DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE ROYAL AIR FORCE?
WANT A CAREER IN THE RAF?
We will supply you with a comprehensive 208 page book and interview DVD that covers every element of the RAF selection process. From how to pass the Airman Test through to sample RAF interview questions and answers, this guide and DVD have it all!
In the following video Richard McMunn explains how this book will help you to prepare for and more importantly join the RAF.
Before we tell you more about how we are going to help you pass the RAF selection process, let’s first of all take a look at some important elements of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM & INITIAL INTERVIEW AT THE ARMED FORCES CAREERS OFFICE
The first stage of the RAF selection process is to submit your application. However, before you get to this stage it is important to speak to an Armed Forces Careers advisor about the options that are available to you and also about life within the RAF. You can find details of your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office by visiting the Royal Air Force website www.raf.mod.uk. On the website you will also find plenty of information about life in the RAF and the careers that are available. You should also discuss your choice of career with your family and with your partner to ensure that they give you their full support.
Once you have decided that a career in the RAF is for you then it is time to make your application. Remember, you are at no obligation to join until you sign your contract.
There are two ways in which you can apply.
1. The first and most efficient method is to apply online at the website www.raf.mod.uk.
2. The second option is to complete the application form at your Armed Forces Careers Office.
You will need to first of all register your details with the RAF before commencing your online application which usually takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. There are a number of different sections that you must complete including personal details, any experiences you have of the Armed Forces, details relating to your qualifications and finally information about your choice of career within the RAF.
The application form is relatively simple to complete, however, there are a number of questions where you will need to provide evidence of your suitability for joining. For example, there will be questions that relate to your physical fitness and your involvement in sports and other similar activities. There will also be the opportunity to tell the RAF about any positions of responsibility you currently hold either at school, at home or at work. Whilst most of these questions are optional we would advise that you provide some brief details about any responsibilities you have held, or that you currently hold, as this will assist you in your application.
RAF VALUES AND THE ETHOS STATEMENT
During your preparation for joining the Royal Air Force we recommend you learn the RAF values and also the ethos statement. When the recruitment officer at the Armed Forces Careers Office asks you “What have you learnt about the RAF?”, you will be able to tell him or her that you have taken the time to learn these important values and also what they mean. To help you get started, the values of the RAF include:
- Having self-respect and being respectful of others
- Having integrity which means being responsible, honest and courageous;
- Having physical courage, loyalty, commitment and being able to work as part of a team during your service
- Having personal excellence, being proud and self-disciplined.
The most effective way to memorise the values is to simply remember the word ‘RISE’:
R = Respect
I = Integrity
S = Service
E = Excellence
In addition to a set of values the RAF also has what is called an ‘ethos’ statement. This is basically a statement of how it intends to go about its business.
THE RAF AIRMAN TEST
During the initial stages of the RAF selection process you will be required to sit what is called the Airman/Airwoman Selection Test or AST as it is otherwise called. It consists of a number of different aptitude tests, which are designed to assess which careers in the RAF you are most suited to. There are many different career opportunities available and each one requires a different level of skill. The AST consists of seven timed multiple choice aptitude tests as follows:
- A verbal reasoning test (15 minutes to answer 20 questions);
- A numerical reasoning test (4 minutes to answer 12 questions that are based on fractions, decimals and formulae and during the second test 11 minutes to answer 15 questions that relate to different graphs and tables);
- A work rate test (4 minutes to answer 20 questions);
- A spatial reasoning test (4 minutes to answer 10 questions);
- A mechanical comprehension test (10 minutes in which to answer 20 questions);
- An electrical comprehension test (11 minutes to complete 21 questions)
- A memory test (10 minutes in which to answer 20 questions).
THE RAF INTERVIEW
At some stage during the selection process for joining the RAF you will be required to sit at least one interview. The questions that will be presented during the interview will predominantly focus on the following key areas:
- The reasons why you want to join the RAF.
- Your motivations for joining and the level of preparation you have carried out.
- What you already know about the RAF, how it operates, its equipment, Squadrons, where it is serving right now and also its history.
- Why you want to join the RAF and why you have chosen your particular trade.
How you respond to the RAF interview questions is very important. Here’s a sample RAF interview question:
SAMPLE RAF INTERVIEW QUESTION
Can you tell me whereabouamily: arial, helvetica, sating right now? If you put plenty of work into your preparation then you will undoubtedly get to find out the whereabouts of the RAF around the world. Of course, this will change as the weeks and month’s progress but one of the most effective ways to find out where the RAF are operating right now is to visit the Ministry of Defence website at www.mod.uk. From here you will be able to access instant and up to date information relevant to the RAF’s current operations. Remember to regularly check the website for updates.
Take a look at the following answer to this question which is only relevant to the RAF’s operations at the time of writing.
Sample Response
Can you tell me whereabouts in the world the RAF are operating right now?
[Response correct at time of writing]
‘At the current time the RAF are deployed at many different locations around the world. Starting at home, the RAF is defending the United Kingdom with both the Tornado F3 and Typhoon F2. These are based at RAF Coningsby which is in Lincolnshire, and also at RAF Leuchars which is located in Fife. The aircraft are strategically placed at these locations so that they can take off at a moment’s notice.
The RAF is also responsible for managing the Wideawake airfield which is located in the Ascension Islands. This airfield acts as a link for the Armed Forces to the Falklands Islands and also to St Helena. There is a small detachment from the 1 Air Mobility Wing Unit from RAF Lyneham based at the airfield and their job is to ensure the smooth running of each flight.
The RAF is also extremely active in the South Atlantic, especially in the Falklands Islands. The RAF operates a number of patrols around this area which act as a deterrent to any potential threats. In addition to these patrols the RAF operates a Search and Rescue facility to the Island and is also involved in fishing patrols and air transport patrols by way of a Hercules aircraft. There is also a Tornado F3 squadron based on the island at Mount Pleasant airfield. This acts as security for the island and the personnel who live there.
The RAF is also based in Cyprus at Aktrotiri. From here the RAF supports operations in Afghanistan. The base itself is used as a forward mounting base for ops in the Middle East. Its secondary role is for Fast Jet Weapons Training. The RAF plays a huge part in United Nations operations at present they have personnel based in South Korea, Africa and also as part of the peace keeping operations in Lebanon. An example of the RAF’s more permanent commitments is the managing of the Gibraltar airport. From here the RAF will look after military and civilian movements into and out of the airport.’
When responding to the interview questions it is essential that you demonstrate you have carried out lots of research/
