Cambridge
RESERVES
RAF Reservists are part-time service personnel working alongside full-time personnel. You will balance your career and personal life with the thrill and adventure of the RAF, whilst protecting the nation’s security, policing the skies, and providing vital aid to those who need it most.
Here, you will find all the information you need before applying.
Here, you will find all the information you need before applying.
MAKE YOUR SPARE TIME COUNT
- 29 Squadrons and units
- 40+ challenging and exciting roles
- Competitive rates of pay
- Non-contributory pension
- Annual tax-free bounty
- Transferable skills and qualifications
- Leadership and professional development
- 3 overseas bases
Your role
You’ll be given the opportunity to work in rewarding and demanding roles alongside full-time Regular colleagues.
Whether providing relief and aid to countries that need it most or thwarting terrorist actions, being a force for good is what our work is really about.
- We help to police the skies, and outer space, supporting peace-keeping and reconstruction initiatives
- We defend UK airspace through reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, surveillance and cutting-edge technology
- We’re the first on the scene, working in disaster zones to deliver urgent humanitarian support
Our people
You’ll be training and working alongside Regulars, to the same high standards, and performing a crucial role within the organisation. Working around your day job, using your weekends, you’ll gain transferable skills and live a rewarding lifestyle that offers the best of both worlds.
Our people have a reputation for excellence and professionalism. They are qualified, educated, innovative and intelligent. By the very nature of the air and space environment, we are pioneering in our approach, pragmatic in our delivery, courageous, fair and just. Agility, adaptability and capability, are consistent across the whole force.
Extraordinary team
You’ll be part of a diverse, talented, self-motivated team who want to make a difference.
Incredible results
You’ll receive world-class training and be stretched to fulfil your potential in one of our 40+ roles.
Exceptional support
When you have to step in, you’ll step up, delivering unrivalled support to meet any situation, serving alongside your fellow Regular colleagues.
If I join, what will I be doing?
You can choose from more than 40 roles, a large number of which we can train you for and which require no previous experience.
We also have a number of professional roles that you could join, making best use of your skills and experience in areas where we have gaps.
We have Reserves bases all over the UK so it’s advisable to choose a role at a base close to where you live.
Use the map and locator below to find details about our different Reserves bases and the roles available. Once you’ve located your closest Reserves base you’ll be able to see the different roles that we recruit for there.
Use the map and locator below to find details about our different Reserves bases and the roles available. Once you’ve located your closest Reserves base you’ll be able to see the different roles that we recruit for there.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FIND YOUR ROLE
Choose from 40 Reserves roles
OUR BASES
Each base specialises in a different area, from front-line operations to training establishments, find out which one is right for you.
LIFE AS A RESERVE
Find out more about what life is like as a Reserve in the RAF. Find out more.
“ I have made good friends in the RAF Reserves, learnt a new trade, proved to myself and others that I am capable of living in the field and increased in self-confidence ”
Air Specialist (Class 1) Amira Rashid
Solicitor / Logistics Mover
Why join the Reserves?
You’ll learn skills that won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they’ll be valuable in work and the wider world too.
There could be an opportunity for you to assist with our operations worldwide, for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your, and your employer’s costs.
COULD THIS BE YOU?
RESERVES FAQS
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED TO GIVE?
We ask you to give us a minimum of 27 days a year, which is broken down into weekends and a two-week period of continuous training.
However, we know that you have a life and other commitments so once you have completed your Basic Training dates can be negotiated and discussed with your squadron boss who will try and fit training around you.
WHERE WOULD I BE BASED?
Most people join a Reserves squadron or unit near to where they live. However, it may be that you want to pursue a role in the RAF Reserves that is not available at your local Reserves squadron and therefore you may need to travel to another squadron or unit. Some units recruit nationally and will pay for long distance travel within the UK.
WILL I GET PAID?
Yes. You get paid for every day or part day that you work as a Reservist and you get paid at a similar rate to your Regular colleagues. You will also receive a non-contributory pension and holiday pay. If we need you to go on a mission, both you and your employer may be able to get financial support so that you don’t lose pay and they can hire someone to fill in for you while you’re away.
IF I FIND THE RESERVES IS NOT FOR ME CAN I LEAVE?
Yes, of course you can. We understand that the RAF Reserves may not be for everyone but we would ask that you let your squadron boss know why you want to leave just in case he/she can make changes that may enable you to stay.
WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.
You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
Training
Free gym
Subsidised food
Paid pension
Paid holiday
Regardless of role, gender, background or qualifications, we offer:
- World-class accredited training and ongoing development
- A competitive benefits package
- Non-contributory pension and paid holiday Individual responsibility within a wider team of exceptional individuals
- A culture of camaraderie
- No loss of earnings whilst mobilised
- State-of-the-art kit
- Superb sporting opportunities and facilities
- Assistance with travel costs
Daily rates of pay for Reserve Aviators*
- £46.91 Air Recruit
- £58.99 Air Specialist
- £89.68 Corporal
- £100.68 Sergeant
- £112.93 Flight Sergeant
- £141.56 Warrant Officer
Daily rates of pay for Reserve Officers*
- £78.60 Pilot/Flying Officer
- £119.71 Flight Lieutenant
- £150.14 Squadron Leader
All Reserves qualify for an annual tax-free lump sum ‘bounty’ after completing minimum training requirements. This bounty ranges from £526 in the first year to £2084 after five years’ service.
*Quoted rates are the starting peacetime rates of pay for the given rank. Rates correct at the time of going to press.
