
In your role as People Specialist in the RAF, you will enjoy a diverse, exciting and highly rewarding career. Wherever the RAF is based, there is an HR team ready to provide a professional service and welfare support to personnel of all specialisations, including those in the RAF Reserve.
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.
Your duties as a People Specialist in the RAF will be diverse, exciting and highly rewarding. Wherever the RAF is operational, there is a team of People Specialists ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations. In your role you could be:
- Advising on and administering pay and allowances, movements, travel and accommodation
- Preparing RAF personnel for deployment to operations and military exercises and supporting them throughout.
- Processing performance appraisals
- Providing welfare support to all personnel in the UK and overseas
- Administering Service Discipline procedures
In your role as People Specialist in the RAF, you will enjoy a diverse, exciting and highly rewarding career. Wherever the RAF is based, there is a Personnel Support team ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations, including those in the RAF Reserve.
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.
Your duties as a People Specialist in the RAF will be diverse, exciting and highly rewarding. Wherever the RAF is operational, there is a team of People Specialists ready to provide a professional service to personnel of all specialisations. In your role you could be:
- Advising on and administering pay and allowances, movements, travel and accommodation
- Preparing RAF personnel for deployment to operations and military exercises and supporting them throughout.
- Processing performance appraisals
- Providing welfare support to all personnel in the UK and overseas
- Administering Service Discipline procedures


- The desirable qualifications for this role are GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above or Scottish National 5 or above at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics. However, don’t rule yourself out if you don’t have these qualifications. Show us you have the potential to learn how to do the job by continuing with your application to be a part of the Royal Air Force.
- If you join without the desired qualifications, then we will provide a course in Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths in Phase 1 Training. This will need to be completed to proceed to Phase 2 Training.

- The qualifications for this role are GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above or Scottish National 5 or above at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics.

- 16 years old at entry and can start application at age 15 years and 9 months. Entry until 47 years old and must attest before 48th birthday.
- Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).
- 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

- Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 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 dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth
- Commit 27 days per year
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a General Fitness Test

Gary (People Specialist)

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
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.
Ailsa (People Specialist)

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.

Applicants must e aged between 16 and 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday). Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Specialisation. Non-British nationals applying for this Specialisation are required to certify that they have been advised of the employment limitations and the consequences of not naturalizing as a British citizen.
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 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.
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
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 |
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.
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.
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
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
Applicants must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 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.
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth.
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 may be considered.
Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK prior to application.
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
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 |
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.
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.
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
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). - 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.

