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Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, DSSC Courses & Recruitment Process

The Nigerian Armed Forces air division is the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). It is the youngest division of the Nigerian Armed Forces. However, it is one of the biggest in Africa, with 18,000 employees as of 2021 and a fleet that includes 9 Chengdu F-7s, 12 Dassault-Dornier Alpha Jets, three JF-17 Thunder Block II, and 12 Super Tucano aircraft, 24 M-346 FAs on order, helicopter gunships, armed attack drones, and military transport aircraft.Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

In the country’s airspace, peacekeeping, search, and rescue operations are carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The NAF uses these helicopters, planes, and other aerial vehicles to accomplish its objectives.

The Air Force Headquarters has nine staff divisions in policy-making -Policy and Planning, Training, and Operations, Aircraft Engineering, Logistics and Communications, Administration, Standards and Evaluations, Air Secretary, Accounts and Budgets, and Medical Services the nine staff branches.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

Additionally, it has organizations like the Nigerian Air Force Holdings Corporation, the Nigerian Air Force Post-service Housing Development Limited, the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited, and the Nigerian Air Force Properties Ltd.

The Nigerian Air Force was established in 1964 when the National Assembly passed the Air Force Act, which gave it the following duties: perfectly complementing the Nigerian Armed Forces’ military defense system in the air and on the ground; ensuring the military personnel’s quick movement when necessary; preserving the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and providing close support for all land- and sea-based civilian operations phases.

No doubt, being in the airforce isn’t a piece of cake; from the training to actual combats, and this takes a toll on the personalities of these gallant soldiers who stick to their duty even if it requires them to put their lives on the line. Nevertheless, such sheer bravery and courage are indeed appreciated and applauded.

Ranks

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

A range of ranks is available in the Nigerian air force. All the levels have their roots in the British Royal Air Force and are still in use in former British colonies, especially the Common Wealth Countries. They can generally be split into commissioned and noncommissioned cadre. Like other professions, the Nigerian Air Force has junior and senior ranks.

Ranks in Commissioned Cadre

All officers who have enrolled through the Short Service Commission, Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), or the Direct Short Service Commission(DSSC) are considered to be in the commissioned ranks. These officers typically hold diplomas or degrees from reputable universities. The Nigerian Air Force has 11 different commissioned rank classifications. In descending order, They include:

1. Marshal of the Air Force

This is a five-star rank. It is the highest rank no officer has ever attained in the history of the Nigerian Air Force. Only this rank has a symbol that is entirely different from those of the other ranks. It cannot be awarded through promotion but is given based on merit. A Field Marshal in the Nigerian Army and an Admiral of the Fleet in the Nigerian Navy are comparable to a Marshal of the Air Force (NN).

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

2. Air Chief Marshal (Air Chf Mshl or ACM)

This is a four-star rank and the second-highest level in the Nigerian Air Force and other air forces worldwide. It is comparable to a General in the Army and Admiral in the Navy.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

3. Air Marshal (AM)

This is an Air Force rank of three stars. All previous and current Chiefs of Air Staff have this rank or lower as the highest level ever obtained in the nation’s Air Force. In the Navy and the Army, it is the equivalent of Vice Admiral and Lieutenant General, respectively.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

4. Air Vice Marshal (AVM)

Next to the Air Marshal rank, this is a two-star rank in the Air Force. It is comparable to the Rear Admiral and Major General positions in the armed forces.Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

5. Air Commodore (Air Cdre)

Next to Air Vice Marshal, this one-star title is the lowest General position in the Air Force. However, it is comparable to the Army’s Brigadier General and Commodore ranks in the Navy.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

6. Group Captain

Next to Air Commodore, this is a senior commissioned rank. It has the same status as Captain in the Navy and Colonel in the Army.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

7. Wing Commander (Wg Cdr)

This is the title immediately below Group Captain. It is the equivalent of the Army’s Lieutenant Colonel and the Navy’s Captain.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

