Currently recruiting
Analysis & maths Travelling the world Helping people
PAY DURING TRAINING
£52,800
+ Benefits
The RAF's mission and outputs give rise to a variety of legal matters. RAF Legal Officers draw upon a uniquely diverse range of legal sources and skills to deliver effective and operationally focused legal services to the RAF and Defence.
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Analysis & maths Travelling the world Helping people
DAY RATE STARTS AT:
Depends on role, rank and experience
RAF Legal Officers deliver operationally focused legal services to the RAF and Defence. These services require Reserve Legal Officers to contribute to resilience by augmenting and/or backfilling Regular Legal Officers and RAF Legal Services commitments.
THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO VACANCIES FOR THIS ROLE. PLEASE CONTACT US TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AND RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS WHEN VACANCIES BECOME AVAILABLE.
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Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here .
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
On this page:
Pay and Apply
What will you do?
Requirements & eligibility
Where you can do this role
Career, training & education
Benefits
Your commitment
Application process
Apply for this role
What will you do?
As an Officer within the RAF, your contribution might include:
Advising military commanders and staff on domestic and international law, including on the law of armed conflict
Advising on military law, air law, space law, employment law, and health and safety law
Developing and assisting with the drafting of legislation relating to the Armed Forces
Undertaking defence and/or prosecution advocacy at the Court Martial, the Service Civilian Court and the Summary Appeal Court
Advising Commanding Officers in relation to criminal and discipline proceedings, including investigations, custody, and pre-charge and post-charge actions
Advising the RAF and wider Defence in relation to matters governed by the Armed Forces Act 2006 and other legal sources specific to the Armed Forces, including the Service Complaint process and Terms of Service
Acting as a Legal Adviser to service inquiry panels
What will you do?
As an Officer within the RAF, your contribution might include:
Advising military commanders and staff on domestic and international law, including on the law of armed conflict
Advising on military law, air law, space law, employment law, and health and safety law.
Developing and assisting with the drafting of legislation relating to the Armed Forces
Undertaking defence and/or prosecution advocacy at the Court Martial, the Service Civilian Court and the Summary Appeal Court
Advising Commanding Officers in relation to criminal and discipline proceedings, including investigations, custody, and pre-charge and post-charge actions
Advising the RAF and wider Defence in relation to matters governed by the Armed Forces Act 2006 and other legal sources specific to the Armed Forces, including the Service Complaint process and Terms of Service
Acting as a Legal Adviser to service inquiry panels
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 24 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
You must be either a member of the Bar of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have completed pupillage, or be a solicitor admitted to the Roll of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Applications from legal executives will not be processed.
Commit to a minimum 6 years service
Pass a fitness test
If you require more information please contact the Legal Team here
View all entry requirements below
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 18-54 with the required legal qualifications. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday.
You must be either a member of the Bar of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have completed pupillage, or be a solicitor admitted to the Roll of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Applications from legal executives will not be processed.
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
Commit 27 days per year on an initial engagement of up to 12 years
Pass a fitness test
If you require more information please contact the Legal Team here
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have completed their professional/educational qualifications. The maximum age to apply is 47 as candidates must attest by their 48th birthday.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
You must be either a member of the Bar of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have completed pupillage, or be a solicitor admitted to the Roll of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Applications from legal executives will not be processed.
For more information please contact the Legal Team here: [email protected]
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
NATIONALITY
You 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 (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). Employment restrictions may be imposed within the Specialisation. Non-British nationals applying for this Specialisation are required to certify that they have been advised of the employment limitations and the consequences of not naturalizing as a British citizen.
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should normally have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered.
If you have resided abroad for a period within this timeframe, dependant on the circumstances you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. This will be established during the selection process.
The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.
There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV).
Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.
Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations
RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.
Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.
If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested 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 a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
MEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
13.52
17-29
13.20
30-34
13.49
35-39
14.14
40-44
14.46
45-49
15.17
50-54
15.53
WOMEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
16.22
17-29
15.48
30-34
16.14
35-39
16.44
40-44
17.22
45-49
17.57
50-54
18.34
See here for more information about a training plan
A second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Calculating your BMI
Calculate your BMI here
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
Age
BMI minimum
BMI maximum
Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
18 or over
18
30
32 (waist circumference less than 94cm)
32 (waist circumference less than 80cm)
16 to 17
17
27
27
27
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
Health Criteria
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
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
Achieve the minimum Security Clearance of Developed Vetting (DV) for this role
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)
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.
You must be aged 18-54 with the required legal qualifications. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
You must be either a member of the Bar of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have completed pupillage, or be a solicitor admitted to the Roll of England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Applications from legal executives will not be processed.
For more information please contact the Legal Team here: [email protected]
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
Nationality
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 ( with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) .
Residency
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 10 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered. If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. This will be established during the selection process.
The Nationality and Residency requirements are the foundation of obtaining the necessary security clearance. The nationalities of your spouse or partner, and parents, are also taken into account among other factors.
There will be further pre-employment checks and you will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV).
Employment restrictions may be imposed in the future if you are unable to achieve an increased security clearance requirement for selected placements.
Security Vetting and Nationality Considerations
RAF security policies are subject to ongoing review, which may impact the eligibility of individuals with dual nationality or direct connections to certain countries to obtain the minimum required level of security vetting. Security vetting is a mandatory requirement for all RAF personnel.
Applicants are welcome to proceed with their application to join the RAF; however, it is important to understand that permanent employment is contingent upon successfully obtaining the appropriate level of security vetting for the chosen role.
If it is determined that an applicant’s nationality or connections may prevent the granting of the required clearance, this could result in the rejection of the application. Additionally, restrictions may apply to the roles available to individuals based on nationality or dual nationality concerns, as outlined by UK government policy.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested 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 a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
MEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
13.52
17-29
13.20
30-34
13.49
35-39
14.14
40-44
14.46
45-49
15.17
50-54
15.53
WOMEN
AGE
2.4 Km Run
(Mins)
15-16
16.22
17-29
15.48
30-34
16.14
35-39
16.44
40-44
17.22
45-49
17.57
50-54
18.34
See here for more information about a training plan
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Why is BMI important?
One of the most common medical causes of delay to candidate’s applications, is falling outside the selection BMI limits. Candidates with a BMI outside the selection limitations are statistically at increased risk of injury during basic training and long-term ill health.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated using your height and weight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) classify a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. Some individuals have an elevated BMI due to a high muscle mass. To accommodate individuals with an elevated BMI (up to a maximum of 32) caused by high muscle mass, waist circumference measurements are used.
How to measure your waist circumference
Breathe normally and the waist measurement is to be taken at the end of a normal breath out. Position the tape measure midway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the pelvis. The tape should be snug but not compress the skin. If there is difficulty finding the bony landmarks, place the tape at the level of the tummy button.
Calculating your BMI
Calculate your BMI here
BMI Limitations for RAF Selection
Age
BMI minimum
BMI maximum
Male maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
Female maximum BMI (with additional assessment)
18 or over
18
30
32 (waist circumference less than 94cm)
32 (waist circumference less than 80cm)
16 to 17
17
27
27
27
Eyesight
Eyesight standards vary for different roles. Wearing glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
Health Criteria
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
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
Achieve the minimum Security Clearance of Developed Vetting (DV) for this role
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).
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 please contact us.
Reserve role locations
Reserve roles exist in specific Reserve Squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active:
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Initial Training
12 weeks
RAF Cranwell
Like all our Specialist Branch officers, you will begin your RAF career on the Specialist Officers Initial Training Course (SOITC) at the RAF College Cranwell.
Read more
12 weeks
RAF Cranwell
Phase one training
You will follow a course specially designed for professionally qualified entrants. The course includes fitness development, military training and academic study as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
As a fully qualified solicitor or barrister, you already have the core legal skills you need.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Phase two training
During your induction training at the Directorate of Legal Services (RAF) you will receive an introduction to those aspects of law in the RAF that may not be familiar to you, with more in-depth training in areas relevant to your first posting being provided by the team to which you are assigned.
You’ll benefit from a full programme of training together with hands-on experience to develop you as a legal officer throughout your career. You will be offered opportunities to develop and experience new areas of legal practice, including international humanitarian law, as well as the same through-life Professional Military Development as all other RAF officers.
03
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
For your first tour, you could be posted to a Regional Legal Office on a major operational flying station in the UK.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
First tour
Or you could be posted to our legal offices in Cyprus, to the Advisory Team, Air Operations Team or RAF Service Complaints Team at RAF High Wycombe.
You will work under the guidance of senior officers and receive training in order to develop both your knowledge of new areas of law and your potential as a RAF officer.
04
Your career prospects
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
You will join the RAF as a Flight Lieutenant on an Initial Commission of 6 years.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Your career prospects
After a period of productive service, on selection for promotion to Squadron Leader your commission will be extended to 20 years’ service or to age 40, whichever is the latter.
A further extension of your commission of up to 30 years’ Service (or to age 60) is also possible on promotion to Group Captain. Some posts within the profession become available only when appropriate experience and rank has been gained.
