As an exisiting RAF ATC, my personal recommendation would be NOT to join the RAF. The out of area (Basrah, Afghanistan and Falkland Isl) detachments are much more frequently than every 5 years. The RAF certainly do look after their people, and it is a great career and more specifically a great job with great people, but requires a great deal of mobility and tolerance for a life that extends far beyond the 9 to 5 working culture. The military is very much a way of life and if you want consistency and a solid foundation for a young one then I wouldn't suggest joining during todays climate.