How competitive is the RAF?
Understandably, it is competitive (a very rough estimate is around 7,000 applicants for around 200 aircrew training slots, which includes pilots, weapon system officers, and non-commissioned weapon systems operators).
Is the RAF fitness test hard?
Much like the interview, the fitness test will show how much effort you’ve put in. It’s 100% down to you if you pass or not. I will say one thing though, it was a lot easier than I expected and if I had known how easy I would find it, I wouldn’t have worried about it at all.
How long does it take to get into the RAF?
How long does the application process take? There is no set time for how long the application process will take from initial application to starting your training, but this could range from 3 to 9 months.
How far do you have to run to get into the RAF?
The test is called the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). To pass, you’ll need to run 1.5 miles (2.4km) on a treadmill within a set time. Then you’ll need to do a minimum number of press-ups and sit-ups within a minute. The time limit for the run and the number of press-ups and sit-ups will depend on your age and gender.
Can you fail RAF basic training?
Failure to Complete RAF Initial Training. At every RAF Initial Training course, there are a certain percentage of recruits who do not achieve the desired results and fail to graduate. Many of those who fail will end up re-taking RAF phase 1 training. … But with the proper preparation, you can handle basic training.
Do you have to shave your hair in the RAF?
The RAF recently updated its guidelines around facial hair, allowing personnel to grow beards for the first time in the service’s history. Hair. The hair of the head is to be well cut and trimmed. Sideburns are to be short and well-trimmed and are not to extend below a line running through the mid-point of the ear.
What age can I join RAF?
The starting age for the RAF is 16 years of age with parental consent. Men and women can apply; however, certain roles for combat such as the RAF Regiment are restricted to men only. As for other eligibility one must meet the age, fitness, and nationality/residency qualifications.
Do you have to be able to swim to join the RAF?
d. Swimming Test. You will also be required to undertake a swimming test during the course which includes a 50 metre swim (100 metres for some branches) while dressed in coveralls, treading water for 3 minutes and a requirement to climb out of the pool unaided.
Can you join RAF if you wear glasses?
Health Requirements
A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew. The Armed Forces require anyone who joins to be medically fit to serve worldwide.
DO YOU NEED A levels to join the RAF?
APPLICANTS MUST:
Have at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
Do you have to serve 12 years in the RAF?
In short, no. You can leave the RAF, just like any job. However, it depends on how long you’ve served as to how much notice you will have to give. You can leave within the first six months, but you must give 14 days’ notice in writing, and it’s subject to the requirement to complete 28 days service.
How far is the RAF bleep test?
20 metre
MULTI-STAGE FITNESS TEST (MSFT) (Airmen & Officer Roles)
Practice the MSFT (Bleep test) over the 20 metre distance on which you will be tested. Regularly do the test, record your level and keep training.
Can I join the RAF with no GCSEs?
You can apply directly to join the RAF. You’ll need: at least 3 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths, and a science for some roles. to be over 16 years old – upper age limit varies depending on the role.
Do RAF pilots carry guns?
British pilots do not always carry weapons but will if MPs vote for new bombing raids in Syria on Wednesday, an RAF source said. … Britain will not be issuing machineguns, just the usual Glock or Browning pistol RAF pilots are trained to use.
Is RAF Regiment elite?
Officially, no. Unofficially, still no. While a contingent of the RAF Reg serves with UKSF, they are there in a support role. They take a slightly more advanced version of the RAF fitness test but they are in all intents and purposes not elite.
Is RAF the army?
Origins. While the British were not the first to make use of heavier-than-air military aircraft, the RAF is the world’s oldest independent air force: that is, the first air force to become independent of army or navy control.
How long is RAF basic training?
10 weeks
Basic recruit training takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton for Airmen entrants or 24 weeks at RAF Cranwell for Officer entrants. It will make your family member fitter and more confident and prepare them to carry out their role in the RAF.
Do you get paid during basic training RAF?
When training with the RAF you will be paid from the beginning. While in the RAF your day-to-day living costs are dramatically lower, meaning you end up with more disposable cash in your pocket. All members of the RAF and their partners are entitled to a range of discounts through Defence Discount Service.
Do the RAF go to war?
We continuously train and deploy with the armed forces of our NATO allies and global partners in places like Estonia, Romania, and in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Do you go to war in the Air Force?
The USAF security forces can be deployed to a combat zone if needed, but most of the time they are protecting bases that they are currently deployed at. Yes, go to a recruiter and sign up. Yes we do get deployed to fight in combat, but as often as the marines or army.
What are RAF personnel called?
Snowdrop – a nickname for personnel of the RAF Police (RAFP). The name derives from the white hats that the RAFP wear. Sparks – a wireless operator. Sweeny – a haircut to service standards (named after Sweeny Todd).
Why should I join the RAF?
When you join the RAF, you get access to a whole host of opportunities and benefits. You are paid right from the beginning of initial training, so you can start earning straight away. In addition to your pay, the RAF provides subsidised accommodation, food and sport, as well as free health and dental care.
Is RAF a good career?
‘ The RAF provide some of the best training you will ever receive, both in leadership and management but also in the ability to make sound engineering decisions even when under pressure. … It’s one of the most fun jobs around in engineering, where the phrase ‘work hard, play hard’ really comes to mind.
What is life like in the RAF?
Life as a RAF Regular is – work normal five-day weeks and have evenings and weekends to themselves. That said, they’re not nine-to-fivers; they do what’s needed to get the job done, which could mean working round the clock, going on a mission at a moment’s notice, or transferring to a new location.