Weapon Systems Operator

at  Royal Air Force

& 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.
01
Phase one training
Basic Recruit training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Your career will start with the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
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02
Phase one training
Direct entry Sergeants training
8 weeks
RAF Halton
Following Basic Recruit Training, prospective Weapon Systems Operators will complete the Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DE SNCO) Course.
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03
Phase two training
WSOp Generic Foundation Training
10 weeks
RAF Cranwell
All WSOps except for Rotary will attend RAF Cranwell to complete a 10 week generic foundation package.
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04
Phase two training
WSOp (ISR) foundation training
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
If streamed (ISR) you will undergo a 14-week foundation phase at RAF Cranwell. This includes six weeks of flying.
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05
Phase two training
WSOp (ISR) EW specialist training
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
You will complete a 14 week Electronic Warfare course that will include Synthetic Training and a Flying Training phase at RAF Cranwell.
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06
Phase two training
WSOp (ISR) ACO specialist training
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
You will complete a 14 week Acoustic Analysis course that will include Synthetic Training.
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07
Phase two training
WSOp (ISR) LND specialist training
14 weeks
RAF Cranwell
You will complete a 14 week Land course that will include an Advanced Sensor phase and a seven-week Flying Training phase at RAF Cranwell. Seven weeks is spent with an outsourced contractor.
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08
Phase two training
WSOp (RW) CMN specialist training
56 weeks
RAF Shawbury
You will complete 56 weeks of training at RAF Shawbury. This will cover all aspects of the Rotary Wing Crewman role.
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09
Phase two training
WSOp (ME) specialist training
31 weeks
RAF Cranwell
You will complete a 31 week training package at RAF Cranwell.
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10
First tour
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
For your first two tours you will generally be posted to one aircraft type in the UK.
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11
Your career prospects
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
You will join the RAF as an airman under an initial 12 year engagement.
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12
Training and Education
Development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train you in new skills.
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13
In-service degree
Specialist training
Ongoing
As assigned
An in-Service degree for RAF Weapon Systems Operators on completion of their flying training is currently being implemented.
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14
Transferable skills
Development
Ongoing
As assigned
As your career progresses, we will continue to train, mentor and grow your skills in leadership, instructional and specialist areas.
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REQUIREMENTS

You must be between 17.5 and 28 years old. (Must attest before 29th birthday)
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

GCSE pre 2017

GCSE 2017 and after

Scottish National 5
Mathematics

C

Grade 4

C
English Language

C

Grade 4

C
Three other subjects

C

Grade 4

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

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

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

ROLES

Aircrew
Weapon Systems Operator (Linguist)
Aircraft Being creative Analysis & maths
Aircrew
Weapon Systems Officer
Aircraft Gaming & computers Analysis & maths
Find Your Role

Flying will be your life, whether you work in an air transport role or on-board reconnaissance aircraft. Following basic recruit training you’ll then focus in on a specialisation, where you could be:

• Loading and restraining cargo
• Managing troops
• Operating cutting edge surveillance technology
• Manning the defensive weapon systems
• Manipulating complex sensor suites and communications equipment
• Assisting in the operation of complex air mobility and support helicopter transport aircraf

The first step in the application process is a series of Computer Based Aptitude Tests (CBAT). These tests ensure we match the right candidate to the right role. They take place over one day at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and measure your ability to perform specific tasks such as:

• How well you respond physically to visual information
• Your ability to interpret information in two dimensions and devise a three-dimensional solution
• Your ability to complete several tasks simultaneously
• Your natural abilities, including deductive reasoning, spatial reasoning, work rate and concentration, and verbal and numerical reasonin