ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

During trade training, and at later stages in your career, you may have the opportunity to sit GCSEs and higher examinations in the relevant language(s). Some courses are recognised by universities and may be counted towards a degree. During your career, you will have the opportunity to gain technical or managerial NVQs to Level 4.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION

After completing one year’s total service, you will be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman, providing you pass a Trade Ability Test. Most of an Int An (L)’s employment is likely to be spent within the Joint Services environment working with similarly trained Royal Navy and Army specialists in both the static and mobile roles. You should also expect to be deployed on an
operational tour of up to six months at various stages in your career, which could be onboard Royal Navy surface or subsurface vessels as well as with a deployed Army unit working under field conditions. In preparation for these duties, personnel will be required to carry out the appropriate military training. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is on merit
by competitive selection and based upon your performance as reflected by your annual report. For junior tradesmen, some duties will entail shift working. However, as personnel progress through JNCO and SNCO ranks, there will be an increasing number of opportunities to fill day working posts. Commanders cannot make decisions without reliable intelligence, and as an Intelligence Analyst in the RAF you will play a key role this process.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your career progresses, we’ll continue to train you in new skills. As well as management and leadership training, there are opportunities to learn additional languages or to reach a higher level of proficiency in your core foreign language.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

Your first tour as an Int An (L) could be at one of a few select UK locations where you will utilise state-of-the-art equipment and software to carry out your mission in direct operational support to platforms such as RIVET JOINT and REAPER. Alternatively, you could be employed in a more strategic role at 54 Signals Unit or Joint Service Signals Unit Digby, Lincolnshire. Dependent on future operational requirements, you may spend your first tour with the Defence Human Intelligence Unit (DHU) where you will get the opportunity to work in both mobile and static roles. This includes being deployed as part of their unit in support of the UK’s exercises
and operations. As the Int An (L) Trade can be viewed as being one of those at the forefront of the Joint Services environment, you may find yourself working alongside members of the other Armed Services, civilian analysts or coalition partners. 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 can 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’ll be well placed to find a job in a number of fields. This could include telecommunications, languages including interpreting, analytical work, research, media, information technology or the Civil Service.

If you would like to utilise your language skills in an airborne-based career, please take a look at this role.  * - Subject to Entry and Eligibility Criteria.