This role was closed for applications on Tuesday 24 March 2026.
CYBER OPERATOR
Defence expanded the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme to provide an accelerated route into cyber roles within defence. Please note that this scheme is currently closed for applications.
Cyberspace is relentlessly contested by actors ranging from rogue individuals to nation states. Defence is no exception, facing constant cyber threats against our information and digital systems.
This recruitment pathway has been developed to make it easier for people with relevant interests and skills to join the Ministry of Defence’s mission to defend and operate in cyberspace.
Recruitment through Cyber Direct Entry guarantees service in specialist cyber roles for the duration of service and recognises that the skills needed to conduct cyber operations are different to those needed for operations in traditional environments. Therefore, successful applicants will complete significantly reduced military training courses with a focus on the skills relevant to cyber-only careers in Defence.
The starting salary for Cyber Operators will be over £40,000 and they can go on to earn additional skills pay throughout their career on top of pay rises from promotion and time served. Those on the scheme will gain the benefits of a career in the military including medical and dental care, an excellent pension scheme, subsidised accommodation and food, access to gyms and sports facilities, adventure training, and ongoing professional education and development.
Applications for the Royal Air Force scheme opened again on 27 Nov 2025 to join in 2026. Applications closed on 24 Mar 2026. Successful applicants will join for shortened initial military training at RAF Halton before undertaking cyber specific training at the Defence Cyber Academy in Shrivenham. Cyber roles will be based at various locations across the UK, including the Defence Digital HQ at MOD Corsham in Wiltshire and the future National Cyber Force HQ in Samlesbury, Lancashire.
Eligibility Requirements
- Aged 18 - 39
- Must be a high-aptitude candidate with graduate equivalent skills.
- Minimum requirement of GCSEs at Level 4 in Maths, English and a further STEM subject. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis e.g. Education Waivers may be considered should you not meet the minimum GCSE criteria but hold a BSc or higher in Computer Science, AI & Machine Learning, any Cyber Security degree, or have evidence of other relevant graduate level qualifications
- Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth (not naturalised) and must never have held any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) with the exception of dual British Irish citizenship. Immediate family must be British citizens/nationals.
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
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