Operations Specialist

Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world

INITIAL ANNUAL PAY

As an RAF Operations Specialist, you will be at the front of military Air & Space Operations, protecting the UK and supporting missions globally. You'll work as part of a team making real-time decisions that have a direct impact on national security. This is a role where every day is different and what you do really matters.

Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.

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Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.

Operations Specialists deliver Air and Space Power through three dynamic career pathways: Flight Operations, Air Defence, and Space Operations. This can mean working in control centres, aerodrome operations and space operations facilities.

Typical roles include:

Being part of the team that keeps military aircraft flying, supporting missions from routine operations to real-world deployments.

Supporting the UK's air defence and Quick Reaction Alert Fighter Jets.

Monitoring and identifying aircraft in UK and international airspace.

Detecting ballistic missile launches and hostile threats from space.

Planning missions, operational support and command and control functions

Requirements at a glance

Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

As a minimum, you will need 2 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents including Functional Skills) at Grade 4/C or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Maths

You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below

Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training

You must be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BACKGROUND CHECKS

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

Visit Air Traffic Control for a day

If you pass the Aptitude Test for this role, you will have the opportunity of attending a Realistic Job Preview (RJP) at RAF Shawbury. This will be a one day event where you will be able to take a look around Air Traffic Control, speak with instructors and gain more of an insight into the role.

This is not mandatory and your recruiter will be able to provide you with more information once your application has reached the correct stage.

CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION

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

10 weeks

RAF Halton

01

Phase one training

Basic Recruit training 10 weeks RAF Halton Your career will start with the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

02

Phase two training

Specialist training

9 weeks

RAF Shawbury

02

Phase two training

Specialist training 9 weeks RAF Shawbury Your Phase 2 training takes place at RAF Shawbury on the Air & Space Operations Specialist Course (ASOSC).

03

First tour

Specialist training

Ongoing

As assigned

03

First tour

Specialist training Ongoing As assigned Your first tour will provide valuable operational experience in one of the core Operations Specialist pathways.

04

Your career prospects

Ongoing

As assigned

04

Your career prospects

Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned After completing your first year of service, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1), subject to meeting standards.

05

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

05

Continued development

Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Your development does not stop after Phase 1 and Phase 2 training.

06

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

06

Transferable skills

Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned As an Operations Specialist, you will develop a wide range of skills that are valued both within the RAF and in civilian employment.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

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

Stage 1 of 6

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

• Verbal reasoning – use and interpretation of written information
• Numerical reasoning – ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
• Work rate – speed and accuracy of tasks
• Spatial reasoning – how shapes and objects work
• Electrical comprehension – working with electrical concepts
• Mechanical comprehension – grasp of mechanical concepts

You can try the online practice test here .

2

Selection Interviews

Stage 2 of 6

Here’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 take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

• Family life
• Education
• Special interests or hobbies
• Interest in the RAF
• Training
• The role you’ve applied for
• The RAF

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 6

You’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

Stage 4 of 6

A 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 a local gym, and is a 2.4km run.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .

5

Acceptance

Stage 5 of 6

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview.

This is to ensure that 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 6

Basic 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:

• Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
• General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
• Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
• Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
• Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
• Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills.

What next?
Now you’re a fully fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

Aircraft Analysis & maths Gaming & computers