Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
SECTION 7 - TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
606.
Transfer to Reserve Headings. Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy The transfer of a regular airman to the RAF Reserve of Airmen is to be effected under one of
the following headings. Only the words in italics in column 1 are to be used for recording the
cause of transfer on termination documentation.
Competent Authority to Authorise Transfer Channel for
of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel in
Non-
Master
Submission of Special Instructions
Ground Commissioned
Aircrew/
Applications
Trades
Aircrew
Warrant
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(1)
On expiration of his Air
Air Secretary Air Secretary -
period of regular air
Secretary
force service.
(2)
At own request
Air
Air Secretary Air Secretary Direct
Documentary evidence of
before expiration of his Secretary
the offer of employment is
period of regular service.
required, and the CO
(a) Within 3 months
of the unit, before
of the end of the full
submitting the application,
term of his
is to verify that the offer is
engagement, in order
genuine.
to take up civil
Note: Airmen whose
employment which
premature transfer to the
cannot be held open.
Reserve is approved to take
up full time studies at
University, College, etc,
entry to which cannot be
deferred, are to be
transferred under this
heading.
(b) For any other Air
Air Secretary Air Secretary Normal
reason except as in Secretary
(c) below.
(c) Having given Air
Air Secretary Air Secretary Direct
Applicable to:
18 months notice.
Secretary
(1)
Airmen serving on
the Notice engagement
who, having completed the
requisite period of
qualifying service, exercise
their right to be transferred
to the Reserve.
(2)
Female personnel
serving on the Notice
engagement who enlisted
on or after 1 Apr 86 and,
having completed the
requisite period of
qualifying service,
QR(RAF)
10-22
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
exercise their right to be
transferred to the Reserve.
(3) Male airmen serving
on engagements
undertaken on or after
1 Apr 83 who have
completed 10 years but
less than 22 years
reckonable service after
exercising their general
right to be transferred to
the Reserve.
(4) Female personnel
serving on engagements
undertaken on or after
1 Apr 86 who have
completed 10 years but
less than 22 years
reckonable service after
exercising their general
right to be transferred to
the Reserve.
(5) Male airmen enlisted
before 1 Apr 83 who
accept invitation to serve
in the Reserve.
(6) Female personnel
enlisted before 1 Apr 86
who undertake a
voluntary period of
reserve service (see
Note 2 to para
485(ii)).
(7) Male non-
commissioned aircrew
(direct entrant only)
serving on the
1 October 1989 non-
commissioned aircrew
terms of service who
having completed the
requisite period of
qualifying service,
exercise their right to be
transferred to the Reserve.
See para
584(5).
(3)
On Redundancy.
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applicable to airmen
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
transferred to the Reserve
prematurely on grounds
QR(RAF)
10-23
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
of redundancy.
(4) (
Omitted)
(5) (
Omitted)
(6) (
Omitted)
(7)
At own request.
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applicable to:
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
On Premature
1.Male airmen serving on
Voluntary Release
engagements undertaken
(less than 22 years
on or after 1 Apr 83.
Service)
2. Female personnel
serving on engagements
undertaken on or after
1 Apr 86.
SECTION 8 - DISCHARGE
607.
Discharge Headings. Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy The discharge of an airman is to be effected under one of the following headings. Only the
words in italics in column 1 are to be used for recording the cause of discharge on
termination documentation.
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(1)
On expiration of
Air
Air
Air
-
Applicable to all airmen
engagement.
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
who have completed their
engagement except those
discharged to Service
pension; applicable to
those airmen with
lowered JMES who
would normally have
attracted Reserve Service
but for their JMES.
(2)
With a view to
Service Pension.
(a) Having
Air
Air
Air
Direct.
Applicable to airmen re-
completed time
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
Applications engaged for 22 or more
for pension.
only
years service who have
QR(RAF)
10-24
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
required for
completed their full
an airman
period of service and to
serving on
airmen who, on
continuation completion of the
under
regular portion of their
para 571 on
current engagement,
giving
have given a total of not
3 months
less than 22 years
notice.
service reckonable for
pension.
(b) Within
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Documentary evidence
3 months of the
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
of the offer of
end of the period
employment is required
for which re-
and the CO of the unit,
engaged, in order
before submitting the
to take up civil
application, is to verify
employment
that the offer is
which cannot be
genuine. Airmen
held open.
whose premature
discharge is approved
to take up full time
studies at Universities,
Colleges, etc, entry to
which cannot be
deferred, are to be
discharged under this
heading.
(3)
At own request
with a view to
Service Pension.
(a) On
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applicable to airmen
Premature
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
who are allowed to take
Voluntary
their discharge
Release having
prematurely after
completed time
completion of 22 or
for Service
more years service
Pension (except
reckonable for Service
as in (2b)).
pension except as
provided in 2(b).
(b) Having
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applicable to airmen
given 18 months
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
who exercise the
notice.
general right to be
discharged after
completion of 22 or
more years service
reckonable for Service
pension.
QR(RAF)
10-25
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(4) At own request.
(a) Para
623A.
