To join the RAF Reserves, you must:

• be aged between 18 and up to age 50 (or up to age 56 if you have previous military experience);
• be a citizen of the UK or the Commonwealth;
• have lived in the UK for the last five years;
• be medically fit; and
• be able to commit to at least 27 days per year, including 15 days’ continuous training annually.

What qualities do I need?

Three things are vital – enthusiasm, motivation and the ability to be a real team player. Previous military experience is not necessary.

What security checks will I need to pass?

You’ll need to meet the same initial eligibility criteria as applicants for the regular RAF (apart from age). You can find out more about eligibility checks on the regular RAF Careers site.

Want to find out more?

If you’d like to find out more about what the RAF Reserves can offer and where we’re located, take a look at the map on our squadrons page and click on any that interest you.

If you’d like to find out more about the recruiting and selection process and the ways in which you can apply, then click on The application process.

Two lives in one. RAF Reserves Recruitment brochure [PDF, 1200Kb]
(PDF file 1200Kb, opens in a new window)