r/RoyalAirForce Jan 03 '26

RAF Recruitment FAQ 2026

42 Upvotes

Following the success of the last FAQ, and plenty of feedback, this is the new FAQ thread for 2026! If you have been directed here, you will most likely find the answer to your query below.

This post is guidance only, only contains publicly accessible information, does not constitute official advice and does not reflect the views of the Royal Air Force in any way. The information contained may become outdated at any time. All applications are taken on a case-by-case basis, you may experience something completely counter to what is written here. If that is the case feel free to leave a comment! Also feel free to ask questions in the comments of this post.

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Q: Are the moderation team recruiters? Can you fast track my application? Can you give me personal assurances that you will help me get in? If I follow a mod's advice does that mean I will definitely pass? Etc.

A: The team are volunteers who are either serving, ex-serving or just passionate and knowledgeable about the types of questions we see here a lot. We are not all recruiters (look out for the "Recruiter" flair for those lucky few) and we are not able to personally promise you anything. Please be respectful to all members of the community and keep in mind that whilst you are asking your question for the first time, the community as a whole will most likely have seen it posted many times before.

We are also individuals who may not always agree with each other, a lot of the information for recruitment (what OASC are specifically looking for etc) comes from hearsay and personal anecdote. Wires may get crossed at times or people may have had different experiences. Standards change all the time and as we do not work within OASC or Recruitment we are unable to have a live feed of these changes. If you know something we don't that may help others, get in touch!

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Q: CAN I BE A FIGHTER JET PILOT!?

A: You cannot apply directly for the role of Fighter Jet Pilot; you may be streamed into Fast Jet training in Phase 2.

Streaming is based on multiple factors but service need is the highest priority, if you want to be the person who gets the FJ slot on the day where there is maybe only 1 slot you have to be the best candidate for the spot (available slots change each time, there may be 0, there may be 10).

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Q: OKAY, CAN I BE A *PILOT*!?

Sure. Just keep in mind that the role is extremely competitive, historically has had limited spaces and has one of the strictest sets of medical requirements. You need to bring your absolute best to the recruitment process to have the best chance of success (this applies to all roles, but doubly so for the role that a significant portion of applicants want at first).

The general advice (aside from putting in the work) is to make sure your backup plan has been thoroughly considered. You will potentially be questioned on it to show you are serious about the RAF. Make sure you have a well thought out answer to this and other questions that may be asked at OASC.

However, if you are the right person at the right time, you only need one slot to be open. If a little competition doesn't scare you (which it shouldn't as a pilot candidate), then apply!

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Q: Should I apply? What are the benefits?

A: The recruitment site gives a broad overview

Discover my benefits covers everything and provides sources

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Q: How much will I get paid?

A: You will get paid what the career website says during training, beyond that you can find information per rank here: Pay Scales

As an aviator, your pay is determined by which role your supplement falls into. Officers are different in that there are no supplements, but roles such as medical or aircrew have different pay arrangements which will be explained when it is relevant to you.

You will typically move up increments yearly (some differences at the start of your career), so as a Corporal (in supplement 1) you would progress from OR-4-1 to OR-4-2 and so on, moving up to OR-6-1 on promotion to Sergeant. Pay also increases annually in line with the Armed Forces Pay Review, in May 2025 this was a 4.5% pay rise!

Calculate your take-home pay here, rent and food in Ph1 is about £150-200 a month

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Q: What can I expect from the application process/what qualifications do I need?

A: Research your role at the link below, then come back with specific questions. The website has enough information to answer most basic questions. Educational requirements and accepted equivalents can be found on each role's individual page:

RAF Recruitment Site

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Q: How long will it take to complete the selection assuming I pass everything first time and I respond to recruiter requests proactively?

A: This is like asking "how long is a piece of string?", but I ran a poll. You can see the results below and draw your own conclusions:

Poll result here

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Q: Where can I find more information on a role beyond that found on the website? I'd like to do well at OASC.

A: The recruitment app found at the links below, it contains all the joomag recruitment leaflets on a range of topics from specific role information to information about bursary schemes etc.

Android Playstore Link

Apple Appstore link

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Q: What should I take to CBAT? Aside from what my joining instructions say to bring of course.

