RAF other ranks

The trade classification of Leading Aircraftman was created on 5 April 1918 to fill a void in the Service ranks.

The rank of Master Clerk was originally equivalent to Sergeant Major 1st Class.

On 1 July 1946, NCOs serving as aircrew were assigned different rank badges which distinguished them from ORs in ground trades.

Both new ranks adopted a gold RAF Eagle between the chevrons to permit continuing distinction from ground trades.

Aircrew cadets wore the RAF Eagle on its own as a trade classification badge.

[9] Junior Technicians adopted the four-bladed propeller as their badge of rank and Chief Technicians adopted a treble chevron surmounted by a four-bladed propeller as their rank insignia.

On 1 April 2010, the RAF Regiment introduced the rank of lance corporal for SACs at the time who undertook the role of section second-in-command/fire team commander.

[12] In November 2021 the official RAF magazine AirClues promulgated: "the term 'aviator' has now replaced the generic term of ‘airman’ to bring right up to date the way we should describe all of our personnel," since women now numbered a fifth of candidates applying to enlist in the RAF.