RAF Regiment Gunner
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What will you do?
RAF Regiment Reservists supports the regular force and are involved in a wide range of Force Protection to RAF assets at home or deployed on operations or exercises. In your role you will work on:
This will help you to adjust to military life. Along with fitness and military training, you’ll learn about the RAF lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Specialist training 20 weeks RAF Honington Upon successful completion of Phase 1 you will move to RAF Honington, Suffolk to complete your specialist Gunner training course. 20 weeks RAF Honington Phase two training You will be taught how to operate and use weapons in a professional manner and learn how to survive and fight in all environmental conditions. The course includes navigation,
dismounted close combat tactics, field craft and physical training. RAF Regiment training is a test of character, determination and your will to succeed. By the end of the course you will be at peak
physical fitness and have learnt to operate effectively regardless of the environment. In order to give you the confidence to overcome any situation you may encounter whilst on operations, the training is deliberately tough.
You will be enrolled onto a Level 2 National Level Apprenticeship, HM Forces Service Person (Protective Services). Prior to starting your first squadron tour you will spend a further period undertaking specialist employment courses which include driver training and further advanced weapon training.
03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned For your first tour you will be posted to an operational RAF Regiment squadron located within the UK. Ongoing As assigned First tourHere you will consolidate your training and form part of the teams responsible for providing Force Protection to RAF assets at home or deployed on operations or exercises.
04 Career progression Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned After completing one year’s total service you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1), providing you pass a Trade Ability Test. Ongoing As assigned Career progressionFurther promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection. Like most people in the RAF you will move jobs every few years and each job is known as a tour.
There are a wide range of jobs available to an RAF Regiment Gunner including Forward Air Controller; Support to Special Forces and Instructional and ceremonial duties.
05 Additional qualifications Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will gain further qualifications as your career progresses. Ongoing As assigned Additional qualificationsIntermediate Apprenticeship in HM Forces.
As your career progresses on successful completion of promotion courses you will achieve:
There will be opportunities to learn specialist combat medical skills, undertake management and leadership training, NVQs, GCSEs and A levels.
In addition, you will have the chance to gain qualifications in adventurous sports such as mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, sailing and canoeing and for you to lead training as an Endurance Training Leader.
07 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned The qualifications and experience you will gain as a Gunner are valuable to civilian life – which means that whenever you decide to leave the RAF you will be well placed to find a new job. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skillsAs you move up the ranks you will gain a great deal of practical management and leadership experience which you can develop into related civilian qualifications.
prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER 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 Basic Recruit Training 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one trainingThis will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.
Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.
02 Phase two training Specific Training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two trainingYou’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.
03 Commitment Your commitment Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned CommitmentThis will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing developmentAs well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
05 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skillsThe skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF?Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training 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 COMMITMENT AND LOCATIONYou 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.
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 Interview 3 Health Assessment 4 Fitness test & PGSC 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Aptitude test Stage 1 of 6The 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:
Click to try the online practice test.
2 Selection Interview Stage 2 of 6This is 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:
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 6You’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 & PGSC Stage 4 of 6Applicants for the Regiment Gunner role will have two fitness tests.
The first is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push ups and a sit-ups.
The second fitness test is during the Potential Gunner Selection Course (PGSC) at RAF Honington, and includes the following:
You can see what the PGSC Course entails
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO. The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
6 Training Stage 6 of 6Basic 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:
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
The first step in the application process invites you to attend a Squadron Information Event, this could be either in person or online. At this event there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in.
2 Aptitude test Stage 2 of 7All Reserves take an aptitude test known as the ‘Defence Aptitude Test’ at the local squadron they have applied to, or a local AFCO in some cases. The test ensures we match the right candidate to the right role and consists of seven multiple choice sections focusing on different skills:
Click to try the online practice test.
3 Selection interview Stage 3 of 7Here’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 cover the following topics:
Education
Employment
Interest and motivation for joining the RAF Reserves
Military awareness and Service Knowledge
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.
4 Health assessment Stage 4 of 7You’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.
5 Fitness test Stage 5 of 7A 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 (PJFT). This will take place at your nearest AFCO, or at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .
6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.
7 Training Stage 7 of 7Basic Recruit Training
Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.
What’s next?
After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTSMust be aged between 16 and 47 years old (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.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSNo formal qualifications are required for application.
You will undertake functional Skills (FS) Level 1 qualifications in English and Mathematics during your Phase 2 specialist training course.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY 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).
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. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTSApplicants for the Regiment Gunner role will do both the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) AND the Regt Fitness test on the Potential Gunner Selection Course (PGSC). All fitness elements are done on the Potential Gunner Selection Course at RAF Honington.
The PJFT will take place at a fitness centre local to you.