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SalaryCurrently recruiting
Sport & fitness Transport & vehicles Travelling the world
PAY DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS
£18,600+
+ BENEFITS
PAY AFTER COMPLETING BASIC TRAINING + SIX MONTHS SERVICE*
£23,400+
+ BENEFITS
- Until at least you have completed one year of service and successfully completed Professional Workplace Assessments on first posting.
As an RAF Regiment Gunner, you will specialise in combat tactics, weaponry, fieldcraft and force protection. You will be part of a highly trained team carrying out a range of crucial duties to defend RAF bases and overseas air operations.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
What will you do?
You’ll be responsible for providing force protection to enable and support air operations, and contributing to defence of airfields in the UK and overseas. In your role you will:
- Provide forward air control and ground combat support in deployed operations
- Train other RAF personnel in defensive military skills
- Support various Special Forces units
- Become a specialist in dismounted close combat tactics
- Operate a wide variety of weapon systems as well as state-of-the-art surveillance systems
Minimum Education Requirements
- No formal qualifications required
- You will undertake functional Skills (FS) Level 1 qualifications in English and Mathematics during your Phase 2 specialist training course.
Requirements
- Be aged 16 – 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday) Applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months
- 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 'indefinite leave to remain’ immigration status)
- Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
View all entry requirements >
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Level 2 Apprenticeship HM Forces Service Person
This occupation is found in the public sector only and specifically within HM Forces (Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force). The HM Forces is a large employer. The role is utilised by the ground troops of all three services, who could find their workplace to be UK based or on foreign soil, dependent on HM Government direction.
View full detailsCAREER, 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
You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
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.
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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.
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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.
Read more
05
Additional qualifications
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will gain further qualifications as your career progresses.
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06
Ongoing training
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills.
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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.
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
Click here to try the online practice test.
2
Selection Interview
Stage 2 of 6
This 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:
- Family life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special interests and 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 & PGSC
Stage 4 of 6
Applicants 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:
- RAF Swim Test
- Multi-Stage Fitness Test
- Press Ups/Sit Ups
- RAF Regiment Applicant Selection Test (RAST)
- 2 Km/1.25 mile run: PTI led 500m warm up to be completed within 5 mins. Followed by the 2km/1.25 mile best effort
- Medicine Ball Throw
- Static Deadlift
You can see what the PGSC Course entails here.
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
If 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 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.
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS
Must 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 REQUIREMENTS
No 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
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.
