Flt Lt Amir Khan SB O StJ, BA(Hons), Dip Mgt, is a Medical and Dental Liaison Officer with the RAF. He is also actively involved in Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group engagement.
Highly decorated, he has served with dedication. He has come a long way since he first joined the RAF in 1986 as a Medical Assistant. Where did it all begin?
Starting Guns
Amir Khan was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Both parents are from SWAT, in the North West frontier of Pakistan. His father settled in the UK in the 1950s, with his mother joining him later, in the 1960s.
The RAF officer feels his most influential pillars were his religion and parents. “My Father was a strong and influential figure as I was growing up. The importance of families was always at the forefront of any memories.
Outside the familial environment was a favourite teacher. I won’t name her, but this lady cared. Though a younger teacher, she helped improve my grades and more importantly, my outlook on life. She made a difference.”
Defence in Family
“My father spent many years in the Royal Navy, and was enlisted in the then Greater India. I remember his stories and adventures, or what seemed like adventures. I now realise there are challenges like there are in every job. His stories planted a seed very early, as it is something I have always wanted to do. When I turned 18 I convinced my older brother and father that the best way forward for me was to enlist in the Royal Air Force. My ace card was that I would complete my degree whilst in the RAF, which I did. The episode makes me laugh now, however it was successful, because 30 years later I am still doing the job I love.”
Amir loves the diversity of his role. “Over the last few years, I have been an Operations manager in Primary Health Care looking after the resources for 27 Medical facilities in one of the 10 regions of the Kent Primary Health care regions. My recent assignment has been in recruiting, mainly, doctors, dentists and physiotherapists for the Royal Air Force. I have also been involved in civil engagement.”
Turning Point
“Meeting my wife and having two beautiful boys, well my wife did all the hard work. This is a turning point as a life experience and difficult to put into words, simply, someone switching the light on, on life.”
After completing training, his first posting was RAF Coltishall where he was employed in the Regional Medical Centre. On promotion to Corporal, he was posted to RAF Hospital Wroughton on Aeromedical duties.
As a Junior Non Commissioned Officer Medical Stores and Squadron Medic, he was posted to RAF Odiham. In 1998, Khan was awarded his second Air Officers Commendation.
Biggest Challenge
“Religion and culture have always played a big part in my life, and therefore this was a challenge in the early days, as the environment of the Royal Air Force was alien to me, as I am sure I was to it.
Initially, I adapted to the environment and kept to my faith. Recently things have become much easier people are aware of cultural differences, and forums are set up by the RAF, for example, Gender, LGBT and the Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group, (BAME) all help to educate and advise where necessary. We must all work towards an equal and diverse environment and assist where necessary to help the generation behind us; otherwise I feel we are failing our children, nieces and nephews.”
During his tour he was employed as an Instructor and part of a Course Design team. Khan returned to RAF Coltishall in 2001 as Deputy Practice Manager. Promoted to Flight Sergeant, he was posted to RAF Odiham as Practice Manager. In 2005, Khan was awarded the Order of St John and the Joint Commanders Commendation in 2008. In Jan 2010, Flt Lt Khan was commissioned into the Medical Support Officers branch. He was then assigned into the role of Adjutant, a newly established role, at the Ministry Of Defence Hospital Unit Peterborough.
He’s also served on operations in Iraq, Bosnia, Turkey, and Afghanistan. His work included delivering humanitarian medical aid to the soldiers and to local populations.
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Religion and culture have always played a big part in my life
