As an RAF Police Officer, you will have a diverse role, protecting our bases and aircraft from threats like espionage, organised crime and terrorism. As a policing specialist you will also lead RAF policemen and women and sometimes work in partnership with the RAF Regiment or intelligence agencies.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
Your main role is to provide security - of assets, people and information as well as be responsible for policing. You will lead a team of RAF Police and security personnel, including soldiers of the Military Provost Guard Service and will routinely provide senior officers with security risk management and law enforcement advice. In your role you will:
- Provide security - of assets, people and information
- Undertake criminal, security and cyber investigations
- Provide risk management and policing advice to senior officers
- Assess and act on complex information
- Escort convoys and provide personal protection
- Protect classified data
As an RAF Police Officer, you will have a diverse role, protecting our bases and aircraft from threats like espionage, organised crime and terrorism. As a policing specialist you will also lead RAF policemen and women and sometimes work in partnership with the RAF Regiment or intelligence agencies.
Already applied? See what the next steps are >
Your main role is to provide security - of assets, people and information as well as be responsible for policing. You will lead a team of RAF Police and security personnel, including soldiers of the Military Provost Guard Service and will routinely provide senior officers with security risk management and law enforcement advice. In your role you will:
- Provide security - of assets, people and information
- Undertake criminal, security and cyber investigations
- Provide risk management and policing advice to senior officers
- Assess and act on complex information
- Escort convoys and provide personal protection
- Protect classified data
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You will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Mathematics and three other subjects.
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In addition, you need at least two A2 Levels or three Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
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Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
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You will need GCSE grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 grade C in English Language and Mathematics, and three other subjects.
-
In addition, you need at least two A2 Levels or three Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
-
Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.
- Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
- Be a citizen of the UK since birth and must not hold (and never have held) any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) other than British, British Overseas Territory or dual British Irish citizenship
- Must have resided in the UK for at least 7 years immediately preceding application
- Parents/ Spouse must currently have UK citizenship
- Must hold a full UK driving licence
- Commit to minimum 12 years of service
- Pass a fitness test
- Personnel interested in obtaining a commission in the RAF Police Reserves are required to join the Specialisation first and then to commission from the ranks. Suitability and requirements can be obtained from Squadron specialists.
- Ex-Regular Police officers and ex-military officers from an equivalent Branch will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis
- You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth and must not hold (and must never have held) any nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) other than British, British Overseas Territory or dual British Irish Citizenship.
- Must have resided in the UK for at least 7 years immediately preceding application
- You must have a full UK driving licence
- Commit 27 days per year
- Pass a General Fitness Test
24 weeks
RAF Cranwell
20 weeks
MOD Southwick
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing
As assigned
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
Must be aged between 17.5 and 47 years of age (Must attest before 48th birthday).
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
Have these minimum grades:
| GCSE pre-2017 | GCSE 2017 Onwards | Scottish National 5 | |
| English Language | C | Grade 4 | C |
| Mathematics | C | Grade 4 | C |
| Three other subjects | C | Grade 4 | C |
In addition, you need at least two A2 Levels or three Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSEs grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at grade C.
You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth (not naturalised). Dual Nationals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.
The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:
- 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
- Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
- Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds
How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
| MEN | |||
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
| (Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
| 15-16 | 12.39 | 20 | 35 |
| 17-29 | 12.11 | 20 | 35 |
| 30-34 | 12.36 | 19 | 32 |
| 35-39 | 13.02 | 18 | 29 |
| 40-44 | 13.30 | 17 | 26 |
| 45-49 | 14.00 | 16 | 23 |
| 50-54 | 14.34 | 15 | 20 |
| WOMEN | |||
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
| (Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
| 15-16 | 14.59 | 10 | 32 |
| 17-29 | 14.30 | 10 | 32 |
| 30-34 | 14.55 | 9 | 29 |
| 35-39 | 15.21 | 8 | 26 |
| 40-44 | 15.58 | 7 | 23 |
| 45-49 | 16.32 | 6 | 20 |
| 50-54 | 17.06 | 5 | 17 |
See here for more information about the tests and a training plan
The second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes press-ups, sit-ups and the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
| Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
| 18 + | 18 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
| 16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
YOU MUST
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
- Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). - Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available
Must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
Have these minimum grades:
| GCSE pre-2017 | GCSE 2017 Onwards | Scottish National 5 | |
| English Language | C | Grade 4 | C |
| Mathematics | C | Grade 4 | C |
| Three other subjects | C | Grade 4 | C |
In addition, you need at least two A2 Levels or three Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking or Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.
Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSEs grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at grade C.
You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth and must not hold (and must never have held) any nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) other than British, British Overseas Territory or dual British Irish citizenship.
- Residency: Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years will be considered.
- Your parents/spouse must currently have UK citizenship.
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.
As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:
- 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
- Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
- Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds
How fit you need to be to pass this test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
| MEN | |||
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
| (Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
| 15-16 | 12.39 | 20 | 35 |
| 17-29 | 12.11 | 20 | 35 |
| 30-34 | 12.36 | 19 | 32 |
| 35-39 | 13.02 | 18 | 29 |
| 40-44 | 13.30 | 17 | 26 |
| 45-49 | 14.00 | 16 | 23 |
| 50-54 | 14.34 | 15 | 20 |
| WOMEN | |||
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
| (Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
| 15-16 | 14.59 | 10 | 32 |
| 17-29 | 14.30 | 10 | 32 |
| 30-34 | 14.55 | 9 | 29 |
| 35-39 | 15.21 | 8 | 26 |
| 40-44 | 15.58 | 7 | 23 |
| 45-49 | 16.32 | 6 | 20 |
| 50-54 | 17.06 | 5 | 17 |
See here for more information about the test and a training plan
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
| Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
| 18 + | 18 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
| 16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
YOU MUST:
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
- Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). - Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