A: What do I take to CBAT? : r/RoyalAirForce

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Q: What is the difference between an Officer role and an Aviator role? Such as Engineering Officer and one of the Technician roles?

A: Typically speaking, an Officer is primarily a manager. For the example in the question the EngO will set the objective for the team of technicians based on requirements from above and they will also be a part of the overall management, discipline, and welfare process for their team. They will require knowledge of the subject matter but will typically not be as specialised as an SNCO with years of direct experience on the platform.

They will also be the person feeding information back up the Chain of Command, a recent example of this was described as:

“If one of your aircraft is broken you as the officer will need to confidently explain to senior engineers, pilots, operations planners, etc. why they can’t have the aircraft they need right now, what needs to happen before it can fly again, and how long it will take. They will rely on you as the engineering officer to give them accurate advice so that they can make a decision.” The information required would come from your team of technicians.

Whereas as a technician, you will carry out the work as required by the Officer and typically outlined by your SNCO (Sergeant or Flight Sergeant). You will have the required technical knowledge to be able to work on fixing the problem in a more hands on capacity, but only when directed to do so by your Chain of Command (Officer and/or SNCO).

This is a broad overview and there are multiple exceptions such as Pilot which has no direct comparison in non-commissioned roles, or the surveillance stream of Ops Officer where you will probably be working hands on alongside aviators in your first tour up at Boulmer.

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Q: HOW DO I DO CBAT!?

A: Find all the information you need here.

There are also paid apps that provide simulated tests which can build familiarity with the style, but they are not necessary for success. It is an aptitude test, not a knowledge or practice test.

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Q: How can I prepare for the DAA?

A: You can find info and a practice test here

For studying and prep the typical advice is to use BBC Bitesize GCSE to prep for the numerical, mechanical and electrical elements of the test.

This website is really useful for preparing for the work rate section.

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Q: What format will the interview take? I keep seeing different versions.

A: There is no longer an interview for Officer candidates prior to OASC.

See here for guidance, advice and information on the Other Ranks interview

People who have to attend specialist interviews for specific roles will have information provided by the recruiter as required.

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Q: How long do I have to serve?

A: For the vast majority, you need to do 3 years return of service following Phase 2 training. Your initial offer of service is 12 years, aircrew is 20 years.

You can exit before 12 but it may require 12-18 months notice if approved. Following your exit from service you will be held on a reserve commitment for 6 years, this simply means you can be called back to serve in the event of something like WW3. It does not mean 6 years in the reserves.

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Q: How fit do I have to be?

A: As fit as you possibly can, with a focus on circuit and cardio fitness you will breeze Phase 1. More specifically you can find information for the PJFT (what you do in the application) on all role pages and linked in this answer. The MSFT must be completed to a sufficient standard early on during either BRTC or MIOTC. These standards are not currently officially available to the public but you may find them if you search this subreddit. As it is not public information, please do not solely rely on what you find.

The most up to date requirements will always be told to you before commencing Phase 1. It is advised that you are as fit as possible and practice the MSFT at least once prior to attending Phase 1 training as the hardest part is the turning technique, and not the fitness itself considering it is at most around 10 minutes of running that starts slow.

Unofficial Day 0 requirements. Green is pass

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Q: How fast does the treadmill need to be?

A: Use this calculator, preset to Male 17-29

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Q: Running/Fitness is not a strong point for me, how should I get started?

A: This is a variant of the couch to 5k program, there are multiple variants but they all achieve similar things.

Get at least up to the point of running 20 minutes comfortably, if you do that you should easily manage to complete the PJFT at a slightly faster pace.

Once you've completed up to the 20 minute runs, get cracking on the 12 week fitness plan

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Q: I have xyz medical condition can I join?

A: Nobody here can or should advise you on your specific situation. People may give anecdotes but nobody here is a medic attached to your case and so cannot guarantee anything. Either apply and find out at the medical stage or check JSP950 for guidance, the Aug 2024 version may be found at the link below. Please note that all applications are done on a case by case basis and this does not constitute medical advice nor a guarantee that you will pass the medical if you think JSP950supports you as JSP950is subject to interpretation by the professionals during the recruitment stage.

