Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

Logistics Supplier CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an RAF Supplier, you will be responsible for the management of RAF assets, from the receipt, storage, handling and distribution of equipment to its ultimate disposal.

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

Apply as a Regular


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 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of a dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen from birth
  • Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Transport & Vehicles
  • Analysis and maths
  • Helping people

Apprenticeships available

Level 2 Supply Chain Warehousing Operative Apprenticeship

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
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of a dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen from birth
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Building and Problem solving
  • Helping people
  • Transport & Vehicles

Locations

501 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim (Ex-Regular only)
504 Sqn, RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire
505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay (Extremely limited vacancies)
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex (Ex-Regular only)
605 Sqn, RAF Cosford, Shropshire (Extremely limited vacancies)
606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon
607 Sqn, RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide logistical support for RAF aircraft and vehicles across the globe.
  • End to end management of fuels and lubricants - from pipeline receipts to the refuelling of aircraft.
  • Work as part of a team in storage and warehousing areas, potentially managing secret, explosive or classified RAF assets.
  • Travel worldwide ensuring RAF assets are maintained and equipment kept in the UK supply chain.
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As a Logistics Supplier, you will be a key component within the RAF. You will play a vital role in the logistical support required by the RAF to fulfil its operational and peacetime obligations. Responsible for the distribution, accounting, stock control and data analysis of a diverse range of commodities such as aircraft parts, fuels, explosives, ammunition and many other materials required to sustain a modern Air Force.

You will use complex IT stock control systems, stock level modelling software, modern storage solutions and operate mechanical handling equipment and other specialist vehicles. You will support Operations in the most challenging locations across the globe; sustain real-life support to personnel and support the most technologically advanced aircraft in the Royal Air Force.

As a Supplier, you will be a key element within the RAF. You will play a vital role in the logistical support required by the RAF to fulfil its operational and peacetime obligations.

Responsible for the distribution, accounting, stock levels and statistical trending of a diverse range of commodities such as aircraft parts, fuels, explosives, ammunition and many other materials required to run a modern Air Force.

You will have the opportunity to use complex IT stock control systems, stock level modelling software, modern storage solutions and operate various mechanical handling equipment including Forklift Trucks of various sizes and capabilities.

You will learn how to support Operations in the most challenging locations across the globe; you will sustain real-life support to personnel and support the most technologically advanced aircraft in the RAF inventory.

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

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

Continuing at MOD Worthy Down, you will enter the specialist trade training environment. The Logistics Basic Training course is 10 weeks long and it is here that you will be taught the necessary skills required to do your job. On leaving Logistics Basic Training you will have gained the skills and knowledge required to ensure equipment is kept in the right environment and that the stockholding IT system accurately reflects physical holdings and locations. You will be able to take customer orders and provide delivery solutions; you will have the skills to pack, document
and despatch/deliver equipment to the end user in the UK and across the world.

More Details +

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your career progresses, we will continue to train you to the highest standard and equip you with the skills you require to take on new responsibilities. This means that there are opportunities for management, leadership, health and safety training and a wide range of driving
qualifications. A hugely diverse trade, some of the more specialised areas within Supply include:

Storage, Handling and Distribution of Fuels. Issuing aviation fuel to aircraft and helicopters, receiving fuel into bulk storage tanks from pipelines, road tankers and ocean tankers. Be solely responsible for an installation, at times storing more than 1 million litres of high-octane aviation fuel. If employed in the tactical fuels environment, you may also be required to undertake parachute training and construct fuel installations in austere locations. Of course, with fuel there comes a responsibility for environmental protection, so you will also learn how to deal with spillages to avoid environmental damage, both on land and possibly at sea.

Dangerous/Classified Goods. Packaging, storage, handling and transportation of hazardous goods, including explosives for transport by air (to Civil Aviation Authority standards), road and sea. Learn how to complete the myriad of different customs paperwork required for distribution of sensitive equipment across the globe. Ensure the secure handling and distribution of classified assets, ensuring security regulations are met.

Mobility. Work alongside our Mover colleagues in a Mobility Flight where you will be trained to assist with loading and stowing equipment being moved by our transport aircraft. You will learn the skills required to successfully deploy to challenging areas of the world whilst supporting the
various aircraft platforms, possibly aboard the very latest Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers supporting 5th generation stealth aircraft.

MJDI. The system used to account for the majority of equipment in use within the Ministry of Defence. Extremely versatile, you will become one of the skilled 18000 worldwide operators, tracking the billions of pounds worth of complex equipment currently in the RAF and MoD inventory.

