Squadron Medical jobs

CURRENTLY RECRUITING

Helping people Analysis & maths Gaming & computers

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

PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE + PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF FLT LT
£52,800+
+ Benefits

As an RAF Medical Support Officer, you will provide essential Health Service Support to both the Royal Air Force Medical Services and the wider Defence Medical Services.

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DAY RATE STARTS AT:
£83.31
Depends on role, rank and experience

As an RAF Medical Support Officer, you will provide essential Health Service Support to both the Royal Air Force Medical Services and the wider Defence Medical Services.

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

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?

Medical Support Officers (MSOs) provide essential Health Service Support (HSS) to both the RAF Medical Services and the wider Defence Medical Services. MSOs can be employed in any of the healthcare sectors, e.g. Primary or Secondary care. Typical duties include:

Healthcare leadership and management

Operational medical planning

Medical logistics to sustain overseas deployments

Medical capability, development and acquisition.

Design and delivery of medical training for practitioners and HSS personnel

Designing and developing medical information systems

Exploring the use of AI

What will you do?

Medical Support Officers (MSOs) provide essential Health Service Support (HSS) to both the RAF Medical Services and the wider Defence Medical Services. MSOs can be employed in any of the healthcare sectors, e.g. Primary or Secondary care. Typical duties include:

Healthcare leadership and management

Operational medical planning

Medical logistics to sustain overseas deployments

Medical capability, development and acquisition.

Design and delivery of medical training for practitioners and HSS personnel

Requirements at a glance

Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language, Maths/Application of Mathematics and three other subjects

Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above. Please see full details below

You will either need experience of leadership or at least 2 years of proven experience of Healthcare Delivery, or a health-related degree level qualification.

Be aged 20 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details below

Commit to a minimum 12 years service

Meet the health and fitness criteria and pass a Fitness test

View all entry requirements below

Requirements at a glance

Have a minimum of 5 GCSE / SCEs at Grade C/2 minimum or equivalent, including English Language and Mathematics

Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points

A clinical healthcare background or NHS management experience

Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below

Commit 27 days per year

Pass a General Fitness Test

View all entry requirements below

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be aged between 20 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
GCSE 2017
SNE

English Language
C
Grade 4
Grade 5

Mathematics/Application of Mathematics
C
Grade 4
Grade 5

Three other subjects
C
Grade 4
Grade 5

Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points

Have a relevant degree level qualification or experience of management in Healthcare Delivery.

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).

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

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 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 18-54 (and meet all specialist/professional pre-requisites listed below)

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 a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4 with effect from Aug 17)

OR 5 Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) Standard Grades at a minimum of Grade 2

OR 5 Scottish National Equivalent (SNE) grades at a minimum of Grade 5, including English Language and Mathematics.

find a list of the approved subjects here

Applicants must also have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 160 UCAS points.

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

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:

612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife

4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION

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

01
Phase one training

Initial Officer Training

24 weeks (split)

RAF Cranwell

RAF officers begin their career by completing the Initial Officer Training Course at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

Read more

24 weeks (split)

RAF Cranwell

Phase one training

You will complete a challenging modular 24-week course, split into 4 distinct terms designed to develop your robustness, fitness, leadership and academic skills through a number of indoor and outdoor exercises across the UK.

02
Phase two training

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

This is conducted in a modular format during your first two postings and will introduce you to various roles and functions within the RAF Medical Services

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Phase two training

You will be expected to complete the ground phase of the Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) course which will provide you with the fundamentals of AE , the Air Transportable Isolator (ATI) Course where you will learn how to AE highly infectious patients, the Patient Evacuation Coordination Cell (PECC) course as well as the Medical Readiness Training course.

There are a variety of additional courses available to you that will help you build a range of competencies, allowing you to influence your career pathway to where your interests or specialisation may be; for example, medical planning, acquisition management, medical operations, or shaping future digital data and information platforms. The phase 2 and phase 3 training you will receive will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the RAF Medical Services and the wider Defence Medical Services, whilst providing you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to enjoy a successful and rewarding career as a RAF MSO.

03
First tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

Your first tour will help you be managed and mentored to develop as a junior officer.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

First tour

Whilst subject to Service requirement, first tours may be at Tactical Medical Wing at RAF Brize Norton, HQ Air Command at RAF High Wycombe, or the Centre of Aviation Medicine, RAF Henlow. First tours will help you learn how the RAF and DMS work, and the experience you gain will stand you in good stead for the rest of your career

04
Career prospects

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

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

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Career prospects

You will commission as a Pilot Officer and you will be promoted Flying Officer and then Flight Lieutenant on a time and satisfactory service basis. Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.

05
Ongoing development

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

As an MSO, you will have extensive opportunities for professional development throughout your career.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Ongoing development

This development will be incremental in nature and compatible with your performance, experience and aspirations. MSOs can apply and study for an Undergraduate Degree, Post Graduate Diploma and Masters level qualifications in healthcare related subjects.

There are also opportunities for leadership and management training. In addition, there is an established mentoring scheme, which provides support and guidance to allow you to develop your competencies. Furthermore, all personnel are encouraged to join a professional body, such as the Institute of Health and Social Care Management or the Chartered Managers Institute.

06
Transferable skills

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

The skills and experience you gain throughout your career as a MSO could equip you for a wide range of civilian jobs.

Read more

Ongoing

As assigned

Transferable skills

These include: crisis and emergency services, health service management, local government, disaster and humanitarian relief, healthcare logistics and medical training.

TRAINING AND CAREER

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

01
Phase one training

Initial Training

24 days (split)

RAF Cranwell / local

This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Read more

24 days (split)

RAF Cranwell / local

Phase one training

This is followed by Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase. ROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises.

Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT.

02
Phase two training

Specialist training

Ongoing

DMA, Staffs

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

DMA, Staffs

Phase two training

MSOs’ attend the Introductory RAF Medical Support Officers’ Course at the Defence Medical Academy (DMA) Whittington, Staffordshire.

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 development

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 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

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.

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

Health Assessment

3

Fitness Test

4

OASC

5

Familiarisation visit

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

You can try the online practice test here

2

Health Assessment
Stage 2 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.

3

Fitness Test
Stage 3 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and 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 .

4

OASC
Stage 4 of 7

This will be your first 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.

5

Familiarisation visit
Stage 5 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 repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.

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

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.

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

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

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

Memory - Ability to remember information accurately

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 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.

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 (PJFC). 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 a provisional offer of service interview at your Squadron.

The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

7

Training
Stage 7 of 7

Basic Recruit Training

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

What’s next?

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

APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.

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