REJOINERS & INTER-SERVICE TRANSFERS

This page is full of information for Inter-Service Transferees and those considering rejoining after Service in the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force. There's also a FAQ section further down the page answering some of the most common queries we receive.

Find out how to apply

ABOUT THE REJOINERS SCHEME

Why rejoin?

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. There are opportunities available up to the age of 57.

See what we have to offer!

RAF Weapon Technician operating loader in Typhoon hangar

The road for Rejoiners

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.

TWO WAYS TO REJOIN

Productive (Qualified) Rejoiner/Transferee

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).

View Productive Rejoiner details

Pre-Productive Rejoiner/Transferee

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).

View Pre-Productive Rejoiner details

PRODUCTIVE APPLICATION

Productive (Qualified) Rejoiner/Transferee:

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 Productive Rejoiner/transferee:

• Individual trained as Logistics Supplier and wants to Rejoin/Transfer into the RAF Logistics role.

• Aircraft Technician Mechanical wanting to Rejoin/Transfer to the RAF in the role of Aircraft Technician Mechanical.

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.

Apply now View vacancies

PRE-PRODUCTIVE APPLICATION

Pre-Productive Rejoiner/Transferee:

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.

Apply now

REJOINER AND TRANSFEREE FAQ

WHAT IS THE PRODUCTIVE (QUALIFIED) REJOINER RECRUITMENT PROCESS?

All applicants are asked to apply online via the RAF Recruitment website. The only way for your case to be accurately assessed is to submit an application on the website. This is non-committal and will have no impact on your current employment.

Following this a recruiter will get in touch to assist you through the rest of the process. A Rejoiner Assessment Form (ReAF) will be created to review your suitability, training requirements etc. Following this, a fitness test, medical and full interview will be conducted if required (depending on time out of service). If you are successful at this stage, you will be sent your Offer of Service letter to review.

Once this has been accepted you will be allocated a place on the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC). This is a streamlined course of up to 10 days (depending on your current circumstances and length out of Service), to collect your kit, attest, complete JPA actions and all your core competencies to ensure you arrive at your new unit fully productive.

HOW DO I APPLY? - PRODUCTIVE (QUALIFIED) REJOINER ONLY

You can view current Rejoiner vacancies HERE or Apply Now through the website HERE.

I am in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or British Army. How do I transfer into the RAF?

Initial Considerations

Eligibility: Ensure you meet the RAF’s age, medical, fitness, nationality and educational requirements. Information can be viewed on this website.
Medical: “Medically Fully Deployable” status is a mandated requirement.
Motivation: Be clear on your reasons for transferring—career progression, role change, lifestyle, etc.
Service Record: Maintain a strong service record; disciplinary issues may affect eligibility.

Inform Chain of Command

Notification: Inform your current unit and chain of command of your initial desire to transfer to the RAF.
Advice: Seek guidance from your Unit/Regt Career Manager or Personnel Office.
Support: You may be assigned a point of contact to assist with process.

Engagement with RAF Recruiting

Contact RAF Recruitment: Reach out via this website or through a local Armed Forces Careers Office.
Discuss Options: Clarify whether you’re seeking an Enlisted or Commissioned role, and which trade or profession of interest.
Prior Service Recognition: RAF may recognise prior training and experience, potentially shortening your training pipeline.
Career Engagement Visit: Opportunities are available to visit an RAF Station and be able to view day-to-day activities within desired trade or profession and speak to RAF personnel serving in these roles.

Transfer Application Process

Transfer Application: Submit a transfer application to respective Service Career Managers via immediate Chain of Command:
- RN/RM: Annex 52a.
- Army: AFB241a.

Documentation: In addition to transfer request, liaise with respective admin team and provide when requested:
- Service history.
- Educational Qualifications & Service Competencies.
- Medical and fitness records.

Upon transfer approval confirmation from Career Manager, submit formal RAF application via RAF Recruitment Portal. You can then upload the completed Transfer Application documentation and any other supporting paperwork when requested.
Your current service MUST APPROVE your release.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE TRANSFEREE PROCESS

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.

All Transferees must be MFD (Medically Fully Deployable).

You may be required to attend a medical examination as part of the transfer process.

IS THERE AN UPPER AGE LIMIT OR RETURN OF SERVICE APPLIED ON ENTRY REJOINERS AND TRANSFEREES?

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.

WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE PROFESSION/SPECIALISATION, ON REJOINING?

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.

CAN I COMMISSION AS A REJOINER?

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.

CAN I KEEP MY PREVIOUS LEVELS OF PAY AND RANK?

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.

WHAT ARE THE PENSION IMPLICATIONS ON 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

RAF Rejoiners Pension Leaflet

TRANSFERRING FROM FOREIGN MILITARY?

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.