N/A
N/A
Air
Normal
Applicable only to a
Secretary
Warrant Officer who is
reduced to the ranks and
claims discharge under
Section 331(3) Armed
Forces Act 2006 (see
para
623A).
(b) Having given Air
Air
Air
Direct
(b) of Col 1 is applicable
18 months notice.
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
to airmen serving on
engagements undertaken
before 1 Apr 83 who have
completed 12 years but
less than 22 years
reckonable service and
who exercise the general
right to be discharged;
also to female personnel
serving on the notice
engagement who enlisted
before 1 Apr 86 and who
having completed the
requisite qualifying period
of service, exercise their
right to be discharged.
This latter provision
applies equally to female
personnel extended or re-
engaged before 1 Apr 86
who, having changed their
terms of service and
transferred to a fixed
engagement subsequently
give notice of their
intention to be discharged
.
(5)
(Omitted)
(6) (a)
Dismissed
Court-
Court-
Court-
See
with disgrace.
martial
martial
martial
paras
1118
Sentence
Sentence
Sentence
and
1119
(b)
Discharged
CinC
Air Force
Air Force
Normal
It is for the discharging
with disgrace
Board
Board
authority to decide
following civil
whether or not the offence
conviction.
under (b) or the
misconduct under (c) is
such as to justify
discharge with disgrace.
Discharges following a
court-martial sentence of
imprisonment, where
QR(RAF)
10-26
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
dismissal is not part of
the sentence, will fall
under the “Discharged
with disgrace for
misconduct” heading
(6)(c).
(c)
Discharged CinC
Air Force
Air Force
Normal
See Note under (b)
with disgrace for
Board
Board
above.
misconduct.
(7) (a)
Dismissed.
Court-
Court-
Court-
See
martial
martial
martial
paras
1118
Sentence
Sentence
Sentence
and
1119
(b)
Discharged CinC
Air Force
Air Force
Normal
See Note to (6)(b)
following civil
Board
Board
above.
conviction.
(c)
Discharged CinC
Air Force
Air Force
Normal
See Note to (6)(b)
for misconduct.
Board
Board
above.
(8) (
Omitted).
(9) (
Omitted).
(10)
Free as an
indulgence.
(a) At own
(i) Air
(i) Air
Air
Direct
(i) of Col 2 applies
request.
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
to airmen who
voluntarily transfer to
(ii)
other Services.
Command
(ii)
ant RAF
Commandin
College
g Officer
and
Director
of
Recruitme
nt (RAF)
(ii) of Col 2 applies to
officer cadets
undergoing IOT who
voluntarily withdraw
from training.
(i) of Col 3 applies to
non-commissioned
aircrew who
voluntarily transfer to
other services.
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
QR(RAF)
10-27
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Transfer of
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
ii) of Col 3 applies to
trainee non-commissioned
aircrew who voluntarily
(withdraw from training
prior to the award of a
flying badge as presented
in para
J727.
(b) (
Omitted).
(c) At own
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applicable to female
request on
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
personnel who elect to be
pregnancy.
discharged because of
pregnancy.
(d)
(Omitted).
(e) For any
(i) Air
Air
Air Force
Normal
(i) of Col 2, 3 and 4
other reason.
Secretary
Secretary
Board
applies to airmen who
cannot be discharged
(ii)
under any other heading;
CinC
airmen who are
HQ PTC
withdrawn from or fail
and
training in their trade or
Air
aircrew category and
Secretary
cannot be offered training
in another trade or
category because they are
(iii)
unsuitable for the trade or
Command
aircrew category in which
ing
there are vacancies or
Officer
there are no vacancies in
the trade or aircrew
category for which they
are suitable; airmen who
elect to be discharged in
lieu of compulsory
transfer/re-mustering
from a sensitive trade or
aircrew category or
airmen who apply for
discharge after failing to
qualify for re-mustering at
their rank level; and
finally, airmen who apply
for discharge under the
obsolescent trades
provision of AP3376, Vol
1, Part 1, Chapter 6
(ii) of Col 2 applies to
direct entry technicians
and direct entry List I
medical trainees who are
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
QR(RAF)
10-28
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
withdrawn from
training or who fail on
passing out and are
unwilling to be re-
mustered or trained for
another trade.
(iii) of Col 2 applies to
recruits who are
withdrawn from
training to whom
discharge under
QR
607(22)(a) is
deemed to be
inappropriate.
Only the words “free as
an indulgence” are to be
used in recording
discharges under
QR
607(10(e). Airmen
are not to be
discharged under this
heading if they are
discharged at their own
request or because of
misconduct.
(f) Being
medically unfit
for:
(i) Present
Air
N/A
Air
Normal
Applies only to ground
trade and
Secretary
Secretary
airmen and ground
has
trade WOs who are
declined an
permanently medically
offer of
unfit for their present
suitable
trade and who have
alternative
declined an offer of
employmen
employment in a
t.
suitable alternative
trade.
