The complete guide to unlocking and passing the RAF recruitment process.
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The complete guide to unlocking and passing the RAF recruitment process.
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If you’re looking to learn and prepare successfully to join the Royal Air Force (RAF), you’ve come to the right place! Here at How2Become, we will supply you with comprehensive online training resources and videos that cover every element of the RAF selection process.
From how to pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment, through to sample RAF interview questions and answers, this online resource has it all!
The selection process for joining the RAF will normally consist of the following elements:
Registration & Application
RAF Defence Aptitude Assessment
AFCO Interview
Medical & Fitness Tests
Pre-Recruit Training Centre
The first stage of the RAF recruitment process is to register your interest and submit your application. However, before you get to this stage it is important to speak to an Armed Forces RAF 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 RAF Careers Office by visiting the Royal Air Force website www.raf.mod.uk. Here, you will find plenty of information about life in the RAF and the careers that are available.
Once you have decided that a career in the RAF is for you then it is time to submit your application. Remember, there is no obligation to join until you sign your contract.
During the initial stages of the RAF selection process you will be required to sit what is called the Defence Aptitude Assessment or DAA 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 RAF career-based opportunities available and each one requires a different level of skill. The DAA consists of six timed multiple-choice aptitude tests which are as follows:
After you have passed the DAA you will progress to Stage 3 to sit your interview at the Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO).
The questions that will be asked during the interview will predominantly focus on the following key areas:
The next stage in the selection process is a medical and fitness test.
The medical assessment will look at your overall health, but will pay particular attention to your hearing, eyesight and BMI. You will also be asked about any previous illnesses and you will be screened for any underlying health issues which may prevent you from carrying out your role.
The RAF fitness test consists of the three following elements:
The final stage of the selection process is to pass the Pre-Recruit Training. The idea of this is to familiarise recruits with what basic training will consist of.
This will take place over three days at RAF Halton and will consist of the following:
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To be eligible to join the Royal Air Force you will need to pass a set-criteria for applicants. You must be between the ages 15 years and 9 months to apply as an Airman. The oldest you can apply is at 55 years old, but this would only be for certain specialist roles such as a Medical Officer. Other requirements include education, fitness/health and nationality.
If you pass the eligibility requirements you can apply via the RAF website or by visiting your local armed forces careers office. You will then need to pass an entrance test called the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA). If you are successful with the tests, you will be then invited for an interview so the RAF recruitment officers can learn more about you and will discuss your career choices with you. After this you will need to pass a fitness and medical examination. The last stage in the selection process is the Pre-Recruit Training course where you will become familiar with life in the RAF and take further fitness tests psychometric tests relevant for the chosen role.
The qualifications required will depend on the role you are applying for. As a standard Airman role, you will need GCSEs for some roles and other roles you may not need any formal qualifications. If you are applying for a Pilot role this will demand that you have a number of both GCSEs and A-Levels or equivalent.
There is no set time for how long the application process will take from initial application to starting your training, but this could range from 3 to 9 months.
If you fail the fitness test, you will get an opportunity to take this again. The recruitment team will be in touch with further advice on how you can improve your fitness so you pass the next time you take the test.
HOW TO PASS THE RAF SELECTION PROCESS
HOW TO PASS THE RAF DAA TEST INCLUDING SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS
HOW TO PASS THE RAF INTERVIEW INCLUDING SAMPLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
We guarantee that our How To Join the Royal Air Force online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 260+ pages of RAF recruitment information, tests, and videos which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the DAA, the interviews and the fitness test.
We guarantee that our How To Join The Royal Air Force online resources will teach you how to navigate the different elements of the selection process. The package contains 260+ pages of RAF recruitment information, tests, and videos which will guide you through each of the different elements of selection, including the application form, the DAA, the interview, and the fitness test.
Q.Can you tell me whereabouts in the world the RAF are operating?
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 months 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.
S ample Response
Take a look at the following answer to this question which is only relevant to the RAF’s operations at the 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 be deployed 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 islands 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 islands 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 and at present they have personnel based in South Korea, across the continent of 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 in and out of the airport.’
During your preparation for joining the RAF we recommend you learn the RAF values and also the ethos statement. When the RAF recruitment officer at the Armed Forces Careers Office asks you, “What have you learnt about the RAF?”, you will be able to tell them 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:
The most effective way to memorise the values is to simply remember the word ‘RISE’:
In addition to this 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.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this guide was made to help you achieve one goal: to join the Royal Air Force.
Scoring Criteria
Essential information about how you will be assessed during every stage of the selection process.
APPLICATION FORM SAMPLE ANSWERS
Lots of up-to-date sample application form questions, responses and tips on how to pass this initial stage.
