Intelligence Analyst (Linguist)

Overview

As an RAF Intelligence Analyst (Linguist) you will interpret foreign language transmissions using state‑of‑the‑art surveillance systems, providing vital intelligence to support military forces deployed around the world. The role may also be listed as Intelligence Analyst (Voice) within your application form.

Intelligence Analyst Linguists are eligible for a one‑off payment of £4,500 to £11,700 after successfully completing the Multi Level Assessment (MLA) for languages, depending on grade and language. Additional pay can be earned based on exam results and role.

What will you do?

You’ll be working within a highly trained team, focused on providing timely intelligence to military forces deployed on operations around the world. In your role you will:

• Collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from multiple sources
• Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world
• Gather valuable information about enemy strengths, weaknesses and movements
• Disseminate tailored intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground
• Act as an interpreter for troops on the ground
• Learn at least one foreign language to a high degree of proficiency

Requirements at a Glance

• Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (must attest before 48th birthday)
• Meet specific nationality and residency criteria - see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
• Have GCSEs at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5s at grade C in English Language and Mathematics
• Commit to a minimum of 3 years post‑specialist training

Education Requirements

As a minimum, you need to have GCSEs at grade C/4 or Scottish National 5s at grade C in English Language and Mathematics. These qualifications are required for all candidates.

Nationality & Residency

Nationality

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth (not naturalised) and must never have held any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality), with the exception of dual British‑Irish citizenship. Immediate family must be British citizens or nationals.

Residency

You should have resided in the United Kingdom for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, though candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered. Residing abroad for a period due to work or study may also be considered on a case‑by‑case basis during the selection process.

Fitness Requirements

You must be physically fit to complete initial and specialist training and to perform the role effectively. Fitness is tested as part of the application process. Successful completion of the Pre‑Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) – a 2.4km run on a treadmill – is required. Minimum fitness levels vary by age and gender; see official RAF fitness charts for details.

Background Checks

• Declare any spent and unspent convictions
• Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (summary available online)
• Achieve the minimum security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV) for the role

Disqualifying Factors

• Membership in a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
• Waiting to appear in court, or having unspent convictions (spent convictions may also need declaration for certain roles)
• Misuse of drugs, solvents or anabolic steroids (considered on a case‑by‑case basis)
• Tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive – including obscene or offensive schemes, hatred, or political content; certain neck tattoos are prohibited
• Body piercings which do not close up or cause permanent harm
• Undischarged bankrupt status

Badge Policy

Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly‑trimmed, full‑set beard. The acceptable beard length ranges from Grade 1 (2.5 mm) to Grade 8 (25.5 mm). Candidates should be clean‑shaven when fitted for respirators in Phase One training, unless religious reasons allow otherwise.