05
Ongoing development
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
In accordance with Bar Council or Law Society policy guidance, you will be able to maintain your Continuing Professional Development currency.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing development
This is achieved by through a combination of accredited external and Internal legal training.
Each year you will also attend the DLS(RAF) Conference, which will not only provide updates in various areas of Law but will also allow you to take part in leadership and teamwork-based activities.
There will also be opportunities to improve your leadership skills through both military training and Force development events, such as Orienteering.
06
Transferable skills
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As a Legal Officer in the RAF, you will have all the developmental opportunities and career prospects of your civilian counterparts.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferable skills
You will also have the added benefit of having the chance to work around the world and gain unique experience of practising the law.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop leadership and managerial skills which are unrivalled in the legal world.
TRAINING AND CAREER
At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Initial Training
24 days (split)
RAF Cranwell/local
This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
24 days (split)
RAF Cranwell/local
Phase one training
This is followed by Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase. ROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises.
Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT.
02
Induction Course
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
As a fully qualified solicitor or barrister, you already have the core legal skills you need.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Induction Course
During your induction training at the Directorate of Legal Services (RAF) you will receive an introduction to those aspects of law in the RAF that may not be familiar to you, with more in-depth training in areas relevant to your first posting being provided by the team to which you are assigned.
You’ll benefit from a full programme of training together with hands-on experience to develop you as a legal officer throughout your career. You will be offered opportunities to develop and experience new areas of legal practice, including international humanitarian law, as well as the same through-life Professional Military Development as all other RAF officers.
03
Commitment
Your commitment to us
Ongoing
As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Commitment
This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.
Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
You will be liable for mobilisation on operational deployments, subject to achieving the required standards and attaining the relevant knowledge, skills and experience. This typically takes over two years to achieve. Such opportunities will be determined by the Service need and considered on a case-by-case basis. All Reserve Legal Officers will be eligible to attend RAF Legal Services training, including those events that exist within the operational law training pathway
04
Ongoing development
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Ongoing development
As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
05
Transferable skills
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferable skills
The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
WHY JOIN AS AN OFFICER?
When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.
Discover more
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
Training
View 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
View all benefits
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 will be liable for mobilisation on operational deployments, subject to achieving the required standards and attaining the relevant knowledge, skills and experience. This typically takes over two years to achieve. Such opportunities will be determined by the Service need and considered on a case-by-case basis. All Reserve Legal Officers will be eligible to attend RAF Legal Services training, including those events that exist within the operational law training pathway.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Specialist Interview
2
Health Assessment
3
Fitness Test
4
OASC
5
Familiarisation Visit
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Specialist Interview
Stage 1 of 7
Candidates for this role will undertake a Specialist Interview. This will be an in-person interview with the Legal Profession Adviser Team where you will have the opportunity to share your legal knowledge, skills and experience and your professional suitability will be assessed.
The interview will last about an hour and will also provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the RAF or role of Legal Officer.
2
Health Assessment
Stage 2 of 7
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
3
Fitness Test
Stage 3 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .
4
OASC
Stage 4 of 7
This will be your second visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.
The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.
The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.
You can watch a video here that explains the OASC selection process in more detail.
5
Familiarisation Visit
Stage 5 of 7
This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.
6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7
Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.
This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.
7
Training
Stage 7 of 7
Like all our Specialist Officers, you will begin your RAF career on the Specialist Officers Initial Training Course (SOITC) at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You will follow a course specially designed for professionally qualified entrants. The course includes fitness development, military training and academic study as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING
Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
1
Squadron event
2
Specialist Interview
3
Health assessment
4
Fitness test
5
OASC
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Squadron event
Stage 1 of 7
The first step in the application process invites you to attend a squadron information event. This could be either in person or online. At this event, there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in.
2
Specialist Interview
Stage 2 of 7
Candidates for this role will undertake a Specialist Interview. This will be an in-person interview with the Legal Profession Adviser Team where you will have the opportunity to share your legal knowledge, skills and experience and your professional suitability will be assessed.
The interview will last about an hour and will also provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the RAF or role of Legal Officer.
3
Health assessment
Stage 3 of 7
You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.
We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.
4
Fitness test
Stage 4 of 7
A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run.
The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here .
5
OASC
Stage 5 of 7
This will be your first visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.
The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.
The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.
6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7
If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.
7
Training
Stage 7 of 7
Phase 1 training will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15 day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
This is followed by Reserve Officer Initial Training (ROIT) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2 week residential phase.
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