REJOINERS &
INTER-SERVICE TRANSFERS
Transferees and those considering rejoining after Service in the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force.
ABOUT THE
REJOINERS SCHEME
Why rejoin?
While many people leave the Royal Navy, Army or RAF for different reasons, all are welcome to apply to rejoin the RAF. Whether you want to put the skills you’ve already learnt in the military back to use or want to rejoin in a completely different role, there may be a position open for you – and because we’re always looking for the best and most qualified individuals to fill our roles, your existing skills and expertise will be hard to look past.
See what we have to offer!
The road for Rejoiners
Although the process is relatively straight forward, each application is different from the next. For this reason, each application is considered on its own merits and any potential offer of service will reflect this. The following factors will be considered to determine the possible role/rank and seniority that may be offered to you and the training required to get you up to speed:
- Previous rank and seniority
- Previous Specialisation/Role
- Length of time out of the service
- Vacancies in the Specialisation/Role and rank you are applying for
- Employment experience and any qualifications gained since leaving the RAF
- Whether you are coming back into a similar or different Specialisation/Role or service than previously
- You may apply to be considered for a different Specialisation/Role if you have achieved relevant qualifications, training or experience in the new role since leaving the RAF
Because each application is different, the time frame to get you back into service can also vary. Your recruiter will be able to give you further guidance on this after you have applied.
REJOINER
PROCESS
Pre-productive Rejoiner/transferee:
Wishing to change to a different specialisation/role to what you were previously qualified in. May require the whole of Phase 1 or 2 Training, or both elements. Candidates are to be processed as Direct Entrants (DE). If you have completed Phase 1 previously, you will only be required to attend the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC).
The TaRC is a maximum of 2 weeks, designed to bring all the required core competencies up to date. The first week will cover the full lesson package for the current weapon. For applicants who have the relevant weapon competency, you will be loaded on to the second week only.
Examples of a pre-productive Rejoiner/transferee:
- Individual trained as Logistics Supplier and wants to change roles to RAF Police.
- Royal Engineer (Army) wanting to transfer to the RAF in the role of Aircraft Technician.
For more information see our Frequently Asked Questions below, or call 0345 605 5555 and ask to speak to an RAF Recruitment Specialist.
Productive (qualified) Rejoiner/transferee:
Previously-passed phase 2 training (Military Qualified) in the specific Specialisation/Role being applied for, (may require a bespoke refresher training package). Qualified Re-rejoiner applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with Workforce Planning, Profession Advisors and Career Managers. You will be required to attend the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC).
The TaRC is a maximum of 2 weeks, designed to bring you up to date in all the required core competencies. The first week will cover the full lesson package for the current weapon. For applicants who have the relevant weapon competency, you will be loaded on to the second week only.
Examples of a Productive (Qualified) Re-joiner/Transferee:
- Individual who trained as a Logistics Supplier and wants to return as a Logistics Supplier.
- Qualified Re-joiner/Transferees can also include individuals who left the military and gained relevant civilian qualifications.
THERE ARE TWO WAYS
TO APPLY
You can return on normal terms of service by clicking ‘Apply Now’ below and applying for a role. Alternatively, view the vacancies tab below for a list of priority roles that are available. The list is not exhaustive, terms of service can vary depending on role and personal circumstances.
You can return on normal terms of service by clicking ‘Apply Now’ below and applying for a role. Alternatively, view the vacancies tab below for a list of priority roles that are available. The list is not exhaustive, terms of service can vary depending on role and personal circumstances.
After you have submitted your application, please send an email to [email protected] using ‘New Rejoiner Surname’ in the subject line and providing the following information:
- Surname
- Previous Service Number
- Your Unique Reference Number (URN) which can be found in your Personal Details section can be used as your Candidate Reference in your portal
- Specialisation/Role applied for
- Previous Specialisation/Role
By sending this email, your application will be fast-tracked by the Qualified Rejoiner Recruiting Team (QRRT) for processing. Only Qualified Re-joiner/transferees will be processed in this manner. Applicants not previously military trained/qualified for the Specialisation/Role being applied for are to follow the application instructions in the Pre-Productive information.
INTER-SERVICE
TRANSFER
If you are currently serving in the Royal Navy or the Army you may have a skillset the royal air force is looking for.
You will firstly need to apply through your Chain of Command/Unit Admin Office to transfer before making an application and the transfer request is completed via single service manning authorities in the first instance. The forms required are Army form is AFB 241 and RN/RM form is BR3 P7. Your Chain of Command can give an earliest release date on the application if you have commitments that would prevent transfer in the immediate future.
If accepted by the Royal Air Force, you will receive an Authority to Transfer letter and can then register and apply for your chosen Specialisation/Role. See both Qualified and Pre-Productive information for clarification on how your case will be processed.
You must meet all eligibility criteria; however, waivers may be appropriate in some cases. Training requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis considering previous experience, rank, pay and service to date.
You are unlikely to undertake full basic training and will instead complete a Transferee and Rejoiners Course (TARC) of up to 10 working days. You will find out the requirements and service being offered at the start of the process. However, personnel applying for their commission from a non-commissioned role will still have to undertake elements of the Modularised Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC).
Once you have approval from your chain of command for transfer you will have to apply via the RAF Recruitment website.
