The Weapon Systems Operator (WSOp) role is split into 4 main specialisms. After basic training, you will be streamed into one of these and your specialist training will be tailored to that role.
As a Weapon Systems Operator you will manage the sensors and weapons of a particular aircraft during operational missions, whilst at the same time gathering intelligence and supporting forces on the ground.
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here.
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
Flying will be your life, whether you work in an air transport role or on-board reconnaissance aircraft. Following basic recruit training you’ll then focus in on a specialisation, where you could be:
- Loading and restraining cargo
- Managing troops
- Operating cutting edge surveillance technology
- Manning the defensive weapon systems
- Manipulating complex sensor suites and communications equipment
- Assisting in the operation of complex air mobility and support helicopter transport aircraft
You will be recruited on an initial 12 year contract as a Direct-Entry Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with opportunities to serve to age 60. You are free to break that commitment after serving 6 years after 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.
As a Weapon Systems Operator you will manage the sensors and weapons of a particular aircraft during operational missions, whilst at the same time gathering intelligence and supporting forces on the ground.
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here.
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
Flying will be your life, whether you work in an air transport role or on-board reconnaissance aircraft. Following basic recruit training you’ll then focus in on a specialisation. Within this role you could be:
- Loading and restraining cargo
- Managing troops
- Operating cutting edge surveillance technology
- Manning the defensive weapon systems
- Manipulating complex sensor suites and communications equipment
- Assisting in the operation of complex air mobility and support helicopter transport aircraft
- Have GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Maths/Application of Mathematics and at least three other subjects.
- Have GCSEs at Grade C/4 or SNE at Grade 5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/SNE 5 in English and Maths and at least three other subjects.
- Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
- Qualified ex-military personnel
- You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, or holder of dual UK/other nationality. (NB: Commonwealth (inc British Overseas Territories) citizens can’t apply for WSOp or Linguist)
- Commit to 27 days per year
- Pass a General Fitness Test
- Be aged 17.5 - 32 years old (Must attest before 33rd birthday)
- Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, or holder of dual UK/other nationality
- Pass the Computer Bases Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
- Candidates must be able to swim - see details below
As a WSOp (ISR) you will be responsible for the manipulation of complex sensor suites and communications equipment to derive tactical and strategic intelligence to support the war fighter and military commanders.
The ISR specialist roles of Land (LND), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Acoustic (ACO), are employed across the full range of RAF ISTAR platforms, and can be expected to be employed in tasks ranging from protecting the country from maritime threats to Control of the Air and myriad tasks in between.
Linguist (LG) interpret and analyse foreign language radio transmissions, playing a vital role in protecting the security of the UK and her allies, directly providing real-time intelligence support to the battlespace.
As a WSOp (ME) ALM, you will be responsible for assisting in the safe operation of a large transport aircraft to ensure the effective delivery of freight and personnel in support of the war fighter and military commander’s intent.
This can be achieved by air-land or air-drop operations requiring you to lead in preparing the safe loading, transport, dispatch and delivery of your payload to achieve mission success.
As a WSOp (ME) MSO you will coordinate and control air-to-air refuelling activity on Voyager, managing the safe and timely provision of fuel to fast jets and other airborne assets on operations, whilst monitoring and supporting the air picture using sophisticated communication systems.
As a WSOp (RW) CMN on the helicopter force you will be integral to a small crew that operates in demanding environments, providing direct support to battlefield operations, taking the fight to the enemy whilst having the versatility to support medical evacuation, humanitarian and peace support operations.
The role is physically demanding and rewarding because you will be relied upon within your crew to have a deep knowledge of aircraft systems and tactics whilst working very closely with all units and agencies to deliver on operations.
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
The skills you add to your arsenal won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they’ll prove valuable in your work and within the wider world.
During your time with us 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 costs, and your employer’s too.
You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
You must be between 17.5 and 28 years old. (Must attest before 29th birthday)
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, or holder of dual UK/other nationality.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis.
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
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.
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.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
18 + | 18 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
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.
YOU MUST
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a background check in order to get an enhanced security clearance
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:
A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.
You must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex Regulars over the age of 55 may be considered on a case by case basis.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
GCSE | GCSE 2017 | SNE | |
Mathematics | C | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
English Language | C | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
Three other subjects | C | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.
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 |
To train as aircrew in the RAF, you must be able to pass the RAF Swimming Test as follows: Swim 100 meters 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.
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.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
18 + | 18 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
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.
YOU MUST:
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
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:
A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.