8. Squadron Leader

Following Wing Commander is this position. In both the Navy and the Army, it is the equivalent of the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

9. Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt)

This is an Air Force junior commissioned officer rank. Equivalent to a captain in the Army and a lieutenant in the Navy.
Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

10. Flying Officer (Fg Off)

This rank is a junior commission. It is the rank that Direct Short Service DSSC officers get after being commissioned. Equivalent to a sub-lieutenant in the Navy and a lieutenant in the Army.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

11. Pilot Officer (Pl Off)

This is the level of commissioned Officer that is the lowest. Also, it is the rank that freshly commissioned regular cadets are given when they receive their commission—equivalent in the Army to a second lieutenant and a midshipman in the Navy.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

Ranks In Non-Commissioned Cadre

In Nigeria, there are several noncommissioned air force levels. First, noncommissioned officers, or airmen, joined the armed forces directly (Direct Entry). These officers typically hold O-level certifications or less advanced degrees from reputable universities. They are ranked from highest to lowest, and they include:

1. Air Warrant Officer.

(Same as Navy Warrant Officer and Army Warrant Officer)

The golden eagle and matching golden crown fashioned of olive leaves serve as its emblem.

2. Master Warrant Officer.

(Same as in the Navy and Army)

These officers are in charge of the military hardware. The Nigerian Coat of Arms, with the horses in silver and the rest in gold, symbolizes the Master Warrant Officer/Master Sergeant.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

3. Warrant Officer.

(Same as in the Navy and Army)

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

4. Pilot Sergeant.

(Same as Petty Officer in the Navy and Staff Sergeant in the Army.)

In the Nigerian Army, it is a senior non-commissioned rank. Three shoulder markings and a golden eagle are on staff sergeants.Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

5. Sergeant

(Same as Leading Seaman in the Navy and Sergeant in the Army.)

This is a junior non-commissioned officer. Three shoulder markings are present on sergeants.Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

6. Corporal

(Same as Able Seaman in the Navy and Corporal in the Army.)

Corporals have two shoulder markings to represent their ranks. This position is responsible for a troop’s body.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

7. Lance Corporal.

(Same as Seaman in the Navy and Lance Corporal in the Army.)

Although it ranks slightly above Recruit or trainee, it is still the lowest officer level. Lance Corporals wear a single shoulder mark as well.

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

8. Air Craftsman/Woman 

(Same as Ordinary Seaman in the Navy and Private in the Army.)

9. Trainee/Recruit

(Same as Trainee in the Navy and Recruit in the Army.)

This rank is for recruits to the military who are currently at the base of the organizational structure. Typically, recruits have no shoulder marks, while trainees could have one.

Salaries & Allowances

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

The salaries and allowances paid to the serving officers every month vary according to rank, as some earn higher than others in the payment scheme. In addition, these allowances may include health bonuses, on-site incentives, and many other perks.

With the little perks and bonuses that come with their jobs, A Pilot Officer earns about ₦187,159 per month, while a Flying Officer receives around ₦218,400.

For a Flight Lieutenant, ₦232,484 is the monthly take-home pay, while the Squadron Leader goes home with about ₦248,004 monthly. others include Wing Commander with a sum of ₦342,586, Group Captain earning ₦352,631, Air Commodore receives ₦677,895, while the Air Vice-Marshal ₦1,376,343 and Air Marshal pocket about ₦1,486,451 as a month’s pay. Air Chief Marshal takes home a whopping ₦1,724,283. There is no marshal in the Force currently, so the earnings of a Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force remain Undisclosed.

