Command RoS from AP 3393:
RETURN OF SERVICE
Introduction
6301. The RAF Manning organisation has the authority to apply a Return of Service (RoS) to any assignment if it is considered to be in the interests of the Service. Personnel must be notified of any RoS attached to a future assignment and given the opportunity to reject the assignment offer. The period of the RoS will commence from the date of completion of, or earlier re-assignment from, the assignment to which it is attached; however, the RoS requirement is incurred from the start date of the assignment.
Amortisation of Command Appointments
6302. Command is a privilege and the essence of service in the RAF; it is an opportunity given only to the very best of our officer corps. With it come responsibilities. These are most evident whilst in appointment, but the experience gained in command is unique and it is in the best interests of the Service that it should seek a return on its investment in appointing individuals to command. Command appointments are, therefore, reserved for those officers who are prepared to show exceptional commitment to the RAF by providing an assurance of continued service which will allow them and the Service to capitalise on their command experience to the overall benefit of Defence. An officer who is not prepared to accept command under these terms will not have their appointment confirmed and will be removed from any future command competitions.
6303. A gp capt or wg cdr who takes up a command appointment is required to provide 24 months RoS following completion of their command tour. The RoS will be incurred from the date on which command is assumed and will normally be calculated from the date that command is relinquished.
Impact on Applications for Early Termination (PVR)
6305. The provisions of Chapter 7, Section 6, will apply. Exceptionally, when it is in the interests of the Service (or in other circumstances, such as compassionate grounds) the requirement to complete a RoS may be waived by the Manning organisation.
PVR RoS:
Early Termination (PVR) Waiting Periods
7607. Every application will be considered by the RAF Manning Organisation on its individual merits. Applications will be considered in the light of Service requirements and manning levels within the applicants’ particular rank, branch and, where appropriate, specialization. Providing the RoS requirements set out in Chapter 4 Section 4 and Chapter 6 Section 3 are satisfied, the maximum waiting time from the date of the application will normally be no longer than 12 months. However the Service reserves the right to retain officers for more than 12 months in exceptional circumstances.
The only exception to the above I know about is the age 50 / 30 year rule.