Title: RAF - Frequently Asked Questions
Headings: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Royal Air Force?
What is the The Royal Air Force Mission?
What are the roles of the Royal Air Force?
The purpose of the Ministry of Defence, and the Armed Forces, is to:
To achieve this, we:
From this, the key roles of the RAF can be split into two main areas:
How does the Royal Air Force contribute to Joint (or coalition) Air Operations?
What is the RAF Motto?
Why do RAF aircraft have a target on the side?
What is the difference between commissioned and non-commissioned ranks?
Why do you salute?
Who's in charge of the RAF?
I've always been interested in a career in the RAF. How do I join?
Why do the Royal Air Force carry out low flying activities within the UK?
How can I make a low flying complaint?

Content: What is the RAF Motto? It is 'Per Ardua ad Astra'. It is generally said to be "Through Adversity to the Stars". Why do RAF aircraft have a target on the side? It is not a target but the RAF Roundel. All the world's military forces have markings on their aircraft to identify their aircraft and each has a different way of doing so:- The United States Air Force uses the famous 'Star and Bars' badge, whilst the Russians have the equally famous 'Red Star'. The RAF's is either a three-colour insignia with a blue outer ring, white middle ring and red inner, as used on support aircraft, or a blue and red two colour roundel for fighters. What is the difference between commissioned and non-commissioned ranks? In the RAF, the commissioned ranks are Pilot Officer through to Marshal of the Royal Air Force. They are generally referred to as 'officers'.