RAF Recruitment | Weapons System Operator

Aircrew Weapon Systems Operator CURRENTLY RECRUITING CURRENTLY RECRUITING

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.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Minimum Average Pay Over Your First Year £26,000+ + Benefits

Pay after Specialist Training £40,000+ + Benefits

Apply as a Regular

DAY RATES: DAY RATES ARE DEPENDENT ON ROLE, RANK AND EXPERIENCE

Apply as a Reserve

Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

Be aged 17.5 - 28 years old (Must attest before 29th birthday)
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.
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, or holder of dual UK/other nationality. (NB: Commonwealth (inc BOT) citizens can’t apply for WSOp or Linguist
Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre
Pass a Fitness test - Details below
Candidates must be able to swim - see details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

Aircraft
Analysis and maths
Travelling the world

APPLICANTS MUST:

Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 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 BOT) citizens can’t apply for WSOp or Linguist)
Commit to 27 days per year
Pass the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre
Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

Aircraft
Analysis and maths
Travelling the world

Locations

602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland (Ex-Regular only)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As a WSOp (ISR) operator 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 Multi Engine: Air Loadmaster (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 Multi Engine: Mission Systems Operator (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 Crewman (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.

Your tasks as a Weapon Systems Operator include load and cargo restraint, management of troops, operating cutting edge surveillance technology or manning the defensive weapon systems. Weapon Systems Operators play a vital role in protecting the security of the UK and our allies. Flying will be your life - whether you work in an air transport role or on-board reconnaissance aircraft. The Weapon Systems Operator roles are as follows:

• Weapon Systems Operators (ISR) is 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. You can see more about the role in the video above.

• Weapon Systems Operators (Crewman/Air Loadmaster) are responsible for assisting in the operation of complex Air Mobility and Support Helicopter transport aircraft to ensure the effective delivery of their payloads to support the war fighter and military commanders.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary

Benefits Salary

Civilian Role

RAF Role

Rent from £75p/m
Free gym
Subsidised food
Health care
World travel
6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

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

See All Benefits

Initial Training

Your career will start with the 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you will also learn about the RAF lifestyle. Following the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC), prospective Weapon Systems Operators and Air Operations (Control) Sergeants, known within the Service as Non-Commissioned Controllers, will complete the Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DE SNCO) Course at Airmen's Command Squadron (ACS), RAF Halton. The 8-week training programme will develop the students’ knowledge of leadership within the RAF and increase their understanding of their management responsibilities as SNCOs. The course includes Air Power academic study, Practical Leadership Exercises, an Appraisal Workshop, Interview Techniques and Fitness Development.

Specialist Training

WSOp Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR). If streamed (ISR) you will undergo a 12-week foundation phase at RAF Cranwell. On completion you will be streamed to Electronic Warfare (EW), Acoustics (Aco) or Land (Lnd). You can see more about this role in the video above.

WSOp (ISR) Electronic Warfare (EW). You will complete a 23 week EW course that will include Synthetic Training and a Flying Training phase at RNAS Culdrose. On completion, you will be assigned to either RAF Waddington or RAF Lossiemouth to complete an Operational Conversion Course of up to 6 months on the aircraft to which you have been streamed. This could be the RC-135 Rivet Joint, Reaper, Shadow, E-7 Wedgetail or P8 Poseidon aircraft.

WSOp (ISR) Acoustics (Aco). You will complete a 26 week Acoustic Analysis course that will include Synthetic Training. On completion, you will be assigned to RAF Lossiemouth to complete an Operational Conversion Course of up to 6 months on the P8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft.

WSOp (ISR) Land (LND). You will complete a 23 week Land course that will include an Advanced Sensor phase and a Flying Training phase at RNAS Culdrose. On completion, you will be assigned to RAF Waddington to complete an Operational Conversion Course of up to 6 months on the aircraft to which you have been streamed. This could be the Shadow R1, MQ-9 or Reaper/Protector.

WSOp Rotary Wing (RW) Crewman. You will complete 56 weeks of training at RAF Shawbury. This will cover all aspects of the Rotary Wing Crewman role. You will learn the basics, on the EC-135 Juno helicopter before progressing to advanced crewman training on the EC-145 Jupiter helicopter. Once complete you will be streamed to either the Chinook or Puma helicopter fleets where you will be assigned to RAF Benson to complete an Operational Conversion Course of up to 6 months.

WSOp Multi Engine (ME) Air Loadmaster. You will complete a 31 week training package at RAF Cranwell. This is split into a 5.2 week Military Aviation Ground School (MAGS) theory phase followed by a 25 week practical and flying phase where you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of a Multi Engine Air Loadmaster. On completion you will be streamed to one of the RAF’s transport platforms. You could be a Mission Systems Operator (MSO) on Voyager, monitoring air-to-air refuelling, or an Air Loadmaster on the C17 or A400M fleets. Once streamed you will complete the relevant Operational Conversion Course of up to 6 months.