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Q: I told the medical staff that I have xyz medical condition and they made me unfit for service. Can I appeal this? How?

A: If you have a diagnosis and actually have the condition, you are most likely unfit as stated. An appeal is for new medical information such as a changed diagnosis or more accurate eye test for instance. It cannot be used for things such as 'I am allergic to peanuts but only a little bit, they should let me be a pilot'. To appeal, get in touch with your recruiter through your online portal for guidance.

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Q: How can I make my chances of officer selection better?

A: Search this subreddit for that question for a trove of resources. But some general tips:

- Join the RAF air cadets or another youth organisation and take part in leadership courses/opportunities if possible. This will equip you with leadership skills and things to discuss at the OASC interview.

- If you go to University (not essential for most roles, check careers website for your specific role), try to join the University Air Squadron to enhance your application and gain exposure to the RAF.

- If you are still at school, take on prefect/mentor roles if possible. If you are working, try to take leadership opportunities where you can. At least think of situations where you took charge or even organised a work event, everything is useful if you lack formal manager equivalent experience.

- Engage in a team sport if possible, even 5 a side at your local park. Even a park run with a regular group. Ensure you take part in plenty of fitness training. You can always be fitter before Phase 1.

- Perform independent research, we are here to help with detailed questions that demonstrate previous research. We are not here to replace Google.

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Q: HOW DO I CBAT/OASC/FAM VISIT!?!

A: For CBAT specifically, some great advice is found here: CBAT – What to expect/

For OASC check out the post I wrote just after passing for a second time, it is not a guaranteed pass nor is it to be taken as the only way to do well. But it should form a strong base for your own individual prep.

For all stages, follow the instructions provided by your AFCO. You are equipped to handle the whole process by these, your P2 presentation and the website. Wear something smart.

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Q: What should I bring to BRTC? Extra bits beyond the kitlist?

A: This comment has a fantastic checklist that you can use IN ADDITION TO the official kitlist you will be provided.

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Q: What should I wear to day 0 of MIOTC/BRTC?

A: Wear something smart, for MIOT you can expect most to wear a suit if male or the appropriate formal wear for females. For BRTC you can still wear a suit however some choose to arrive in smart casual wear. For either, ensure your footwear is comfortable (still matching the required formality though) as you will be doing a lot of walking in these shoes until issued kit.

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Q:What happens if I fail my fitness test on day 0?

A: Simple answer, don't. You have absolutely no reason to be scraping the pass mark found here:

Edit: Unofficial Day 0 requirements. Green is pass. Unconfirmed and not officially released so pinch of salt needed

The running portion of the test was recently made easier by around 20%, and the press ups and situps were removed so there is ZERO excuse for serious candidates. However, for those of you wanting a bit of reassurance, please see the following:

https://www.reddit.com/r/RoyalAirForce/s/i4rJhhyH5e

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Q: I have a criminal record, will that stop me from joining?

A: If it is spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you aren't applying for one of the special roles that require you to disclose it even when spent, you can confirm you have no unspent convictions when asked by the recruiting staff. That is as much as the recruiting office need to know (or anyone not asking in association with a job such as working with kids). This is also in line with the guidance they will issue you with before any disclosure is requested.

The people doing your background check will be the security check/developed vetting team at NSVS. A whole separate team who don't particularly care about a common assault charge or shoplifting from years ago as long as you don't try to hide it. They care more about fraud, extremism, hate crimes etc. Anything that makes you risky or is a crime of dishonesty.

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Q: What's the "pre entry offer of service event" for Microsoft teams?

A: It’s a group teams meeting where you’ll discuss your offer of service paperwork and any questions you have before Halton. Source

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Q: What will happen to my post if I ask something that has been sufficiently answered here already?

A: This is a breach of the subreddit rules, therefore your post will be locked or removed. You will receive a link to this FAQ. You may challenge removals or locks if you believe your post brings an opportunity for something new to be added to the conversation, where it will be subject to Mod approval as to whether it is allowed.

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Q: I still have questions. I have tried searching google and this subreddit and absolutely cannot find an answer or I need some clarification, what now?

