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JOINING
THE RAF
WHY YOU SHOULD
JOIN THE RAF

The RAF offers exciting and fulfilling careers, with huge opportunities for training, development and career progression.

 

You can join as a regular (full-time) or as a reserve (part-time).

Regular (full-time)

Career progression, training, travel and incredible friendships all make a career in the RAF like no other. We have a wide range of roles to match different skills and interests.

Reserve (part-time)

Serving alongside regulars in the UK and overseas, reserves take on the challenges and adventures of life in the RAF, while balancing other careers and home life.

Officer

To join the RAF as an officer, you need A-level (or equivalent) qualifications or a university degree, depending on the role. As an officer, you need strong leadership and management skills, as you will be responsible for the welfare and discipline of the people under your command.

Enlisted aviator

The majority of RAF personnel are enlisted aviators, bringing their specialist skills and expertise to vital ground and support roles. Expert training and support will be provided by the RAF to help you support out mission – skills which are also applicable in the civilian world. You do not need any specific qualifications.

HAVE YOU GOT
WHAT IT TAKES?

To join the RAF, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These vary across different roles. In principle, to join as a regular you must meet these requirements:

 

Age

You must be aged between 16 and 54-years-old to join the RAF. However, you can start your application when you are 15-years-old.

 

Nationality

Requirements for nationality and residency are different depending on which role you apply for. British Citizens born in the UK typically meet these requirements automatically.

Qualifications

We have an exciting range of roles. Some of these require no qualifications or are offered as apprenticeships. Others require GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalents) while some roles require university degrees or other specialist qualifications.

 

You also need to pass a medical test, meet fitness standards and pass a selection interview. Some roles require you to pass a swimming test or might require a driving licence.

APPLICATION
PROCESS

Joining the RAF takes several steps designed to give you the chance to show us all the skills and experience you have and gauge if you’re the right person for the RAF.

 

Depending on the role, the application process takes place over 6 or 7 steps for officers and full-time enlisted aviators. Reserves and specialist roles have a slightly different process. You can get an overview of the process by selecting one of the buttons below.

MAKING A
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION

Below is information to help you on the application journey, from making sure you meet the eligibility criteria, right through to your first day of training. There can be several reason why an application fails.

Applications are not completed

Make sure you continue you application using the link above or in the email you have been sent. The sooner your application is complete, the sooner we can progress to the next stage.

Only uploading your most recent or highest qualification

Upload all of your qualifications and exam certificates. For example, if you have a degree, you still need to upload your A-level and GCSE certifications.

Missing further communications

We sometimes need to get in contact and emails might end up in your junk folder. Please check regularly so you do not miss any communications.

Not meeting the minimum fitness requirements

You must be physically robust to join the RAF. If you are worried about your physical fitness, now is a good time to start getting in shape. There are helpful guides and a training plan on our Fitness pages.

FIND YOUR
ROLE
Whether you want to fly a fast jet, gather intelligence or cater for our personnel, we have the role for you.
CAREER &
BENEFITS
You’ll get the best training opportunities and support for your career, and yourself as an individual.
FITNESS
IN THE RAF
Understand our fitness requirements and get help with preparation and training.