Weapon Systems Operator (Linguist)
Job description: Language skills coupled with operational flying as a member of a highly trained crew
Pay after training: £34,700
(including flying pay)
Joining age: 17.5 – 36
Category: NC Aircrew
Usual service: 12 years
Open to: men or women
Similar civilian jobs:
- Telecommunications specialist
- Language teacher
- Translator
- Interpreter
Qualifications you need: 5 GCSEs/SCEs at Grade C/3 minimum or equivalent, including English language, maths and a modern language. If you do not have a GCSE/SCE in a modern language, you may still be accepted if you can demonstrate an aptitude to learn foreign languages
Qualifications you can gain: University-level qualifications in modern languages
Nationality: UK citizen since birth
The job
Weapon Systems Operators (Linguist) monitor and use specialist electronic reconnaissance equipment. Although details of the work are classified, the role involves a great deal of operational flying as a member of a highly trained crew on a Nimrod R1 aircraft.
As a Weapon Systems Operator (Linguist), you can expect to learn a second or third modern European or Middle Eastern language during your career. Language ability is the most important part of the job, as the role demands real-time interpretation skills.
Initial Recruit Training
Your career will start with up to 11 weeks of recruit training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you'll also learn about life in the RAF.
Leadership training
You'll then go to RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire for a 10-week leadership package suitable for Sergeants – the rank at which Weapon Systems Operators start after their specialist training.
As a Linguist, you'll have up to 18 months of intensive language training. You'll study either a modern European or a Middle Eastern language at Chicksands in Bedfordshire or Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire. You'll then go to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to train on the aircraft you'll be flying.
Need more info
0845 605 5555
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