(ii)
The Air
Air
Air
Normal
Airmen with reduced
full range
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
employment standards
of duties in
may apply for discharge
present
under this heading if
trade or
they consider that the
category
resultant effect on their
through
career prospects is
circumstan
unacceptable (
QR 621).
ce-s
beyond his
control
which have
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
QR(RAF)
10-29
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
unacceptably
affected his career
prospects.
(11)
Compassionate
Air
Air
N/A
See para
626
Grounds.
Secretary
Secretary
(12)
For irregular
Air
Air
N/A
Direct
enlistment. Free on
Secretary
Secretary
claiming discharge
under Section 18 of the
AFA before 3 months
service.
(13)
Omitted.
(14)
On appointment
Command
Commandin
Commandin
N/A
to a commission.
ing
g Officer
g Officer
Officer
(15)
On medical
grounds:
(a) Invalided,
Air
Air
Air
See para
621 The words “for the trade
being below
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
and
in which he is mustered
current air force
Appx
9B
and cannot be re-
medical standards.
mustered” are to be added
to those shown under (a)
of the heading, where
appropriate.
(b) Physically
N/A
Air
Air
See para
621 Applies to non-
unfit for air force
Secretary
Secretary
and
commissioned aircrew
service as aircrew.
Appx
9B
referred to in
para
526A(4) who are
physically fit for service
in a ground trade. (See
also clause (17)).
(16)
Not likely to
maintain the required
air force medical
standard.
(a) Airmen
Command
Commandin
N/A
-
Only airmen who, on
whose disabilities
ing
g Officer
medical examination
are discovered on
Officer
within 21 days after the
medical
date of enlistment, are
examination
found to be suffering from
within 21 days
a disability incurred
after the date of
before entry and are
enlistment.
deemed unlikely to
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
QR(RAF)
10-30
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
become fit for duty within
the appropriate maximum
period specified in
para
620, are to be
discharged under (a) of
this heading.
(b) Other airmen Command
Commandin
N/A
See Col 6.
When discharge is
whose disabilities
ing
g Officer
proposed under (a) or (b)
are discovered on
Officer
of this heading a report is
medical
to be prepared on
examination
Form 1085 by the medical
within 6 months
officer of the unit and
of the date of
submitted to the CO for
enlistment as
transmission to the
unlikely to
competent medical
become efficient
authority, who is to
on medical
complete part (b)
grounds.
Section 1 or 2 of the form
and dispose of it as
indicated in the Section
completed. Where the
airman made a mis-
statement on enlistment,
the case is to be submitted
for discharge under
clause (23).
(17)
Medically
N/A
(i) Air
Air
Normal
Applies to non-
unsuitable for air
Secretary
commissioned aircrew
force service as
Secretary
and aircrew cadets who
aircrew but not
(ii)
satisfy standards of
physically unfit for
Commandin
physical fitness for
service as an airman
g Officer in
aircrew or ground duties
on ground duties.
the case of
but who nevertheless are
directly
medically unsuitable for
entered
aircrew and for whom
aircrew
invaliding under
cadets
clause (15)(b) is
inappropriate.
(18)
Unsuited to a
Air
Air
Air Force
See Col. 6
Applicable to airmen
Service environment.
Secretary
Secretary
Board
recommended as
temperamentally
unsuitable for air force
service.
(19)(
Omitted).
(20)
Having given a
Air
Air
N/A
Normal
Applies to airmen
false answer on
Secretary
Secretary
convicted summarily or
attestation.
by court-martial under
Section 328(3) of the
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
QR(RAF)
10-31
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Armed Forces Act 2006
or to airmen found guilty
by the civil power under
Section 19. Certificates
of unspent civil
convictions (if any) are to
be attached to the CO’s
recommendation for
discharge.
(21)
For inefficiency.
CinC
Air Force
Air Force
Normal
Board
Board
(22)
Services no
Longer required.
(a) If found
Command
N/A
N/A
Normal
unsuitable during
ing
recruit training.
Officer
(b) In other
CinC
Air Force
Air Force
Normal
(b) of Col 1 applies to
circumstances
Board
Board
those airmen considered
(except as in (d)
to be unsuitable in trade,
below).
category or rank. For
discharge under (b) of Col
1 the MOD will decide
whether the airman is to
lose his resettlement
grant, and this decision is
to be recorded by the
ACOS Manning in the
airman’s permanent
record.
(c) (
Omitted).
(d)
Being unable
to meet Service
obligations.
(i) through
Air
Air
Air
Normal
(i)
Applies to
circumstances Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
airmen who through
beyond their
circumstances beyond
control.
their control cannot be
allowed to continue in the
Service (but see
clause (10) above).
(ii) due to a Air
Air
Air
Normal
(ii)
Applies to
permanently
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
airmen who have a
reduced
permanently reduced
medical
medical employment
employment
standard and for whom an
standard.
invaliding discharge
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
QR(RAF)
10-32
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
under QR 607(15)(a)
would not be appropriate.
(23)
Having made a
Air
Air
N/A
Normal
Applies where discharge
mis-statement on
Secretary
Secretary
under clause (20) is
enlistment.
inappropriate.
