Helping people Travelling the world Analysis & maths
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY DURING BASIC TRAINING
£27,200+
+ Benefits
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY AFTER BASIC TRAINING
£44,000+
+ Benefits
The Initial Annual Pay During Basic Training rate of £27,200+ only applies during Phase One Basic Training, which is designed as a 10-week course. Upon successful completion of that course, Registered Nurses will then move straight to the Initial Pay After Basic Training rate of £44,000.
You could be eligible for a Golden Hello of up to £50,000 if you meet certain criteria. This will be discussed at your Nursing presentation.
As an RAF Mental Health Nurse, you will operate in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver a safe and effective community mental health service-to-service personnel, in order to enhance and sustain the operational effectiveness of the UK Armed Forces.
This role is now closed for applications. You may register to be informed when it is next open, or please consider one of the many roles currently recruiting in the RAF.
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What will you do?
As a Registered Nurse (Mental Health), you will initially work as a community mental health nurse alongside a multidisciplinary team, providing high standards of nursing care to Service personnel. In your role you will:
Provide assessment, care planning, coordination, evaluation and monitoring of specific evidence-based therapies/treatment to patients.
Provide Mental Health Medical support to Aeromedical Evacuations from locations worldwide.
Deploy to areas of conflict when required to provide Mental Health Support to deployed UK Armed Forces.
What will you do?
All RAF Nurses are part of the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. As a Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Reserve, if mobilised on operations you will work alongside your regular RAF colleagues as a Community Mental Health Nurse (CMHN) alongside a multidisciplinary team, providing high standards of nursing care to Service personnel. In your role you will:
Provide assessment, care planning, coordination, evaluation and monitoring of specific evidence-based therapies/treatment to patients.
Provide Mental Health Medical support to Aeromedical Evacuations from locations worldwide.
Deploy to areas of conflict when required to provide Mental Health Support to deployed UK Armed Forces.
Requirements at a glance
You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register, (Mental Health Nurse level 1 or Adult/Mental Health).
May apply for selection, during final year of RN (MH) training (i.e. up to 12 months before completing RN (MH) qualification). All candidates must be NMC registered before contract offer.
Be aged 21 – 47 (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
Meet the health and fitness criteria
Pass a Fitness test - Details below
View all entry requirements below
Requirements at a glance
You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register, (Mental Health Nurse level 1).
Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
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 for 12 years minimum
Meet the health and fitness criteria
Pass a General Fitness Test
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be aged between 21 and 47 years old (Must attest before 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 NMC registered on Part 1 of the register, (Mental Health Nurse level 1 or Adult/Mental Health).
May apply for selection, during final year of RN (MH) training (i.e. up to 12 months before completing RN (MH) qualification). All candidates must be NMC registered before contract offer.
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 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).
RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 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 Security Check (SC).
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 Security Check (SC) 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:
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.
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:
612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife
4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire
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
Basic Recruit Training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Your career will start with 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’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
Princess Mary’s RAF Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) provides the opportunity to formalise your Specialist qualification.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Phase two training
Your Mentor and the Nurse Education Advisor (NEA) will provide advice and guidance.
03
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
Your initial tour will be to a Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) in the UK.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
First tour
You will be mentored whilst consolidating your military training. This tour usually lasts for 3 years. You will predominantly work in a DCMH on a military base, independently running out-patient clinics at your unit and the surrounding military bases.
Once trained, you will be expected to support the provision of a 24-hour MH aeromedical evacuation service for UK Armed Forces personnel and entitled civilians with MH conditions requiring movement by air.
04
Additional qualifications
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As a qualified RN(MH) you will be expected to maintain your currency in clinical practice and to be active in your professional development as a nurse.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Additional qualifications
In consultation with the NEA you will have the opportunity to undertake further education and training throughout your career.
05
Development opportunities
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
In preparation for your operational role you will complete a period of preceptored practice.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Development opportunities
This is when you will complete your Deployed Operational Nursing Competences, Trade Management Training and Junior Management and Leadership Course. RAF personnel are also eligible to apply for the Eagles Scheme Adventure Training.
06
Career prospects
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
You will start on a Preliminary Engagement of 6 years
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Career prospects
There may be the potential to move to 12 years’ Service after 3 years.
Pay, pension and service beyond the initial engagement (up to a maximum of age 60 years) are linked to your performance and rank progression. On successful completion of the BRTC you will progress to your first Unit appointed to the rank of Acting Corporal.
On completion of the Junior Management and Leadership Course and Trade Management Training you will be eligible for promotion to Corporal. Further promotion to the rank of Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection.
Opportunities to apply for a Commission as a Nursing Officer are possible providing you have completed a minimum of 24 months clinical practice.
07
Transferable skills
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
The qualifications you can earn are as valuable in civilian industry as they are in the RAF.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferable skills
In addition to the leadership and management training that threads throughout your career, you may undertake professional nursing courses and study days. These courses are fully accredited, transferable and recognised by the NHS.
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
Basic Recruit Training
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC).
Read more
25 days (split)
RAF Halton
Phase one training
This will consist of 10 days training primarily at your chosen Reserves Support Wing. The breakdown of this can be discussed with your recruiter.
This is followed by a 15-day residential course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. All Phase One training should be completed within your first year in RAF Reserves.
02
Phase two training
Specialist Training
Ongoing
As assigned
After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Phase two training
You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.
03
Your commitment to us
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Your commitment to us
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 could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
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 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
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.
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
Selection Interviews
2
Health Assessment
3
Fitness Test
4
Specialist Interview
5
Acceptance
6
Training
1
Selection Interviews
Stage 1 of 6
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
Family life
Education
Work experience
Special interests and hobbies
Interest in the RAF
Training
The role you’ve applied for
The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
2
Health Assessment
Stage 2 of 6
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 6
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
Specialist Interview
Stage 4 of 6
Candidates for this role will undertake a Specialist Interview. This will be an online interview on MS Teams with a member of the Specialist Recruitment Team and Nurse Education Team. The interview will last for 1 hour.
5
Acceptance
Stage 5 of 6
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.
6
Training
Stage 6 of 6
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.
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 information event
2
Aptitude test
3
Selection interview
4
Health assessment
5
Fitness test
6
Acceptance
7
Training
1
Squadron information 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
Aptitude test
Stage 2 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 seven 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
Memory - Ability to remember information accurately
Click here to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.
3
Selection interview
Stage 3 of 7
Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:
Family life
Education
Work experience
Special interests and hobbies
Interest in the RAF
Training
The role you’ve applied for
The RAF
You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.
4
Health assessment
Stage 4 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.
5
Fitness test
Stage 5 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 (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and is a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.
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 .
6
Acceptance
Stage 6 of 7
If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your Squadron.
The purpose of this interview is to ensure 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
Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.
What’s next?
After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.
APPLY NOW
Got what it takes? Start your application here.
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