LIFE AS A RESERVE

Royal Air Force Reserves serve alongside Regulars in the UK and overseas. They get the best of both worlds by balancing their own careers and home life, with the challenge and adventure of the RAF.

LIFE ON DUTY IN THE UK

RESERVE LIFE

As a Reserve you’ll get to live your normal life and use your spare-time to develop transferable skills, increase your self-confidence, meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and enjoy your adventurous training opportunities.

AGE

Roles are available from 18 right up to 54 years old (you must attest before your 55th birthday).

WHERE WILL I BE BASED

While you may get the opportunity to train overseas as part of your annual 15-day training block, most of your time will be spent on a nearby RAF base. Each one of these has its own role, from front-line operations to training establishments.

 

The Reserves have benefited me in so many different ways; the training opportunities and challenges I have faced have developed a number of fundamental skills that I can apply to all aspects of my life.

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT DAVID ROSS STUDENT/RAF REGIMENT

LIFE ON DUTY ABROAD

WHERE YOU'LL BE BASED

Reserves could be relocated to a different base at some point during each 12-year contract. The move could be to a UK, overseas or temporary base for up to six months, plus another six months for pre-deployment training and post-deployment relaxation with your loved ones.

ACTIVITIES WHILE AWAY

During your time away you could be travelling with your unit, filling in for another member of the RAF, or working alongside Regulars and Reserves from other services. You could also be part of a small team dedicated to a particular job or a big disaster relief mission.

COST AND TIMESCALES

We will cover your costs and provide advice and assistance to your family when you’re away. The maximum period you’ll be away from your employer is one year and you can find advice and guidance about this on the Defence Relationship Management website.

I’ve met some really great people in the reserves - individuals from different backgrounds, united in serving their country.

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT DAVID ROSS STUDENT/RAF REGIMENT

OUR BASES

We have operational bases all over the UK and abroad. Find out which one is right for you.

RESERVES IN THE RAF

Being a Reserve in the RAF means putting your spare time to good use, learning invaluable skills and getting paid whilst doing so. Click to find out more.

SPORTS & ADVENTURE

Our vast choice of sports and activities on and off base means you can take part at all levels.

OUR BASES

We have operational bases all over the UK and abroad. Find out which one is right for you.

RESERVES IN THE RAF

Being a Reserve in the RAF means putting your spare time to good use, learning invaluable skills and getting paid whilst doing so. Click to find out more.

SPORTS & ADVENTURE

Our vast choice of sports and activities on and off base means you can take part at all levels.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

FIND YOUR ROLE