For non-commissioned officers, a Recruit is paid ₦10,237 per month; an Aircraftman takes home ₦53,892 at the end of each month; a Lance Corporal earns ₦55,832; a Corporal receives ₦58,634. Others include the rank of a Sergeant, makes ₦69,261, a Flight Sergeant with ₦87,119; and a Warrant Officer who goes home with ₦101,974 at the end of each month. At the same time, a Master Warrant Officer and an Air Warrant Officer receive ₦165,697 and ₦171,793 as take-home earnings per month in addition to bonuses and incentives that may be on offer at the time. See full table below:

CATEGORIES SALARIES
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
1.      Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force N/A
2.      Air Chief Marshal N1,724,283
3.      Air Marshal N1,486,451
4.      Air Vice-Marshal N1,376,343
5.      Air Commodore N677,895
6.      Group Captain N352,631
7.      Wing Commander N342,586
8.      Squadron Leader N248,004
9.      Flight Lieutenant N232,484
10.  Flying Officer N218,400
11.  Pilot Officer N187,159
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
12.  Air Warrant Officer N171,793
13.  Master Warrant Officer N165,697
14.  Warrant Officer N101,974
15.  Flight Sergeant N87,119
16.  Sergeant N69,261
17.  Corporal N55,832
18.  Air Craftman N53,892
19.  Recruit N10,237

Symbol & Uniform Types

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

The golden horses and the red eagle symbolize integrity and dignity. The golden eagle flies above the flag as the golden olive leaves are laid side by side, with the golden eagle and the Colours of the banner being central.

In terms of color, the combat uniform for pilots of the Nigerian Air Force has a greenish-khaki tint, whereas the parade uniform is a dark blue color. The dark-blue uniform of the NAF sets it apart from all other military organizations. In addition, white gloves, a black helmet, and gold epaulets are distinctive Nigerian Air Force uniform features.

The new gear for combat pilots is designed with all of the challenges and requirements of today’s world in mind. It is good to know that the combat pilot uniform requires the highest possible ergonomics. The ceremonial costume’s color and every element and the uniform worn by the commanding ranks exude glory and power. Epaulets and other uniform details symbolize strength, while deep blue represents the sky.

Dssc Courses & Recruitment Process

Nigerian Air Force: Ranks, Salary, Symbols, Uniform Types, Allowances, Dssc Courses &Amp; Recruitment Process, Yours Truly, Articles, March 28, 2024

Graduates with degrees and certifications are eligible for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) in the Nigerian Air Force. For 2023, hiring has already started. The online NAF Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) registration period opens on July 26 and ends on August 30, 2023. To prevent fraud, interested and qualified applicants are advised to submit their applications through the official NAF recruitment portal. Just one application per applicant is permitted.

It is important to note that the applicants must be of Nigerian descent, and By September 30, 2023, applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 30. (25 – 40 years for Medical Consultants)
Also, Candidates must be graduates and must be unmarried. Furthermore, all Candidates must be physically and medically fit and adhere to all employment and medical requirements of the Nigerian Air Force.

Males must be 1.66 meters tall, or 5.4 feet, and Females must be 1.63 meters tall, or 5.3 feet.

For first-degree holders and HND holders, a minimum requirement for applicants is Second Class Upper Division or Upper Credit. Moreover, candidates must have three additional credits in disciplines relevant to the degree program and honors in English language and mathematics. Being computer literate will be helpful too.

Applicants should possess a minimum of four credits from WASSCE, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB in no more than two sittings. Where relevant, applicants must be fully registered with their respective statutory professional bodies in Nigeria. When applying for DSSC, applicants must have an NYSC Discharge Certificate or Letter of Exemption from NYSC.

Successful applicants will receive an invitation to the selection board interview exercise via the portal.

Eligible and qualified applicants will be allowed to select from a variety of courses on offer which includes Building Technology, Information Technology, Works, Optometry, Radiography, Biomedical Engineering, Radar Engineering, Administration, Medicine, Quantity Survey/Architecture, Medical Lab Science, Preventive/Environmental Health, Hospital Administration, Law, Dentistry, Supply, Education, Engineering, Dietitics, Clinical Psychology, Nursing, and Pharmacy.

Are you looking to apply?

Visit https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng/

The Nigerian Armed Forces

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