You don ’ t need to be set on a role to start your RAF application – it ’ s a straightforward process and we ’ re on hand to answer your questions at every stage of the journey

Applying to join as an Air Operations Officer can take several months . This may seem like a long time but it is essential – for you and for us – that we ensure that this really is the job for you . There is no commitment until the very end of the process – after you ’ ve passed all the tests and interviews and have accepted a formal offer of service .

STEP 1 CONTACT US If you have not already done so , please search RAF recruitment or call 0345 605 5555 to find out more . Alternatively , speak to a Careers Liaison Officer through the careers department of your school or college .

STEP 2 VISIT AN ARMED FORCES CAREERS OFFICE ( AFCO ) There are AFCOs in many cities and large towns . To find your local centre search RAF recruitment centres .

STEP 3 ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT AND INTERVIEW AND CBAT You ’ ll fill in a questionnaire to see if you are eligible for the RAF , have an interview and then watch a presentation that explains more about life as an Air Operations Officer . This is to see if we think you have what it takes – and a chance for you to ask any questions you may have . You will also attend RAFC Cranwell to undertake Computer Based Aptitude Testing ( CBAT ) to assess your potential to perform the roles of Air Operations .

STEP 4 OFFICERS AND AIRCREW SELECTION CENTRE ( OASC ) Selection for Air Operations Officers is based on a 1 day assessment programme at OASC , at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire . We ’ re looking for communication skills , self-motivation , maturity , effective intelligence , physical fitness and leadership potential . The selection procedure includes :

l an interview ;

l problem-solving tasks ;

l leadership exercises ; and

l a fitness assessment .

STEP 5 FORMAL OFFER OF SERVICE If you ’ ve been successful at OASC , we ’ ll usually make you a formal offer of service within three weeks . Once you accept the offer of service and a place becomes available , you ’ ll start your training .

STEP 6 TRAINING All officers begin their careers with Initial Officer Training at the RAF College Cranwell . You can find out more about your training on page 7 .

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