(24)
Not likely to
reach standard
required for Air
Force service.
(a) As an
Command
N/A
N/A
Normal
Applies to officer cadets
officer.
ant RAF
who fail IOT. When
College
recording the cause of
and
discharge, the actual
Director
branch (and aircrew
of
category where
Recruitme
applicable) is to be stated.
nt (RAF)
(b) As non-
N/A
Commandin
N/A
Normal
Applies to trainee non-
commissioned
g officer
commissioned aircrew
aircrew
who fail training prior to
the award of a flying
badge as prescribed in
para.
J727.
(25)
Below the
standard for Air
Force service.
(a) As non-
N/A
Air
N/A
Normal
Applies to aircrew, other
commissioned
Secretary
than those in (b) of Col 1,
aircrew other
found to be below the
than at (b).
required standard by the
MOD.
(b) As aircrew
N/A
Air
N/A
Normal
Applies to non-
under training.
Secretary
commissioned aircrew
who fail initial OCU
training .
(26)
(Omitted)
(27) (
Omitted)
(28)
On Redundancy. Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applicable to airmen
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
discharged prematurely
on grounds of
redundancy.
(29) (
Omitted)
Competent Authority to Authorise
Channel for
Transfer of
QR(RAF)
10-33
AL31/Feb 13
Chap 10
AIRMEN – ENTRY, PROMOTION, REDUCTION,
DRAFTING, ENGAGEMENTS DISCHARGE AND TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE
Cause of Transfer
Personnel
Non-
Master
Submission
Special Instructions
in Ground Commission
Aircrew/
of
Trades
ed Aircrew
Warrant
Applications
Officers
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(30)
Surplus to
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applicable only in
requirement in a
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
accordance with MOD
trade.
instructions to airmen
surplus to requirements in
specific trades and ranks.
(31) (
Omitted)
(32)
At own request.
As a statutory right
Command
Commandin
N/A
See
Recruits have the right to
under para
584.
ing
g Officer
para
584.
claim discharge within 6
Officer
months of enlistment on
giving 14 days notice in
writing to their CO,
provided that they will
have completed 28 days
service, excluding leave,
on the discharge date.
Applies to personnel
under the age of 18 who
have passed the 6 month
Statutory Right (DAOR)
point (from enlistment)
provided they apply
before their 18th birthday.
(33)
At own request.
On Premature
Air
Air
Air
Direct
Applies to those
Voluntary Release
Secretary
Secretary
Secretary
individuals not eligible
(less than 22 years).
for, or with no liability for
reserve service.
608.
Medical Examination and Disability Claims. Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy (1)
Airmen who are discharged otherwise than under headings (15), (16) and (17) of para 607
are to be medically examined by the unit medical officer prior to discharge. The result of the
examination is to be recorded in accordance with the procedure laid down in AP 1269A.
(2)
On discharge under heading (15) of para
607 or, on discharge or transfer to the reserve in the
circumstances outlined in para
620(9), Manning is to prepare and forward Form 200, together with all
medical documents, to the DSS, for consideration of non-effective entitlement.
(3)
Airmen, other than those in clause (2), who, on discharge or transfer to the reserve, wish to
make a claim for a non-effective award in respect of a wound, injury or disease which they consider
caused, or made worse, by their service, are to be advised to write without delay to the Chief Welfare
Officer of the DSS, whose address can be obtained at any Post Office.
609-610. (
Omitted)
611.
Retention of Uniform Clothing on Discharge or Transfer to the Reserve.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
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(1)
The conditions under which airmen may be permitted to retain certain articles of uniform
clothing on their discharge or transfer to the reserve are laid down in JSP 886 Vol 6 Pt 5.
(2)
To avoid the uneconomical exchange of service clothing replacements to airmen whose
discharge or transfer to the reserve has been notified are to be confined to the replacement of
deficiencies and unserviceable garments, where health or hygiene would otherwise be adversely
affected.
612.
Documents Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy (1)
In order to avoid any necessity for the airman's recall, all documents are to be completed and
his signature obtained, where necessary, before he leaves the discharging unit.
(2)
When an airman is discharged with a view to pension, SPVA Pensions will assess the
pension entitlement.
(3)
When an airman is discharged on appointment to a commission, the Manning is to dispose of
the airman's documents as laid down in para
2011.
(4)
Where an airman is discharged locally abroad on medical grounds or where an airman dies
abroad, his medical and service documents are to be dispatched immediately to Manning. When
FMed4 is not accessible, all available medical data relative to treatment in hospital, etc (including
post-mortem reports where applicable) should accompany the service documents.
(5)
A discharge or transfer to the reserve is to be shown on all documents, etc, as carried out
“on” a certain date. The date is to be the last day of regular service, ie, the last day of terminalleave,
if granted, and pay and other emoluments will be admissible for that day. Where an airman is
transferred to the Reserve, reserve service and entitlement to reserve pay will therefore commence on
the day following transfer.
