Aircrew in action

As Non-Commissioned Aircrew (NCA) you’ll face plenty of challenges, from serving on operations to developing your leadership skills. Whichever specialisation you choose, you’ll be working onboard our aircraft around the world, potentially with some of the most advanced electronic equipment in the RAF.

NCA start with up to 9 weeks of training at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, followed by 10 weeks of leadership training at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. It won’t be easy, but you’ve already proven at OASC that you’ve got what it takes to succeed. This section will help you prepare for training by letting you know what to expect at each stage.

Stage One – RAF Halton Recruit Training

Recruit training lasts 63 days (nine weeks) and is designed to build your military skills and fitness progressively. You’ll be guided and taught by experienced RAF instructors who will challenge you both intellectually and physically.

Arrival

Recruits are separated into groups called flights – you’ll have the opportunity to meet your new colleagues and the instructors who will carry out the training.

Days 1 – 22 Transition

You’ll be given a three-week introduction to military life. Fitness will become part of your daily routine and there will be regular inspections of your dress and living quarters. You’ll undertake marching and drill lessons and learn about our code of conduct.

Days 23 – 48 Initial Force Protection Training

As well as firing a weapon for the first time, you’ll learn about camouflage and concealment skills, map reading, navigation and first aid. You’ll also undertake nuclear, biological and chemical training.

Days 49 – 51 Exercise Blue Warrior

You’ll be taken out into the field for three days where you’ll put your new skills to the test. Exercise Blue Warrior simulates real battle conditions using controlled explosions and small-arms fire (using blank ammunition).

Days 52 – 60 Air Power, History, and Culture

We’ll cover what might be expected of you on your first posting and how your role fits into the wider RAF team. In preparation for graduation, you’ll also start to incorporate weapons handling into your drill lessons.

Days 61 – 63 Graduation

After nine weeks of training you’ll be ready for your graduation parade. It’ll be one of the proudest moments in your career as well as a great day out for your family and friends. It’s also a chance to show off your new skills on the parade ground.

Stage Two – RAF Cranwell Non-Commissioned Aircrew Initial Training Course

The next stage of your training will prepare you for life as a leader; NCA begin their career in the rank of Sergeant, so it’s essential that you’re equipped with the leadership and management skills required.

Over 10 weeks you’ll master the leadership skills required by all RAF aircrew. The course focuses on leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, oral and written communication, and the qualities required to be a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO).

Weeks 1 - 2 Basic phase

You’ll spend your first week adjusting to your new surroundings. Fitness will continue to be part of your daily routine and there will be regular inspections of your dress and living quarters.

Weeks 3 - 5 Leadership training

Learning how to gain the trust of people you’ll lead takes practice, so you’ll take part in several team-building and leadership exercises – in the classroom at first and later in the field. In addition, you’ll start to learn about the essential elements of navigation.

Weeks 6 - 7 Learning phase

The focus moves back to the classroom, where we’ll test your maths ability as well as your oral and written communications skills. There will also be detailed lectures about air power and the qualities and responsibilities of an SNCO.

Weeks 8 - 9 Military simulation

Finally, you’ll spend several days in a military training area, completing a series of time-sensitive exercises in full military gear. Using your leadership skills, you’ll guide a team through a variety of challenges. We’ll create a high-pressure operational environment that’s as close to the real thing as possible.

Week 10 Final tests and graduation

Prior to graduation you’ll sit exams in Maths, Defence Writing and Essential Service Knowledge. Ace these and you’ll earn your place on 55 (R) Squadron, where flying training begins.