A: Make a post on this subreddit and hopefully someone with experience or knowledge can help if they can. If not, get in touch with your AFCO.

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Q: You use so many acronyms, what are they?

A: Here are some common ones or ones I've been asked about:

DAA: Defence Aptitude Assessment - Aptitude test for non-commissioned roles.

PJFT: Pre-Joining Fitness Test - 2.4km run done during selection.

RAFFT: RAF Fitness Test - Fitness test done during service.

MSFT: Multi-Stage Fitness Test - otherwise known as "Beep test" or "Bleep test", comprising 20m shuttles back and forth at increasingly higher speeds.

CBAT: Computer Based Aptitude Test - Aircrew and some other officer roles aptitude test. Much longer and harder than the DAA.

WSOp: Weapon System Operator - A non-commissioned aircrew role in the RAF, details on recruitment site.

WSO: Weapon System Officer - As above but commissioned.

OASC: Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre - Both the location and the selection day. You will have OASC at OASC. The day comprises multiple things such as an interview, leadership tests and group discussion. Officers and direct entry SNCO (Sergeant and above) roles require passing OASC.

TMU: Temporarily Medically Unfit - Usually what a candidate is declared while the medical team check something.

PMU: Permanently Medically Unfit - What you become if they don't like what they checked. You cannot join the military if PMU for all roles.

PGSC: Potential Gunner Selection Course - What the RAF Regiment candidates must do as an extra step before joining. It is a 3-day selection course with lots of "fun" physical things to do.

AS1(T): Air Specialist 1 Technician - A rank held by non-commissioned personnel in technical role trades only.

TARC: Transferee and Rejoiner Course - A short basic training for Rejoiner or Army/Navy personnel transferring to the RAF. Varies in length depending on previous experience, whether you're going into the same trade as before etc.

MIOTC: Modular Initial Officer Training Course - 6 months at Cranwell, phase 1 training for officers.

BRTC: Basic Recruit Training Course - 10 Weeks at Halton, phase 1 training for aviators (non-commissioned).

ASOS: Air & Space Operations Specialist - A non-commissioned role in the RAF, see recruitment site for details.

AFCO: Armed Forces Careers Office - Where many start their journey. Recruiters work here and some steps of the selection process are held here such as the DAA.


r/RoyalAirForce Oct 09 '25

RAF RECRUITMENT OASC Advice!

59 Upvotes

Disclaimer before we get going: I have no inside information on the assessment process. The only people who know how things work behind the scenes at OASC are the boarding officers and presidents. I can only speak to what has worked for me twice. I won't be making the same disclaimer throughout but keep it in mind please where you see me talking authoritatively on a topic. I must stress, this is all my personal opinion or parroting of standard advice given at P2 and by others who have passed. I am happy to answer any questions also!

With that out of the way, hi everyone!

I recently attended and succeeded at my second OASC (both visits have been successful). I've been asked for my advice and so here it is!

Firstly, I have compiled my prep notes and removed specific things such as my specific current affairs and Phase 2 information. I have left info for sources or how to approach these areas however (typos may be present, these are not professional notes): OASC Prep Notes/Structure.

Edit: The notes above are an edited version of the notes from u/UnrecognisedDevice. They worked from my initial uploaded notes and other resources. I've thrown an edit or two in to make them more general and a template (removed P2 content, added extra sections for career progression to be filled in etc), so the end result is a very solid set of notes that can be used as a basic template for making your own role specific notes (own Ph2 info etc).

You may notice the interview notes lack the first part, that would be due to it being entirely personal. Exampe questions can be found in the OASC video on this page: RAF Recruitment | Officers Application Process | Royal Air Force

I have been told about some changes to the course by friends on course. I would absolutely advise using what you are given in P2 to prep your basic knowledge however. Changes from the online breakdown are labelled, feel free to ignore them.

By using the notes provided and filling in the blanks, you will have an excellent baseline knowledge for the interview. I won't go into specific questions as every interviewing officer is a bit different in style and wording. Learning a specific scripted list of questions is the worst way to approach this interview anyway.

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Group discussion: 3 topics, not to be shared. I've seen why, the other syndicate had 2 very similar topics the other day compared to what I had in 2022. They require no specialist knowledge but if you live a very sheltered life and lack general awareness of things in the media then you will have a bad time.

