A £6,000 Golden Hello is available for Cyberspace Communications Specialists, subject to the eligibility criteria outlined on the link below. This payment is only applicable to Regulars, it is not applicable to Reserves.
CYBERSPACE COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Currently recruiting
Gaming & computers
Building & fixing things
Travelling the world
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£26,300+
+ Benefits
GOLDEN HELLO
£6,000
Bonus once qualified. Full details in the link below
PAY IN FIRST PRODUCTIVE YEAR
£36,100+
Once qualified and including £6,000 Golden Hello
A £6,000 Golden Hello is available for Cyberspace Communications Specialists, subject to the eligibility criteria outlined here.
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.
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.
Currently recruiting
Gaming & computers
Building & fixing things
Travelling the world
Day rates start at:
£63.27
+ Benefits
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.
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.
GOLDEN HELLO OF £6,000
It all starts with Cyberspace Communications Specialists
Find out how some of our Cyberspace Communications Specialists discovered their role and why they are crucial for all our day-to-day work.
What will you do?
Within your role you’ll ensure that 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’ll be part of a highly trained, and technologically skilled, workforce responsible for a wide variety of tasks:
- Safeguarding our UK-based IT networks from intrusions
- Coordinating the RAF’s vast array of information
- Establishing overseas networks and equipment for Deployed Commanders and Air Traffic Services
What will you do?
Within your role you’ll ensure that 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’ll work as part of a highly trained, and technologically skilled, workforce 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.
If you have skills and experience in the Digital, Data and AI fields in civilian life and you're already working at Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) Level 5, you can specialise within this role as an RAF Digital Reserve.
Requirements at a glance
- Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months
- The qualifications for this role are English Language and Mathematics, with both graded at a minimum GCSE C/4, Scottish National 5 at C or Functional Skills Level 2. We also accept Application of Mathematics. However, don’t rule yourself out if you only have one of these qualifications. Please continue with your application as your score on our Defence Aptitude Assessment will be considered along with your English Language or Maths qualification.
- You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria and commit to a minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
Requirements at a glance
- 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
- GCSE Grade C/Grade 4 in English and Maths
- Hold a 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 will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
- Commit 27 days per year
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a General Fitness Test
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday) Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications for this role are English Language and Mathematics, with both graded at a minimum GCSE C/4, Scottish National 5 at C or Functional Skills Level 2. We also accept Application of Mathematics.
However, don’t rule yourself out if you only have one of these qualifications. Please continue with your application as your score on our Defence Aptitude Assessment will be considered along with your English Language or Maths qualification.
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 the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 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 Security Check (SC).
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.
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.
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 Security Check (SC) for this role.
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) - 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.
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 and specialist entrants 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.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Have these minimum grades:
| GCSE | GCSE 2017 | SNE | |
| Mathematics | C | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
| English Language | C | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
You should also hold a 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.
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 dual UK/Other nationality.
Residency
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. 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 Security Check (SC).
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
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.
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
- 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) - 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.
Reserve role locations
Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons which are located at specific RAF bases. As you won’t be living on base, it’s important that you can easily travel to the base. These are where this role is active:
502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland
614 Sqn, Cardiff
Digital Reserves Flight, RAF Cosford, Shropshire
90SU Field Communications Flight, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Information Communications Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
Doing an RAF apprenticeship means you can gain a professional qualification that’s recognised in the civilian world, and you’ll also have a guaranteed job in your chosen role once you’ve completed it.
View full details
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
10 months
RAF Cosford
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
TRAINING CAREER
As a reserve member of the RAF you are a valued and important member of the force. Your personal success is vital to make us succeed too and we believe training is an essential foundation to this. You will receive basic training, and specialist training in your field to prepare you for your role with us.
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Ongoing
As assigned
ongoing
as assigned
ongoing
as assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
One of the best places to work as awarded by UK IT Industry Awards 2025
The UK IT Industry Awards website describes the awards as celebrating and promoting the organisations, teams, projects, technologies and individuals who continue to help shape the future of IT. The awards ceremony took place on November 12, 2025.
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
WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?
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.
Training
Free gym
Subsidised food
Paid pension
Paid holiday
COMMITMENT AND LOCATION
To get the most value from life as a Reserve we ask you commit to 27 days every year, for a minimum of 12 years.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
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.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF as a Reserve 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.
