While many people leave the Royal Navy, Army or RAF for different reasons, all are welcome to apply to rejoin the RAF. Whether you want to put the skills you’ve already learnt in the military back to use or want to rejoin in a completely different role, there may be a position open for you – and because we’re always looking for the best and most qualified individuals to fill our roles, your existing skills and expertise will be hard to look past.
See what we have to offer!
Although the process is relatively straight forward. Each application is different from the next. For this reason, each application is considered on its own merits and any potential offer of service will reflect this. The following factors will be considered to determine the possible role/rank and seniority that may be offered to you and the training required to get you up to speed:
View our Rejoiner and Transferee FAQs
- Previous rank and seniority
- Previous Specialisation/Role
- Vacancies in the Specialisation/Role and rank you are applying for
- Employment experience and any qualifications gained since leaving the RAF
- Whether you are coming back into a similar or different Specialisation/Role or service than previously
- You may apply to be considered for a different Specialisation/Role if you have achieved relevant qualifications, training or experience in the new role since leaving the RAF
Because each application is different, the time frame to get you back into service can also vary. Your recruiter will be able to give you further guidance on this after you have applied.
Previously-passed Phase 2 training (Military Qualified) in the specific Specialisation/Role being applied for, (may require a bespoke refresher training package).
Qualified Rejoiner applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with Workforce Planning, Profession Advisors and Career Managers. You will be required to attend the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC).
Wishing to change to a different specialisation/role to what you were previously qualified in. May require the whole of Phase 1 or 2 Training, or both elements.
Candidates are to be processed as Direct Entrants (DE). If you have completed Phase 1 previously, you will only be required to attend the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC).
Previously-passed Phase 2 training (Military Qualified) in the specific Specialisation/Role being applied for, (may require a bespoke refresher training package). Qualified Rejoiner applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with Workforce Planning, Profession Advisors and Career Managers. You will be required to attend the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC).
The TaRC is a maximum of 2 weeks, designed to bring you up to date in all the required core competencies.
Examples of a pre-productive Rejoiner/transferee:
- Individual trained as Logistics Supplier and wants to change roles to RAF Police.
- Royal Engineer (Army) wanting to transfer to the RAF in the role of Aircraft Technician.
If you have submitted and application as a PRODUCTIVE Rejoiner or Transferee, please send an email to [email protected] using ‘New Rejoiner Surname’ in the subject line and providing the following information:
- Surname
- Previous Service Number
- Your Unique Reference Number (URN) which can be found in your Personal Details section can be used as your Candidate Reference in your portal
- Specialisation/Role applied for
- Previous Specialisation/Role
By sending this email, your application will be fast-tracked by the Qualified Rejoiner Recruiting Team (QRRT) for processing. Only Qualified Re-joiner/transferees will be processed in this manner.
When applying you may be informed that the role is closed and you are unable to complete the application process. Should the role be closed then you should apply for the following roles:
Officer: all options - I am undecided
or
Other ranks: all options - I am undecided
If this occurs, forward an email to the following address:
Applicants not previously military trained/qualified for the Specialisation/Role being applied for are to follow the application instructions in the Pre-Productive information. If you are not sure whether you fall into the Productive or Pre-Productive category please refer to the FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Wishing to change to a different specialisation/role to what you were previously qualified in. May require the whole of Phase 1 or 2 Training, or both elements. Candidates are to be processed as Direct Entrants (DE). If you have completed Phase 1 previously, you will only be required to attend the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC).
The TaRC is a maximum of 2 weeks, designed to bring all the required core competencies up to date. The first week will cover the full lesson package for the current weapon. For applicants who have the relevant weapon competency, you will be loaded on to the second week only.
Examples of a pre-productive Rejoiner/transferee:
- Individual trained as Logistics Supplier and wants to change roles to RAF Police.
- Royal Engineer (Army) wanting to transfer to the RAF in the role of Aircraft Technician.
You can view current Rejoiner vacancies HERE or Apply Now through the website HERE.
After you have submitted your application form through the Defence Recruiting System (DRS) portal, please send an email to: [email protected] Please use the title ‘New Rejoiner – followed by your Surname’ in the subject line and provide the following information:
- Name
- Previous Service Number
- Your Unique Reference Number (URN) which can be found in your Personal Details section can be used as your Candidate Reference in your portal
- Profession/Specialisation applied for
By sending this email, your application form will be fast-tracked to receive early attention from the Qualified Rejoiner Recruiting Team. Failure to send this email will result in your application being placed with the Direct Entry applications, which might unduly delay your application.
If you are transferring from the Army or Navy the Transferee Process is almost identical to the Rejoiner Process. The first stage of this process is obtaining approval to transfer. This information can be found in the following publications;
Army Commissioned: The Army Commissioning Regulations: 2019 Pt 1 Chap 6 Sect 5
Army Soldier: Soldier Terms of Service Sect 5, 5.5.2
RN/RM: BRd 3(1) Chap 52
Once authority has been obtained (serving Sailor, Marine, Soldier) you can apply on the RAF Recruitment website. You will be required to produce your approved authority obtainable from your RCMO or Divisional Officer within 21 days.
In most cases Transferees when changing Profession/Specialisation full Phase 2 Trg will be required, and you will be classed as a Pre-Productive Rejoiner.
You may be required to attend a medical examination as part of the transfer process.
If full Phase 2 training is required for example when changing Profession/Specialisation, then the age limit for your chosen Profession/Specialisation can be found on the main RAF Careers website.
For Productive (Qualified) Rejoiners, it would be expected that a Rejoiner would be able to offer a minimum of 3 years' service. The Mandated End of Service (MEOS) is age 60, therefore applications will be considered before your 57th Birthday.
It is still possible to rejoin into a different Profession/Specialisation. Your recruiter will discuss the possibilities based on previous experience or your desired new specialisation. In most cases when changing Profession/Specialisation full Phase 2 Training will be required, and you will be classed as a Pre-Productive Rejoiner. If so then the direct entry maximum age (with a few exceptions most are 47 but check the main RAF recruiting website) will apply.
If you were previously employed in a non-commissioned role, then you are eligible to apply to rejoin as a Commissioned Officer. You will be classified as a Pre-Productive Rejoiner as you will be required to undertake Phase 1 training.
Your rank and the level of pay you will rejoin on is considered on a case-by-case basis. To fully assess this you need to submit your application, so we have all the required information to review.
Aircrew rejoining who were previously on Mainstream Pay might be eligible for transfer to the Professional Aviators’ Spine (PAS) on, or immediately after rejoining.
If you are in receipt of an Armed Forces Pension or Early Departure Payment (EDP), there may be financial implications on rejoining. It is advised that you contact the JPAC on 0141 224 3600 to discuss the impact that rejoining will have on your pension. Further guidance is also available within the booklet at the following link (or search the internet for ‘MMP 116 Re-employment’):
Booklet MMP116 - Armed Forces and Reserve Pension Schemes - Re-employment
We currently accept transfer applications from personnel serving in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, with each case being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Other Commonwealth applicants can also apply; however, the standard RAF residency requirements must be met. Applicants will be required to attend a medical and fitness test in the UK.
Applying to Remuster for Personal Reasons
Where is the policy for applying to remuster?
The policy for applying to remuster for personal reasons is contained within AP 3376 Vol 1 Pt 1 Ch 6 Para 12-15.
How do I apply?
All applications to remuster are done so via RAF F4477.
Who do I send the application to?
Applications are to be sent to the Specialisation Reselection Cell: [email protected]
Please click the link below to see what you'll be entitled to as a RAF Rejoner.