Analysis & maths Being creative Gaming & computers
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits
As an RAF Intelligence Analyst, you will use state-of-the-art technologies to collect and interpret information, providing vital intelligence, which makes a direct and timely impact to operations around the world.
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Analysis & maths Being creative Gaming & computers
DAY RATE STARTS AT:
£68.50
+ Benefits
As an RAF Intelligence Analyst, you will use state-of-the-art technologies to collect and interpret information, providing vital intelligence, which makes a direct and timely impact to operations around the world.
Apply as a Reserve
Add to favourites
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here .
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
On this page:
Pay and Apply
What will you do?
Requirements & eligibility
Where you can do this role
Career, training & education
Benefits
Your commitment
Application process
Apply for this role
Similar roles
What will you do?
The opportunities as an Intelligence Analyst (Int An) are broad and varied. Information is collected from multiple sources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In your role you will:
Collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from multiple sources
Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world
Analyse and interpret aerial or satellite imagery using high tech systems
Disseminate tailored intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground
What will you do?
The opportunities as an Intelligence Analyst (Int An) are broad and varied. Information is collected from multiple sources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In your role you will:
Collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from multiple sources
Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world
Analyse and interpret aerial or satellite imagery using high tech systems
Disseminate tailored intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
As a minimum, you need GCSEs at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics.
Commit to minimum 3 years post specialist training
Meet the health and fitness criteria
Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
Pass a fitness test
View all entry requirements below
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
As a minimum, you need GCSEs at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics.
Commit a minimum of 27 days per year
Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
Pass a Selection Interview and a Specialist Assessment at RAF Wittering.
Pass a General Fitness Test
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Must be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application .
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Have these minimum grades:
GCSE pre-2017
GCSE 2017 Onwards
Scottish National 5
Mathematics
C
Grade 4
C
English Language
C
Grade 4
C
If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth (not naturalised) and must never have held any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) with the exception of dual British Irish citizenship. Immediate family must be British citizens/nationals.
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. This will be established during the selection process.
The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.
There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV).
Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.
Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations
RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.
Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.
If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.
The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
MEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
13.52
17-29
13.20
30-34
13.49
35-39
14.14
40-44
14.46
45-49
15.17
50-54
15.53
WOMEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
16.22
17-29
15.48
30-34
16.14
35-39
16.44
40-44
17.22
45-49
17.57
50-54
18.34
See here for more information about a training plan
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Calculating your BMI
Calculate your BMI here
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
Age
BMI minimum
BMI maximum
Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
18 or over
18
30
32 (waist circumference less than 94cm)
32 (waist circumference less than 80cm)
16 to 17
17
27
27
27
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
Health Criteria
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
YOU MUST:
Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
Achieve the minimum Security Clearance of Developed Vetting (DV) for this role
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted).
Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy:
Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
Usually, candidates are to be clean shaven when being fitted for their respirators in Phase One training, however other methods of creating a clean seal can be advised if this is not possible due to religious reasons.
Must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application .
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Have these minimum grades:
GCSE pre-2017
GCSE 2017 Onwards
Scottish National 5
Mathematics
C
Grade 4
C
English Language
C
Grade 4
C
If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
Nationality
Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth (not naturalised) and must never have held any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) with the exception of dual British Irish citizenship. Immediate family must be British citizens/nationals.
Residency
You must have resided in the UK for 7 years immediately prior to application. If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. This will be established during the selection process.
The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.
There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV).
Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.
Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations
RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.
Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.
If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.
The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
MEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
13.52
17-29
13.20
30-34
13.49
35-39
14.14
40-44
14.46
45-49
15.17
50-54
15.53
WOMEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
16.22
17-29
15.48
30-34
16.14
35-39
16.44
40-44
17.22
45-49
17.57
50-54
18.34
See here for more information about a training plan
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Calculating your BMI
Calculate your BMI here
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
Age
BMI minimum
BMI maximum
Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
18 or over
18
30
32 (waist circumference less than 94cm)
32 (waist circumference less than 80cm)
16 to 17
17
27
27
27
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
Health Criteria
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
YOU MUST:
Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
Have a background check in order to get an enhanced security clearance
The Nationality and Residency requirements determine the probability of you attaining the required Security Clearance for your chosen role. You will be expected to achieve the minimum Security Clearance of Developed Vetting (DV) for this role.
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted).
Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy:
Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
Usually, candidates are to be clean shaven when being fitted for their respirators in Phase One training, however other methods of creating a clean seal can be advised if this is not possible due to religious reasons.
