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Analysis & maths Being creative Helping people

INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING
£35,900+
+ Benefits

PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£54,700+
+ Benefits

As an RAF Intelligence Officer, you obtain, analyse and present defence intelligence from a variety of sources and manage a team of Intelligence Analysts and Linguists.

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Currently recruiting

Analysis & maths Being creative Helping people

DAY RATE STARTS AT:
£83.31
+ Benefits

As an RAF Intelligence Officer, you obtain, analyse and present defence intelligence from a variety of sources and manage a team of Intelligence Analysts and Linguists.

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

Apply for this role

Similar roles

What will you do?

You’ll be leading a team of highly motivated, bright individuals. In your role you will:

Collect, collate and evaluate vast quantities of information to produce actionable reports
Provide intelligence updates and threat assessments to support operational planning
Provide intelligence support to aircrew before their missions
Lead teams of skilled intelligence analysts to provide imagery or signals intelligence
Brief senior officers, planning or operations staff to influence matters of international significance
Be deployed frequently overseas, working alongside counterparts in the Royal Navy and the Army, or in a NATO Position

What will you do?

You’ll be leading a team of highly motivated, bright individuals. In your role you will:

Collect, collate and evaluate vast quantities of information to produce actionable reports
Provide intelligence updates and threat assessments to support operational planning
Provide intelligence support to aircrew before their missions
Lead teams of skilled intelligence analysts to provide imagery or signals intelligence
Brief senior officers, planning or operations staff to influence matters of international significance
Be deployed frequently overseas, working alongside counterparts in the Royal Navy and the Army, or in a NATO Position

Requirements at a glance

Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old ( Must enter Initial Officer Training before 48th Birthday Upper age limit of 48 for Internal Commissioning Scheme)
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below

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.

In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (with exclusions) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points. Higher qualifications may be considered as a substitute. Please see full details below.
Commit to minimum of 12 years service
Meet the health and fitness criteria and pass a fitness test.

View all entry requirements below

Requirements at a glance

Personnel interested in obtaining a commission in the RAF Intelligence Reserves are required to join the Specialisation first and then to commission from the ranks. Suitability and requirements can be obtained from Squadron specialists.

Ex-Regular Intelligence officers and ex-military officers from an equivalent Branch will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday

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. Higher qualifications may be considered as a substitute. Please see full details below.

You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria.

Commit 27 days per year

Pass a General Fitness Test

View all entry requirements below

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Must be aged 17.5 – 47 (Must enter Initial Officer Training 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

Three other subjects
C
Grade 4
C

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.

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 or Scottish National 5 grade 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

A second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.

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

Three other subjects
C
Grade 4
C

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.

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.

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 and must not hold (and must never have held) any nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) other than British, British Overseas Territory or dual British Irish citizenship. Your parents/spouse must currently have UK citizenship.

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.

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 Sqdn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire

7006 Sqdn, RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire

7010 Sqdn, RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire

7010 Sqdn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire

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

Initial Training

24 weeks

RAF Cranwell

You will complete the Initial Officer Training (IOT) Course at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

Read more

24 weeks

RAF Cranwell

Phase one training

This is a challenging modular course, split into 4 distinct terms designed to develop your robustness, fitness, leadership and academic skills as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.

02
Phase two training

RAF Intelligence Course

18 weeks

MOD Chicksands

The next step is an RAF Intelligence Course - Officer (RAFIC-O), where you will learn the fundamentals of Air Intelligence.

Read more

18 weeks

MOD Chicksands

Phase two training

This course will teach you how to provide Operational Intelligence. You will be taught a breadth of subjects including: the components of intelligence work, different intelligence sources, various analytical techniques, the structure of air-defence systems, and the details of complex equipment that pose a threat to aircraft.

By the end of the course you will be able to collect and evaluate relevant information and produce actionable intelligence, through both written reports and formal verbal briefings. You will be able to provide intelligence support to senior commanders and contribute to the planning of air operations and force protection of airbases. Your final exercise will test your ability to work within an Expeditionary Air Wing intelligence environment in a range of mutually supportive and varied intelligence roles, including that of a squadron intelligence officer.

03
First tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

Your first tour will be at one of a range of military units and will focus on Operational Intelligence.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

First tour

You could be posted to any of the front-line RAF flying stations, where you would keep the squadrons, the station commander and station personnel aware of the latest threats. You could also be posted to the Joint Force Air Component Headquarters at RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, or the Air and Space Intelligence Centre at RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire. Here you will provide threat assessments and intelligence updates on current operations and worldwide areas of concern to senior commanders and their planning staff. You could then undertake further training in:

Operational Intelligence, completing courses in air weapons employment, electronic warfare or air operations

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance management

Targeting

Imagery Intelligence, completing the United Kingdom Imagery Analysis Course (UKIAC)

Signals, Human Intelligence or Cyber

04
Career prospects

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years and may be selected to serve on a pension-earning commission of 20 years or age 40; whichever is the latter during this time.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Career prospects

Promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant will occur on a time served/satisfactory service basis 3½ years after completing IOT. Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.

05
Ongoing development

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

Initially you will move jobs every 2 years to develop your experience as an Intelligence Officer, and you should expect to deploy on operations regularly throughout your career.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Ongoing development

You could work in a range of employment areas which provide extensive opportunities for further professional and personal development throughout your career. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree schemes in Intelligence and Security or International Relations are affiliated to the Branch. You could also undertake further training and gain qualifications in Operational Intelligence, Targeting, Cyber, Electronic-Warfare, Space and Air Operations.

Further employment could involve a specialist discipline such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) management, imagery, signals or human intelligence. You will manage a team of RAF and other military and civilian Intelligence Analysts, producing intelligence reports in support of current operations and strategic decision-making.

06
Transferable skills

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

The analytical and leadership skills as well as the experience you gain throughout your career as an Intelligence Officer.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Transferable skills

Those will equip you for a number of jobs in the wider world. These include police inspector, criminologist, or various roles within the civil service.

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 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.

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.

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.

03
Transferrable 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

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.

WHY JOIN AS AN OFFICER?

When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.

Discover 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

6 weeks holiday

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 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

Paid pension

Paid holiday

View all benefits

Commitment & 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

CBAT Aptitude test

3

Health Assessment

4

Fitness Test

5

OASC

6

Familiarisation visit

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

You can try the online practice test here

2

CBAT Aptitude test
Stage 2 of 7

The first step in the application process is a series of Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT). These tests ensure we match the right candidate to the right role. They take place over one day at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and measure your ability to perform specific tasks such as:

How well you respond physically to visual information

Your ability to interpret information in two dimensions and devise a three-dimensional solution

Your ability to complete several tasks simultaneously

Your natural abilities, including deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate and concentration, and verbal and numerical reasoning

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. View details 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 (PJFT). 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

OASC
Stage 5 of 7

This will be your second 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.

You can watch a video here that explains the OASC selection process in more detail.

6

Familiarisation visit
Stage 6 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 take another fitness test. Instructions and requirements will be sent to you in advance.

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview.

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 Cranwell training page for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.

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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Intelligence
Intelligence Analyst

Analysis & maths Being creative Gaming & computers

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