Qualification Opportunities. All students will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Supply Control & Accounting and are offered the opportunity to enrol in the Level 2 Supply Chain Warehousing Operative Apprenticeship.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

During your first tour, you will consolidate your training and gain valuable experience that will prepare you for your first operational tour of duty. To ensure you become a confident Supplier with broad knowledge and experience, you will be employed within at least 2 different departments within your first tour. A first tour is always memorable and demanding but also highly rewarding; you will be given the time to develop your skills and become an effective member of an extremely close-knit team. As a Logistics Supplier, you should expect to experience your first 4 month deployed tour of duty within 18 months. Your subsequent operational tours will be varied and dependant on where in the world RAF assets are deployed in support of Defence Policy. You will be provided with the opportunity to undertake Adventure
Training (skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking etc) and be able to participate in all major sports at every level.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

After completing one year’s total service and providing you have completed basic Trade Ability Assessments, you will be eligible for promotion to Senior Aircraftman. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is on merit by competitive selection annually. The Supply trade offers an exciting, diverse and challenging opportunity for an individual to excel in support of the UK’s most advanced aircraft types, but requires high calibre individuals to succeed.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Logistical skills and qualifications are eagerly sought after by civilian organisations. Therefore, on leaving the RAF you are extremely employable and well placed to find a new job such as:

  • Aerospace Logistics Supply Support Specialist
  • Material and Inventory Specialist
  • Auditor (including Health & Safety, Quality Assurance)
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Distribution Manager
  • Fuels Storage/Distribution Operator
  • Aircraft Refuelling
  • Forklift Operator
  • Dangerous Goods Consignor
  • Stock Control Accountant
  • Product Coordinator
  • Production Team Member
  • Large Goods Vehicle Driver

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. 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

Once you have completed your recruit training you will begin your specialist Trade training at your Squadron. It is this training that will provide you with the necessary skills required to do your job. RAF Reserve Supply Training is delivered in 3 main modules and on completion of at least one of the modules, you may be utilised within that modular specialisation at the rank of Senior Aircraftsman. A foundation module will give you the underpinning knowledge that will enable you to commence one of the 3 main modules listed below.

Receipt and Despatch. Packing/unpacking, receipting and despatching equipment, Consignment Tracking and consigning Dangerous Goods by Surface and Air (CAA accredited training).

Stockholding Group. Store and pick stock, general warehousing, stocktaking and management of equipment packs within a Mobility Supply Flight.

Supply Accounting. Place and progress orders, process receipting errors, manage account documentation, manage stocktaking programme and records for equipment held forward and on loan.

More Details +

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your RAF Reserves career progresses, we will continue to train you to the highest standard and equip you with the skills you require to take on new responsibilities. You will be required to complete and maintain a record of employment which will be used to determine your suitability for mobilisation (on Operations) or to assess your ability to assist regular Service personnel on trade related military tasks. Promotion to Corporal opens opportunities for management, leadership, health and safety training and a wide range of driving qualifications.

 

CAREER PROSPECTS/PROGRESSION

You will initially join the RAF Reserves for a period of 12 years. Once you have completed one of the main trade modules, you may be utilised in the rank of SAC at home or on Operations overseas. Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection and requires you to have completed all 3 of the main trade modules and have positive annual appraisals.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

It is not possible to cover every aspect of the Logistics Supply trade in this leaflet, or indeed list the wide-ranging transferable skills you will gain throughout your time as a RAF Reserve Supplier. However, Warehousing, Storage and Distribution skills and qualifications are sought after by civilian organisations; therefore, on leaving you are extremely employable and well placed to find a new job in Logistics such as:

  • Aerospace Logistics Supply Support Specialist
  • Warehouse Material and Inventory Operator / Manager
  • Supply Chain and Distribution Manager
  • Fork Lift Operator

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.


You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of a dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen from birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Logistics Trades in relation to the rapid and effective deployability of RAF personnel to countries that apply travel restrictions to non-UK personnel. Non-UK personnel applying for these fields of employment are required to certify that they have been advised of the nationality-imposed employment limitations and the consequence of not naturalising as a UK citizen.

Be between 16 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

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

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of a dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen from birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

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

No formal qualifications required.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of a dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen from birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Logistics Trades in relation to the rapid and effective deployability of RAF personnel to countries that apply travel restrictions to non-UK personnel.  Non-UK personnel applying for these fields of employment are required to certify that they have been advised of the nationality-imposed employment limitations and the consequence of not naturalising as a UK citizen.

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

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton on day one of your initial 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' 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

No formal qualifications required.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of a dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen from birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

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.

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

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

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