APPLY
NOW
REJOINER
FAQ
Please Note: All Rejoiner applications are bespoke and tailored to suit you and the Service need. Often there is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution or answer. Below are some of our most commonly asked questions, they are usually dependent on your own circumstances and the Branch / Trade you are applying for. In order to fully assess and answer your questions we would ask you to start the online application, this gives the information we require to give you an informed and specific answer. PSB for further information about submitting an application.
WHAT IS THE PRODUCTIVE (QUALIFIED) REJOINER RECRUITMENT PROCESS?
All applicants are asked to apply online. following this a recruiter will get in touch to assist you through the rest of the process. A Rejoiner Assessment Form (ReAF) will be created to review your suitability, training requirements etc. Following this, a fitness test, medical and full interview will be conducted if required (depending on time out of service). If you are successful at this stage, you will be sent your Offer of Service letter to review. Once this has been accepted you will be allocated a place on the Transferee and Rejoiner Course (TaRC). This is a streamlined course of up to 10 days (depending on your current circumstances and length out of Service), to collect your kit, attest, complete JPA actions and all your core competencies to ensure you arrive at your new unit fully productive.
HOW DO I APPLY? - PRODUCTIVE (QUALIFIED) REJOINER ONLY
Apply Now online. After you have submitted your application through Recruitment IT System (RITS) online portal, please send an email to:
Please use the title ‘New Rejoiner – followed by your Surname’ in the subject line and provide the following information: Name, Previous Service Number and Profession/Specialisation applied for. Your Unique Reference Number (URN) from your Personal Details section can be used as your Candidate Reference.
By sending this email, your application form will be fast-tracked to receive early attention from the Qualified Rejoiner Recruiting Team. Failure to send this email will result in your application being placed with the Direct Entry applications, which might unduly delay your application.
WHAT IS THE TRANSFEREE PROCESS?
If you are transferring from the Army or Navy the Transferee Process is almost identical to the Rejoiner Process. The first stage of this process is obtaining approval to transfer. This information can be found in the following publications;
Army Commissioned: The Army Commissioning Regulations
2019 Pt 1 Chap 6 Sect 5
Army Soldier: Soldier Terms of Service Sect 5, 5.5.2
RN/RM: BRd 3(1) Chap 52
Once authority has been obtained, you can apply on the RAF Recruitment website.
In most cases Transferees when changing Profession/Specialisation full Phase 2 Trg will be required, and you will be classed as a Pre-Productive Rejoiner.
You may be required to attend a medical examination as part of the transfer process.
IS THERE AN UPPER AGE LIMIT OR RETURN OF SERVICE APPLIED ON ENTRY FOR REJOINERS AND TRANSFEREES?
If full Phase 2 training is required for example when changing Profession/Specialisation, then the age limit for your chosen Profession/Specialisation can be found on the main RAF Careers website. For Productive (Qualified) Rejoiners, it would be expected that a Rejoiner would be able to offer a minimum of 3 years' service. The Mandated End of Service (MEOS) is age 60, therefore applications will be considered before your 57th Birthday.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE PROFESSION/SPECIALISATION, ON REJOINING?
It is still possible to rejoin into a different Profession/Specialisation. Your recruiter will discuss the possibilities based on previous experience or your desired new specialisation. In most cases when changing Profession/Specialisation full Phase 2 Trg will be required, and you will be classed as a Pre-Productive Rejoiner. If so then the direct entry maximum age (with a few exceptions most are 47 but check the main RAF recruiting website) will apply.
CAN I COMMISSION AS A REJOINER?
If you were previously employed in a non-commissioned role, then you are eligible to apply to rejoin as a Commissioned Officer. You will be classified as a Pre-Productive Rejoiner as you will be required to undertake Phase 1 training.
CAN I KEEP MY PREVIOUS LEVEL OF PAY AND RANK?
Your rank and the level of pay you will rejoin on is considered on a case-by-case basis. To fully assess this you need to submit your application, so we have all the required information to review.
Aircrew rejoining who were previously on Mainstream Pay might be eligible for transfer to the Professional Aviators’ Spine (PAS) on, or immediately after, rejoining.
WHAT ARE THE PENSION IMPLICATIONS ON REJOINING?
If you are in receipt of an Armed Forces Pension or Early Departure Payment (EDP), there may be financial implications on rejoining. It is advised that you contact the JPAC on 0141 224 3600 to discuss the impact that rejoining will have on your pension. Further guidance is also available within the booklet at the following link (or search the internet for ‘MMP 116 Re-employment’):
Booklet MMP116 - Armed Forces and Reserve Pension Schemes - Re-employment
TRANSFERRING FROM A FOREIGN MILITARY?
We currently accept transfer applications from personnel serving in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, with each case being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Other Commonwealth applicants can also apply; however, the standard RAF residency requirements must be met. Applicants will be required to attend a medical and fitness test in the UK.
RAF REMUSTER
Applying to Remuster for Personal Reasons
Where is the policy for applying to remuster?
The policy for applying to remuster for personal reasons is contained within AP 3376 Vol 1 Pt 1 Ch 6 Para 12-15.
How do I apply?
All applications to remuster are done so via RAF F4477.
Who do I send the application to?
Applications are to be sent to the Specialisation Reselection Cell: [email protected]
DISCOVER YOUR BENEFITS
Please click the link below to see what you'll be entitled to as a RAF Rejoiner.