What will you do?
You’ll be a specialist in all facets of force protection, which range from dismounted close combat tactics and fieldcraft to security and understanding how air operations are delivered. In your role you will:
1. Operate and employ a variety of weapons and surveillance systems
2. Lead, command and inspire a “flight” of up to 35 Gunners
3. Evaluate tactical situations, formulate a plan and brief troops
4. Provide specialist advice and planning to enable the safe conduct of air operations both at home and overseas
5. Operate in peacekeeping, counter-terrorist and full-scale war situations
Minimum Education Requirements
6. As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Mathematics and at least three other subjects.
7. In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
8. Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
Minimum Education Requirements
9. As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Mathematics and at least three other subjects.
10. In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
11. Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
Requirements
12. Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
13. Be a citizen of the UK or a holder of dual UK / other nationality
14. Commit to minimum 12 years of service
15. Meet the health and fitness criteria
16. Pass a fitness test
Requirements
17. Personnel interested in obtaining a commission in the RAF Regiment Reserves are required to join the Specialisation first and then to commission from the ranks. Suitability and requirements can be obtained from Squadron specialists.
18. Ex-Regular RAF Regiment officers and ex-military officers from an equivalent Branch will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
19. Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday
20. Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK / other nationality
21. Commit 27 days per year
22. Meet the health and fitness criteria
23. Pass a Fitness test - Details below
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: 603 Sqn, Edinburgh, Edinburgh 606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon 609 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire 2503 Sqn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire 2620 Sqn, RAF Marham, Norfolk 2622 Sqn (Highland), RAF Lossiemouth, Moray 2623 Sqn, RAF Honington, Suffolk 2624 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire Life in the RAF Regiment WARNING: This video contains flashing images. Train with your team, learn all the skills you need and defend bases across the globe through a role in the RAF Regiment. 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 Officer Training 24 weeks RAF Cranwell You’ll begin your RAF career with the Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. 24 weeks RAF Cranwell Phase one training
The course is designed to develop your leadership and management skills. The course includes fitness development, military training and academic study as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.
02 Phase two training Specialist training 26 weeks RAF Honington Next is the Junior Regiment Officers’ Course (JROC) which is tough ground combat training. 26 weeks RAF Honington Phase two training
Your fitness will step up a level as you are taught how to soldier and then how to command and lead troops. You will start with leading a Section of 8 and end up leading a flight of some 30 RAF Regiment Gunners. You will make friends who will last a lifetime and you will get to know them better than you know your own family.
The training is a real test of character, determination and the will to succeed. By the end of the course, you will be at peak physical fitness and you will have learned how to operate effectively in different environments and all kinds of conditions. The training needs to be hard to give you the confidence to overcome any situation that you may find yourself in during operations; with determination you can do it.
To view the timetable for the JROC programme, please .
03 Career prospects Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You’ll join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years. Ongoing As assigned Career prospects
Promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant is on a time served/satisfactory service basis after 3½ years from completing IOT. Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.
04 Your first tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned For your first tour you will be posted to an operational RAF Regiment squadron based in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Your first tour
You’ll consolidate your training on squadron exercises and also have the opportunity to undertake adventurous training and sport.
The most important thing is for you to get to know those under your command and for them to know and respect you, so that when you are on operations they trust you and have confidence in the decisions you make.
05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned JROC is only the beginning. As you undertake new roles you will complete courses to help you meet any challenge. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development
These courses comprise Forward Air Controlling, Jungle or Arctic Warfare courses, Heavy Weapons courses or military parachuting.
Life as an RAF Regiment Officer is never predictable, and a new challenge is always just around the corner. Much will be demanded of you, but in return, you will go to places and experience a world your civilian friends can only dream of. The challenge is there, the rest is up to you.
06 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned The qualifications and experience you gain as an RAF Regiment Officer are valuable to the wider world too. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills
This means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF you will be well placed to find a new job.
On completion of JROC you will receive a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. As you move up the ranks you will gain a great deal of practical management and leadership experience which you can develop into related civilian qualifications.
prevnext 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 Commitment Your commitment Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. 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.
02 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. 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.
03 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable 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.
prevnext 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 WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six 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 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.
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 Selection interview 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test & PROC 4 OASC 5 Familiarisation visit 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Selection interview Stage 1 of 7
Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.
The first of these interviews happens on-line and covers the following topics:
24. Family life
25. Education
26. Work experience
27. Special interests or hobbies
28. Interest in the RAF
2 Health Assessment Stage 2 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.
View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
3 Fitness Test & PROC Stage 3 of 7
Applicants for the Regiment Gunner role will have two fitness tests.
The first is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push ups and a sit-ups.
The second fitness test is during the Potential Regiment Officer Course (PROC) at RAF Honington, and includes the following:
29. RAF Swim Test
30. Multi-Stage Fitness Test
31. Press Ups/Sit Ups
32. RAF Regiment Applicant Selection Test (RAST)
33. 2 Km/1.25 mile run: PTI led 500m warm up to be completed within 5 mins. Followed by the 2km/1.25 mile best effort
34. Medicine Ball Throw
35. Static Deadlift
You can see what the Course entails
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
4 OASC Stage 4 of 7
This will be your first visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.
The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.
The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.
5 Familiarisation visit Stage 5 of 7
This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at PROC.
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
(M)IOT and officer staff training
The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge. This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development.
Visit our for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Must be aged between 17.5 and 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 and after Scottish National 5 English Language CGrade 4C Mathematics CGrade 4C Three other subjects CGrade 4C
You must also have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4-5) or SCE Standard Grades of 2 or SNE Grade 5 (A-C).
.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 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. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for the Regiment Officer role will do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). Benchmarks are as below.
The PJFT will take place at a fitness centre local to you.