Junior technician


Junior technician is a junior non-commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force, the Pakistan Air Force and the Royal Danish Air Force. In the RAF it ranks equivalent to senior aircraftman technician, equivalent to senior aircraftman and below corporal and has a NATO rank code of OR-2. Since 2005, the RAF has ceased promoting to and therefore phasing out of this rank, to be replaced by SAC.

United Kingdom

The rank of junior technician is only held by airmen in technical trades and by musicians. Airmen in non-technical trades always progressed directly from senior aircraftman to corporal. Junior technicians are qualified to work alone and supervise untrained airmen working within their area of responsibility. The rank was introduced in 1950 as part of a new grading system for technicians, wearing a single point up chevron. In 1964, when the grading system was abolished, JTs were retained, their badge changing to a four-bladed propeller.
In 2000 the Royal Air Force changed the rank to Senior Aircraftman,. In 2005 promotions to the rank of junior technician ceased. However, those previously promoted continue to be at JT rank until they are promoted to Corporal or leave the service. JT is considered to be equivalent to Lance Corporal in the Army but without the power to discipline junior ranks.

Pakistan

Junior technician is also a rank in the Pakistan Air Force, where it ranks between corporal technician and senior aircraftman. Since 2006 it has been represented by single chevron beneath an eagle with outstretched wings.

Denmark

Junior technician is the title for personal working in the Royal Danish Air Force after two years' seniority as an aircraftman and until the age of 35. If still fit for duty at the age of 35 personal is promoted to lance corporal.