RAF Recruitment | Firefighter

FIREFIGHTER

Currently recruiting

Helping people Sport & fitness Travelling the world

PAY DURING FIRST SIX MONTHS

£18,600+

+ Benefits

PAY UNTIL COMPLETION OF PHASE TWO TRAINING*

£23,400+

+ Benefits

*Until at least you have completed one year of service and successfully completed Professional Workplace Assessments on first posting.

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?

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

Minimum Education Requirement

Have GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics.

Requirements

Be aged 17 – 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday)
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)
Hold a current full, clean UK driving licence
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 >

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.

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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.

Phase one training

Basic Recruit training

10 weeks

RAF Halton

You’ll complete the Basic Recruit Training Course at the RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Continued development

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

As your career progresses, we will continue to develop you in new skills.

Transferrable skills

Ongoing training

Ongoing

As assigned

Much of our in-house training is accredited and/or recognised by external awarding bodies.

WHY JOIN

THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

bar chart depicting difference in benefits value and salary vs civilian recruiter

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.

Aptitude test

Selection Interviews

Health Assessment

Fitness Test

Specialist Interview

Acceptance

Training

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 seven 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
Memory - Ability to remember information accurately

Click here to try the online practice test.

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.

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.

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 includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation here.

Specialist Interview

Stage 5 of 7

If you are successful with all previous requirements, you will then be sent on a 2-day Specialist Interview at the Defence Fire Training Unit in Gloucestershire.

During your visit you will be put through a series of mandatory assessments, some must be passed prior to progressing with the course.

The assessments include working from height, confined spaces, equipment carry, and elements designed to test your teamwork, dexterity and communication.

Some of the tests will be carried whilst wearing and using standard fire service equipment and can be physically demanding.

See here for more information about the Specialist Interview at Moreton-in-Marsh

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.

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.

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

Have these minimum grades:

	GCSE pre-2017	GCSE 2017 and after	Scottish National 5
Mathematics	C	Grade 4	C
English Language	C	Grade 4	C

find a list of the approved subjects here

Hold current full UK driving licence. For candidates under the age of 20 years and 6 months at time of applying, the licence must be free from record of conviction or penalty points, including any driving ban (even if it has expired) as these preclude the holding of a LGV category licence. Candidates over this age with unexpired penalty points may be considered for service in the trade of Firefighter.

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here .

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

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).

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Your first fitness test will take place as part of your Specialist Interview at RAF Moreton-in-Marsh.

Attend a Specialist Interview at Moreton-in-Marsh – Firefighter Specialist Interview Preparation

You can see what the course involves here.

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Halton as part of your three-day Pre-Recruit Familiarization Visit (PRFV). This consists of the following:

Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Multi-Stage Fitness Test	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(Score)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	11.39	9.03	20	35
17-29	11.11	9.10	20	35
30-34	11.36	9.04	19	32
35-39	12	8.09	18	29
40-44	12.26	8.03	17	26
45-47	12.54	7.07	16	23

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE	2.4 Km Run	Multi-Stage Fitness Test	Press-ups	Sit-ups
	(Mins)	(Score)	(No.)	(No.)
15-16	13.54	6.07	10	32
17-29	13.23	7.02	10	32
30-34	13.47	6.08	9	29
35-39	14.13	6.04	8	26
40-44	14.48	5.08	7	23
45-47	15.19	5.04	6	20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRFV Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRFV Fitness Test here:

RAF Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

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.

Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:

Age	Male and female minimum	Male and female maximum	Male maximum with additional assessment	Female maximum with additional assessment
18 +	18	30	32	32
16 to < 18	17	27	27	27

Calculate your BMI here

Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

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
Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

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). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy: A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm). The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

APPLY

NOW

Got what it takes? Start your application here.

Apply as a Regular