As a member of the RAF Reserves you will serve part-time alongside the wider force, and will be trained to the same exceptional standard. You will be a crucial member of the force protecting our skies and space, aiding crucial national security efforts.
You will join other dedicated, motivated and highly ambitious individuals from all walks of life. You blend the joys and challenges of daily life with world-class training, a rewarding additional career, and the opportunity to travel the globe. All whilst seamlessly fitting around your everyday, whatever this might look like for you.
We know how busy life can be, no matter your age or occupation. As a member of the Reserves, you will discover opportunities beyond college, university or your 9-5, enriching your everyday life and offering that little bit more.
You will acquire skills that won’t just prepare you for life in the force, but will help enhance your civilian career, your personal life, and your self-confidence.
There are around 40 roles for Reserves, a large number of which we can train you for and which require no previous experience. So no matter your level of qualification or expertise, there is a role perfect for you.
A career as an RAF Reservist may cover an array of departments and specialisations.
As a Reservist you will get to enjoy the best of both worlds, working around your career and home life with the challenge, adventure and responsibility of the RAF. Whether deployed operationally at your station or our foreign bases, you will be as crucial to all RAF operations as full-time personnel and will be trained to the same high standard.
You will develop transferable skills and qualifications, partake in sports and adventure training, and meet friends for life - all whilst being paid.
Make a difference
As a Reservist you will help protect our nation’s interests, prevent conflict, and deliver humanitarian aid to disaster zones across the globe. You could provide vital air support to British troops, defend UK airspace through intelligence gathering, or support the nation’s emergency services on UK operations.
No matter your professional experience, education level or chosen role, you will acquire invaluable skills as a Reservist. Skills you wouldn’t have developed in the civilian world - including military training, providing relief and aid to countries that need it most, and flying on military aircraft.
You will be part of a diverse, talented, self-motivated team who want to make a difference. And when you have to step in, you’ll step up, delivering unrivalled support alongside your fellow colleagues. Contributing to operations taking personnel across the globe, travelling through the skies or on the ground, ensuring the United Kingdom is protected against any form of threat.
There are a range of additional benefits to joining the RAF Reserves. These include competitive pay and a non-contributory pension, a tax-free bounty, plus subsidised travel and food. You will also have access to outstanding sporting facilities and a range of discounts for you and your partner through the Defence Discount Schemes.
RAF Reservists can serve throughout the UK, so we would advise joining a Squadron or unit near to where you live. However, you may want to pursue a role that is not available at your local Reserves squadron - if this is the case, certain units recruit nationally and will subsidise long-distance travel.
Use the map below to locate our different Reserves bases, and the types of roles available at each.
The criteria for joining Reserves roles varies depending on the service and role you’re applying for. To discover which qualifications are required for your preferred role, head to the unique job description web-page.
There are roles we can train you for such as Flight Operations Attendant, roles requiring existing qualifications such as Nursing Officer, and roles that require previous military experience, such as Air Traffic Control Officer.
As an Reservist you will undertake your Basic Recruit Training Course in two parts. Your initial training will take place with either your Reserve Support Wing or local squadron and will last 8 days. You will then undertake the second stage, a 15-day residential course held at RAF Halton.
As a Reserve officer following basic training at RAF Halton, you will then undertake Reserves Officer Initial Training at RAF Cranwell. This runs part-time over four months and is designed to develop leadership qualities required for Air Force Officers.
You will be paid for every half or full day you work as a Reserve, and will be paid at a similar rate to your full-time colleagues.
You will also receive a non-contributory pension, holiday pay, and an annual tax-free bounty. This ranges from £526 in the first year to £2084 after five years service. If we require your participation in a mission, both you and your employer may qualify for financial support so that neither party is disadvantaged.
Daily rates of pay for Reserve Aviators
+£46.91 Air Recruit
+£58.99 Air Specialist
+£89.68 Corporal
+£100.68 Sergeant
+£112.93 Flight Sergeant
+£141.56 Warrant Officer
Daily rates of pay for Reserve Officers
+£78.60 Pilot/Flying Officer
+£119.71 Flight Lieutenant
+£150.14 Squadron Leader
RAF Reservists can serve throughout the UK, so we would advise joining a Squadron or unit near to where you live. However, you may want to pursue a role that is not available at your local Reserves squadron. If this is the case, certain units recruit nationally and will subsidise long-distance travel.
As long as you are confident you can commit to travelling frequently, you can apply for roles that are further afield.
Yes, of course. We understand that the RAF Reserves may not be for everyone, but we would ask that you let your squadron boss know why you want to leave, in case they can implement changes that may enable you to stay.
All Reserves may be called up for short periods of active duty (mobilised). If you are called up, your employer will be entitled to financial assistance from the RAF to cover costs whilst you are mobilised.
