If you are Transferring from the Army or Navy the transferee process is almost identical to the Rejoiner process detailed above. You still apply online through the RAF Website and conduct an initial Interview and Aptitude Testing (if required) which will confirm your suitability for the Branch/Trade. You will not be able to continue through the remainder process until you have your transfer paperwork approved by the APC/Fleet (AFB241 for Army and BR3 Pt7 for Navy) and a confirmed release date.

We currently accept Transfers from Canada, Australia and New Zealand 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. These Transfers are more bespoke cases and do require additional stages, these are managed centrally by the Rejoiner team. Please email expressing your interest to [email protected]  We can in many cases conduct interviews and medicals remotely and waive the pre-joining fitness test providing you are in date with your current Military Fitness Test (MFT) until you arrive on the TaRC.

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, Date of Birth, Previous Service Number and Branch/Trade applied for. By sending this email, your application form will be fast-tracked to the front of the queue to receive early attention from the RAF 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.

The level of pay you will rejoin on is entirely based on the availability within your chosen Branch/Trade, the experience you have gained since leaving and how competitive your application is. To assess this fully you must start the Rejoiner process as outlined above, the Branch and Trade Advisor will review your application and you will be informed of the outcome. This can only be dealt with on a case by case basis and in order to fully assess this you need to submit your application, so we have all the required information. 

In some cases where extensive experience has been gained since leaving, we can look to increase rank upon return, if your experience since leaving the service is related to your chosen role. If you are looking for a rank increase, please ensure you provide maximum detail in the Professional History Form to support your application.

Aircrew rejoining from Main Stream Pay might be eligible for transfer to the Professional Aviators’ Spine (PAS) on, or immediately after rejoining; this currently also provides a PAS Transfer Bounty for Flight Lieutenants.

If full Phase 2 training is required for example when changing Branch/Trade, then the age limit for your chosen Branch/Trade can be found on the main RAF Careers website.  If full Phase 2 Trg is not required then, it would be expected that a Rejoiner would be able to offer a minimum of 3 years productive service. The Mandated End of Service (MEOS) is age 60, therefore applications will be considered before your 57th Birthday. Some temporary Jobs do offer contracts shorter than 3 years, in which case Rejoiner applications may be considered beyond an individual’s 57^th birthday not exceeding MEOS, these will be advertised on the RAF Website when available.

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

It is still possible to rejoin into a different Branch/Trade or the branch your previous role merged into, the AFCO can discuss possibilities based on previous experience or your desired new role. You will still follow the same Rejoiner recruitment process as outlined. In most cases when changing Branch/Trade, full Phase 2 Trg will be required. If so then the direct entry maximum age (with a few exceptions most are 48 but check the main RAF recruiting website or ask) will apply.

Commissioning is a possibility as a Rejoiner (Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria, including the direct entry maximum age), you will apply as a Rejoiner, however after this you then commence the Regular Officer Recruitment Process and attend the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC). If found successful you will then be required to complete Initial Officer Training.

It is not necessarily the case that, if accepted, you will be required to undertake full MIOT. The course has been designed so that a candidate can bypass stage 1 (military skills) and start further into the course. This is decided on your previous training and also currency of that training.

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.

Discover my benefits - RAF

Applying For Service Family Accommodation