What will you do?
MSO Pharmacists play a vital role in medicines management and in maintaining our personnel to support operations. You could be deployed on Operations and Exercises to provide specialist advice, medicines management and to support our clinical teams, where you could provide essential care to front-line personnel in the most challenging of environments. Typical responsibilities include:
1. Predominantly you will work at your closest unit.
2. Be treated, trained and supported as a professional.
3. Provide health support to RAF personnel in readiness for and during Operations.
Minimum Education Requirements
4. Be a registered member of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
5. Be a graduate Pharmacist with evidence of having completed 2 years of post-graduate rotational training in a secondary healthcare environment
6. Have a minimum of 5 GCSE/SCEs at grade C/2 Grade 4/5 wef Aug 17, including English Language and Maths
Requirements
7. Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
8. Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status)
9. Commit 27 days per year
10. Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre
11. Pass a
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 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife 4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire 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 Initial Training 24 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). at RAF Halton. 24 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training
This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.
Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Initial training 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) takes place at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase. 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Phase two training
ROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises. Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT.
03 Phase three training Specialist training Ongoing DMS Whittington You will attend the Introductory RAF Medical Services Officers' Course at the Defence Medical Academy at DMS Whittington, Staffordshire. Ongoing DMS Whittington Phase three training
You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.
04 Your commitment to us Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Your commitment to us
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.
05 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.
06 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 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.
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 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 day 2 Aptitude test 3 Selection interview 4 Health assessment 5 Fitness test 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 7
The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in.
2 Aptitude test Stage 2 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 seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
12. Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
13. Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
14. Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
15. Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
16. Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
17. Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
18. Memory - Ability to remember information accurately
Click to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and 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 take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
19. Family life
20. Education
21. Work experience
22. Special interests and hobbies
23. Interest in the RAF
24. Training
25. The role you’ve applied for
26. 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.
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. View details 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 (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
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 .
6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7
If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your Squadron.
The purpose of this interview is to ensure 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
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.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be aged 18-54 (and meet all specialist/professional pre-requisites listed below)
Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 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
Must have a minimum of 5 GCSE/SCEs at grade C/2 Grade 4/5 with effect from Aug 17 minimum or equivalent, including English Language and Maths.
You must also have an accredited degree in Pharmacy (MPharm, BPharm BSc).
You must be a registered member of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). With evidence of having completed 2 years of post-graduate rotational training in a secondary healthcare environment. Achieved or working towards postgraduate diploma in a subject related to medicines management.
.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
You must bee a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status).
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.
Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK prior to application
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.
As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.