Intelligence Intelligence Analyst CURRENTLY RECRUITING

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.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

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

Pay Until Completion Of Phase Two Training* £21,400+ + Benefits

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 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or above or SCE Standard Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language and Maths
  • You must have been a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth or a dual British Irish citizen
  • Must have resided in the UK for at least 7 years immediately preceding application
  • Parents/Spouse must currently have UK citizenship
  • Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Analysis and maths
  • Helping people
  • Being creative

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
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or above or SCE Standard Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language and Maths
  • 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 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

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Analysis and maths
  • Being creative
  • Gaming & Computers

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex (Ex-Regular only)
602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland (No current vacancies)
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire (No current vacancies)
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 Marham, Norfolk
7630 Sqn, RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • 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

Information is collected from multiple sources, including aerial and satellite imagery and foreign communications, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Analysts are required to collect, collate and evaluate information to create actionable intelligence reports and threat assessments.

As an Intelligence Analyst (Int An) you could be employed in a number of varied roles from the outset. These range from assisting a Squadron Intelligence Officer in providing tactical support to frontline aircrew, to strategic roles focussing on the broader intelligence picture.

The opportunities available to you as an Int An are varied, making this a particularly broad and interesting role. Very early on in your career you will have a high-level of responsibility, so the contribution you will make will be vital to operational success. You will often be the person at the front, assisting the senior commander in making key decisions on aspects of a military operation.

Intelligence is collected from multiple sources, including aerial and satellite imagery and foreign communications, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Analysts are required to collect, collate and evaluate masses of information to create actionable intelligence reports and threat assessments.

As an Intelligence Analyst (Int An) you could be involved in production of current operational intelligence reports and briefings for Commanders, Government officials or assisting a Squadron Intelligence Officer on a frontline flying squadron, by providing tactical mission support to aircrew.

The contribution made by an Int An is vital to operational success and they will often be the person at the front, assisting the senior commander in making key decisions on aspects of a military operation.

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 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

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is a 14-week Operational Air Intelligence Course (OPAIC) at the Air Intelligence Wing, DITG Chicksands, Bedfordshire, where you will learn the fundamentals of Air Intelligence. This course is designed to train you in the basics of Operational Intelligence (OPINT). It will give you a good understanding of the sources of information, and the techniques for processing  them. You will also develop the skills to disseminate it effectively through written or graphical means, including the delivery of a detailed but concise intelligence briefing.

The course also covers the roles of UK intelligence organisations such as Defence Intelligence (DI), and the RAF intelligence structure. You will learn about IT applications, research techniques and military mapping which concludes with a final exercise. This will be the culmination of all your training where you will put all your new skills into practice in a real time environment.
Whilst undergoing Phase 2 training, you will also begin the RAF Apprenticeship that will allow you to gain civilian accredited qualifications. On successful completion of the course, you will graduate as an Air Specialist (Class 2) (AS2) and be posted to your first tour of duty.

More Details +

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION

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. There are limited opportunities for overseas postings, and you should expect to be deployed on an operational tour of up to six months at various stages in your career. Promotion to the rank of
Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection once vacancies become available and is statistically quicker than most other trades. Established Int Ans may also consider applying for a role as an Airborne Specialist or for commissioning into the Intelligence Branch. As part of one of the trades in the RAF that is currently expanding, you will have many opportunities to
specialise in roles that will support current and future intelligence collection platforms.
Commanders cannot make decisions without reliable intelligence, and as an Intelligence Analyst in the RAF you will play a key role this process.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

The RAF Int An Apprenticeship Centre (RIAAC) offers individuals the opportunity to register for the Intelligence Analyst Apprenticeship Standard. The apprenticeship is a Level 4 qualification, administered by the RIAAC on behalf of 22 (Trg) Gp Apprenticeship Management Team. The
requisite skills will be delivered during the OPAIC and further developed during RIAAC led workshops while in the workplace. All trainees will be subject to an End Point Assessment ahead of an award of the qualification.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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. This will be in one of the specialist intelligence fields of Imagery (IMINT), Signals (SIGINT) or Electronic (ELINT), after your first tour in OPINT.

