Job Description
What will you do? You’ll be the RAF’s voice in the media, working on news stories and national public relations campaigns. In your role you will: Work at an operational to strategic level within a joint or multi-national media centreManage media campaigns in the UK and overseasBe a Media Planner/ Project Officer, Mobile News Team Leader and Senior Video Journalist Minimum Education Requirements As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language, Mathematics and at least three other subjects.In addition, you need at least 2 A2 Levels/3 Highers at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies) which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points. Alternatively, if you hold a UK degree at Grade 2:2 or higher (or acceptable alternative) you only need Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4-5 or Scottish National 5 grade C.Additionally, all applicants must be currently employed, self employed or studying (academic vocational) as a Journalist or PR Practitioner and be able to provide a portfolio of published material, demonstrating an ability to demonstrate compelling PR copy or journalism and impeccable written English. Requirements Be aged 18 – 54 years old (Must attest before 54th birthday) Be a citizen of the UK or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/ other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birthHold a full UK driving licenceCommit to 27 days per yearPass a fitness test Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside 614 Sqn, Cardiff 7644 Sqn, RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire TRAINING AND CAREER 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 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves. Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle. 02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. 03 Commitment Your commitment Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Commitment This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us. 04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level. 05 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too. prevnext WHY JOIN THE RESERVES? The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life. You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs. Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATION You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information day 2 Remote Officer Filter Interview 3 Health assessment 4 Fitness test 5 OASC 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 7 The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in. 2 Remote Officer Filter Interview Stage 2 of 7 This interview is online and is recorded. It covers the following topics: Family LifeEducationWork experienceSpecial Interests or hobbiesInterest in the RAFMilitary Awareness and Service Knowledge You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process. 3 Health assessment Stage 3 of 7 You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index. We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. 4 Fitness test Stage 4 of 7 A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test. The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation . 5 OASC Stage 5 of 7 This will be your first visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving. The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for. 6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7 If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron. 7 Training Stage 7 of 7 Phase 1 training will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15 day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This is followed by Reserve Officer Initial Training (ROIT) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2 week residential phase. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Applicants must be between 18 and 54 years old. Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Have these minimum grades: GCSE pre–2017GCSE 2017 OnwardsScottish National 5 MathematicsCGrade 4C English LanguageCGrade 4C In addition, two A2 Levels / three Highers at grade C or above (excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies), which must total a minimum of 64 UCAS points.You must also be currently employed, self-employed or studying (academic vocational) as a journalist or PR practitioner, and be able to provide a portfolio of published material demonstrating an ability to produce compelling PR copy or journalist, and be able to demonstrate impeccable written English.. NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth.Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK prior to application. FITNESS REQUIREMENTS You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.