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Intelligence Analyst Level 4 Apprenticeship
An Intelligence Analyst will work in the following types of organisations: military, law enforcement, security, finance, commerce. The role involves working alongside intelligence collection officers and researchers, investigators, operational staff and other operational support roles such as business, data, risk or threat analysts to identify patterns and trends to make sense of the information and data they are handling.
View more
Reserve role locations
Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active:
502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn, Cardiff
7006 Sqn, RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire
7010 Sqn, RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire
CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Basic Recruit Training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Phase one training
This will help you to adjust to military life. Along with fitness and military training, you’ll learn about the RAF lifestyle.
02
Phase two training
RAF Intelligence Course
14 weeks
MOD Chicksands
The next step is an RAF Intelligence Course - Aviator (RAFIC-A), where you will learn the fundamentals of Air Intelligence.
Read more
14 weeks
MOD Chicksands
Phase two training
Here, you will learn the fundamentals of Air Intelligence. This course is designed to train you in the basics of Operational Intelligence (OPINT). It will give you a good understanding of the sources of information, and the techniques for processing them. You will also develop the skills to disseminate it effectively through written or graphical means, including the delivery of a detailed but concise intelligence briefing.
The course also covers the roles of UK intelligence organisations such as Defence Intelligence (DI), and the RAF intelligence structure. You will learn about IT applications, research techniques and military mapping which concludes with a final exercise. This will be the culmination of all your training where you will put all your new skills into practice in a real time environment. Whilst undergoing Phase 2 training, you will also begin the RAF Apprenticeship that will allow you to gain civilian accredited qualifications. On successful completion of the course, you will graduate as an Air Specialist (Class 2) (AS2) and be posted to your first tour of duty.
03
Your first tour
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
For your first assignment you may be posted to an Intelligence Cell (Int Cell) at an RAF station or operational Squadron.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Your first tour
You could be working in direct support to platforms such as F-35, P8, RIVET JOINT and Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS). Alternatively, you could be employed in a more strategic role based at RAF Wyton, working within the Air & Space Intelligence Centre (ASIC), National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI) or one of the squadrons within 1 ISR Wing.
You will be required to utilise state of the art systems to support more senior analysts across the whole spectrum of roles including SIGINT, IMINT and OPINT in the production of Intelligence Reports, Mission Reports and summaries. More specialist roles may be available at Joint Service Signals Unit (JSSU) Digby, JSSU Cyprus, 54 Signals Unit (SU) or 591 SU.
Here you will be employed on a wide range of tasks relating to the analysis of complex communications data transmissions or defensive Cyber. During your first tour you will initially work under supervision until you gain experience. At some of these locations you may be required to work shifts which include unsociable hours and weekends but with subsequent stand down periods.
04
Career prospects
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
After completing one year’s total service you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1), providing you pass the Basic Trade Training and Trade Ability Test.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Career prospects
There are limited opportunities for overseas postings, and you should expect to be deployed on an operational tour of up to six months at various stages in your career. Promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection once vacancies become available and is statistically quicker than most other trades. Established Int Ans may also consider applying for a role as an Airborne Specialist or for commissioning into the Intelligence Branch.
As part of one of the trades in the RAF that is currently expanding, you will have many opportunities to specialise in roles that will support current and future intelligence collection platforms. Commanders cannot make decisions without reliable intelligence, and as an Intelligence Analyst in the RAF you will play a key role in this process.
05
Additional qualifications
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
The RAF Int An Apprenticeship Centre (RIAAC) offers individuals the opportunity to register for the Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship Standard.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Additional qualifications
The apprenticeship is a Level 4 qualification, administered by the RIAAC on behalf of 22 (Trg) Gp Apprenticeship Management Team.
The requisite skills will be delivered during the OPAIC and further developed during RIAAC led workshops while in the workplace. All trainees will be subject to an End Point Assessment ahead of an award of the qualification.
06
Ongoing training
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills. In addition to management and leadership training you may be selected for one of a range of further training courses.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing training
This will be in one of the specialist intelligence (INT) fields including Imagery (IMINT), Open Source (OSINT), Signals (SIGINT) or Cyber. These opportunities can arise at any time in your career, but normally occur following your first tour.
Int Ans will not routinely complete Language Training due to differing entry criteria. Completion of Language Training will be dependent upon successful completion of the MLAT and Service Need.