(6) On discharge of an airman appointed to a commission, a new identity card will be issued by the
JPAC on receipt of a completed application form accompanied by two prints of a photograph showing the
applicant in officer's uniform. The identity card held prior to being commissioned is to be disposed of in
accordance with JSP 440.
613-618. (
Omitted)
618A. Completion of FMed133.
Sponsor:DGMS(RAF)
(1) Following discharge of personnel from the Service, it is imperative that details of individual’s
Service Medical History are available to their National Health Service General Practitioner. In order to
achieve this, the Medical Officer is to complete a F Med 133 in accordance with the instructions contained
in AP1269A (RAF Manual – Assessment of Medical Fitness).
(2)
Arrangements are to be made for a F Med 133 to be raised in duplicate for all personnel on
discharge from the Service. The completing Medical Officer or President of the Medical Board is to ensure
that one copy is given to the individual and the other copy retained within the F Med 4 as detailed in AP
1269 (RAF Manual of Medical Management and Administration).
619.
Notification of the Discharge of Airmen to the Department of Social Security.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) Immediately the date of an airman’s discharge is known, FIns47, except as provided in clause (2), is to
be completed by the discharging unit, signed and dated by an officer, and dispatched to the DSS
(CB/HMF), Newcastle-on-Tyne 3. It is most important that FIns 47 should be completed and dispatched to
the DSS not later than the day on which an airman leaves the unit. Pending the receipt of FIns 47 the DSS
is unable to issue a civilian insurance card without which a discharged airman is unable to obtain civilian
employment.
(2) FIns 47 is to be completed and dispatched by HQ Air Command, in the following circumstances:
(a) Discharges under para
607(6) and (7), where discharge is affected while the individual is
undergoing a term of imprisonment.
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(b) Discharges or transfers to the reserve abroad.
(c) Airmen repatriated on discharge to country of domicile.
(d) In cases of illegal absence.
(e) On death.
620. Retention in the Service or Invaliding, etc, of Airmen who are Absent from Duty on account of
Sickness or Injury.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) A decision whether an airman who is absent from duty on account of sickness or injury should be
retained in the Service or invalided is to be made in the light of the rules in clauses (2) to (13). There is no
difference of entitlement under this paragraph between airmen who are suffering from one type of disability
and another or between airmen who are suffering from disabilities which are due to Service conditions and
those which are not.
(2) Subject to the provisions of clauses (7) to (9) and (13), airmen who are unfit for duty are to be
retained in the Service for a period, reckoned from the date of cessation of duty and excluding terminal and
invaliding leave, not exceeding that stated below. The maximum periods are:
(a)
For all regular airmen serving on normal regular engagements, eighteen months.
(b)
Personnel undergoing initial training who are given a temporary JMES below
A4 L2 M1 E1, and who are unable to continue with their training, will be given 6 months
to regain a permanent JMES which meets the minimum selection criteria for their chosen
Trade/Non-Commissioned Aircrew Category. Exceptionally, this timescale may be
reduced, or increased, if it is considered to be in the best interests of the Service and/or
the individual. For the ground employment component of the JMES, this should not be
less than L2. Personnel failing to meet this requirement will be discharged from the
Service but will be invited to re-apply if their medical condition improves such that they
can meet the JMES criteria.
Provided an airman continues to require in-patient treatment in a hospital, convalescent home or
rehabilitation centre, he is eligible to be retained in the Service for a minimum period of 5 months,
reckoned as above; this is regardless of the normal date of expiry of the airman's full time service or of
the probability of his becoming fit for further service.
(3) For the purpose of calculating the periods mentioned in clause (2) all periods of absence from
duty due to the same disability are to be aggregated, except when they are separated by a continuous
period of not less than six months. Periods of absence from duty due to different disabilities are to be
aggregated only if they are consecutive.
(4) For the purpose of determining whether or not there is, or continues to be, a reasonable
probability that the airman will become fit for duty within the appropriate period specified in clause (2),
he is to be brought before a medical board:
(a) Five months after the date of cessation of duty, if he still requires in-patient treatment
in hospital or in a convalescent or rehabilitation centre, and, thereafter, subject to the
provisions of clauses (5) and (7) to (9), at intervals not exceeding four months; or
(b) on ceasing to require such in-patient treatment.
(5) An airman who has been absent from duty for five months or more, who continues to require
in-patient treatment, and whose service is due to expire before the end of the appropriate maximum
period laid down in clause (2), is to be brought before a further and final medical board two months
before the date for termination of his service, unless a medical board is to be held, under the provisions
of clause (4), during the preceding month, in which event this latter board is to be the final board to be
held.
(6) If a medical board is in doubt whether there is a reasonable probability that an airman will be
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fit to return to duty within the appropriate period specified in clause (2), this is to be stated in the
medical board's report, and the board are to give the best assessment of the case that is possible in the
circumstances; assessments such as "doubtful", "to be assessed", are not to be used.
(7) If at any time a medical board, held in accordance with clause (4) or (5), certifies that there is
no reasonable probability that an airman will become fit for duty within the appropriate maximum
period specified in clause (2), or if an airman, who has been retained in the Service in the expectation
that he will become fit, is still unfit at the end of the appropriate period, invaliding action is to be taken.
