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Job Post Details

Physical Training Instructor - job post

Royal Air Force
4.2 out of 5 stars
United Kingdom
Permanent, Apprenticeship
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply

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
Sport & fitness Helping people Thrillseeking
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits
ANNUAL PAY AFTER SPECIALIST TRAINING
£35,500+
+ Benefits

As an RAF Physical Training Instructor, you will lead fitness and training programs that keep RAF personnel in top shape.


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On this page:

Salary and Apply

What will you do?

Requirements & eligibility

Apprenticeship information

Career, training & education

Benefits

Application process

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Similar roles

Currently recruiting
Sport & fitness Helping people Thrillseeking
DAY RATE STARTS AT:
£68.50
+ Benefits

As an RAF Physical Training Instructor, you will lead fitness and training programs that keep RAF personnel in top shape.

Apply as a Reserve

Add to favourites

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

You can view and manage favourites here.


Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.

On this page:

Pay and Apply

What will you do?

Requirements & eligibility

Where you can do this role

Career, training & education

Benefits

Your commitment

Application process

Apply for this role

Similar roles

What will you do?

You will play a pivotal role in making sure the Royal Air Force is ready to fly and fight at all times. You will deliver physical training programmes in the UK and overseas and you will be encouraged to find the best way to get results. In your role you will:


  • Introduce new joiners to military physical conditioning
  • Specialise in rehabilitation, adventure training or parachute jumping
  • Promote and co-ordinate sporting activities
  • Travel overseas to make sure our people are ready for action

What will you do?

You will be responsible for training RAF personnel, advocating healthy lifestyles and encouraging change if needed and helping those who fail their annual fitness test to ensure. You play a key role in ensuring operational preparedness. In your role you will:


  • Fitness coaching - training personnel, helping people who fail the annual fitness test, motivating lifestyle changes
  • Conduct fitness and health tests as well as counselling
  • Organise sporting and adventure activities
  • Manage a wide range of sporting facilities

Requirements at a glance

  • You will need GCSE at Grade C or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics / Application of Mathematics.
  • Be aged 18.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
  • Commit to minimum 3 years of service after specialist training
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a fitness test and swimming assessment

View all entry requirements below

Requirements at a glance

  • You will need GCSE at Grade C or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics. Please see full details below for additional requirements.
  • Be aged 18.5-54 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 below
  • Be able to evidence the delivery of group physical education classes and have 2 years’ experience of teaching physical education within the last 5 years
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria and swimming assessment
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment

View all entry requirements below

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be aged between 18.5 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 Onwards
Scottish National 5

Mathematics/Application of Mathematics
C
Grade 4
C

English Language
C
Grade 4
C


If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Specialisation. Non-British nationals applying for this Specialisation are required to certify that they have been advised of the employment limitations and the consequences of not naturalizing as a British citizen.



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.


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


SWIMMING ASSESSMENT

PTIs also need to pass a swim assessment:

  • Swim 60m back stroke followed by 60m breast stroke and 60m front crawl. This element is continuous but not timed. Individuals to be assessed on technique.
  • Swim 50m in less than 60 seconds
  • Immediately tread water for 2 minutes
  • Climb out of the pool unaided

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.

Applicants must be aged 18.5-54. 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



You must also:

Be on the Register for the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) for accreditation (other governing bodies will be considered however must be part of CIMSPA before phase 2 training commences).

Be in possession of a Level 3 Personal Trainer Award registered with CIMSPA or other governing bodies (must be accredited by CIMSPA before phase 2 training commences)

Be able to demonstrate the delivery of group physical education classes and have two years experience teaching physical education within the last five years.

Be able to swim competently. See full details in the Swimming Assessment section below.


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

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 have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, 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.

Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK prior to 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

SWIMMING ASSESSMENT

PTIs also need to pass a swim test at a Specialist Selection Event. This is as follows:

  • Swim 100m freestyle. This element is continuous but not timed. Individuals to be assessed on technique.

  • Immediately tread water for 2 minutes

  • Climb out of the pool unaided.

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.

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
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon
609 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire
611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
614 Sqn, Cardiff
2503 Sqn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire
2620 Sqn, RAF Marham, Norfolk
2624 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship
Through the design and provision of creative and personalised exercise programmes and instruction, nutritional advice and overall lifestyle management, Personal Trainers will motivate clients to positively change their behaviour and improve their overall wellbeing by providing specialist, tailored advice within their scope of practice, while always being aware of when to refer clients to relevant appropriate professionals for specialist information and guidance (e.g. physiotherapist, registered dietician, medical specialist).
View full details

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
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Your career will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Read more

10 weeks
RAF Halton

Phase one training

The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

02

Phase two training

Specialist training
29 weeks
RAF Cosford
The specialist training course is held at the School of Physical Training, RAF Cosford near Wolverhampton.

Read more

29 weeks
RAF Cosford

Phase two training

The course will qualify you in class instructional techniques across a broad range of physical domains and Human Performance, the effects of exercise on the body, leadership, coaching techniques, sports administration and officiating.


At the end of this course you will gain a Level 2 Gym Instructor as well as be eligible to join the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

03

Ongoing development

Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
On day 1 of the 26 week specialist training course you will be offered the opportunity to commence a Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Ongoing development

This scheme will continue post-graduation in your workplace. Following specific work-based tasks you will be expected to conduct an end point assessment with an external company in order to gain the qualification.