They are looking for people who contribute, not people who dominate the conversation or sit back. Talking over others is a dick move and will not be viewed positively. Allowing others to talk over you when you have started talking is also a negative. Stand your ground, be assertive. Respectively challenge what others may say, but keep it on topic. My group drifted at times and it was important to keep things on topic.

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Group planning phase: This one.... yeah. You will be provided with a map and a side of A4 explaining the scenario related. It will be important to make notes, not just writing your plan. You will have to turn your scenario sheet over before being handed a question paper. I won't give any specific details on the questions as part of the challenge is not knowing what is coming.

However, you will be asked things along the lines of:

  1. What time will you arrive at Place B if you start at Place A at xx:xx and travel on foot? (I hope you noted your travel speeds and any conditions on that speed, as the scenario notes are hidden).
  2. What is your plan to achieve the objective?
  3. What colour was the guide's car? (Not exactly, but there will be something that will be out of left field and test if you retained or noted enough information)

Following the written work, you will work as a group to create a group plan that you all agree on and understand. This is great if you have no plan, as you can still engage in discussion by asking about contingencies. Easy points for being the first to ask 'has anyone actually got a plan that works?', which will start the conversation. Take notes whilst the plan is outlined, and then insist upon doing a read through of the plan from start to finish so others can check they have it noted correctly. I would highly reccomend noting down: start time, end time, travel method, distance and speed for each stage of the plan. You *may* be asked about these things.

My final tip is to think outside of the box. Say the scenario says you will be phoning someone, you could potentially ask them to transit a vehicle or object for you. If you haven't specifically been told you can't do something, you probably can.

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L U N C H T I M E! Horror bags for all.
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Leaderless: You will be briefed thoroughly on hangar stuff before even the leaderless exercise takes place.

Pay attention to what the staff say, but don't let them rattle you. Get stuck in, don't dilly dally planning. Give things a try, don't be scared. You may be required to actually put some hard graft in, don't shirk it. As the staff will happily remind you, 'You are planning to join the military'. This applies throughout your time in the hangar.

Staff will give constant time reminders or push you to crack on. Again, don't let it rattle you. Also, despite what they say it is very rare for anyone to finish anything. If you think something may be an issue at the end, don't worry too much about it as you are unlikely to reach the point where it will be a concern. Just take action.
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Lead challenges:

As leader:

The leader will be split off from the syndicate who will sit in a different area. The leader will get a couple of minutes survey time, I encourage you to have a play with all the equipment. Check if things reach across gaps or not, check how heavy things are etc. Visibly interact and be seen testing such things as the gap bridging. Once the survey is done, you will call your team over.

As leader you will be required to then deliver the brief as such:

Task (usually to get the team and equipment somewhere), list off the equipment (people forget this one a lot), state 'the general rules apply' (will make sense on the day, and again, people forget to do it), state any special rules, explain your plan (or partial plan if that is all you have) and then join your team before asking if there are any questions.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE SMEAC OR ANY OTHER BRIEFING TECHNIQUE. You will be briefed on the required briefing technique, do not deviate from it. This is good as it levels the playing field a bit.

When putting your plan into practice, just crack on. Order people around politely yet assertively. Do not get stuck in and muddled in the group as you will lose the big picture and that could cost you. Be verbal, be clear, so the staff can hear you.

If you are stuck, ask your team if anyone has an idea. Control the group, do not allow multiple voices to reply at once. If given a good idea, thank the team member but then use it as your own, do not just say 'team, do what x said'. If you are cracking on and get a suggestion, do not be afraid to politely refuse input. All in all, lead. We had to nudge one of our team to lead more as they were becoming very passive.

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As follower:

Followership will be on display whilst not leading. Do not slack off. The staff will see if your energy drops after your lead is done, slacking off when one of your team is relying on you to work just as hard for them as they did for you is poor.

DO NOT TRY TO ORDER OTHERS AROUND OR TELL THE LEADER WHAT TO DO. Your leadership is not being assessed whilst following, your followership is, and trying to assume the lead is poor followership. Ask if the leader would like to hear your idea, don't just blurt it out. If you see the leader struggling to lead, ask them 'Leader, what is it you want us to do now?' as I found that was a great way to reassert them as boss.