Where exceptionally a medical board certifies that invaliding should be postponed beyond the
maximum period specified in clause (2) under the provisions of AP 1269A, Manning may authorise
postponement of invaliding for a period to be reviewed at intervals of not more than 4 months.
(8) An airman who, on medical examination within twenty one days of joining for duty, is found to
be unfit for service from a disability incurred before entry, and who is unlikely to become fit for service
within the appropriate period specified in clause (2), is at once to be discharged (under heading 16(a) of
para 607).
(9) When a medical board, held in accordance with clause (4) or (5), has certified that there is a
reasonable probability that an airman will become fit for duty within the appropriate maximum period,
but the service of the airman is due to expire before the end of that period, or the normal date of his
transfer to the reserve or discharge has already passed, the airman is to be transferred to the reserve or
discharged on the normal date, or as soon as possible thereafter, in the usual manner. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the Defence Council may decide that an airman who is unfit for duty should be
discharged under para 607(15) before the normal date for termination of service.
(10) As an airman whose service is terminated under the provisions of clause (9) may be
temporarily unfit for civilian employment, the papers relating to his case are to be referred to the DSS
as if he had been invalided, to enable that department to assess entitlement, if any, to a non-effective
award (see para
608, clause (2)).
http://defenceintranet.diiweb.r.mil.uk/DefenceIntranet/Library/BrowseDocumentCategories/Personnel/
WorkingHoursAndLeave/Leave/jsp760.htm
(11) Reference in this paragraph to airmen who "require in-patient treatment" is to be interpreted as
covering only those airmen who are actually under treatment as in-patients in a hospital or in a
convalescent or rehabilitation centre, or for whom such treatment has been prescribed by a responsible
RAF medical authority as being immediately required. The term also covers airmen who are granted
periods of leave between successive stages of in-patient treatment (eg, where a surgical operation is
performed in two or more stages); it does not, however, cover airmen who are sick, who may eventually
require in-patient treatment, but for whom such treatment or further treatment cannot be immediately
and affirmatively diagnosed as necessary.
(12) (a) Airmen who are discharged under para
607(15) and (16)(b) are to be granted
terminal leave and invaliding leave in accordance with JSP 760.
(b) Leave is to commence as from the date stated in the letter from Manning officially
notifying the decision that the airman is to be discharged.
(c) Airmen, who under the provisions of clause (9), are transferred to the reserve or
discharged, will not be entitled to invaliding leave, but will be entitled to terminal leave.
(d) Action is to be taken to ensure that, wherever possible, invaliding leave and terminal
leave does not extend beyond the date on which the airman's period of service is due to end.
When this is not possible, or when it would be inconsistent with the terms of clauses (4) or
(13), the leave will nevertheless be granted, even though this involves the continuance of pay
beyond the normal date of termination of service.
(13) Airmen serving abroad are to be subject to the rules in clauses (1) to (12) except that those
who are to be invalided are to be returned to the UK as soon as possible, and will remain entitled to pay
(and allowances, as appropriate) until they are medically boarded after disembarkation, and for the
period of invaliding leave and terminal leave to which they are entitled, even though this may involve
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the continuance of pay beyond the appropriate period specified in clause (2), or beyond the normal date
for termination of service.
(14) The arrangements in clauses (1) to (12) apply also to an airman who is admitted to hospital
during terminal or invaliding leave provided that he has not otherwise already received the minimum
entitlement to retention under clause (2) above. The remaining leave will be suspended during the
period of in-patient treatment. An airman requiring continuous in-patient treatment who has been
retained beyond his normal discharge date is to be discharged or invalided as appropriate at the end of
the 5 months period, after taking the balance of outstanding leave.
621. Discharge on Medical Grounds for Airmen awarded a JMES A4 L5 M5 E5.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) The conditions to be fulfilled before an airman given a permanent medical employment
standard A4G5 can be considered for discharge on medical grounds are:
(a) He must be declared permanently unfit for all forms of RAF service
by a medical board convened:
(i) At the RAF Medical Board , at RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine.
(ii) At a Defence Secondary Care Establishment, if so authorised in
AP1269A.
(iii) Exceptionally, under other arrangements as directed by DGMS(RAF).
(b) Manning must agree to accept the recommendations of the medical board.
(c) The medical board does not recommend postponement of invaliding as provided in
para
620(7).
(2) A decision to discharge an airman under the invaliding clause does not give him an automatic
right to invaliding benefits. The award and amount of such benefits are at the discretion of the Defence
Council. If there are factors involved that require the exercise of this discretion (eg if the disability
appears to be due to causes partly or wholly within the airman's control) Manning will refer the case to
the Discretionary Awards Panel.
(3) The detailed procedures set out in Appendix 9B are to be followed as soon as an airman is
assessed by a medical board as permanently unfit for all forms of RAF service.
