Currently recruiting
Aircraft Being creative Analysis & maths
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£26,300+
+ BENEFITS
ANNUAL PAY AFTER SERGEANT TRAINING, WHICH TAKES AROUND SIX MONTHS
£43,000
+ BENEFITS
ANNUAL PAY AFTER SPECIALIST TRAINING - THIS COULD TAKE AROUND TWO YEARS
£51,000+
+ BENEFITS
As a Weapon Systems Operator - Aircrew Linguist you will be fluent in two or more languages and will monitor, collect and analyse foreign-language voice transmissions and offer intelligence support.
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What will you do?
You'll need to use your initiative, prioritising information and producing tactical reports for military commanders. Your role will include:
* Interpreting foreign transmissions in real time
* Providing up-to-date intelligence to military commanders
* Flying several missions a week from the base in Lincolnshire
* Flying from a Deployed Operating Base overseas
Minimum education requirements
* You will need a minimum of 3 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents inc Functional Skills L2) at Grade C/4 or above, in English Language, Mathematics and a modern Foreign Language or 3 Scottish National 5 (Grades A – C) in English Language, Mathematics and a modern Foreign Language.
Requirements
* Be aged 17.5 – 32 (Must attest before 33rd birthday)
* You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
* Commit to minimum 12 years service
* Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (CBAT)
* Pass a Fitness test - Details below
* Undertake a swimming test in training - see below
View all details in the Entry Requirements section below.
CAREER, TRAINING
& EDUCATION
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Basic Recruit training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Your career will start with the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
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02
Phase one training
Direct entry Sergeants training
8 weeks
RAF Halton
Following Basic Recruit Training, prospective Weapon Systems Operators will complete the Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DE SNCO) Course.
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03
Phase two training
Military Aviation Ground School
5 weeks
RAF Cranwell
The DE SNCO course is followed by a 5.2 week Military Aviation Ground School (MAGS) course at RAFC Cranwell.
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04
Phase two training
Specialist training
18 months
Chicksands
You'll undergo intensive language training at Chicksands in Bedfordshire or Shrivenham in Wiltshire.
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05
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will be posted to a flying station in the UK.
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06
Your career prospects
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will join the RAF as an airman under an initial 12 year engagement.
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07
Training and Education
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
As a Weapon Systems Operator - Aircrew Linguist, you will have opportunities for further professional development throughout your career.
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08
In-service degree
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
An In-service degree for Aircrew is available for some roles.
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09
Transferable skills
Development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train, mentor and grow your skills in leadership, instructional and specialist areas.
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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
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
Stage 1 of 7
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you're a good fit for the role you're applying for. You'll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
* Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
* Numerical Reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
* Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
* Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
* Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
* Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
You can try the online practice test here
2
CBAT Aptitude test
Stage 2 of 7
The first step in the application process is a series of Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT). These tests ensure we match the right candidate to the right role. They take place over one day at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and measure your ability to perform specific tasks such as:
* How well you respond physically to visual information
* Your ability to interpret information in two dimensions and devise a three-dimensional solution
* Your ability to complete several tasks simultaneously
* Your natural abilities, including deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate and concentration, and verbal and numerical reasoning
3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 7
You're legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you're fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We'll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. View details below for more information about the health standards you'll need to meet.
4
Fitness test
Stage 4 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it's also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You'll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (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.
5
OASC
Stage 5 of 7
This will be your second visit to the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.
The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.
The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF's role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.
You can watch a video here that explains the OASC selection process in more detail.
6
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.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged between 17.5 and 32 years old. (Must attest before 33rd birthday).
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
You will need a minimum of 3 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents inc Functional Skills L2) at Grade C/4 or above, in English Language, Mathematics and a modern Foreign Language or 3 Scottish National 5 (Grades A – C) in English Language, Mathematics and a modern Foreign Language.
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
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
RAF SWIMMING TEST
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
BACKGROUND CHECKS
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
If you don't have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
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