Work hard, do what you can, but HAVE FUN. If you're having fun then you will get more 'buy in' and find it easier to maintain composure. The end of the day is near when in the hangar, we finished up at about half 3.
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Good luck everyone! And again, things stated above are just my views as someone who has been through twice and passed twice.


r/RoyalAirForce 2h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT 2nd OASC Attempt - Pilot

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I originally applied for Pilot Jan 25 (Ik a long time lol).

I had my first OASC attempt in Oct 25 and unfortunately failed, however I only failed by just a few marks.

So much so I was given 6 months before I could reattempt as appose to 12.

The advice given was role knowledge was somewhat basic but reasonable account in all other areas in the interview.

They recognised I struggled in the exercise phase due to forgetting one of the special rules which set me back.

There advice stated in summary there were no weak areas identified, and my perfomance indicated not quite ready for challenges of commissioning.

I have a new date soon and just wondering firstly, how anyone else found their second attempt? Was there any interview questions like what's changed since last time?

Should I rewrite a new candidate statement or keep it the same? (I only ask as its the reasoning I want to join and that has stayed the same since I last wrote that, plus 150 words max is a ball ache to make)

And finally anyone based on that feedback have any ideas on how I can improve? I've extended my knowledge as that was explicitly said, but tbh not sure on the rest.

Thanks to anyone in advance.


r/RoyalAirForce 1h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Anyone who’s joined up a bit later. I.e 22-26

Upvotes

Looking to join up, currently a 22 yearold 2 year time served mechanic with EV and high voltage certifications but a bit fed up with the lack of career progression besides starting my own garage which i’m not keen on and generally feeling unfulfilled in life.

I’ve been used to earning quite good money for my age so a wee bit worried with finances when joining i.e car finance which is my only major outgoing besides petrol and the risk of leaving my current job and not getting back into a good position should things go wrong.

Do you get paid during basic? Has anyone left their career they’ve worked hard for to join the RAF and what was your experience? Am i just being paranoid? (probably)
tia.


r/RoyalAirForce 2h ago

RAF LIFESTYLE are there places on bases to get RAF themed postcards?

2 Upvotes

my great grandfather likes postcards and was hoping to write him one once in, has to be RAF themed though


r/RoyalAirForce 10h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Officer roles closed until April 2027?

7 Upvotes

Would be very interested to hear from anyone working in recruitment directly.

I applied for People Opps Officer and failed my OASC board in Feb. I reflected on the role and came to the conclusion it wasn’t the right role for me. I was speaking to my old recruiter to discuss alternative roles before reapplying but they said that a lot of Officer roles are shut until April 2027 and not taking applications. Does anyone know if there is any possibility of Officer roles being open this year or is it worth applying as an NCO while my medical and fitness is still valid and then trying to get commission later if I’m still interested in that.

Edit: I’d be applying for Police Officer and Police NCO if the Officer route isn’t feasible


r/RoyalAirForce 34m ago

RAF MEDICAL Joining RAF

Upvotes

Hi, i have recently applied to the RAF however im worried about passing my medical as i had a dislocated hip when i was 18 months old which required surgery, i was cleared by the doctors and surgeons when i was two and was wondering if anyone would be able to give me an idea of if they will reject me or not. Thanks


r/RoyalAirForce 7h ago

RAF MEDICAL Opticians report

Post image
3 Upvotes

The medical team have failed to send me the template in time for my medical. I have found one online while I wait for them to reply. Is this what it looks like??


r/RoyalAirForce 7h ago

RAF RECRUITMENT RAF Mountain Rescue Service

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raf.mod.uk
3 Upvotes

Can I join this on a full time basis if I were to join the army reserves or does anyone know how I could contact them to find out?