622. Disposal of Airmen Suffering from Psychiatric or Psychological Disorders.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) Airmen suffering from a psychiatric or psychological disorder will be given treatment, if they
are considered suitable for it, up to the maximum period to which they are entitled under para 620(2), in
accordance with AP1269A.
(2) If, at the end of the period of treatment, or when the medical condition has stabilized, an airman
is considered unfit for service he is to be invalided in accordance with para 620 and 621, Appendix 9B
and the direction given in Surgeon Generals Policy Letter 11/05.
(3) Should an airman, who still requires in-patient treatment either voluntarily or compulsorily,
become due for discharge or transfer to the reserve before it has been possible to arrange for his
disposal in accordance with clause (2), his discharge is to be delayed until such arrangements have been
completed. Every endeavor is to be made to ensure that the arrangements are carried out with as little
delay as possible.
(4) An airman due for discharge or invaliding action is to be released in accordance with extant
discharge procedures.
623. Discharge for Medical Reasons of Airmen undergoing Sentence. Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) When an airman undergoing a sentence of detention is considered to be unfit for further service,
he is to be brought before a medical board. If the medical board recommends that he should be
invalided, a further opinion is to be recorded in the board's proceedings (FMed 21) as to whether or not
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he is considered to be:
(a) Fit to carry out full duties at a corrective establishment or detention barrack, or,
(b) Fit to complete a modified form of detention.
(2) (a) Where detention was awarded by a court-martial, the medical board's
proceedings are then to be referred as follows:
(i) If less than five months of the sentence have been served, to the HQ Air
(Casework 4) provided that such reference is practicable and will not entail undue
delay;
(ii) in all other cases, to the group in which the airman may be for the time being.
(b) Where detention is awarded summarily, the medical board's proceedings are to be
forwarded to the AOC the group who is superior in command to the CO who awarded the
punishment.
(3) The competent authority of the group to which the proceedings are sent under clause (2), if he
approves invaliding, is to sign FMed 21 and forward the medical board’s proceedings to the AOC who
is to reconsider the sentence (see para
1234) or review the summary award (see para
1077). When an
airman has been sentenced to dismissal with disgrace under para
607(6), or discharge is contemplated
under para 607(6) or
607(7) following a civil conviction, under
607(6) or
607(7) for misconduct, or
under
607(20) having given a false answer on attestation, no action is to be taken to effect the airman's
discharge on medical grounds until the question of disciplinary discharge has been considered by the
competent authority. In the event of the competent authority authorizing discharge on disciplinary
grounds, discharge under para
607(6), (7), or (20) as appropriate is to be effected in lieu of any
invaliding action recommended by the competent medical authority. The following points are to be
borne in mind:
(a) Although an airman may not be fit for full duties at a corrective establishment or
detention barrack, he may be able to undergo a modified form of detention. But an airman is
not to be sent to a corrective establishment or detention barrack if his medical condition
requires treatment in a hospital.
(b) The fact that an airman requires hospital treatment is not necessarily a sufficient reason
for remitting, suspending, or commuting a sentence or varying a summary award. The
utilization of manpower and the inconvenience involved in providing an escort in a hospital
should be balanced against the interests of discipline which may require that the full award
should appear on the airman's conduct sheet and that he should suffer the penal forfeiture of
pay incidental to detention.
(c) Only unsatisfactory conduct subsequent to suspension of a sentence would normally
justify an order to put a suspended sentence into execution (see para
1240).
(d) Evidence contained in the proceedings of a medical board tending to show that the
airman was wrongfully convicted may properly be disregarded if the offender had full
opportunity of adducing such evidence at his trial and may have refrained from doing so in
order to avoid a finding under Section 168 Armed Forces Act 2006. (See also the MAFL,
Chapter VII, para 31).
(4) When the sentence of a court-martial has been reconsidered, the AOC is to record the result on
Form
1375 and forward the medical board's proceedings, together with his decision, to Manning, who
is to take the necessary action.
(5) When an airman under sentence awaiting committal to a military prison and detention barrack,
corrective establishment or a civil prison is considered to be unfit for further service, action is to be
taken in accordance with clauses (1) to (4).
623A. Discharge of Warrant Officer on Reduction to the Ranks. Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
A warrant officer (including airman holding master aircrew rank) who is reduced to the ranks in accordance with
para 1027 or by sentence of a court-martial, may in accordance with Section 331(3), Armed Forces Act 2006
claim his discharge in accordance with para
607 (4)(a). This provision does not apply when state of war exists or
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men of the reserve are called out on permanent service.
624. Discharge from Prison or Detention Barracks.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) If an airman is to be discharged in accordance with para
1118, or para
1119, action as indicated
in the following clauses is to be taken.
(2) Manning is to issue the necessary discharge instructions to the airman's parent unit. Unless
instructions to the contrary have been given by Manning the effective date of discharge is the date the
Competent Authority made the decision. Discharge action as laid down in para
2229 and Appendix 8 is
to be completed in full and the documents, including Forms 856, 856A, B and C, to be given to the
airman, together with any credit balance of pay, are to be sent to the CO of the detention barrack or
prison, to be handed to the airman on discharge from detention or imprisonment. It should be noted that
completion of Forms 856 and 856B and related personnel documentation is not to be delayed because
full unit clearance cannot be given at that stage.
