RAF Recruitment | Intelligence Analyst

INTELLIGENCE

ANALYST

Regular

Currently recruiting

Analysis & maths Being creative Gaming & computers

PAY DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS

£18,600+

+ Benefits

PAY AFTER COMPLETING BASIC TRAINING + SIX MONTHS SERVICE *

£23,400+

+ Benefits

*Until at least you have completed one year of service and successfully completed Professional Workplace Assessments on first posting.

As an RAF Intelligence Analyst, you will use state-of-the-art technologies to collect and interpret information, providing vital intelligence, which makes a direct and timely impact to operations around the world.

Apply as a Regular

Already applied? See what the next steps are >

What will you do?

The opportunities as an Intelligence Analyst (Int An) are broad and varied. Information is collected from multiple sources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In your role you will:

Collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from multiple sources
Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world
Analyse and interpret aerial or satellite imagery using high tech systems
Disseminate tailored intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground

Currently recruiting

Analysis & maths Being creative Gaming & computers

DAY RATE STARTS AT:

£46.91

+ Benefits

Apply as a Reserve

Already applied? See what the next steps are >

What will you do?

The opportunities as an Intelligence Analyst (Int An) are broad and varied. Information is collected from multiple sources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In your role you will:

Collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from multiple sources
Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world
Analyse and interpret aerial or satellite imagery using high tech systems
Disseminate tailored intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground

Minimum education requirements

As a minimum, you need GCSE's at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics.

Minimum education requirements

As a minimum, you need GCSE's at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics.

Requirements

Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
Be a citizen of the UK since birth or a dual British Irish citizen
Must have lived in the UK for at least 7 years immediately preceding application
Parent/ Spouse must currently have UK citizenship
Commit to minimum 3 years post specialist training
Meet the health and fitness criteria
Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
Pass a fitness test

View all entry requirements >

Requirements

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
Be a UK citizen from birth
Must not hold any other nationality or citizenship, or join nationality or citizenship.
Have resided in the UK for the 10 years immediately preceding any application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered.
Commit a minimum of 27 days per year
Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
Pass a Selection Interview and a Specialist Assessment at the Air Intelligence Wing, Chicksands.
Pass a General Fitness Test

View all entry requirements >

Apprenticeships available

The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:

Higher Apprenticeship in Intelligence Operations

An Intelligence Analyst will work in the following types of organisations: military, law enforcement, security, finance, commerce. The role involves working alongside intelligence collection officers and researchers, investigators, operational staff and other operational support roles such as business, data, risk or threat analysts to identify patterns and trends to make sense of the information and data they are handling.

Reserve role locations

Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active:

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim

505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay

600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex

602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland

607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire

611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside

614 Sqn, Cardiff

7006 Sqn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire

7006 Sqn, RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire

7010 Sqn, RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire

7010 Sqn, RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire

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.

Phase one training

Basic Recruit Training

10 weeks

RAF Halton

You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Phase two training

Specialist training

14 weeks

MOD Chicksands

The next step is the 12 week Operational Air Intelligence Course (OPAIC) at the Air Intelligence Wing, MOD Chicksands, Bedfordshire.

Your first tour

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

For your first assignment you may be posted to an Intelligence Cell (Int Cell) at an RAF station or operational Squadron.

Career prospects

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

After completing one year’s total service you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1), providing you pass the Basic Trade Training and Trade Ability Test.

Additional qualifications

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

The RAF Int An Apprenticeship Centre (RIAAC) offers individuals the opportunity to register for the Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship Standard.

Ongoing training

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills. In addition to management and leadership training you may be selected for one of a number of Further Training (FT) courses.

Career Progression

Ongoing development

Ongoing

As assigned

The RAF Int An Apprenticeship Centre (RIAAC) offers individuals the opportunity to register for the Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship Standard.

Transferable skills

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

The qualifications and experience you will gain are as valuable in the wider world as they are in the RAF.

TRAINING AND

CAREER

Phase one training

Basic Recruit Training

23 days (split)

RAF Halton

Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).

Phase two training

Specialist Training

Ongoing

As assigned

After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

Commitment

Your commitment to us

Ongoing

As assigned

We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.

Ongoing development

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.

Transferable skills

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.

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

View all benefits

WHY JOIN

THE RAF?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You will have opportunities to assist with our operations worldwide for up to 12 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

View all benefits

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.

7006, 7010 & 7630 Sqns are HQ at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Personnel from 7006 & 7010 Sqns can expect to work from RAF Wyton, with satellite teams also employed at RAF Brize Norton and RAF High Wycombe. 7630 Sqn consists of intelligence subject matter experts who operate nationally on special projects.

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.

Aptitude test

Selection Interviews

Health Assessment

Fitness Test

Acceptance

Training

Aptitude test

Stage 1 of 6

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
Memory - Ability to remember information accurately

Click here to try the online practice test.

Selection Interviews

Stage 2 of 6

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

Family life
Education
Work experience
Special interests and hobbies
Interest in the RAF
Training
The role you’ve applied for
The RAF

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

Health Assessment

Stage 3 of 6

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

Fitness Test

Stage 4 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.

Acceptance

Stage 5 of 6

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

Training

Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

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.

Squadron information day

Aptitude test

Selection interview

Health assessment

Fitness test

Acceptance

Training

Squadron information day

Stage 1 of 7

The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in.

Aptitude test

Stage 2 of 7

All Reserves take an aptitude test known as the ‘Defence Aptitude Test’ at the local squadron they have applied to, or a local AFCO in some cases. The test ensures we match the right candidate to the right role and consists of seven multiple choice sections focusing on different skills:

Verbal reasoning – use and interpretation of written information
Numerical reasoning – ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
Work rate – fast and accurate completion of tasks
Spatial reasoning – understanding of how shapes and objects work
Electrical comprehension – ability to work with electrical concepts
Mechanical comprehension – grasp of mechanical concepts

Click here to try the online practice test.

RAF Physical Training Instructor with trainees on assault course

Selection interview

Stage 3 of 7

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will cover the following topics:

Education
Employment
Interest and motivation for joining the RAF Reserves
Military awareness and Service Knowledge

Health assessment

Stage 4 of 7

Fitness test

Stage 5 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at your nearest AFCO, or at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

Acceptance

Stage 6 of 7

If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.

Training

Stage 7 of 7

Basic Recruit Training

Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.

What’s next?

After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.

ENTRY

REQUIREMENTS

Must be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

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 pre-2017	GCSE 2017 Onwards	Scottish National 5
Mathematics	C	Grade 4	C
English Language	C	Grade 4	C

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

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must have been a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth or a dual British Irish citizen.
You must have resided in the UK for 7 years immediately prior to application.
Your parents/spouse must currently have UK citizenship.
Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance, ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years.

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 Familiarization Visit (PRFV). 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).

MALES - 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

FEMALES - 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

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.

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:

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

Calculate your BMI here

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

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). 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' bankruptBeard 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

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.

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 pre-2017	GCSE 2017 Onwards	Scottish National 5
Mathematics	C	Grade 4	C
English Language	C	Grade 4	C

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

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must have been a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth or a dual British Irish citizen.
You must have resided in the UK for 7 years immediately prior to application.
Your parents/spouse must currently have UK citizenship.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

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
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

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

Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:

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

Calculate your BMI here

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 please contact us.

APPLY

NOW

Got what it takes? Start your application here.

Apply as a Regular