Int Ans will not routinely complete Language Training due to differing entry criteria. Completion of Language Training will be dependent upon successful completion of the MLAT, attainment of Int An (L) Academic entry criteria and Service Need.
Upon successful completion of Language Training, personnel can be expected to be employed in Language Duties as a through-career priority. There will be opportunities to complete Operational Intelligence roles, though these will be on a Service Need basis and are likely to be limited.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

For your first assignment you may be posted to an Intelligence Cell (Int Cell) at an RAF station or operational Squadron working in direct support to platforms such as F-35, P8, RIVET JOINT and Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS). Alternatively, you could be employed in a more strategic
role based at RAF Wyton, working within the Air & Space Intelligence Centre (ASIC), National Centre for Geospatial Intelligence (NCGI) or one of the squadrons within 1 ISR Wing. You will be required to utilise state of the art systems to support more senior analysts across the whole spectrum of roles including SIGINT, IMINT and OPINT in the production of Intelligence Reports, Mission Reports and summaries. More specialist roles may be available at Joint Service Signals Unit (JSSU) Digby, JSSU Cyprus, 54 Signals Unit (SU) or 591 SU. Here you will be employed on a wide range of tasks relating to the analysis of complex communications data transmissions or defensive Cyber. During your first tour you will initially work under supervision until you gain experience. At some of these locations you may be required to work shifts which include unsociable hours and weekends but with subsequent stand down periods.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The qualifications and experience you will gain are as valuable in the civilian world as they are in the RAF. This means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF you will be well placed to find a job in a number of fields. This could include telecommunications, analytical work, research, media, information technology or the Civil Service. All Int Ans will be offered the opportunity to
complete an RAF Higher Apprenticeship in Intelligence Operations – this is the only Level 4 Apprenticeship the RAF offers. As you progress you will gain a great deal of management and leadership experience which you will have the opportunity to transfer into relevant civilian qualifications. We will give you the confidence and broad experience to succeed in whatever you choose to do.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course 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 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.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The next step is the Operational Air Intelligence Course (Reserve), which is a 39 day course split over 11 months. It consists of 11 training weekends and a 15 day block at the Joint Intelligence Training Group (JITG), Chicksands in Bedfordshire. The course is designed to train you as an Intelligence Analyst and gives you an understanding of the different sources of intelligence, such as Imagery Intelligence and Open Source Intelligence. The course also teaches the techniques for processing intelligence and the skills required to disseminate intelligence effectively, either through written or graphical means or by delivering an intelligence briefing. The course covers the roles of UK intelligence organisations and the RAF intelligence structure within the wider MOD. You will also learn about IT applications and research techniques.

More Details +

YOUR FUTURE

You could be employed in a Headquarters assisting with the production of current operational intelligence reports and briefings for the Station Commander, or you could be assisting the Squadron Intelligence Officer on a frontline flying squadron, by providing tactical mission support to aircrew. You could be required to analyse information and generate reports for the intelligence departments of National and partner organisations. Working on high-tech systems, you could develop graphics and produce intelligence that will be used to help plan military operations, or you could carry out extensive background research to contribute to more detailed strategic reports. There will also be opportunities for you to complete other specialist courses in intelligence, including Electronic Warfare, Targeting and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR).

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

You will initially join the Reserves for a period of up to 12 years. 

Commitment and location

You will have to commit to a minimum of 27 days per year.

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

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

You must have been a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth or a dual British Irish citizen.

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

Attendance at a specialist assessment, briefing and testing at the Air Int Wg, DSI is mandatory for all candidates.

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

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

You must have been a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth or a dual British Irish citizen.

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

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

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 your first day at phase one 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 (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

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' 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

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
Mathematics C Grade 4 Grade 5
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5

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

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