SECURITY AND RESILIENCE OPERATIONS RAF Regiment Officer CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an RAF Regiment Officer, you will specialise in ground combat tactics, weaponry and field craft. You will lead and direct the RAF Regiment squadrons that protect RAF bases and forward operating bases.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During Initial Officer Training + Six Months £28,860+ + Benefits

Pay Six Months Post IOT £34,690+ + Benefits

DAY RATE STARTS AT: £72.46 + Benefits

Starts at £26,466.84 per year

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 17 ½ - 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language, Maths and at least three other subjects
  • Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/ other nationality
  • Commit to a minimum of 12 years of service
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Sport & Fitness
  • Transport & Vehicles
  • 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
  • Personnel interested in obtaining a commission in the RAF Regiment Reserves are required to join the Specialisation first and then to commission from the ranks. Suitability and requirements can be obtained from initial recruitment focal points and from Squadron specialists. (Ex-Regular Regiment officers, ex-military officers from an equivalent Branch will be considered on a case-by-case basis; recruiting personnel will be able to advise.)
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/ other nationality
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Sport & Fitness
  • Transport & Vehicles
  • Travelling the world

Locations

603 Sqn, Edinburgh, Edinburgh (No current vacancies)
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon (No current vacancies)
609 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire (No current vacancies)
2503 Sqn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire (No current vacancies)
2620 Sqn, RAF Marham, Norfolk (Extremely limited vacancies)
2622 Sqn (Highland), RAF Lossiemouth, Moray
2623 Sqn, RAF Honington, Suffolk (No current vacancies)
2624 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire (No current vacancies)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Evaluate tactical situations, formulate a plan and brief troops
  • Lead a flight of around 30 Gunners to protect RAF aircraft, people and bases
  • Operate in peacekeeping, counter-terrorist and full-scale war situations

As an RAF Regiment Officer, you will be a leader, commanding and inspiring a “flight” of up to 35 Gunners. You will become a specialist in all facets of Force Protection, which range from dismounted close combat tactics and fieldcraft to security and understanding how air operations are delivered. Learning how to operate and employ a variety of weapons and surveillance systems, you will provide specialist advice and planning to enable the safe conduct of air operations both at home and overseas.

Above all, Leadership is the quality that we seek in RAF Regiment Officers.  From the outset of your career, you will be placed in positions of command, responsible for RAF and RAF Regiment personnel and it will be your responsibility to provide leadership through demanding situations.  Within your first few years, you will almost certainly be deployed on  overseas operations or exercises to locations including Canada, Cyprus, Middle East and Africa.

 

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

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING

Like all RAF Officers, you will begin your RAF career with Initial Officer Training (IOT) at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You will follow a challenging 24-week course designed to develop your leadership and management skills. The course includes fitness development, military training and academic study as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Next, you will undertake the arduous Junior Regiment Officers’ Course (JROC) which is 26 weeks of tough ground combat training. Your fitness will step up a level as you are taught how to soldier and then how to command and lead troops. You will start with leading a Section of 8 and end up leading a flight of some 30 RAF Regiment Gunners. You will make friends who will last a lifetime and you will get to know them better than you know your own family.

RAF Regiment training is a real test of character, determination and the will to succeed. By the end of the course, you will be at peak physical fitness and you will have learned how to operate effectively in different environments and all kinds of conditions. The training needs to be hard to give you the confidence to overcome any situation that you may find yourself in during operations; with determination you can do it.

To view the timetable for the Junior Regiment Officers Course programme, please click here.

More Details +

YOUR FIRST TOUR

For your first tour you will be posted to an operational RAF Regiment squadron based in the UK. Here you will consolidate your training on squadron exercises and also have the opportunity to undertake adventurous training and sport. The most important thing is for you to get to know those under your command and for them to know and respect you, so that when you are on operations they trust you and have confidence in the decisions you make.

YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS

You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission of 12 years. Promotion to the rank of Flight Lieutenant is on a time served/satisfactory service basis after 3½ years from completing IOT. Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

JROC is only the beginning; as you undertake new roles you will complete courses to help you meet any challenge, be it Forward Air Controlling, Jungle or Arctic Warfare courses, Heavy Weapons courses or military parachuting. Life as an RAF Regiment Officer is never predictable, and a new challenge is always just around the corner. Much will be demanded of you, but in return, you will go to places and experience a world your civilian friends can only dream of. The challenge is there, the rest is up to you.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications and experience you will gain as an RAF Regiment Officer are valuable to civilian life – which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF you will be well placed to find a new job. On completion of JROC you will receive a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. As you move up the ranks you will gain a great deal of practical management and leadership experience which you can develop into related civilian qualifications.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

After basic training, you’ll go on to Reserve Officer Initial Training during your second year. This combines distance learning with residential weekends at the prestigious RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. It also includes a two-week residential phase at Cranwell where Reserves mix with Regular Officers on their initial training. During this period you will gain the skills and knowledge to command and lead in military roles and beyond.

RAF Regiment Officer with rifle on training range

Commitment and location

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:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.

Be aged between 17.5 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

The RAF Regt Recruitment and Selection Flight have created a Realistic Job Profile Day visit. This visit is for potential candidates who require further information to aid in their decision to join the RAF Regt. Details can be found here.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of 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
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
Three other subjects C Grade 4 Grade 5

You must also have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.

Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Maths and English Language GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4-5) or SCE Standard Grades of 2 or SNE Grade 5 (A-C).

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of 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

Applicants for the Regiment Officer role will NOT do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). All fitness elements are done on the Potential Regiment Officer Course (PROC) at RAF Honington.

The PROC is a three day course and includes the following:

  • Swim Test The assessment is a 100m swim followed by 2 minutes treading water then exit the pool unaided. 
  • Multi-Stage Fitness Test - Achieve the required score. This test is Age and Gender fair (please see table below). The physical standards for each are to RAF Green Standard.
  • Press Ups/Sit Ups Achieve the required number within 60 seconds. This test is Age and Gender fair (please see table below). The physical standards for each are to RAF Green Standard.

    MALES – minimum number required:

    AGE

    Multi-stage fitness test

    Press-ups

    Sit-ups

     

    (Score)

    (No.)

    (No.)

    16

    9.03

    20

    35

    17-29

    9.10

    20

    35

    30-34

    9.04

    19

    32

    35-39

    8.09

    18

    29

    40-44

    8.03

    17

    26

    45-48

    7.07

    16

    23

     FEMALES – minimum number required:

    AGE

    Multi-stage fitness test

    Press-ups

    Sit-ups

     

    (Score)

    (No.)

    (No.)

    16

    6.07

    10

    32

    17-29

    7.02

    10

    32

    30-34

    6.08

    9

    29

    35-39

    6.04

    8

    26

    40-44

    5.08

    7

    23

    45-48

    5.04

    6

    20

  • RAF Regiment Applicant Selection Test (RAST)
  • 2 Km/1.25 mile run: PTI led 500m warm up to be completed within 5 mins. Followed by the 2km/1.25 mile individual best effort test. Candidates are to complete this test in 9:30 minutes or under. 
  • Medicine Ball Throw: Complete a throw of a Medicine Ball weighing 4kg, in a seated position, to a distance of 3.1m. Candidates are allowed 3 attempts only. The best scored is to be recorded. All throws count as an attempt- there are no practice throws. The test is complete once a candidate achieves 3.1m or uses all 3 attempts. Candidates will be graded Pass/Fail. 
  • Static Deadlift: A Mid-Thigh Pull (static deadlift) of 95 kg. Candidates are allowed 3 attempts at this test and the best score will be recorded. The first pull is a range finder/practice.
  • Interview.

These are the minimum standards required; candidates are expected to put maximum effort into each event.

To get ready for the fitness tests for the RAF Regt you can follow this fitness programme here. 

You can see what the PROC Course entails here.

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 MSFT Fitness Test here:

RAF MSFT Fitness Test

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

You must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4-5) or 5 Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) Standard Grades at a minimum of Grade 2 or 5 Scottish National Equivalent (SNE) grades at a minimum of Grade 5, including English Language and Mathematics.

In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) which must total a minimum of 160 UCAS points.

Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative), you only need English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4-5), SCE at a minimum of Grade 2 or SNE at Grade 5.

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of 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 (Male and Female).

MALES - 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

 

FEMALES - 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 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?

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