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Helping people Sport & fitness Travelling the world
INITIAL ANNUAL PAY
£27,200+
+ Benefits
As an RAF Firefighter you will provide 24/7 fire and crash rescue protection. You will be organised and trained to respond to any emergency with highly specialised equipment like powerful cutting tools.
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What will you do?
Salary and Apply
What will you do?
Requirements & eligibility
Apprenticeship information
Career, training & education
Benefits
Application process
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What will you do?
RAF Firefighters provide a deployable Aerodrome & Rescue Firefighting capability to Defence in the UK and overseas. You could:
Play a role in Air Operations when deployed in the UK or Overseas
Work as part of a close-knit team, deployable on short-notice to any location world-wide
Resolve incidents involving aircraft, buildings, hazardous substances and incidents caused by hostile activities
Requirements at a glance
Be aged 17 – 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday)
Have GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics or equivalent qualifications including Functional Skills
You will need to meet specific Nationality and Residency criteria. Please see full details in the Entry Requirements section below
Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
Meet the health and fitness criteria
Pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment
Pass a Fitness test - Details below
Attend a Specialist Interview at Moreton-in-Marsh
View all entry requirements below
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be aged between 17 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 have GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics or equivalent qualifications including Functional Skills.
Candidates do not need a driver's licence to apply for this role. However if you already hold a full UK manual licence, and are under the age of 20 years and 6 months at the time of applying, the licence must be free from record of conviction or penalty points, including any driving ban (even it has expired) as these preclude the holding of an LGV category licence. Candidates over this age with unexpired penalty points may be considered for the role.
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.
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
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 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.
Apprenticeships available
The RAF is one of the largest providers of diverse apprenticeships in the UK. We offer these apprenticeships for this role:
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Operational Firefighter
This occupation is found in 45 Fire Services across England as well as other organisations who have their own fire services such as the RAF, Airports, Ministry of Defence and those dealing with explosives and chemicals. Therefore, although the role is predominantly found in the public sector, there is a need for operational firefighters in the private sector. The size of the employer will vary but will tend to be medium to large in size.
View full details
Meet Brad
Hear about Firefighter and former apprentice, Brad’s time learning on the job and developing in his role.
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
You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the 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 two training
Specialist training
14 weeks
DFTU Moreton-in-Marsh
The 14 weeks specialist Firefighter training course takes place at the Defence Fire Training Unit Moreton-in-Marsh.
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14 weeks
DFTU Moreton-in-Marsh
Phase two training
The specialist course will teach you:
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Fire Service Drill
Breathing Apparatus Operations
Structural Firefighting Operations
Road Traffic Incident Techniques
Aircraft Construction
Aviation Firefighting Operations
You will deal with ‘live’ practice fires and gain experience of specialist crash rescue fire-fighting vehicles.
As part of specialist training you will be enrolled on to a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. This is a 12-24 month programme you will complete as part of your daily duties.
On graduation, you will be promoted to the rank of Air Specialist (class 2)
03
First tour
Specialist training
4 months
As assigned
For your first tour you will be posted to one of eight UK RAF bases where you will work as part of a tight-knit team.
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4 months
As assigned
First tour
You'll be on call to handle any emergencies. You will focus on understanding the operation of a live airfield and routine tasks to support the running of the fire station.
During this time expect to deploy to one of the ongoing deployment locations for a period of 4 months.
04
Additional qualifications
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
You'll have the opportunity to pursue other qualifications as part of your training and throughout your career.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Additional qualifications
These are the qualifications you could achieve:
Level 3 Award in Incident Command
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
Level 3 Award in Education and Training
Technician Membership Institute of Fire Engineers
Post Graduate Certificate (PGCert) in Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response
Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response
Masters degree (MSc) in Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response
05
Your career prospects
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
After a year, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1) if you pass a series of Trade Ability Tests.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Your career prospects
Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection. Opportunities also exist for suitable individuals to apply to Commission into the Air Operations (Systems) Branch and be employed as a specialist Commissioned Fire Officer.
06
Continued development
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to develop you in new skills.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Continued development
Early on you could achieve your category C large goods vehicle driving licence and learn the specialist skills needed to drive fire fighting vehicles by completing an Emergency Response Driver (Airfield) course.
07
Transferrable skills
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies.
Read more
Ongoing
As assigned
Transferrable skills
Because you will have all the development opportunities and career prospects of your civilian counterparts, along with civilian accredited qualifications, if you decide to leave the RAF you’ll be well placed to find a job as a civilian firefighter.
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
Selection Interviews
3
Health Assessment
4
Fitness Test
5
Specialist Interview
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
Click here to try the online practice test.
2
Selection Interviews
Stage 2 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.
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, 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
Specialist Interview
Stage 5 of 7
If you are successful with all previous requirements, you will then be further assessed through selection tests at the Defence Fire Training Unit in Gloucestershire. These are:
Chester Treadmill Test. This is a 12-minute graded, treadmill walk.
Weighted Pull Down Strength and Endurance Test to gauge upper body strength
Confined Space Test
Working at Height Test
Casualty Evacuation Test
Equipment Assembly Test
Ladder Lift Test
Equipment Carry Test
Appliance Functional Test
Five minute Presentation
See here for more information about the Specialist Interview at Moreton-in-Marsh
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.
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