Job Details
What will you do?
You are at the core of the RAF, supporting our personnel and their families in order to achieve the RAF’s mission. In your role you will:
As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Mathematics and at least three other subjects.
In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Mathematics and at least three other subjects.
In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
This is a challenging modular 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 3 weeks MOD Worthy Down Following completion of (M)IOT you will be given your first assignment, or holding assignment, prior to your specialist professional training. 3 weeks MOD Worthy Down Phase two trainingThe People Operations Foundation Course for Officers’ (POFCO) is delivered using a blended approach, utilising Microsoft Teams to deliver remotely followed by a residential phase. The training is delivered by Officer and Technical Squadron (Air) at the Defence School of Personnel Administration, Worthy Down, near Winchester. The course is 3 weeks long and is followed by a number of additional role related modules. These subsequent professional training modules prepare personnel to deliver in specific roles within the People Operations profession.
POFCO is designed to provide induction training for officers of the People Operations profession. The training is scenario-based and covers the HR officer’s role on a RAF station and on operations, developing their knowledge and skills to support them in their initial roles. On completion of the course, officers will have developed an understanding of all mainstream People Operations roles within the RAF and have the required initial skill set to undertake their first tour.
03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned Your first tour will likely be as a Station Adjutant on a RAF station providing direct support to the Station Commander with the day-to-day running of the base. Ongoing As assigned First tourOr as a Visits and Protocol Officer responsible for the organisation and management of Station visits, and high-profile public relation activities.
In some cases, and depending on previous experience, you could be appointed to other military HR roles. During this and subsequent tours you could have the opportunity to deploy to almost any location worldwide as the officer with responsibility for personnel and financial matters supporting an operational or exercise task.
04 Career prospects Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years and may be selected to serve on a pension earning commission of 20 years’ service or age 40, whichever is the later, during this time. Ongoing As assigned Career prospectsPromotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant is on a time served/satisfactory service basis after 3½ years from completing (M)IOT. Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.
05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Military HR officers have extensive opportunities for further professional development throughout your career, subject to meeting current in-service medical standards, and where appropriate suitability vetting. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing developmentIn recognition of the level of HR delivery and continuous professional HR training and development that the RAF provides in People Operations, it has been awarded 'People Development Partnership Status'. In achieving this status it recognised that the People Operations Profession provides a funded opportunity to gain membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) based on your own career experience and knowledge.
You will be able to choose to develop your qualifications which recognise your transferable skills through accreditation of your training and experience against a range of Higher Education qualifications from Foundation Degree level to Masters.
Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to develop your leadership and management skills through a series of residential and distance-learning courses that are common to all officer branches. Much of the training you will receive is accredited or recognised by a wide range of professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
06 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned The skills and experience you gain throughout your career could provide entry routes for a number of civilian jobs. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skillsThese include: consultant, project manager, change manager, university administrator, bursar, human resource manager, school business manager, facilities manager, marketing and media consultant and roles within the financial sector.
prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Commitment Your commitment to us Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned CommitmentThis will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
02 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing developmentAs well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
03 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skillsThe 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.
prevnext 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 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 COMMITMENT AND LOCATIONYou 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 Filter interview 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test 4 OASC 5 Familiarisation visit 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Filter interview Stage 1 of 7Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.
The first of these interviews happens on-line and covers the following topics:
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 7A 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 includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
4 OASC Stage 4 of 7This 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.
5 Familiarisation visit Stage 5 of 7This 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 7Once 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(M)IOT and officer staff training
The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge. This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development.
Visit our for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.
Applicants must be aged between 17.5 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 REQUIREMENTSHave these minimum grades:
GCSE pre–2017 GCSE 2017 Onwards Scottish national 5 Mathematics CGrade 4C English Language CGrade 4C Three other subjects CGrade 4CYou must also have:
At least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
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NATIONALITY & RESIDENCYNATIONALITY
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. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests 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.
