Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve

Force protection RAF Police CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As a member of the RAF Police, you will conduct criminal and security investigations. As specialists in Aviation Security, Counter Intelligence, Protective Security, Law Enforcement, Military Working Dogs, Information and Cyber Security, the RAF Police plays a critical role enabling airpower operations globally.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

Pay During Initial Training £15,670+ + Benefits

After Successful Completion Of Phase Two Training £20,000+ + Benefits

Apply as a Regular


DAY RATE STARTS AT: £39.34 + Benefits

Apply as a Reserve


Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grade at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language
  • Have a Full UK driving licence
  • You must be a UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationality
  • Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
  • Meet the health and fitness criteria
  • Pass the Airmen Selection Test
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Transport & Vehicles
  • Analysis and maths

Apprenticeships available

Advanced Level 3 Security First Line Manager Apprenticeship

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 18 – 54 (Must attest before 55th birthday – Ex Regulars over the age of 55 may be considered on a case by case basis)
  • You must be a UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationality
  • Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grade at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language
  • Have a Full UK driving licence
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Meet the fitness and health criteria
  • Pass the Airman Selection Test
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Helping people
  • Transport & Vehicles
  • Analysis and maths

Locations

3TPS Sqn RAF Honington, Suffolk
502 Sqn Aldergrove Flying Station, Co Antrim
603 Sqn Edinburgh
605 Sqn RAF Cosford, Shropshire
609 Sqn RAF Leeming, Northallerton
614 Sqn Cardiff, Glamorgan (Extremely Ltd Vacancies)
2503 Sqn RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire
2620 Sqn RAF Marham, Norfolk
2623 Sqn RAF Honington, Suffolk
2624 Sqn RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Security Activities, including Cyber and Information security, Counter-Intelligence, Security Risk Management and Airport Security
  • Operational threat assessments and advice
  • Personnel security such as security education, vetting and screening
  • Investigations including Digital Forensics, Crime Scene Examination, Criminal Intelligence, Child Support and Domestic Violence Support, and Surveillance
  • RAF Police Dog handling duties including Protection Dogs and Detection Dogs
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The RAF Police plays a critical role in enabling airpower operations both in the UK and on operations globally by providing the RAF with a broad spectrum of Security and Law Enforcement capabilities. Key roles in the RAF Police are criminal and security investigations alongside the provision of counter intelligence and protective security activities.

The RAF Police are also specialists in Military Working Dogs and Aviation Security; a very high readiness Tactical Police Squadron is maintained for operations worldwide.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

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.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

TRAINING YOU’LL RECEIVE

Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

The RAF Police Initial Course lasts for 22 weeks and is delivered at the Defence School of Policing and Guarding, MOD Southwick Park, Hampshire. The course covers law enforcement duties including investigations, reporting and recording of Service and civilian offences, arrest procedures and police interviews. You will also be trained in the principles of security including: personnel security, protective security, information assurance, security risk management, counter terrorism and aviation security. If you are selected for dog-handling duties, a further training will follow where you will be taught to work with, and care for, a RAF Police dog.

More details +

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

During your specialist training you will be given the opportunity to enrol on an Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship. Further progression in the trade is credited against a BA (Hons) degree in Organisational Capability Development.

ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills. You will have opportunities to attend different courses in areas such as protective security, counter intelligence, cyber security and criminal investigation. These include national police courses such as Crime Scene Investigator, National Suspect Interview and High-Tech Crime.

YOUR FIRST TOUR

For your first tour, you could carry out law enforcement and aviation security duties at a RAF Unit, work as a dog handler or be employed on the Tactical Police Squadron. Police work can be physically demanding, and you should be prepared to undertake shift work in all weather conditions.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND PROGRESSION:  

There are early opportunities to travel and operate overseas where you will be relied upon to make decisions and use your initiative to protect RAF personnel and vital assets from various threats. After 18 months, you could move into a specialist area. Like most people in the RAF, you will probably move jobs every few years; each job is known as a tour.

Once you have successfully completed the initial RAF Police training, you will be promoted to the rank of acting corporal. Further promotion to full corporal and beyond is by competitive selection.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:

During initial police training you will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship qualification. Subsequent specialist courses will give you skills that are valuable in the civilian world, which means whenever you decide to leave the RAF you will be well placed to pursue another career in an associated field e.g. Police Officer, Fraud Officer or Aviation Security.

TRAINING AND CAREER

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.

More details +

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.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

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.)

Commitment and location

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.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationality.

Be aged between 17.5 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a UK citizen or holder of dual UK/other nationality

Be aged between 18 and 55 years old.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5

Have a Full UK driving licence

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a UK citizen 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 MOD 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. 

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

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

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton as part of your three-day Pre-Recruit Familiarization Visit (PRFV). This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • 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).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRFV Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF PRFV Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
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.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

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.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

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

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

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). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be 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

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Have these minimum grades:

  GCSE GCSE 2017 SNE
English Language C Grade 4 Grade 5

Have a Full UK driving licence

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a UK citizen 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 MOD 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. 

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

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 a Pre-joining Fitness Test. 
How fit you need to be to pass this test can vary depending on role, age and gender.

MALES
Age Limits 2.4 Km Run (Minutes) Multi-Stage Fitness Test (Level) Press-ups (Number) Sit-ups (Number)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12.00 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-49 12.54 7.07 16 23
50-54 13.27 7.01 15 20
FEMALES
Age Limits 2.4 Km Run(Minutes) Multi-Stage Fitness Test (Level) Press-ups (Number) Sit-ups (Number)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-49 15.19 5.04 6 20
50-54 15.53 4.09 5 17

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
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.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

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.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

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

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

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). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be 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 contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve

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