Currently recruiting
Aircraft Being creative Analysis & maths
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits
ANNUAL PAY AFTER SERGEANT TRAINING, WHICH TAKES AROUND SIX MONTHS
£44,600
+ Benefits
ANNUAL PAY AFTER SPECIALIST TRAINING - THIS COULD TAKE AROUND TWO YEARS
£54,900+
+ Benefits
As an Aircrew Linguist, you will be a vital part of mission success as you monitor, collect and analyse foreign-language voice transmissions in real-time to offer intelligence support onboard your aircraft.
Add to favourites
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:
Salary and Apply
What will you do?
Requirements & eligibility
Career, training & education
Benefits
Application process
Apply for this role
Similar roles
What will you do?
You will be part of a small group of Weapon Systems Operators selected upon application for your linguistic ability. The role has its origins as an Air Signaller on Lancaster bombers in World War Two. Your role will include:
Being a key part of an operational mission crew
Weekly flying and deployments abroad
Using technical expertise and linguistic skill in live situations to support your team and Defence objectives
Making decisions independently based on sensor data and your judgement
Informing global and Allied strategic decisions with your insight
Being based in Lincolnshire, or at an operational base around the world
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 17.5 – 32 (Must attest before 33rd birthday)
You will need a minimum of 3 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents including Functional Skills L2) at Grade C/4 or above, in English Language, Mathematics and a Modern Foreign Language or 3 Scottish National 5 (Grades A – C) in English Language, Mathematics and a modern Foreign Language
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
Commit to minimum 12 years service
Pass the Computer-Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT) and the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC)
Pass a Fitness test - Details below
Undertake a swimming test in training - see below
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged between 17.5 and 32 years old. (Must attest before 33rd 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 will need a minimum of 3 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents inc Functional Skills L2) at Grade C/4 or above, in English Language, Mathematics and a modern Foreign Language or 3 Scottish National 5 (Grades A – C) in English Language, Mathematics and a modern Foreign Language.
If your qualifications are not listed, or you do not have any qualifications, please Contact Us to learn more about how you can join the Royal Air Force.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom since birth (not naturalised) and must never have held any other nationality or citizenship (including joint nationality) with the exception of dual British Irish citizenship. Immediate family must be British citizens/nationals.
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should 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 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
RAF SWIMMING TEST
To train as Aircrew in the RAF, you must be able to pass the RAF Swimming Test as follows: Swim 100 metres without rest, using any front or sidestroke. Tread water for 2 minutes. Get out of the deep end of the pool unassisted, without the use of steps or the bottom of the pool.
All personnel attempting the test must wear clothing commensurate with that worn for their normal operating activity, which for Aircrew is a flying suit.
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, including for Aircrew roles.
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:
Serving personnel can wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
Usually, candidates are to be clean shaven when being fitted for their respirators in Phase One training, however other methods of creating a clean seal can be advised if this is not possible due to religious reasons.
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION
There are opportunities for further training such as role-related courses to broaden your analytical and linguistic skillset both in the UK and abroad. As an Aircrew Linguist you are Aircrew first and a Linguist second. Possible career paths include leading a mission on your aircraft and also training future Aircrew Linguists.
01
Phase one training
Basic Recruit training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Your career will start with the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Phase one training
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 lifestyle.
02
Phase one training
Direct entry Sergeants training
8 weeks
RAF Halton
Following Basic Recruit Training, prospective Weapon Systems Operators will complete the Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DE SNCO) Course.
Read more
8 weeks
RAF Halton
Phase one training
The 8-week training programme is held at Airmen's Command Squadron (ACS), RAF Halton. It will develop the students’ knowledge of leadership within the RAF and increase their understanding of their management responsibilities as SNCOs.
Week one: Intro to Leadership, Mission command
Week two: Briefing Techniques, Command and Leadership Ex 1
Week three: Command and Leadership Ex 2, Air Power Studies
Week four: Command and Leadership Ex 3, Defence Writing
Week five: Welfare, Appraisals, Service Discipline
Week six: Personnel & Talent Management, Interview Techniques
Week seven: Field Leadership Ex
Week eight: 10 Minute Presentations, High Ropes, Graduation
You will gain a L4 Certificate in Management from the Chartered Management Institute or the Institute of Leadership and Management.
