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Naturally, being in the RAF can be a really rewarding career, but not everyone can do it.
Part of the problem of getting a place in the RAF is its size – it is the smallest of the Tri-services in terms of operational commitments and therefore places are highly competitve. There are fewer places in the Royal Navy but the turn-over of its members can be higher and therefore more places. In the RAF you are less likely to find yourself travelling abroad as you might in the Navy or Army. Make sure you do your research before applying because if you have an interest in electronics or engineering, you can find equally rewarding jobs in the Army and you’ll be trained just as well.
Have patience on this one because you might need to wait for a few months before an appropriate vacancy arises – and then you need to score high in the entrance test – good English and Maths – because you will be competing with all the other people who walk in the RAF Careers office.
People often ask for the best way to become a soldier or what skills you need to get through the basic training course and then what happens after you finish the course.
If you’re reading this you must be curious so you’re on the right track! It’s not all work and having some Sergeant shout in your ear. There’s plenty of free time for a very special social life, one you won’t get in the civilian world.
So what do you really need to become a soldier?
- A broad sense of humour and grow a thick skin
- To be able to work with difficult people or on operations abroad, frightened and vulnerable civilians
- To juggle many different roles without making a mistake
- To be able to get fit. You don’t need to be an Olympic Athlete but you do need to be healthy and run when you need to, and get stamina levels higher. There’s a lot of banter between the service and probably the RAF gets the most stick – mainly because historically it is the youngest of the three main services. While the Navy and Army have many battles to recount, the RAF didn’t create its mystical reputation until the Second World War, despite the fact that it was involved in the First World War and in intelligence work in the 1920’s and 30’s.
- To reach the end of a 24 guard shift and still be able to smile at the end of it as sometimes you’ll have to work again (at least in basic training!)
Do you have what it takes to become a soldier?
You just need a general level of education. You don’t need A-levels or equivalent to start basic training (except for a few specialised jobs)
You get everything provided including you accomodation, food, uniform, dental and health care andbravel bursaries. Many people join the RAF as a career change after working several years, especially people with engineering or mechanical skills to offer. It’s not just 18 year olds who join up.
While the general job market is tight and there are operational duties abroad like Afghanistan and Germany, there are always opportunities available.
Wondering what to do now? Check out our expert career advice , or find out more about working in the Armed Forces.