RAF Recruitment | Reserves | Royal Air Force

As a Reserve you’ll get to live your normal life and use your spare-time to challenge and improve yourself.

MAKE YOUR SPARE TIME COUNT

29 Squadrons and units
40+ challenging and exciting roles
Competitive rates of pay
Non-contributory pension

Annual tax-free bounty
Transferable skills and qualifications
Leadership and professional development
3 Overseas bases

OUR ROLE

There has never been a more exciting time to be involved with the RAF Reserves, offering you the opportunity to work in rewarding and demanding roles alongside full-time Regular colleagues.

Whether providing relief and aid to countries that need it most or thwarting terrorist actions, being a force for good is what our work is really about.

In trouble spots around the globe we help police the skies and support peace keeping and reconstruction initiatives.
We defend UK airspace through reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, surveillance and cutting-edge technology.
We’re the first on the scene, working in disaster zones to deliver urgent humanitarian support

OUR PEOPLE

RAF Reserves train and work in their spare time alongside the Regulars. Reserves train to the same high standards as Regular personnel and perform a crucial role within the organisation. Working around their day job, using their weekends, they gain transferable skills and a rewarding lifestyle that offers the best of both worlds. The RAF Reserves has a highly talented and motivated workforce that would be the envy of any organisation. Our people have a reputation for excellence and professionalism. We are well trained, qualified and educated, as well as innovative and intelligent. By the very nature of the air and space environment, we are pioneering in our approach, pragmatic in our delivery, courageous, fair and just. Our people are agile, adaptable and capable – across the whole force.

EXTRAORDINARY TEAM

You’ll be part of a diverse, talented, self-motivated team who want to make a difference.

INCREDIBLE RESULTS

You’ll receive world-class training and be stretched to fulfil your potential in one of our 40+ roles.

EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT

When you have to step in, you’ll step up, delivering unrivalled support to meet any situation, serving alongside your fellow Regular colleagues.

IF I JOIN WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

The RAF Reserves has more than 40 roles that you may be able to enter depending on your skills and experience. There are a large number of roles that we can train you for which require no previous experience. All will give you a rewarding challenge and your new skills will be transferable to your civilian career. We also have a number of professional roles that you could join, making best use of your skills and experience in areas where we have gaps. All of our roles are open to men and women.

OUR BASES

Most of your time will be spent on a nearby RAF base, although you may get the opportunity to train abroad. Each one of these specialises in a different area, from front-line operations to training establishments.

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LIFE AS A RESERVE

RAF 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.

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IF I JOIN WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

OUR BASES

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LIFE AS A RESERVE

RAF 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.

find out more

SENIOR AIRCRAFTWOMAN AMIRA RASHID ,SOLICITOR / LOGISTICS MOVER

“

I have made good friends in the RAF Reserves, learnt a new trade, proved to myself and others that I am capable of living in the field and increased in self-confidence

”

SENIOR AIRCRAFTWOMAN AMIRA RASHID SOLICITOR / LOGISTICS MOVER

COULD THIS BE YOU?

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HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO GIVE?

We ask you to give us a minimum of 27 days a year, which is broken down into weekends and a two-week period of continuous training.

However, we know that you have a life and other commitments so once you have completed your Basic Training dates can be negotiated and discussed with your squadron boss who will try and fit training around you.

WHERE WOULD I BE BASED?

Most people join a Reserves squadron or unit near to where they live. However, it may be that you want to pursue a role in the RAF Reserves that is not available at your local Reserves squadron and therefore you may need to travel to another squadron or unit. Some units recruit nationally and will pay for long distance travel within the UK.

WILL I GET PAID?

Yes. You get paid for every day or part day that you work as a Reservist and you get paid at a similar rate to your Regular colleagues. You will also receive a non-contributory pension and holiday pay. If we need you to go on a mission, both you and your employer may be able to get financial support so that you don’t lose pay and they can hire someone to fill in for you while you’re away.

IF I FIND THE RESERVES IS NOT FOR ME CAN I LEAVE?

Yes, of course you can. 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 just in case he/she can make changes that may enable you to stay.

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WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

Training
Free gym
Subsidised food
Paid pension
Paid holiday

REGARDLESS OF ROLE, GENDER, BACKGROUND OR QUALIFICATIONS, WE OFFER:

World-class accredited training and ongoing development
A competitive benefits package
Non-contributory pension and paid holiday Individual responsibility within a wider team of exceptional individuals
A culture of camaraderie
No loss of earnings whilst mobilised State-of-the-art kit
Superb sporting opportunities and facilities
Assistance with travel costs
The chance to be part of an equal opportunity organisation listed as one of
The Times Top 50 Employers for Women

DAILY RATES OF PAY FOR RESERVE AVIATORS*

£42.29 New Entrant
£53.79 Air Specialist
£85.43 Corporal
£96.54 Sergeant
£119.64 Flight Sergeant
£132.43 Warrant Officer

DAILY RATES OF PAY FOR RESERVE OFFICERS*

£75.02 Pilot/Flying Officer
£114.87 Flight Lieutenant
£147.25 Squadron Leader

All Reserves qualify for an annual tax-free lump sum ‘bounty’ after completing minimum training requirements. This bounty ranges from £444 in the first year to £1,759 after five years’ service.

*Quoted rates are the starting peacetime rates of pay for the given rank. Rates correct at the time of going to press.