The post was established in January 1942 immediately prior to the creation of the RAF Regiment.
The first two holders of the post were major-generals in the British Army.
From 1948 onward, the Commandant-General has been an RAF officer of air rank.
These officers all held the rank of air vice-marshal until 1993 when the post was downgraded to air commodore.
In 2022, the position was more upgraded to Air Vice-Marshal with the appoint of AVM Michael Smeath.