RAF Regiment Gunner – Full Time Career with Apprenticeship Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE)

The RAF Regiment is a highly specialised force with responsibility for providing Force Protection to enable and support air operations. Specialists in ground combat operations, the RAF Regiment contributes to the defence of RAF airfields in the UK and overseas, Forward Air Controlling, ceremonial duties, and support to Special Forces operations.

• As a RAF Regiment Gunner, you will become a specialist in dismounted close combat tactics, fieldcraft and how air operations are conducted
• You will learn to operate a wide variety of weapon systems including individual weapons through to machine guns and anti-tank systems as well as an impressive array of state-of-the-art surveillance systems designed to help you locate the enemy and stop them from interfering with air operations
• Additionally, there are opportunities to learn how to operate and employ a range of armoured vehicles required to enable rapid mobility to protect RAF assets
• Within your first few years, you will almost certainly be deployed on an overseas operations or exercises to locations including Canada, Cyprus, Middle East, and Africa

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

• On successful completion of the application and selection process, your apprenticeship will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire
• The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle
• Upon successful completion of BRTC you will move to RAF Honington, Suffolk
• Here you will complete your specialist Gunner training course (Phase 2) which will last for approximately 20 weeks
• You will be taught how to operate and use weapons in a professional manner and learn how to survive and fight in all environmental conditions
• The course includes navigation, dismounted close combat tactics, field craft and physical training. RAF Regiment training is a test of character, determination, and your will to succeed. By the end of the course, you will be at peak physical fitness and have learnt to operate effectively regardless of the environment
• To give you the confidence to overcome any situation you may encounter whilst on operations, the training is deliberately tough. Where eligible, you will be enrolled onto a Level 2 National Level Apprenticeship, HM Forces Service Person (Protective Services). Prior to starting your first squadron tour you will spend a further period undertaking specialist employment courses which include driver training and further advanced weapon training

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

• As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills. There will be opportunities to learn specialist combat medical skills, undertake management and leadership training, NVQs, GCSEs and A levels
• In addition, you will have the chance to gain qualifications in adventurous sports such as mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, sailing, and canoeing and for you to lead training as an Endurance Training Leader

There are a wide range of jobs available to an RAF Regiment Gunner including Forward Air Controller, Support to Special Forces and Instructional and ceremonial duties.

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Team working, Patience, Physical fitness

Things to consider

The role is varied and, after training, you could be stationed across the UK and beyond.
• Swim Test – The assessment is a 100m swim followed by 2 minutes treading water, in overalls, then exiting the pool unaided.
• Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) – This test is Age and Gender fair. The physical standards are to RAF Green Standard.

Qualifications

Other No requirement, Grade No requirement Desired

Employer Name

Royal Air Force

Training provider

ROYAL AIR FORCE

Apprenticeship standard

HM forces serviceperson (protective services) (level 2)

How to apply?

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.