Be aged 17.5 – 38 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

If you’re under 18 years of age, you’ll need consent from a parent or guardian before you apply.

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Following the Home Office announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance,  ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years. 

You need:

GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or above in English Language
GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or above in Maths
GCSEs at Grade C/4-5 or above in three other subjects.
or
SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 (Grades A-C) in English Language
SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 (Grades A-C) in Maths
SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 (Grades A-C) in three other subjects.

In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking) 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 GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C/4-5 or Mathematics and English Language SCE Standard Grades of 2 or SNE Grade 5 (A-C).