Reserves
If the RAF need back-up, who will answer the call?
Experts in survival. Specialists in state-of-the-art technology. Leaders in physical fitness. RAF staff are equipped with a range of skills that civilians never get a chance to develop. Unless, of course, they join the RAF Reserves – the RAF’s trained and dependable back-up force.
The RAF Reserves offer all the excitement, training and skills of an RAF job, but on a part-time basis. (But be prepared – it’ll become full-time if you’re deployed in support of the RAF regulars!)
And it’s not just the skills that Reserves personnel share with their regular RAF counterparts; it’s all the benefits of being part of the RAF. Here’s a taste of what the Reserves enjoy:
The Social Life
‘Work hard, play hard’ – that’s the RAF way. And it’s no different in the Reserves.
White water rafting, skiing, adventurous training, expeditions in foreign countries – all the clubs, facilities and trips that RAF staff enjoy are on offer to the RAF Reserves. Everything from laid-back barbecues to formal balls are available!
Training and Fitness
What makes the RAF one of the most efficient fighting forces in the world? Training. And it’s important that anyone in the RAF receives all the training they need to do the job.
That’s why RAF Reserves spend two weeks of intense initial training learning all the basic RAF skills – like drills, field training and team-building. Then they receive specialist training in areas like weapon handling, live firing and first aid, enabling them to match the expertise of regular RAF personnel.
Then there’s potential Officer training, which teaches those with the thirst to lead all the skills they’ll need to command and support non-commissioned personnel. Plus, RAF Physical Training Instructors are on hand to make sure the Reserves stay in shape for their annual RAF Fitness Test.
Pay and Bonuses
That’s right, as an RAF Reserve, you’ll not only be spending your free time doing all of the exciting things RAF personnel do day-in, day-out, you’ll get paid to do it too! Training, travel and a daily rate of pay while you’re on duty are all covered (you can even get a lump sum for training!).
Sound good so far? Well there’s even more good news for future RAF Reserves personnel – there’s lots of RAF roles available to them, including:
Flight Operations Assistant – use the latest technology to update and provide mission information to aircrews, and make sure aircraft move safely around airfields
Media Operations Officer – organise and co-ordinate visits from the media, and advise senior RAF staff on interview techniques
Regiment Gunner – specialise in a range of weapons, like rifles, machine guns and mortars, and protect airfields and bases from potential enemy threats
Police Officer – provide air transport security around the base and protect convoys between bases
Personnel (Support) – ensure that personnel are ready to deploy on operations worldwide. Provide administration support to personnel on deployed detachments
Chef – cook for hungry troops in battlefield kitchens as well as for VIPs and Senior Officers at five-star banquets
Supplier – manage the receipt, storage and distribution of thousands of different types of RAF equipment
Technician – work on a variety of vehicles and ground-based mechanical and electrical equipment, from light-armoured attack vehicles to power system generators
Logistics (Movers) – provide support for allied troops worldwide, loading aircraft with much-needed supplies
Medical Staff – specialise in the strategic evacuation of casualties or the surgical support of the RAF’s Tactical Medical Wing, working in deployed base medical centres
Intelligence Analyst – gather information by analysing photographic and digital imagery, and provide important intelligence
Logistics (Driver) – deliver and move a range of equipment and supplies in a variety of military vehicles
Communications – work with both the Army and Navy in maintaining a wide range of communications and IT systems
Have you got the drive to hold down two jobs – a full-time civilian job plus an exciting, specialist RAF job? If so, the RAF Reserves could be the challenge for you!