(3) If the airman claims a disability, he is to be examined by the MO of the detention barrack or
prison and a statement of his case on FMed 19 (Revised) and FMed 24 is to be submitted, through
Manning, to the competent medical authority of the area in which the barrack or prison is situated. If the
competent medical authority concurs in the need for a medical board, he is to arrange for the airman to
be examined. This board is normally to consist of one air force MO and the MO of the detention
barrack or prison. FMed 19 (Revised) and FMed 24 are to be completed and returned to Manning.
(4) When an airman is sentenced to imprisonment or detention at the expiration of which he will
not return to regular air force service, he is to be permitted, prior to committal to the removal of his
private property, then in his possession, at public expense in accordance with current regulations.
Similarly, if not too bulky, his possessions may be taken with him on committal and transferred to the
custody of the civil prison or military or air force establishment except that if he is in possession of
civilian clothing, this he will invariably take with him on committal for wear at the time of his
discharge. If he declines or fails to express a preference as to disposal or takes no disposal action, any
articles remaining in air force charge after committal are to be sold by auction and the proceeds credited
to his account. This action together with that specified in para
1124(4) will be taken by the unit to
which the airman belonged at the time of committal.
(5) Clause (4) will not apply to deserters and airmen convicted of an offence, whose property is to
be dealt with as laid down in paras
1301 and
1302.
(6) See Appendix 28C, Section 4 as to disposal of medals, etc.
(7) Where an airman is discharged following the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment by a
civil court, the effective date of discharge is the date the Competent Authority made the decision; unless
instructions to the contrary are given by Manning.
624A. (Omitted)
625. Discharge or Transfer to the Reserve Abroad.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
Airmen serving abroad who are due for discharge or transfer to the Reserve may apply to be discharged or
transferred to the Reserve locally.
626. Discharge on Extreme Compassionate Grounds.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) An airman serving on a regular engagement may submit an application for free discharge on
extreme compassionate grounds. Discharge will normally only be granted where there is satisfactory
evidence to show that his retention in the Service would cause real distress.
(2) Discharge on extreme compassionate grounds is to be approved by Manning APC 4. Any debtor
balance on an airman's account is to be cleared prior to discharge being effected.
(3) Each application is to be thoroughly investigated by the CO of the unit and forwarded, together
with his remarks, direct to Manning. Every application is to be forwarded whether the CO is able to
recommend it or not.
(4) Each submission to Manning APC 4 is to be accompanied by the following:
(a) The airman's personal application which is to give a full statement of the facts.
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(b)
A report by the SSAFA. Should the airman reside in an area where this organization
does not operate the report may be provided by a responsible person such as a Magistrate, or
Justice of the Peace, or a Minister of Religion. (For farming cases the report is to be obtained
from the area office of the Agricultural Executive Committee).
(c) In cases of illness, a recent certificate by a registered medical practitioner giving full
medical evidence including, if possible, the prognosis.
(d) A list, giving names, ages and addresses, of wife, parents, children and other near
relatives of the airman.
(e) The airman’s address if he has been granted permission to live out or sleep out.
(f) Information whether the airman's account is in debt or in credit. If it is in debt it is to be
stated whether the airman is prepared to clear the debt by a cash payment.
(g) If serving overseas, a certificate stating that the airman is aware that he may be
required to meet the cost of his (and, if appropriate, his family’s) passage to the UK.
(5) The above procedures do not apply to airmen and NCA who apply for discharge on grounds of
conscience who are dealt with in accordance with AP 3392, Vol 5, Leaflet 113.
627-628. (
Omitted).
629. Discharge on Pregnancy.
Sponsor: RAF Employment Policy
(1) Female personnel who become pregnant or suspect that they may be pregnant are to seek
medical advice as soon as they become aware of their condition.
(2) Female personnel serving in the UK may obtain medical advice from a civilian medical
practitioner of their own choice or from the MO of the unit on which they are serving. In order that their
health can be safeguarded while on duty it is necessary, where a civilian medical practitioner is
consulted, that they inform their unit MO in confidence immediately pregnancy is confirmed, even if
the pregnancy has been or is to be terminated, and regardless of whether their duties have been
interrupted. Those serving abroad are to obtain medical advice from a SMO.
(3) Female personnel who miscarry or for whom, after appropriate consultation, termination of
pregnancy is arranged are to be treated as gynaecological cases.
(4) In cases other than those referred to in para 3 personnel who become pregnant will be given the
option of either:
(a) discharge from the Service, or
(b) a period of maternity leave.
Full details of the procedure for those opting for discharge are contained in AP 3392, Vol 2,
Leaflet
710 . Detailed procedures for maternity leave are contained in JSP 760.
(5) Manning will issue the necessary discharge instructions where appropriate. If the airwoman
desires an immediate discharge this should be given.
630-635. (
Omitted)
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