Initial Training
Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) consisting of 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15 day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This training course will prepare you for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world; it is also designed to help you tune into the military environment and way of life. As well as military training, you will learn about the core values, code of conduct and history of the RAF, as well as its unique lifestyle.
Specialist Training
After successfully completing initial training, your next step is specialist trade training conducted at your parent Squadron or another RAF station in the UK. The course covers Law Enforcement duties, including investigations, reporting and recording of Service and Civilian offences, arrest procedures, personal safety training and in the basic principles of Security duties. Personnel are also trained to conduct their duties in specific environments in which they may operate.
Ongoing Training/Development Opportunities
As your career progresses, you will continue to develop and learn new skills. You will have opportunities to attend many different courses in areas such as: Military Working Dogs, Protective Security, Information Security, Security Risk Management and Close Protection. Those holding appropriate background knowledge may undertake Criminal Investigation, Computer Forensics and Crime Scene Examination training. All personnel, particularly those promoted to supervisory ranks, receive management and leadership training. All these skills will be utilised and honed at annual training camps held each year, either in the UK or overseas.
Your Future
Although your minimum commitment is 27 days per year, the fully integrated role of the Reserves into the regular force means that we are seeking committed, motivated personnel who are prepared to give a higher return than the minimum attendance figure. Routine activities may consist of working directly alongside regulars on a weekly basis at RAF stations, or deploying on short duration (up to 14 days) aviation security tasks. Over and above the routine activities, you can expect to be mobilized once every 5 years for up to 12 months.
Offering numerous exciting and challenging roles, during your career in the RAF Police you could be involved in:
Security activities including:
• Cyber and Information security
• Counter Intelligence
• Security Risk Management
• Operational threat assessments and advice
• Air Platform Security Management
• Airport security (passenger and cargo screening)
• Personnel security (security education, vetting and screening)
Investigations including:
• Criminal and security investigations
• Computer forensics
• Crime scene examination
• Criminal intelligence
• Child support and Domestic Violence
Law Enforcement duties including:
• Incident response
• Liaison with local police and security organisations
• Support to major events (such as air shows)
• Surveillance
• Close protection (Operations)
• Mentoring (Operations)
• Biometrics (Operations)
RAF Police Dog handling duties including:
• Protection dogs (Patrol and Police)
There are early opportunities to travel and operate overseas. At all times you will be relied upon to make decisions and use your initiative to protect RAF personnel and assets from various threats, such as organized crime, terrorism or hostile intelligence services. Promotion within the trade is good and extra training will enable personnel selected for supervisory and management positions to effectively lead teams.
Transferable skills for your employer
Service with the RAFP Reserve will develop skills that will benefit your employer:
• Sound decision making
• Problem solving
• Personal responsibility
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Robustness/Resilience
• Leadership and management
Our Leadership and management training is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.
RAF Police Reserves Commissioned Officers
Personnel interested in obtaining a commission in the RAF Police Reserves are required to join the Trade first and then to commission from the ranks. Suitability and requirements can be obtained from initial recruitment focal points and also from Squadron specialists. (Ex-Regular Provost officers, ex-military officers from an equivalent Branch, or civilian police officers will be considered on a case-by-case basis; recruiting personnel will be able to advise.)