r/RoyalAirForce 2h ago

RAF LIFESTYLE is the raf apprenticeships better than standard apprenticeship

1 Upvotes

in September i’m going to be a qualified level 3 engineering tech but to be honest my apprenticeship has been lacklustre and i wouldn’t even consider myself an engineering tech are the skills that i would gain from completing a level 3 mechanical tech worth basically redoing all the qualifications i already have and also would they even be interested in taking me on if i already have the qualifications also on another note one of the reasons i’m on the fence is that I am a avid enjoyer of bjj and would like to continue it if i joined the forces would i be restricted from competing or is there ample opportunity to train and compete


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Application Rejected

9 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I applied in January for the cyber direct entry scheme for the cyber operator position. In June I have undergone my medical, I passed the in person tests. But I know my medical history would come up as an issue, I have suffered for about 5 years from special gastro intestinal bleed. It is basically a very rare and difficult to detect. It was treated early this year and I have since been in the best of health, without going into my full history.

After having multiple different Capita doctors and more senior medical officers I have been found medically unfit. I messaged my recruiter about what this meant for my application since I plan to appeal and was expecting a date for my final interview slot the end of this month. He asked if I was either TMU or MU, I told him I was found to be medically unfit and he rejected my application without responding further to any of my questions. I have now been locked out of the portal with no way to ask further questions.

I understand that I have been found MU but being cut off with little more than good luck was very jarring. I want to know if this is normal and what will happen if my appeal is successful. Since I will likely miss the interview and other presentations candidates who applied at the same time I did.

Thanks in advance


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Undiagnosed autism in the RAF

8 Upvotes

Hello everyone currently going through RAF recruitment process for CCS position however the last few months or so I have come to the possibility that I may be autistic.
Should I wait to do an autism assesment once in the RAF or do it soon?


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Is the RAF worth joining?

4 Upvotes

First post here but I’m at a crossroads.

Im in the RAF cadets and I absolutely love it. It’s my favourite thing ever and I’ve got so many opportunities from it. Joining the RAF has always been a thought in the back of my mind, but I’m not sure I’d be accepted. I know there’s a large difference between the actual RAF and RAFAC, but I’m interested in joining. I’d want to be a pilot or a regiment officer, and I know there’s certain medical things you must pass. I’ve got -4.5 in one eye but the other is perfect. I’ve got no other medical issues and I’m pretty active, I play hockey and I’m the girls rugby captain in my school. The other issue is, my family is very pushy for me to go to Uni. I do pretty well in school and I’ve got the grades to go to really good unis, but I have no idea on what to do after, especially as I want to do maths and physics.

I guess that’s a long rant, but the main questions are 1. Is the RAF worth it? And 2. If I were to go, should I wait till after uni?

Thank you!


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF LIFESTYLE Costford

2 Upvotes

Anyone here done aircraft technician avionics phase 2 at Cosford or know someone who has? Just wondering how hard people actually find it and if many people fail out completely or if it’s mostly recycles. Bit nervous about it tbh, don’t have any background in electronics/engineering so just want a realistic idea of what to expect before I get there 😅


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT RAFP 1TPSS

1 Upvotes

Hello I am joining basic in august and want to know if there is a way to better influence a chance of getting onto 1TPSS after phase 2 training. Obviously needs of the RAF come first and you have a dream sheet towards the end but is there a specific attitude you can have to more likely get yourself posted to 1TPSS. Thank you


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Officer application and motivation/unsure

1 Upvotes

I’m 22 and due to graduate soon, and I’m honestly feeling quite lost and frustrated about what to do next.
I applied for RAF Intelligence Officer back in the February because it is the role I genuinely want and the one that fits my degree closest and interests. After months in the application process and waiting for a CBAT date, I have now been told after another prompt, that all Intelligence Officer places for the current recruiting year have been filled and that I will need to apply again when it reopens in April.

I understand that roles fill up and there are no guarantees, but it is difficult not to feel deflated after spending months waiting and believing the application was moving forwards. With graduation coming up, I feel impatient to finally begin a proper career, but I am also worried about rushing into the wrong one simply because I feel as though time is running out. A

The recruiter has offered to continue my application here to re by under another CBAT role, such as Control Officer, WSO or WSOp. I am considering doing this so that I can at least complete CBAT, get my residency waiver resolved as I lived abroad as a student, and potentially progress through the medical process. My thinking is that, if I meet the Intelligence Officer CBAT requirement, I could later withdraw from the alternative role and reapply for Intelligence in April with some of the process already completed.

