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.
WEAPON SYSTEMS OPERATOR
CURRENTLY RECRUITING
Aircraft
Analysis & maths
Travelling the world
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits
ANNUAL PAY AFTER SERGEANT TRAINING, WHICH TAKES AROUND SIX MONTHS
£43,000+
+ Benefits
ANNUAL PAY AFTER SPECIALIST TRAINING - THIS COULD TAKE AROUND TWO YEARS
£51,000+
+ Benefits
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.
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Weapon Systems Operator (ISR) Acoustic
“I track, locate and identify submarines.” Find out more about the training Matthew received and what he gets up to in his role as a Weapon Systems Operator (ISR) Acoustic
What will you do?
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.
Requirements at a glance
- Be aged 17.5 - 32 years old (Must attest before 33rd birthday)
- You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
- You will need a minimum of 2 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents inc Functional Skills L2) at Grade C/4 or above, in English Language and Mathematics or 2 Scottish National 5 (Grades A – C) in English Language and Mathematics. The Scottish National 5 Application of Mathematics (AoM) (Grade A-C) is also accepted.
- Pass the Computer Bases Aptitude Test (CBAT)
- Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)
- Pass a Fitness test - details below
- Undertake a swimming test in training - see below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be between 17.5 and 32 years old. (Must attest before 33rd 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 a minimum of 2 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents inc Functional Skills L2) at Grade C/4 or above, in English Language and Mathematics or 2 Scottish National 5 (Grades A – C) in English Language and Mathematics. The Scottish National 5 Application of Mathematics (AoM) (Grade A-C) is also accepted.
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
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
WSOp Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
As a WSOp (ISR) you will be responsible for equipment to produce tactical and strategic intelligence to support the war fighter and military commanders. This can involve tasks such as detecting submarines or hidden enemy artillery positions.
The ISR specialist roles of Sensor Operator (SO), 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.
Aircrew Linguists/Air Signallers (SIG) 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.
WSOp Air Mobility: Air Loadmaster (ALM)
As a WSOp 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.
WSOp Air Mobility: Mission Systems Operator (MSO)
As a WSOp 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.
WSOp Rotary Wing (RW) Crewman (CMN)
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.
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.
10 weeks
RAF Halton
8 weeks
RAF Halton
10 weeks
RAF Cranwell
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
56 weeks
RAF Shawbury
31 weeks
RAF Cranwell
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
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.
