Interested in joining the RAF Reserves?
Information on joining the RAF Reserves.
Eligibility
To be eligible to join the RAF Reserves as a Part Time Volunteer Reservist (PTVR), you must fulfil the basic entry criteria. You must be:
- Aged between 18 and 54 (attest before 55th Birthday)
- Meet the Nationality & Residency eligibility
- Medically and Physically Fit
- Educationally qualified (requirements differs dependent on role)
- Free from criminal convictions in line with the Rehabilitations of Offenders Act
Part time volunteer Reserve
Your minimum annual commitment is a total of 27 Days as follows: 15 Days Continual Training (CT). This may be broken down into smaller blocks. 12 Days Additional Training (AT), usually taken over weekends. Annual Test requirements include the RAF Fitness Test & Force Protection Training.
The initial period of Service is up to 12 years (aged <48), If 48+ to Age 60. You are entitled to end your current engagement by giving 3 months’ notice, (or less if mutually agreed) to your Commanding Officer.
Mobilisation
The British Armed Forces are involved in supporting Military Operations and Exercises. If the Government takes the decision to ‘Call Out’ compulsory elements of the Reserve Forces in order to sustain deployments they will deploy alongside the Regular Services in support of the UK’s contribution to Operations in the UK or abroad. This process is called ‘Mobilisation’. It is desirable that all members of the RAF Reserves be mobilised during their period of Reserve Service, However, generally, for PTVRs, this is on a voluntary basis.
Application process
Attend an Information Day and Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) event at your nearest RAF Reserve location
You will receive a Presentation from a Reserves Recruiter with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The DAA is a 6 Part multiple choice test conducted electronically on an I-Pad. A practice test is available via the recruitment portal RAF Recruitment | DAA | Royal Air Force
Selection Interview
Like many employers, we like to find out more about our candidates. The prospect of being interviewed can be daunting for some. The best way to overcome any nerves is to be as prepared as best possible; there won't be any trick questions! Think of your interview as an opportunity to sell your skills and experience to us. Be confident and honest and you'll be fine. Your first interview will take place at your Chosen Squadron.
We will talk about; your family – the interests you share and what responsibilities you have at home. Your education – what subjects you studied and where, and which ones you were most interested in. Your work – current employment – your interests, sports and hobbies, what you do in your free time. This may include membership of clubs or societies. Your general fitness in relation to passing the Pre-Joining Fitness Test and your understanding of the RAF Reserves and the training packages you will have to undertake.
Some useful Links
Specialist interview/assessment
For two of our trades, Intelligence Analyst & Physical Training Instructor the next step is the Specialist Interview / Assessment.
Intelligence Analyst - ordinarily at the Joint Intelligence Training Group at Chicksands, Bedfordshire. Held over a weekend, you will arrive around lunchtime on the Saturday and be expected to undertake an Analytical Assessment, deliver a 5-minute presentation on a relevant current affairs topic and actively participate in a debate. You may have the opportunity to meet personnel on the current Reserves Phase 2 Operational Air Intelligence Course. More info on this aspect will be given to you closer to the date. The Assessment will conclude Sunday lunchtime and overnight accommodation is booked for you by the HQ Intelligence Reserves Recruiting Staff.
Physical Training Instructor – Level 3 Personal Training Qualification required and your CV approved by the Branch Sponsor prior to processing. The Specialist Vetting is carried out at the RAF School of Physical Training (SofPT) at RAF Cosford. The aim of the vetting is to assess your suitability and fitness for the trade including a swimming assessment. The period of your stay at RAF Cosford will be a maximum of 1.5 days and includes 2 nights accommodation.
Medical
Conducted by a civilian Medical Examiner at a clinic located as close as possible to your home address. The medical will consist of a discussion of your medical history and the following
- Height, weight and BMI
- Lung capacity/peak flow test
- Blood pressure/pulse
- Urine sample
- Eyesight and colour perception
- Audiogram/hearing test (in a soundproof booth)
- A physical examination will check for hernias/lumps/irregularities
- Reflexes and joint/muscular movements will also be checked
Pre-joining fitness test (PJFT)
The PJFT will consist of a 2.4 km / 1.5 mile run on a treadmill, press-ups and situps at a local contracted Nuffield Health gym. This is booked after you are found fit at medical. You are required to reach a set standard dependent on age and gender from the info in this link. All joiners need the PJFT.
What happens when I pass PJFT?
The result will be sent to your Recruiter by Nuffield Health. You are then fit to continue to Attestation and your Phase 1 Module 1 Basic Training Course.
What happens if I fail?
Should you fail your first attempt, then you will be offered the chance to retake the test at a future date determined by the Physical Education Staff, based on your level of achievement at the time. You are permitted a maximum of 3 separate attempts.
Attestation
An Entry into service interview is the final element of the application process, conducted at either your local Squadron, or Reserve Support Wing – the most convenient for the applicant. Subject to the final interview you will attest (Swear allegiance to the King) and enlist into the RAF Reserves with the rank of Air Recruit and be ready to undertake your Phase 1 Basic Recruit Training Courses (BRTC).
Basic recruit training course (BRTC)
BRTC is split into two parts. BRTC Part 1 is a Residential course conducted at a Reserve Support Wing. There may also be an option to complete this over an 8 day block, 2 x 4 day periods or 4 x Weekends (numbers and courses permitting).
Here you will also be expected to pass the Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT), sometimes known as the Bleep Test and press-ups and sit-ups (same amount as the PJFT). This must be passed before you proceed to Phase 2
BRTC Part 2 is conducted at RAF Halton over 15 Days. Please see below link for more information.
RAF Basic Recruit Training course | Royal Air Force
The RAF Reserves receive the same training as the Regular 10 Week course but in a condensed timeframe.
Useful links
Aircraft | Royal Air Force (mod.uk)
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