07
Career Progression
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
The RAF Int An Apprenticeship Centre (RIAAC) offers individuals the opportunity to register for the Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship Standard.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Career Progression
The apprenticeship is a Level 4 qualification, administered by the RIAAC on behalf of 22 (Trg) Gp Apprenticeship Management Team. The requisite skills will be delivered during the OPAIC and further developed during RIAAC led workshops while in the workplace. All trainees will be subject to an End Point Assessment ahead of an award of the qualification.
08
Transferable skills
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
The qualifications and experience you will gain are as valuable in the wider world as they are in the RAF.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferable skills
This means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF you will be well placed to find a job in a number of fields. The type of role you’re employed in could include work in telecommunications, analytics, research, media, information technology or the Civil Service. All Int Ans will be offered the opportunity to complete an RAF Higher Apprenticeship in Intelligence Operations. This is the only Level 4 Apprenticeship the RAF offers.
As you progress you will gain a great deal of management and leadership experience which you will have the opportunity to transfer into relevant civilian qualifications. We will give you the confidence and broad experience to succeed in whatever you choose to do.
TRAINING AND CAREER
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Basic Recruit Training
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).
Read more
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Phase one training
This will consist of 10 days training primarily at your chosen Reserves Support Wing. The breakdown of this can be discussed with your recruiter.
This is followed by a 15-day residential course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. All Phase One training should be completed within your first year in RAF Reserves.
02
Phase two training
RAF Intelligence Course
39 days (split)
Chicksands
Read more
39 days (split)
Chicksands
Phase two training
After successfully completing initial training, you will undertake the RAF Intelligence Course at the Defence Intelligence Academy, Chicksands, Bedfordshire.
The 39 days will be split over 11 months.
03
Commitment
Your commitment to us
Ongoing
As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Commitment
This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
04
Ongoing development
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing development
As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
05
Transferable skills
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferable skills
The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
WHY JOIN THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
Training
View all benefits
WHY JOIN THE RAF?
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You will have opportunities to assist with our operations worldwide for up to 12 months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
Training
Free gym
Subsidised food
Paid pension
Paid holiday
View all benefits
COMMITMENT AND LOCATION
You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
7006, 7010 & 7630 Sqns are HQ at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Personnel from 7006 & 7010 Sqns can expect to work from RAF Wyton, with satellite teams also employed at RAF Brize Norton and RAF High Wycombe. 7630 Sqn consists of intelligence subject matter experts who operate nationally on special projects.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Aptitude test
2
Selection Interviews
3
Health Assessment
4
Fitness Test
5
Specialist Interview
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 7
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
Click here to try the online practice test.
2
Selection Interviews
Stage 2 of 7
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
Family life
Education
Work experience
Special interests and hobbies
Interest in the RAF
Training
The role you’ve applied for
The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 7
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
4
Fitness Test
Stage 4 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and is a 2.4km.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .
5
Specialist Interview
Stage 5 of 7
Attendance at a specialist assessment is mandatory for all candidates. This may be done online.
6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7
Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.
This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
7
Training
Stage 7 of 7
Basic Recruit Training
This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Squadron information event
2
Aptitude test
3
Selection interview
4
Health assessment
5
Fitness test
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Squadron information event
Stage 1 of 7
The first step in the application process invites you to attend a squadron information event. This could be either in person or online. At this event, there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in.
2
Aptitude test
Stage 2 of 7
All Reserves take an aptitude test known as the ‘Defence Aptitude Test’ at the local squadron they have applied to, or a local AFCO in some cases. The test ensures we match the right candidate to the right role and consists of seven multiple choice sections focusing on different skills:
Verbal reasoning – use and interpretation of written information
Numerical reasoning – ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
Work rate – fast and accurate completion of tasks
Spatial reasoning – understanding of how shapes and objects work
Electrical comprehension – ability to work with electrical concepts
Mechanical comprehension – grasp of mechanical concepts
Click here to try the online practice test.
3
Selection interview
Stage 3 of 7
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will cover the following topics:
Education
Employment
Interest and motivation for joining the RAF Reserves
Military awareness and Service Knowledge
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process. You will also have a Specialist Assessment at RAF Wittering.
4
Health assessment
Stage 4 of 7
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
5
Fitness test
Stage 5 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym, and is 2.4km run.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .
6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7
If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.
7
Training
Stage 7 of 7
Basic Recruit Training
Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.
What’s next?
After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.
APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
Apply as a Reserve
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