RAF, you just have to look at the amount of pilots crossing over. Also, if you are that way inclined, a career whilst remaining a fully operational pilot is very possible, unlike in the AAC.