Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

Cyberspace Cyberspace Communication Specialist CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As a Cyberspace Communications Specialist you will be responsible for the technology at the heart of the RAF. It will be your job to set up, operate and maintain the technology the RAF relies on to communicate.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During First Six Months £16,800+ + Benefits

Pay Upon Completion Of Technical Training* £24,495+ + Benefits

* With a minimum 1 year's service from attestation

Apply as a Regular


DAY RATE STARTS AT: £42.29 + Benefits

Earn up to £15,446.64 per year.

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months
  • GCSE Grade C/Grade 4 in English, Maths and preferably Science - See full details below
  • You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or dual UK/Other nationality
  • Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Gaming & Computers
  • Building and Problem solving
  • Travelling the world

Apprenticeships available

Information Communications Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

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
  • GCSE Grade C/Grade 4 in English, Maths and preferably Science
  • Minimum Level 3 qualification in Telecommunications, Information Communications Technology, or Cyberspace. Applications from individuals with other relevant qualifications and work experience will also be considered.
  • You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or dual UK/Other nationality
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Gaming & Computers
  • Building and Problem solving
  • Analysis and maths

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland
614 Sqn, Cardiff,

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage equipment like Tactical Satellite Systems
  • Protect and defend the RAFs Cyberspace
  • Set up communication and control systems for operations and exercises
  • Provide Mission Support System Capabilities to next-generation aircraft
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CYBERSPACE COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST IN ACTION

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CYBERSPACE COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST IN ACTION

Cyberspace Communications Specialists ensure the RAF remains at the cutting edge of technological advances, essential for the RAF to be able to communicate effectively and move information around safely and securely. You will work as part of a highly trained and technologically skilled workforce that will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks; ranging anywhere from safeguarding our UK-based IT networks from intrusions, coordinating the RAF’s vast array of information, all the way to establishing overseas networks and equipment for Deployed Commanders and Air Traffic Services. The technical knowledge is challenging, but the benefits,
the achievements, and the impacts are highly rewarding.

 

Cyberspace Communications Specialists ensure the RAF remains at the cutting edge of technological advances, essential for the RAF to be able to communicate effectively and move information around safely and securely. You will work as part of a highly trained and technologically skilled workforce that will be responsible for a wide variety of tasks; ranging anywhere from safeguarding our UK-based IT networks from intrusions, coordinating the RAF’s vast array of information, all the way to establishing overseas networks and equipment for Deployed Commanders and Air Traffic Services. The technical knowledge is challenging, but the benefits,
the achievements, and the impacts are highly rewarding.

 

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

STEVEN ,CYBERSPACE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST STEVEN ,CYBERSPACE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
“
These systems and data feeds directly support the wider picture including Intelligence trades, Aircrew and Engineers
”

STEVEN CYBERSPACE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course will prepare you for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the World. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is a Trade training course at No 1 Radio School (No 1 RS), Cosford, near Wolverhampton; a first-class training establishment. This foundation course is approx. 35 Weeks long and is designed to prepare you for your first tours by giving you a breadth of skills and knowledge across the full range of duties you may be employed in. You will study a range of subjects, including: electronic and radio principles; mathematics; Cisco Academy IT Essentials; Cisco Introduction to Networks; Microsoft Server 2K12, Relational Databases, Programming Techniques, satellite and data communications; information systems and network administration and Cyber security. In addition, you will also be instructed in health and safety, maintenance practices and procedures , all of which will allow you to deploy and maintain our range of communications information networks and sensors.

More Details +

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The training you will received at No 1 Radio School, Cosford, is recognised by a wide range of civilian employers and backed by transferable qualifications. During your specialist training as a
Cyberspace Communication Specialist, where viable, you will be enrolled on a Information Communication Technician Apprenticeship Standard which is a Level 3 qualification; all knowledge requirements will be completed during your technical training, skills & behaviours will be captured within the work place during your first tour. You can also gain a Foundation Degree in Computing Science from Staffordshire University.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

One of the many advantages of being a Cyberspace Communications Specialist in the ICT Tech Trade is the incredible breadth and diversity of the roles that you could be employed in.
Further specialist training is available to you to ensure that you are suitably trained for your roles.. If required, specialist training will be given in application support, web-skills, database and network management, software and application development, coding and cyberspace security to assure the integrity and efficient operation and management of the RAF’s and other military networks.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

After completing one year’s total service, you will be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman (SAC), providing you pass Basic Trade Training and Trade Ability Tests Following completion of the TATs, 18 months in rank and completion of the Apprenticeship, you would advance to SAC (T). Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is on merit by competitive selection and will require the completion of further periods of Command and Management Training to prepare you for the demands of your new rank.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

Upon completion of your training, you will graduate as an RAF ICT Tech and will begin your first tour. Opportunities exist across the country for this tour, but wherever you are sent you will be using your skills to immediately support the RAF’s outputs. You will join a team responsible for managing your unit’s cyberspace systems. A first tour could see you as part of 90 Signals Unit, which includes the RAF’s deployable expeditionary communications team. This team deploys around the globe and a job here would see you supporting global operations by providing the cyberspace systems that enable communications back to the UK effectively. Alternatively, you could be employed on an aircraft squadron, maintaining and supporting the aircraft’s mission support system that enables the aircraft to carry out its sorties. Another current role for your first tour is to work within an information Hub, where you will be the first port of call for
providing advice on software applications, information management and system administration, or repairing IT systems and installing software and hardware

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF. When added to your RAF experience, you will be well placed and in demand by any potential civilian employers.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15 day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This training course will prepare you for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world; it is also designed to help you tune into the military environment and way of life. As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.

 

Commitment and location

Female and male Cyberspace Communication specialists inspecting network traffic

You will have to commit to 27 days per year.


Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or dual UK/Other nationality.

Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months.

* Minimum 1 years’ service from attestation and successful completion of Professional Workplace Training.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or dual UK/Other nationality.

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.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5
(preferably) Science or Technology C Grade 4 Grade 5

If you do not hold a qualification in an approved Science or technology-based subject, you can still apply as a qualified Cyberspace Communications Specialist, provided you have the required English Language and Mathematics grades.
You will also need to achieve a slightly higher score in the relevant part of the entry test at an Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).

Find a list of the approved subjects here

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 dual UK/Other nationality.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

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 on day one of your initial training. 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 (Men and Women).

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
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

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
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

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

PJFT/PRFV 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 PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF PRFV 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
  • 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 a 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

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5
(preferably) Science or Technology C Grade 4 Grade 5

find a list of the approved subjects here

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 dual UK/Other nationality.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

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

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Men and Women).

MEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

WOMEN - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

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

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

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
  • 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 a 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

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?

Start your application here.

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

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