03
Phase two training
Military Aviation Ground School
5 weeks
RAF Cranwell
The DE SNCO course is followed by a 5.2 week Military Aviation Ground School (MAGS) course at RAFC Cranwell.
Read more
5 weeks
RAF Cranwell
Phase two training
You will be taught generic aircrew subjects such as meteorology, aircraft systems and basic survival skills before progressing to your specialist language training.
04
Phase two training
Specialist training
18 months
Chicksands
You’ll undergo intensive language training at Chicksands in Bedfordshire or Shrivenham in Wiltshire.
Read more
18 months
Chicksands
Phase two training
This proceeds to an Airborne Linguist Training Course that will build on previous MAGS subjects, adding airborne specific exercises.
Following this you’ll be posted to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Here you will complete a 4 month Technical Applied Language Course before proceeding to a 6 month Operational Conversion Course on the aircraft to which you have been assigned.
05
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will be posted to a flying station in the UK.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
First tour
During this tour you will be in an operational and continue your training, building on what you have learnt on the OCU, to achieve Combat Ready status. This may involve frequent overseas detachments. There will be other more experienced Aircrew Linguists to help develop your skills and knowledge.
06
Your career prospects
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will be recruited on an initial 12-year contract as a Direct-Entry Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with opportunities to serve to age 60.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Your career prospects
You will hold the rank of Acting Sergeant during your professional training. Once you start your front-line job, and you are assessed as being capable of operating independently, you will be awarded Combat Ready status and promoted to Substantive Sergeant. Further promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection.
Upon achievement of Combat Ready status on your front line aircraft, you will automatically be transferred to a 20-year engagement. You are free to break that commitment after serving six years after your first Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). We hope you will stay, many do, enjoying the diverse, varied and exciting roles we have on offer for a full career.
As a Weapon Systems Operator, there is the possibility to retrain for other Weapon Systems Operator sub-Specialisations, or to commission as a Weapon Systems Officer, depending on Service need.
07
Training and Education
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
As a Weapon Systems Operator - Aircrew Linguist, you will have opportunities for further professional development throughout your career.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Training and Education
There are opportunities to undertake management and leadership training and you can also study for A-levels, a degree as well as University Short Courses and University Fellowships (full or part time) up to PhD level as your career develops.
08
In-Service degree
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
An In-Service degree for Aircrew is available for some roles.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
In-Service degree
For those considering University, a career as Aircrew can complement that academic ambition. Our free BSc in Aviation Systems Management can be studied at the UK Armed Forces Military Aviation Academy while you earn and learn with the RAF without the need for a student loan.
09
Transferable skills
Development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train, mentor and grow your skills in leadership, instructional and specialist areas.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferable skills
The skills and experience you gain throughout your career as Weapon Systems Operator - Aircrew Linguist could equip you for a number of civilian jobs including: translator or interpreter and management roles.
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
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
Aptitude test
2
CBAT Aptitude test
3
Health Assessment
4
Fitness test
5
OASC
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Aptitude test
Stage 1 of 7
The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you're a good fit for the role you're applying for. You'll answer six multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:
Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
Numerical Reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
You can try the online practice test here
2
CBAT Aptitude test
Stage 2 of 7
The first step in the application process is a series of Computer-Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT). These tests ensure we match the right candidate to the right role. They take place over one day at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and measure your ability to perform specific tasks such as:
How well you respond physically to visual information
Your ability to interpret information in two dimensions and devise a three-dimensional solution
Your ability to complete several tasks simultaneously
Your natural abilities, including deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate and concentration, and verbal and numerical reasoning
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. View details 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 second visit to the Officers 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.
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
Basic Recruit Training
This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:
Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number
General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct
Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment
Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions
Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities
Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills.
What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.
APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
SIMILAR ROLES
Aircrew
Weapon Systems Operator
Aircraft Analysis & maths Travelling the world
Intelligence
Intelligence Analyst (Linguist)
Analysis & maths Gaming & computers Helping people
Find Your Role
HAVE A QUESTION? Live chat
