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INTELLIGENCE ANALYST
(LINGUIST)
Currently recruiting
Analysis & maths Gaming & computers Helping people
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£25,200+
+ Benefits

There is also the opportunity to gain a £6000 University Bursary. Details can be found here.

Please note the role may be listed as Intelligence Analyst (Voice) within your application form.

As an RAF Intelligence Analyst (Linguist), you will interpret foreign language transmissions using state-of-the-art surveillance systems, providing vital intelligence to support military forces deployed around the world.

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.

What will you do?

You’ll be working within a highly trained team, focused on providing timely intelligence to military forces deployed on operations around the world. In your role you will:

 

  • Collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from multiple sources
  • Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world
  • Gather valuable information about enemies strengths, weaknesses and movements
  • Disseminate tailored intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground
  • Have the opportunity to act as an interpreter for troops on the ground
  • Learn at least one foreign language to a high degree of proficiency
Minimum education requirements
  • As a minimum, you need to have GCSEs at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5s at 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
  • Parents/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 >

"I studied languages at university and now I work as a linguist in the RAF intercepting enemy communications. I've always had a love of languages and this was a good way to make a career of it."

Hannah (Intelligence Analyst Linguist)

You could have a hidden ability for intelligence analysis.
Check your Sound Skills to find out.

Plug in your headphones

Listen to five audio files and answer the questions

You can replay a file
but it'll affect your score

1/5

Who was no average girl?

Listen to the track

Pause

10%

3 correct, 1 replay

1

2

3

4

5

  • 1molly
  • 2761845
  • 3rossi
  • 4the red lion
  • 5bulldog
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It’s a tough test, but you showed some promise. With a little work, you could be trained as an RAF Linguist – analysing foreign language communications and providing intelligence. No experience is necessary.

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.
01
Phase one training
Initial Training
white stopwatch icon for duration 10 weeks
white map-pin icon for location RAF Halton
You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
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02
Phase two training
RAF Intelligence Course
white stopwatch icon for duration 14 weeks
white map-pin icon for location MOD Chicksands
The next step is an RAF Intelligence Course - Aviator (RAFIC-A), where you will learn the fundamentals of Air Intelligence.
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03
Language training
Specialist training
white stopwatch icon for duration 18 Months
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
This is held at Defence Centre for Languages and Culture (DCLC), Chicksands, Defence Academy Shrivenham, or at an establishment outside the RAF.
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04
Your first tour
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
Your first tour could be at 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 airborne platforms.
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05
Your career prospects
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
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After completing one year’s total service, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1) (AS1), providing you pass a Professional Workplace Assessment.
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06
Ongoing development
Ongoing training
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
As your career progresses, we’ll continue to train you in new skills.
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07
Additional qualifications
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
During specialisation training, and at later stages in your career, you may have the opportunity to sit GCSEs and higher examinations in the relevant language(s).
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08
Transferable skills
Ongoing development
white stopwatch icon for duration Ongoing
white map-pin icon for location As assigned
The qualifications and experience you can gain are as valuable in the wider world as they are in the RAF.
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INTELLIGENCE ANALYST LINGUIST
SPONSORSHIP

The University Air Squadron (UAS) scheme will provide a bursary of between £3000 and £6000 per year, plus £1500 for 30 days of training each academic year. In return, we expect you to join your local University Air Squadron where you will gain unique, hands-on experiences participating in sports, adventurous training, opportunities for flying lessons and summer work placements on RAF stations.

 

You can study any degree to be eligible for this bursary, however candidates must first complete a Language Aptitude Test in order to qualify for this role. Applications are open 1 September- 31 March. 

WHY JOIN
THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Benefits icon for Rent from £75p/m
Rent from £75p/m
Benefits icon for Free gym
Free gym
Benefits icon for Subsidised food
Subsidised food
Benefits icon for Health care
Health care
Benefits icon for World travel
World travel
Benefits icon for Training
Training
"The most rewarding part of my role is being an interpreter to provide support to RAF personnel overseas. A career highlight has been learning to parachute as part of adventure training, which I was able to volunteer for."

Jack (Intelligence Analyst Linguist)

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.
1
Aptitude test
2
Selection Interviews
3
Health Assessment
4
Fitness Test
5
Specialist Interview
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 7

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.

2
Selection Interviews
Stage 2 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 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.

3
Health Assessment
Stage 3 of 7

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.

4
Fitness Test
Stage 4 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 (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and is a 2.4km run.

 

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.

5
Specialist Interview
Stage 5 of 7

Attendance at a specialist assessment is mandatory for all candidates. This may be done online.

6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7

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.

7
Training
Stage 7 of 7

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.

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

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 since birth (not naturalised) and must never have held any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) with the exception of dual British Irish citizenship. Immediate family must be British citizens/nationals.

 

RESIDENCY

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 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. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.

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. 

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). 
  • 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.

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