Weapon Systems Operator Aircrew Linguist – Royal Air Force (Regular)

Linguistic ability (modern foreign language)

Technical expertise

Independent decision-making

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Age

You must be aged between 17.5 and 32 years old (must attest before 33rd birthday).

Education

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.

Nationality & residency

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. You should have resided in the UK for the 10 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 7 years may be considered. You will be expected to achieve the security clearance of Developed Vetting (DV).

Selection & fitness

Pass the Computer-Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT) and the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC). Pass a fitness test (2.4km run) and undertake the RAF Swimming Test in training: swim 100 metres without rest, tread water for 2 minutes and get out of the deep end of the pool unassisted.

Commitment

Commit to minimum 12 years service.

Phase one – Basic Recruit Training (10 weeks, RAF Halton)

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.

Direct Entry Sergeants training (8 weeks, RAF Halton)

The Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DE SNCO) Course will develop your knowledge of leadership within the RAF and your understanding of your management responsibilities as an SNCO. You will gain a L4 Certificate in Management from the Chartered Management Institute or the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Phase two – Military Aviation Ground School (5 weeks, RAF Cranwell)

You will be taught generic aircrew subjects such as meteorology, aircraft systems and basic survival skills before progressing to your specialist language training.

Specialist training (18 months, Chicksands)

You’ll undergo intensive language training at Chicksands in Bedfordshire or Shrivenham in Wiltshire, followed by an Airborne Linguist Training Course. You will then be posted to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to complete a 4-month Technical Applied Language Course and a 6-month Operational Conversion Course on the aircraft to which you have been assigned.

First tour

You will be posted to a flying station in the UK, continuing your training to achieve Combat Ready status. This may involve frequent overseas detachments.

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. Upon achievement of Combat Ready status 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).

You will hold the rank of Acting Sergeant during your professional training and be promoted to Substantive Sergeant on achieving Combat Ready status. Further promotion to Flight Sergeant and beyond is by competitive selection. 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. Possible career paths include leading a mission on your aircraft and training future Aircrew Linguists.

There are opportunities to undertake management and leadership training and to study for A-levels, a degree, University Short Courses and University Fellowships up to PhD level. Our free BSc in Aviation Systems Management can be studied without the need for a student loan. The skills you gain could equip you for civilian jobs including translator or interpreter and management roles.