The new E-7 Wedgetail will now take direct-entry Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs) to train as Air Battle Managers. This will place WSOs (pronounced “wizzo”) at the heart of the Royal Air Force’s next-generation airborne early warning and control aircraft. Start the application process now for a career as a Weapon Systems Officer.
Weapon Systems Officer
CURRENTLY RECRUITING
Aircraft
Gaming & computers
Analysis & maths
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING OFFICER TRAINING
£34,600+
+ Benefits
PAY AFTER 3 YEARS SERVICE AND PROMOTION TO FLT LT
£64,600+
+ Benefits
As a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO pronounced “Wizzo”) you will fly in and operate some of the world’s most sophisticated aircraft. You will employ electronic systems and sensors to employ weapons whilst making critical airborne command decisions.
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RAF Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft releases first torpedo
Wing Commander James Hanson, Commanding Officer of 120 Squadron, explains the first operational release of a torpedo from an RAF Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) aircraft
NEW AIRCRAFT, NEW PATHWAY
What will you do?
Flying will be your life as a WSO with a range of diverse roles where during training, you will be streamed across 3 pathways:
• Air Battle Manager – You will learn to command and control above the battlespace using your rapid decision-making skills to direct aircraft from the air using your multi-role electronically scanned array (MESA) and other electronic sensors.
• Navigator – You will enhance your basic knowledge of air navigation speed, distance, time and fuel challenges. You may become a traditional flight deck navigator or an electronic systems expert with command of the mission and weapons release.
• Sensor Operator – You will initially learn your aviation skills through live flying then learn to control the electronic systems and guide weapons to target from a Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS).
You will be recruited on an initial 12-year contract as a Commissioned Officer with opportunities to serve to age 60. You are free to break that commitment after serving 6 years post your first operational conversion unit (OCU). We hope you will stay, many do, enjoying the diverse, varied and exciting roles we have on offer for a full career.
Requirements at a glance
• Be aged 17.5 - 24 years old (Must enter IOT before 25th birthday)
• GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Maths/Application of Mathematics (Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted) and at least three other subjects.
• In addition, a minimum of 64 UCAS points accrued from A/AS Levels (or equivalent), T-Levels, or National Diplomas (e.g BTECs/NVQs). This must be made up from a maximum of 3 qualifications, minimum of 27 UCAS points for at least one qualification.
• With a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher you only need Maths and English Language GCSEs (or acceptable alternatives) at a minimum of Grade 4 or Scottish National 5 Grade C in Maths and English Language.
• You will need to meet Residency and Nationality criteria and commit to 12 years of service
• Pass a Fitness test and undertake a swimming test in training
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Must be between 17.5 and 24 years old. (Must attest before 25th birthday)
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
You will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Maths/Application of Mathematics (Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted) and at least three other subjects.
In addition a minimum of 64 UCAS points which can be accrued from A/AS Levels (or equivalent), T-Levels, or National Diplomas (e.g BTECs/NVQs). This must be made up from a maximum of 3 qualifications, minimum of 27 UCAS points for at least one qualification.
If you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher you only need Mathematics and English Language GCSEs (or acceptable alternatives) at a minimum of Grade 4 or Scottish National 5 Grade C in Mathematics and English Language.
If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality..
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. This will be established during the selection process.
The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.
There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV).
Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.
Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations
RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.
Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.
If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested as part of the application process.
The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
| MEN | |
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run |
| (Mins) | |
| 15-16 | 13.52 |
| 17-29 | 13.20 |
| 30-34 | 13.49 |
| 35-39 | 14.14 |
| 40-44 | 14.46 |
| 45-49 | 15.17 |
| 50-54 | 15.53 |
| WOMEN | |
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run |
| (Mins) | |
| 15-16 | 16.22 |
| 17-29 | 15.48 |
| 30-34 | 16.14 |
| 35-39 | 16.44 |
| 40-44 | 17.22 |
| 45-49 | 17.57 |
| 50-54 | 18.34 |
See here for more information about a training plan
A second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.
RAF SWIMMING TEST
To train as aircrew in the RAF, you must be able to pass the RAF Swimming Test as follows: Swim 100 metres without rest, using any front or sidestroke. Tread water for 2 minutes. Get out of the deep end of the pool unassisted, without the use of steps or the bottom of the pool.
All personnel attempting the test must wear clothing commensurate with that worn for their normal operating activity, which for aircrew is a flying suit.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Calculating your BMI
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
| Age | BMI minimum | BMI maximum | Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment) | Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment) |
| 18 or over | 18 | 30 | 32 (waist circumference less than 94cm) | 32 (waist circumference less than 80cm) |
| 16 to 17 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed, including for aircrew roles.
Health Criteria
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
YOU MUST
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Achieve the minimum Security Clearance of Developed Vetting (DV) for this role.
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
- Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). - Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy:
Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
Usually, candidates are to be clean shaven when being fitted for their respirators in Phase One training, however other methods of creating a clean seal can be advised if this is not possible due to religious reasons.
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
ROLE SPECIALISMS
Weapons Systems Officers enjoy varied and exciting careers. Here are two examples of some of the vital work that a Wizzo may do during their careers.
Rivet Joint Navigator
The flight deck is crewed by two Pilots and a Navigator who are responsible for the safe transit of the Rivet Joint throughout its strategic reconnaissance mission. The Navigator is responsible for keeping the aircraft and its systems within pin-point accuracy. They are also responsible for planning and monitoring the aircraft flight, speaking to air traffic agencies and ensuring there is enough fuel to complete the task.
Protector Sensor Operator
The Protector RPAS is flown remotely by a Pilot and WSO supported by a Mission Intelligence Coordinator. The Sensor Operator is responsible for the safe navigation of the aircraft, operating the sensor suite and, if needed, guiding weapons like Brimstone or Paveway IV to target. Operating as a 3-person crew, the WSO must be capable as operating as a team and taking command when required.
CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
24 weeks
RAF Cranwell
1.5-2 years
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
WHY JOIN AS AN OFFICER?
When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.
WHY JOIN THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
Training
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
