Weapon Systems Operator – Royal Air Force (Regular)
RAF · On-Site
As a Weapon Systems Operator you will manage the sensors and weapons of a particular aircraft during operational missions, whilst at the same time gathering intelligence and supporting forces on the ground.
Initial annual pay: £27,200+ plus benefits
Annual pay after Sergeant training, which takes around six months: £44,600+
Annual pay after specialist training (this could take around two years): £54,900+
What will you do?
Flying will be your life, whether you work in an air transport role or on-board reconnaissance aircraft. Following basic recruit training you’ll then focus in on a specialisation, where you could be:
- Loading and restraining cargo
- Managing troops
- Operating cutting edge surveillance technology
- Manning the defensive weapon systems
- Manipulating complex sensor suites and communications equipment
- Assisting in the operation of complex air mobility and support helicopter transport aircraft
Specialisms
The Weapon Systems Operator (WSOp) role is split into 4 main specialisms. After basic training, you will be streamed into one of these and your specialist training will be tailored to that role.
WSOp Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
As a WSOp (ISR) you will be responsible for equipment to produce tactical and strategic intelligence to support the war fighter and military commanders. This can involve tasks such as detecting submarines or hidden enemy artillery positions. The ISR specialist roles of Sensor Operator (SO), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Acoustic (ACO) are employed across the full range of RAF ISTAR platforms. Aircrew Linguists/Air Signallers (SIG) interpret and analyse foreign language radio transmissions, directly providing real-time intelligence support to the battlespace.
WSOp Air Mobility: Air Loadmaster (ALM)
As a WSOp ALM, you will be responsible for assisting in the safe operation of a large transport aircraft to ensure the effective delivery of freight and personnel. This can be achieved by air-land or air-drop operations requiring you to lead in preparing the safe loading, transport, dispatch and delivery of your payload to achieve mission success.
WSOp Air Mobility: Mission Systems Operator (MSO)
As a WSOp MSO you will coordinate and control air-to-air refuelling activity on Voyager, managing the safe and timely provision of fuel to fast jets and other airborne assets on operations, whilst monitoring and supporting the air picture using sophisticated communication systems.
WSOp Rotary Wing (RW) Crewman (CMN)
As a WSOp (RW) CMN on the helicopter force you will be integral to a small crew that operates in demanding environments, providing direct support to battlefield operations whilst having the versatility to support medical evacuation, humanitarian and peace support operations.
What happens after applying
Joining the RAF takes several steps. 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. Suitability Assessment
4. Health Assessment
5. Fitness test
6. OASC
7. Acceptance
8. Training
Perks & benefits
Skills required
Leadership
Teamwork
Communication
Motivation
Problem solving
Verbal and numerical reasoning
Spatial reasoning
Ability to complete several tasks simultaneously
Qualifications required
Age
You must be between 17.5 and 32 years old (must attest before 33rd birthday).
Education
A minimum of 2 GCSEs (or acceptable equivalents inc Functional Skills L2) at Grade C/4 or above, in English Language and Mathematics, or 2 Scottish National 5 (Grades A–C) in English Language and Mathematics. The Scottish National 5 Application of Mathematics (AoM) (Grade A–C) is also accepted.
Nationality & residency
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, or holder of dual UK/other nationality. 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 Test (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.
Training you'll get
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 – WSOp Generic Foundation Training (RAF Cranwell)
All WSOps except Rotary complete a 10-week generic foundation package, including six weeks of Military Aviation Ground School (MAGS) and sea and land survival. Rotary WSOps go straight to RAF Shawbury.
Specialist training
- WSOp (ISR): 14-week foundation phase at RAF Cranwell, then streamed to Electronic Warfare, Acoustics or Sensor Operator, each with a 14-week course followed by an Operational Conversion Course of up to 6 months (RAF Waddington or RAF Lossiemouth).
- WSOp (RW) Crewman: 56 weeks at RAF Shawbury on the Juno and Jupiter helicopters, then an Operational Conversion Course on Chinook at RAF Benson.
- WSOp Air Mobility: 31 weeks at RAF Cranwell, then streamed to Voyager (MSO) or the C17/A400M fleets (Air Loadmaster) with an Operational Conversion Course of up to 6 months.
First tour
For your first two tours you will generally be posted to one aircraft type in the UK.
Future prospects
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. On achievement of Combat Ready on your front line aircraft you will automatically be transferred to a 20 years engagement. Following the completion of your 6 years initial return of Service, you are free to leave on giving 12 months notice.
You will hold the rank of acting Sergeant during your professional training. Once you start your front-line job and are assessed as capable of operating independently, you will be promoted to substantive Sergeant. Further promotion to Flight Sergeant and Master Aircrew is by selection, with commissioning opportunities to Weapon Systems Officer (WSO).
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 at the UK Armed Forces Military Aviation Academy without the need for a student loan. You can also receive civilian accreditation as mid-level management equivalency in industry.
The essentials
Hours, commitment and the dates that matter.
Training provider
Delivers the training for this role and manages your application.