FLYING FOUNDATION TOURS

For your first two tours you will generally be posted to one aircraft type in the UK. During this time, you will continue to develop your new skills and knowledge to become an expert in employing air power on a front line air system.

YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS

You will join the RAF as an airman under an initial 12 year engagement. Following several years’ service, you will be eligible to apply for an extension of service to complete a pension earning engagement of 20 years’ service or to age 40, whichever is the later. You will hold the rank of acting Sergeant during your professional training. Once you start your front-line job, and you are assessed as being capable of operating independently, you will be promoted to substantive Sergeant. Further promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant and Master Aircrew is by selection, with commissioning opportunities to Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) available once you have proved yourself as an NCA WSOp.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills. There are opportunities to undertake management and leadership training and you can also study for A-levels or a degree as your career develops.

IN SERVICE DEGREE

An In-Service degree for RAF Weapon Systems Operators on completion of their flying training is currently being implemented details can be found via this publication.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

As your career progresses, we will continue to train, mentor and grow your skills in leadership, instructional and specialist areas that will enable you to receive civilian accreditation as mid-level management equivalency in industry.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

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.

Weapons System Operator hooking up load under Chinook helicopter

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, or holder of dual UK/other nationality. (NB: Commonwealth (inc BOT) citizens can’t apply for WSOp or Linguist.)

Be between 17.5 and 28 years old. (Must attest before 29th birthday)

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.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth and must not hold (and must never have held) any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) with the exception of dual British Irish citizens.

Be aged 18-54 (Must attest before 55th birthday – Ex Regulars over the age of 55 may be considered on a case by case basis).

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

	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.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, or holder of dual UK/other nationality. (NB: Commonwealth (inc BOT) citizens can’t apply for WSOp or Linguist.)

Whether or not you were born in the UK, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests 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 the following:

2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton as part of your three-day Pre-Recruit Training Course (PRTC). This consists of the following:

Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Multi-Stage Fitness Test	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(Score)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	11.39	9.03	20	35
17-29	11.11	9.10	20	35
30-34	11.36	9.04	19	32
35-39	12	8.09	18	29
40-44	12.26	8.03	17	26

WOMEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Multi-Stage Fitness Test	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(Score)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	13.54	6.07	10	32
17-29	13.23	7.02	10	32
30-34	13.47	6.08	9	29
35-39	14.13	6.04	8	26
40-44	14.48	5.08	7	23

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRTC Fitness Test here:

RAF PRTC Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

Body Mass Index requirements:

Age	Male and female minimum	Male and female maximum	Male maximum with additional assessment	Female maximum with additional assessment
18 +	18	28	32	30
16 to < 18	17	27	27	27

Calculate your BMI now, click here.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

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
Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

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). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be 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.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

	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.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through a Pre-joining Fitness Test.
How fit you need to be to pass this test can vary depending on role, age and gender.

MALES
Age Limits	2.4 Km Run (Minutes)	Multi-Stage Fitness Test (Level)	Press-ups (Number)	Sit-ups (Number)
15-16	11.39	9.03	20	35
17-29	11.11	9.10	20	35
30-34	11.36	9.04	19	32
35-39	12.00	8.09	18	29
40-44	12.26	8.03	17	26
45-49	12.54	7.07	16	23
50-54	13.27	7.01	15	20
FEMALES
Age Limits	2.4 Km Run(Minutes)	Multi-Stage Fitness Test (Level)	Press-ups (Number)	Sit-ups (Number)
15-16	13.54	6.07	10	32
17-29	13.23	7.02	10	32
30-34	13.47	6.08	9	29
35-39	14.13	6.04	8	26
40-44	14.48	5.08	7	23
45-49	15.19	5.04	6	20
50-54	15.53	4.09	5	17

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

Body Mass Index requirements:

Calculate your BMI now, click here.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

Body Mass Index requirements:

Age	Male and female minimum	Male and female maximum	Male maximum with additional assessment	Female maximum with additional assessment
18 +	18	28	32	30
16 to < 18	17	27	27	27

Calculate your BMI now, click here.

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

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
Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

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). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

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 contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve

SIMILAR ROLES

01 04

View all roles

HAVE A QUESTION?

Live chat MORE WAYS TO CONTACT US

Aircrew Weapon Systems Operator CURRENTLY RECRUITING CURRENTLY RECRUITING

Minimum Average Pay Over Your First Year £26,000+ + Benefits

Pay after Specialist Training £40,000+ + Benefits

Share this

DAY RATES: DAY RATES ARE DEPENDENT ON ROLE, RANK AND EXPERIENCE

Share this

Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

APPLICANTS MUST:

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

Locations

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

SIMILAR ROLES

HAVE A QUESTION?