On completion of the apprenticeship you will be awarded a Level 3 Personal Trainer award. This qualification is also recognised by CIMSPA.

04

First tour

Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will probably be assigned to an RAF base where you will deliver programmed physical training to personnel who are undergoing their own role-related training courses.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

First tour

Additionally, you can expect to be carrying out physical fitness tests and providing specific fitness related training programmes to RAF personnel. This work will allow you to consolidate your specialist training as you complete your Work Place Training package over the
first 12 months.

05

Specialisations

Choose one of three
Ongoing
As assigned
Following your initial tour as a PTI you will choose to be an instructor in one of three specialisations: Exercise Rehabilitation, Adventure Training or Military Parachuting.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Specialisations

You can choose which specialisation path to go down, according to your own preferences. Each offers amazing opportunities.

  • Exercise Rehabilitation
  • Adventure Training
  • Military Parachuting

06

Education

Various
As assigned
There are opportunities to gain qualifications at various levels, and according to specialisations chosen. You will also undertake a Level 3 Personal Trainer Apprenticeship.

Read more

Various
As assigned

Education

As examples, PTIs have previously gained the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, First Aid for Mountaineers and Instructors, BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning in Tactical Populations, Principles of Management and Leadership, Local Cave and Mine Leader Assessment and BSc Defence Exercise Rehabilitation.

07

Your career prospects

Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will initially join the RAF for a period of 12 years on a Notice Engagement with the rank of acting Corporal.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Your career prospects

After completing one year total service and providing you pass further training courses, you will be confirmed in the rank of substantive Corporal. This early part of your career will focus on Human Performance development training and delivery.


As you progress, you will be required to undertake training in at least one of 3 further pathways to continue your career: Parachute Jumping Instruction, Adventure Training or Exercise Rehabilitation.


Personal preference is considered, whenever possible, but cannot always be granted due to the needs of the RAF.


As a prospective Physical Training Instructor you will have signed a certificate during your specialist interview to acknowledge this requirement. Further promotion to the rank of Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection.

08

Transferrable skills

Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in the wider world as they are in the RAF.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Transferrable skills

Which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to find a job in the physical recreation and leisure industry or wider in the training delivery and assurance field.


TRAINING AND CAREER

At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01

Phase one training

Basic Recruit Training
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).

Read more

25 days (split)
RAF Halton

Phase one training

This will consist of 10 days training primarily at your chosen Reserves Support Wing. The breakdown of this can be discussed with your recruiter.
This is followed by a 15-day residential course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. All Phase One training should be completed within your first year in RAF Reserves.

02

Phase two training

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.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Phase two training

You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

03

Commitment

Your commitment
Ongoing
As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Commitment

This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.


You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.

04

Ongoing development

Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Ongoing development

As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.

05

Transferable skills

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

Read more

Ongoing
As assigned

Transferable skills

The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.


WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Rent from £75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
Training
View all benefits

WHY JOIN THE 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
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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
Specialist Test
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 7

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

  • Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
  • Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
  • Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
  • Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
  • Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
  • Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.

2
Selection Interviews
Stage 2 of 7

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

  • Family life
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Special interests and hobbies
  • Interest in the RAF
  • Training
  • The role you’ve applied for
  • The RAF

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 7

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.


We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4
Fitness Test
Stage 4 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (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.

PTIs will also need to pass a swim test at a Specialist Selection Event.

5
Specialist Test
Stage 5 of 7

PTIs need to pass a swim assessment:

  • Swim 60m front crawl followed by 60m breast stroke and 60m front crawl. This element is continuous but not timed. Individuals to be assessed on technique.
  • Swim 50m in less than 60 seconds
  • Immediately tread water for 2 minutes
  • Climb out of the pool unaided

They will also need to pass a series of physical fitness tests as well as a deliver a 10-minute presentation and conduct table top exercises. Full details will be given during the application process.

6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7

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


This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

7
Training
Stage 7 of 7

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

  • Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
  • General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
  • Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
  • Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
  • Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
  • Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING

Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Squadron information event
2
Aptitude test
3
Selection interview
4
Health assessment
5
Fitness test
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Squadron information event
Stage 1 of 7

The first step in the application process invites you to attend a squadron information event. This could be either in person or online. At this event, there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in.

2
Aptitude test
Stage 2 of 7

All Reserves take an aptitude test known as the ‘Defence Aptitude Test’ at the local squadron they have applied to, or a local AFCO in some cases. The test ensures we match the right candidate to the right role and consists of seven multiple choice sections focusing on different skills:


  • Verbal reasoning – use and interpretation of written information
  • Numerical reasoning – ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
  • Work rate – fast and accurate completion of tasks
  • Spatial reasoning – understanding of how shapes and objects work
  • Electrical comprehension – ability to work with electrical concepts
  • Mechanical comprehension – grasp of mechanical concepts

Click here to 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 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, 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.

6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7

If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.

7
Training
Stage 7 of 7

Basic Recruit Training

Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.


What’s next?

After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.

APPLY NOW

Got what it takes? Start your application here.

APPLY NOW

Got what it takes? Start your application here.
Apply as a Reserve

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