As a Reservist, you’ll be fully integrated into the RAF from day one. Like regular RAF personnel, you can expect to be mobilised on expeditionary operations at some time during your five-year contract.

Where might I be sent?

You could be serving with the forces in Afghanistan or one of a range of UK peacekeeping operations around the world. You might also be ‘back-filling’ for an RAF regular on a base in the UK.

How long will I be away?

You’ll do a tour of duty, which can be anything up to six months, plus pre-deployment training and post-deployment relaxation when your tour is over. So the maximum period you could be away is about a year.

What about my family at home?

As part of the ‘RAF family’, we provide a network of support for your partner and family while you’re away from home, which includes practical advice and assistance to help them cope.

How will active service affect my civilian job?

You will need to tell your employer that you are joining the RAF Reserves. There are a variety of measures in place to support both you and your employer during your deployment, including the MOD campaign SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers).