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INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits

As a Chef and Hospitality Specialist in the RAF, you will plan, prepare and deliver culinary excellence in our catering establishments and in the field.

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Requirements & eligibility

Apprenticeship information

Career, training & education

Benefits

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CURRENTLY RECRUITING

Being creative Helping people Analysis & maths

Day rates start at:
£68.50
+ Benefits

As a Chef in the RAF Reserves, you will have a varied role, and could be preparing food at five-star themed banquets one day and cooking in the field the next. Please note that the Regular equivalent of this role is Chef and Hospitality Specialist but the Reserves role is Chef only.

Apply as a Reserve

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You can view and manage favourites here .

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

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Pay and Apply

What will you do?

Requirements & eligibility

Where you can do this role

Career, training & education

Benefits

Your commitment

Application process

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Master every kitchen
Find out more about life as a Chef and Hospitality Specialist, working in kitchens across the globe to keep fellow teams fuelled and ready to go. The Reserve role is Chef only.

What will you do?

As a Chef and Hospitality Specialist you will be as dynamic as it is rewarding. You’ll work alongside our industrial partners to manage catering establishments, design creative menus for functions, and ensure every dish meets the highest standards. You’ll also become an expert in food safety, allergens, nutrition, and dietary needs, ensuring you can cater to the diverse RAF family.

In your role you may:
Prepare meals for fast jet pilots, helicopter crews, and passengers travelling to every corner of the world

Work in military catering facilities, produce healthy and nutritious dishes or serving the food at official functions to the RAF personnel

With experience, you could join the prestigious VIP Team, cooking and serving for high-ranking officers, government ministers, and even members of the Royal Family

What will you do?

As a Chef in the RAF Reserves you will get the chance to work on preparing attractive menus that meet set standards, following specifications to maintain quality and control, adhering to hygiene, health and safety regulations whilst instilling a knowledge of allergens, nutrition and diets so you can cater to the diverse Royal Air Force family. In your role you will:

Prepare meals and work across various environments including Military Messes, Field kitchens, and In-Flight Catering

Order, store and account for food

Help plan menus for everyday meals and VIP occasions

Prepare in-flight meals for cabin crew and passengers

Requirements at a glance

Unqualified Chef and Hospitality Specialist: No formal qualifications are required

Qualified Chef: Please see full entry requirements below

Be aged 16 – 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 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

Unqualified Chef: No formal qualifications are required

Qualified Chef: 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

If a qualified Chef, have a NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Food Preparation and Cooking; and Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Professional Cookery) or any other appropriate recognised civilian qualification

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 a General Fitness Test

View all entry requirements below

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Must be aged 16–47 (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

Unqualified Chef: No formal qualifications are required

Qualified Chef: You should have at least 12 months of suitable experience working as a chef/cook in a hotel, restaurant, hospital or industrial canteen, or other catering establishment (not fast food). You will also need one of the following:

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Food Preparation and Cooking

Apprenticeship in Commis Chef or Production Chef Standards

Any other appropriate recognised civilian qualification

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

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.

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

Unqualified Chef: No formal qualifications are required

Qualified Chef: You should have at least 12 months of suitable experience working as a chef/cook in a hotel, restaurant, hospital or industrial canteen, or other catering establishment (not fast food). You will also need one of the following:

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Food Preparation and Cooking

Apprenticeship in Commis Chef or Production Chef Standards

Any other appropriate recognised civilian qualification

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 any 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 member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence

Are waiting to appear in court, or have spent or unspent convictions that may be excluded from 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:

Level 2 Apprenticeship in Production Chef
Production chefs work as part of a team in time-bound and often challenging kitchen environments.
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:

501 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim

504 Sqn, RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire

505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay

602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland

605 Sqn, RAF Cosford, Shropshire

606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon

607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire

611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside

614 Sqn, Cardiff

Covesea Flight, RAF Lossiemouth, Moray

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

10 weeks

RAF Halton

Your career will start with Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) 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

12 weeks

Worthy Down

If you’re joining with little or no catering experience, you will need to complete specialist training at the Catering Training Wing (Air) at Worthy Down.

Read more

12 weeks

Worthy Down

Phase two training

This course will train you to maintain excellent standards of personal, food and kitchen hygiene whilst using specialist kitchen equipment to produce a variety of dishes. You will also undertake a 10-day Introduction to Deployed Operations with No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3 MCS) where you will be trained to set up field kitchens under canvas, this skill will enable you to provide catering support to deployed operations worldwide as well as supporting exercises both based in the UK and abroad.

If you have the relevant qualifications and experience in professional cookery you will be offered the opportunity to undertake a diagnostic test at Food Services Training Wing at Worthy Down prior attestation. Applicants are required to achieve a minimum 80% pass in both the Theory and Practical elements to ensure eligibility for accelerated promotion thereafter.

Successful applicants (after completion of BRTC) will automatically progress to the last 4 weeks of the chef course where they will complete familiarisation training and the 10-day introduction to Deployed Operations with 3 MCS.

03
First tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

You’ll be working either an Officers’, Sergeants’ or Junior Ranks’ Mess, where you will produce a wide range of high-quality food.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

First tour

During your first tour, you will consolidate your training and gain valuable experience that will prepare you for your first operational tour of duty supporting 3 Mobile Catering Squadron in the field or on a deployed Airfield anywhere in the world. The consolidation period includes your Trade Ability Tests (TATs).

Successful completion of TATs demonstrates that an individual has achieved an initial level of competence and is a prerequisite for promotion to the rank of Air Specialist (Class 1), unless you are on a FastTrack engagement. A first tour is always demanding but also highly rewarding and you will be given the time to develop your skills and become an effective member of the team.

04
Ongoing Development

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

Ongoing

As assigned

Ongoing Development

This means that there are opportunities for management, leadership, health and safety training and other associated qualifications. These include:

Catering Advanced Skills Course
Catering Supervisors/Managers Course
Advanced Deployed Skills (ADS) Course
Food Safety and Nutrition Courses up to Level 4

05
Career prospects

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Career prospects

We want you to grow and experience all the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities that being an RAF Chef has to offer, but you will be the driver of your career and decide when you are ready for a new challenge with us.

You can expect to remain in your first post for 2-3 years and following tours will be 3 - 5 years. As an AS1 you could be employed on Catering Retail and Leisure Units, 3 Mobile Catering Squadron and on VIP duties. On promotion to Corporal you can add Instructional duties and embedded Chef on RAF Regiment Sqns to possible employment areas.

06
Transferable skills

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

Qualified Chefs and Catering skills are sought after by civilian organisations.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Transferable skills

Therefore, on leaving the RAF you are extremely employable and well placed to find a new job such as:

Head Chef
Baker
Butcher
Catering Manager
Consumer Scientist
Food Factory Manager
Food Manufacturing Inspector
Food Scientist
Publican
Hotel Manager

All Chef entrants are offered the opportunity to enrol on to the Production Chef Intermediate Apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship is completed during your first tour of duty following an independent End Point Assessment. The Chef training programme includes the following elements:

Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace
Level 2 Award in Nutrition

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

Ongoing training

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

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 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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