RAF officer

You can join the RAF Reserve as a part-time officer. This will give you experience of what life is like in the air force, and you'll learn new skills at the same time.

You'll need to:

• be between 18 and 54
• commit to at least 27 days a year
• attend a 2-week training camp each year

If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you can join the Air Cadets.

You'll visit RAF bases and develop some of the skills you'll need in the RAF recruitment process.

You can apply directly for RAF officer training.

You'll need a minimum of:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, and a science for some roles
• 2 A levels or equivalent

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You'll also take an aptitude test.

If you're successful, you'll be invited to attend the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF College, Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You'll take part in a 3-day selection process which includes tests for aptitude, initiative and fitness. You'll then have an interview and a medical examination.

Further information

You'll find more details about how to become an officer through RAF Careers.

You'll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate teams
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• be over 17.5 years of age
• be a UK citizen
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass enhanced background checks
• pass security checks

Your day-to-day duties will depend on your job. Roles you might work in include:

• pilot and weapons systems officer - taking part in flying sorties, reconnaissance, and search and rescue duties
• air traffic and aerospace flight operations officer - providing target information, coordinating refuelling, digitally mapping terrain and planning missions
• aircraft and communications engineer - commissioning new aircraft, servicing fleets and managing resources
• catering, security or training officer - providing day-to-day services for staff at base and in the field
• medical, dental or nursing officer - managing specialist teams supporting the service

You could work in a warzone or at a military base.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically and emotionally demanding.