RAF Officers:
When placed on the retired list you will retain your substantive rank or if you have held higher acting rank you may qualify for retention of that rank under QR 3002. The retired list, which is published every 2 years, includes details of all such officers.
You are entitled to use and to be addressed by your rank after being placed on the retired list. There is no obligation to use 'RAF Ret'd' after your name provided 'RAF' is not used alone, but you would be expected to use 'RAF Ret'd' should you express personal views on subjects to avoid mistaken attribution to the MoD.
When leaving the RAF or on completion of your reserve service, you may be permitted to retain, as a courtesy title in civilian life, your substantive rank providing you are of the rank of Flight Lieutenant or above and have completed at least 3 years on the Active List. If you have held higher acting rank you may qualify for retention of that rank under QR 3002 which gives the general rules.