As a musician in the Royal Air Force, you’ll be joining an organisation with musicians who have a worldwide reputation as being second to none. You will often be called upon to perform for royalty and politicians at State occasions while also providing music support for the RAF, Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Such events include Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to concert performances in some of the most prestigious concert halls throughout the world. All RAF Bands are capable of performing many genres of music and our musicians are expected to perform Symphonic Wind Band repertoire, Big Band, Jazz, and Chamber music as well as performing on parade.
Personnel Support Musician CURRENTLY RECRUITING
As an RAF Musician, you will enjoy a varied life that includes performing, individual practice, rehearsals and travelling.
Full-time regular Spare time reserve
Minimum Average Pay Over Your First Year £17,000+ + Benefits
Initial pay after training £27,300+ + Benefits
DAY RATE STARTS AT: Depends on role, rank and experience
Is this for you?
APPLICANTS MUST:
- Be aged 17.5 -47 (Must attest before 48th birthday)
- Perform to a minimum Grade 8 standard as defined by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or equivalent; current instrumental vacancies include Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Tuba & Percussion
- Have GCSE at Grade G/1-3 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 6/Scottish National 4 in English language
- Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
- Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:
- Being creative
- Travelling the world
- Helping people
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)
- Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen since birth
- Perform to a minimum Grade 8 standard as defined by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or equivalent
- Have GCSE at Grade G/1-3 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 6/Scottish National 4 in English language
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Commit 27 days per year for 12 years minimum
- Pass a General Fitness Test
GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:
- Being creative
- Travelling the world
- Helping people
Locations
RAF Aux Band RAFC Cranwell, Lincolnshire
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform at concert halls, graduation ceremonies and military parades
- Play dance music, chamber repertoire, military marches, symphonic concerts and jazz
- Provide musical support for events like dinners, dances and visits by Heads of State

WHY JOIN THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
- Rent from £75p/m
- Free gym
- Subsidised food
- Health care
- World travel
- 6 weeks holiday
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
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 will also learn about the RAF ethos and core values
SPECIALIST TRAINING
Following on from Basic Recruit Training you will be posted to one of the Regular Bands, Central Band, and Regiment Band located at RAF Northolt and the Band of the RAF College at RAF Cranwell. We also have a Salon Orchestra that is based at RAF Northolt. Once at your Band, you will begin ‘On the Job Training’ (OJT). This training will last a maximum of twelve weeks with musicians completing studies on their primary instrument, harmony, orchestration, aural perception, and band drill. Your posting will depend on where there is a vacancy for your instrument with the initial length of your first tour being a minimum of 18 months, this may vary due to operational requirements.

TRAINING AND CAREER
INITIAL TRAINING
Your training will start with a Basic Recruit Training Course 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.

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.
Should a PTVR Musician be mobilised within the UK they may be employed to deliver the full spectrum of functions as performed by RAF Regular Bands.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ALL APPLICANTS MUST:
Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.
Be aged 17.5–47 (Must attest before 48th birthday).
ALL APPLICANTS MUST:
Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.
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)
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.
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.
Full details for Commonwealth applicants can be found here.
Applications from personnel who do not meet the required 3 year UK residency requirement are now closed until further notice, please continue to check the website for further updates. If you have previous service and are applying to rejoin the Royal Air Force, or meet the UK residency requirements for service, please call 0345 605 5555 and ask to speak to a RAF Recruitment Specialist.
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:
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 PRTC Fitness Test 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 |
- Calculate your BMI now, click here.
- 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.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth.
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 may be considered.
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
How fit you need to be to pass the test 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 | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
(Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
15-16 | 11.39 | 20 | 35 |
17-29 | 11.11 | 20 | 35 |
30-34 | 11.36 | 19 | 32 |
35-39 | 12 | 18 | 29 |
40-44 | 12.26 | 17 | 26 |
45-47 | 12.54 | 16 | 23 |
FEMALES - 100% pass rates: | |||
AGE | 2.4 Km Run | Press-ups | Sit-ups |
(Mins) | (No.) | (No.) | |
15-16 | 13.54 | 10 | 32 |
17-29 | 13.23 | 10 | 32 |
30-34 | 13.47 | 9 | 29 |
35-39 | 14.13 | 8 | 26 |
40-44 | 14.48 | 7 | 23 |
45-47 | 15.19 | 6 | 20 |
You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups 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 |
- Calculate your BMI now, click here.
- 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.
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.