AddressCURRENTLY RECRUITING
Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world
PAY DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS
£18,600+
+ BENEFITS
PAY AFTER COMPLETION OF BASIC TRAINING + SIX MONTHS SERVICE
£23,400+
+ BENEFITS
As an RAF Air & Space Operations Specialist you will support aircrew, Air Operations Controllers and Air Operations (Systems) Officers to facilitate the successful planning and execution of flights and missions, both in the UK and on worldwide operations.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
What will you do?
Air & Space Operations Specialists (ASOS) work across 3 Employment Pillars; Air Operations Support, Air Operations Systems and Space Operations providing specialist skills across a variety of Employment Areas. Typical responsibilities include:
- The coordination of airspace for military and civilian aircraft
- Monitoring and identifying all aircraft within UK airspace including assisting in the scrambling of Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon jets
- Keeping watch for foreign missile launches and monitoring foreign surveillance satellites
- Management of aircraft mission planning systems and aeronautical data
Minimum Education Requirements
- As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English and Mathematics.
Requirements
- Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
- Be a UK citizen or have dual UK/other nationality.
- Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a Fitness test - Detail below
View all entry requirements >
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
Your career will start with the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
10 weeks
RAF Shawbury
The next step is the Air & Space Operations Specialist Course (ASOSC) at RAF Shawbury.
Read more
03
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
This is likely to be in the core roles of airspace monitoring at the Control and Reporting Centre or Mobile Radar Unit, Air Traffic Control, Station Operations or Area Radar.
Read more
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) provided you pass specialisation training and Profession Workplace Assessment.
Read more
05
Continued development
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will undertake annual Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you build on your specialisation and Service knowledge.
Read more
06
Transferable skills
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
Service as an Air & Space Operations Specialist (ASOS) will develop your resilience and personal skills such as problem solving, team work and communication.
Read more
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
View all benefits
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
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 seven 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
- Memory – ability to remember information accurately
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
- Work experience
- 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 (PJFC). This will take place 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 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 at your nearest AFCO.
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.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
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
Have these minimum grades:
GCSE pre–2017
GCSE 2017 and after
Scottish national 5
Mathematics
C
Grade 4
C
English Language
C
Grade 4
C
You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.
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.
APPLY
NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