I would properly research any alternative role and would not accept an offer for something I genuinely did not want to do. However, Intelligence Officer remains my clear first choice, and I do not want to end up committed to a completely different career simply because I was impatient.
I am also progressing with an Army officer application and considering the Intelligence Corps through Sandhurst. The Army appeals to me as well, but there is no guarantee of securing the Intelligence Corps at RMAS, whereas the RAF recruits directly into the Intelligence Officer role. I now feel caught between continuing with the Army, waiting for RAF Intelligence to reopen, or progressing under another RAF role to avoid losing even more time.

Does anyone know:
whether a CBAT result completed under another role can later be used for Intelligence Officer

whether the medical, residency waiver or OASC stages would carry across

how long CBAT and medical results remain valid;
whether withdrawing from the alternative role would affect a future application

what happens if I pass the alternative role’s CBAT requirement but miss the Intelligence Officer score

how long I would have to wait before retaking CBAT

whether progressing under another role and withdrawing later is a decent strategy? I don’t wanna cheese it but trying to save myself months in the future.

I don’t wanna rush and make the wrong decision but I just feel as though I’m running out of time in life idk it’s just really stressful. At the minute I’m working in sales and admin and Jst wanna start my career.

Any and all advice would be really appreciated thanks


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

RAF FITNESS Can my circumstances allow me to cancel my PJFT?

1 Upvotes

I have my fitness test tomorrow evening and was feeling ready for it. The timing wise was I suppose luck of the draw as I had marked myself on holiday until today on the portal and obviously 24hrs later I will be doing my PJFT I didn’t want to change it before I went on holiday as I was waiting 6ish weeks for this date.
However I’m now concerned as I’ve woken up with the urge to be in the toilet and more than likely picked up sickness wise something from my holiday. I’ve read to cancel or change a booking must be 48 hours in advance but will my circumstances allow for me to change or shall I just hope for the best and go hoping to be better by tomorrow.


r/RoyalAirForce 1d ago

DISCUSSION Mark Felton Doom Loop

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0 Upvotes

How is the Air Force doing?


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Pilot security checks

5 Upvotes

Hello,

Once you pass OASC as a pilot applicant, which level of clearance do you commence your application for? Do you have to have DV before entering MIOT, or do you start with a baseline of SC and then complete the DV process after that?

Thanks


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT After sc

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone got my sc after a long wait, just wanted to ask everyone after my recruiter receives my certificate from nsvs what more is left until BRTC thanks


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Waiver rejected

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4 Upvotes

I didn’t pass my English language (GCSE’s) but I got offered the VM role on my first DAA, my recruiter then told me to qualify for a waiver you need to complete 2 DAA’s on which that job is available to you? But now he has said my waiver has been declined… I don’t get it?


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Portal issues

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3 Upvotes

I’m tryna log into my portal, and it’s telling me my details are wrong, does anyone else have this issue rn, I was logged in like 50 minutes ago and now it’s not working, i actually just got off the phone with my recruiter and now I can’t log in at all, and my recruiter phoned me on no caller ID,

There also seems to be a new log in display screen ??


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF LIFESTYLE I got Brize for my very first posting and have a few questions!

5 Upvotes

Firstly, is the SLAM waiting time still a few months? Im fully expecting to wait for them but im curious as to how long that is currently.

Ive heard that Brize is one of the bases that takes part in Red Flag? Is this true or have I been given total BS

What is the mess or accommodation kitchens like?

Does Brize support RIAT and other event shows like this?

We havent really been told much about our new bases so ive come here hoping for a few answers!


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF FITNESS Pre gunner selection course

1 Upvotes

I have my RAF selection course soon on the kit list it says smart clothing to last the duration of the course. What is classed as smart clothing like chinos and polos and how many should I pack.

Thanks.


r/RoyalAirForce 2d ago

RAF RECRUITMENT Security Clearance

4 Upvotes

My status on the UKSV portal says “completed” but i’m unable to move forward in the recruitment process due to my recruiter needing the certificate from them.

What have people’s experience’s been with the timeframe for the certificate part?