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Cabin Crew - job post

Royal Air Force
4.2 out of 5 stars
United Kingdom
Permanent, Apprenticeship
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Job details

Job type

  • Apprenticeship
  • Permanent

Location

United Kingdom

Benefits

Pulled from the full job description

  • Free or subsidised travel
  • Annual leave
  • Company pension
  • Discounted or free food

Full job description

Currently recruiting
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INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits

As a member of RAF Cabin Crew you will ensure passenger safety and security in the skies, and also deliver VIP in-flight services. You will also excel on the ground with expert hospitality.


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DAY RATE STARTS AT:
£63.27
+ Benefits

As a member of RAF Cabin Crew you will ensure passenger safety and security in the skies, and also deliver VIP in-flight services. You will also excel on the ground with expert hospitality.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO VACANCIES FOR THIS ROLE. PLEASE CONTACT US TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AND RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS WHEN VACANCIES BECOME AVAILABLE.

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Career, training & education

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Your commitment

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What will you do?

Once fully trained, RAF Cabin Crew play a vital and exciting role, ensuring the comfort, safety, and welfare of passengers aboard 10 Squadron or 101 Squadron Voyager aircraft, based at RAF Brize Norton. You’ll be the face of the RAF, greeting passengers as they board and exit the aircraft, providing exceptional service and special attention to those in need. Your duties may include:

  • Serving meals and refreshments

  • Demonstrating emergency equipment and safety procedures

  • Ensuring all on-board emergency equipment is in top condition

  • Administering first aid and handling passenger or crew emergencies with confidence and professionalism

  • Representing the RAF at the highest levels, delivering world-class service to some of the most distinguished passengers

  • Managing RAF Houses, overseeing hotel services, and ensuring smooth operations for high-profile events

What will you do?

Once fully trained, RAF Cabin Crew play a vital and exciting role, ensuring the comfort, safety, and welfare of passengers aboard 10 Squadron or 101 Squadron Voyager aircraft, based at RAF Brize Norton. You’ll be the face of the RAF, greeting passengers as they board and exit the aircraft, providing exceptional service and special attention to those in need. Your duties may include:


  • Serving meals and refreshments

  • Demonstrating emergency equipment and safety procedures

  • Ensuring all on-board emergency equipment is in top condition

  • Administering first aid and handling passenger or crew emergencies with confidence and professionalism

  • Representing the RAF at the highest levels, delivering world-class service to some of the most distinguished passengers

  • Managing RAF Houses, overseeing hotel services, and ensuring smooth operations for high-profile events

Requirements at a glance

  • As a minimum, you need GCSEs at grade G/1 in English Language and Mathematics or Scottish equivalent of National L4 or above in Mathematics and English Language

  • For qualified entry please see below

  • Be aged 17 years 9 months – 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

  • Must be within the height range of 161cm - 195cm

  • Commit to a minimum 3 years after specialist training

  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment

  • Pass a fitness test


View all entry requirements below

Requirements at a glance

  • Must be ex–RAF Air and Ground Steward or Civilian qualified Cabin Crew - please see full entry requirements below
  • 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
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a General Fitness Test
  • A minimum & maximum height range 161cm to 195cm applies to this Trade.

View all entry requirements below

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Must be between 17 years 9 months 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

As a minimum, you need GCSEs at grade G/1 in English Language and Mathematics or Scottish equivalent of National L4 or above in Mathematics and English Language.

For qualified entry you must also have one of the following:

  • At least 12 months currency as qualified airline industry Cabin Crew, within the last 24 months.
  • Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3
  • City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew Operations Level 2

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 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. This will be established during the selection process. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.


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 Security Check (SC).

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 Security Check (SC) 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

As a minimum, you need GCSEs at grade G/1 in English Language and Mathematics or Scottish equivalent of National L4 or above in Mathematics and English Language.

You must also have one of the following:

  • At least 12 months currency as qualified airline industry Cabin Crew, within the last 24 months.
  • Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3
  • City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew Operations Level 2

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 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).


RESIDENCY

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should normally 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 within this timeframe, dependant on the circumstances 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 Security Check (SC).

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 Security Check (SC) 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:
Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Level 3
The role of an air cabin crew member is to primarily ensure customers safety at all times whilst onboard the aircraft. They also provide excellent customer service to customers throughout the flight. They are trained to deal with security and emergency situations which may arise and can administer first aid to customers.
View full details

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:
622 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

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
Your career will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Read more

02

Phase two training

Specialist training
16 weeks
Worthy Down
All entrants will complete specialist food service training at the Food Services Training School (Air) at the Defence School of Logistics and Administration (DSLA) Worthy Down.

Read more

03

First tour

Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
Your first tour will be as Cabin Crew on the Airbus A330-200 Multi Role Tanker Transport Aircraft “Voyager”.

Read more

04

Additional qualifications

Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train you to the highest standard and equip you with the skills you require to take on new responsibilities.

Read more

05

Career progression

Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection.

Read more

06

Qualification opportunities

Ongoing Development
Ongoing
As assigned
All Cabin Crew entrants will be enrolled on the Cabin Crew Apprenticeship Diploma Level 3, Reference: ST0558.

Read more

07

Transferable skills

Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
Qualified Cabin Crew skills are sought after by civilian organisations.

Read more

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

02

Phase two training

Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. This includes the Role Related Swim Test (RRST):

Read more

03

Commitment

Your commitment to us
Ongoing
As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.

Read more

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

05

Transferrable skills

Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.

Read more

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 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
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.

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
Acceptance
6
Training
1
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 6

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 6

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 6

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 6

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 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.

5
Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6

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.

6
Training
Stage 6 of 6

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 – tests your use and interpretation of written information
  • Numerical reasoning – measures your ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
  • Work rate – checks for fast and accurate completion of tasks
  • Spatial reasoning – gauges your understanding of how shapes and objects work
  • Electrical comprehension – tests your ability to work with electrical concepts
  • Mechanical comprehension – measures your 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.

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 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 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.

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