RAF regiment gunner

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move up the ranks to sergeant or higher.

You could apply to join the UK Special Forces as a Regular or a Reservist. Get information on how to join UK Special Forces Reserves.

You could go into a wide range of careers once you leave the RAF. Your career choices will depend on the skills, training and qualifications you've gained during your service.

You can find details about support and opportunities from:

• Quest
• Career Transition Partnership
• Forces Employment Charity
• Get Into Teaching

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others in a team
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence, determination and endurance
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills and quick reactions
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
• be over 16 years of age
• pass a medical check
• pass a fitness test
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physical Education - RAF regiment gunners must maintain exceptional physical fitness to operate in combat environments and pass demanding fitness tests. Their daily work involves endurance, strength, and agility – whether patrolling airfields, carrying heavy equipment, or operating in hostile terrain.
• Physics - RAF regiment gunners operate a variety of weapons and surveillance systems, which requires understanding of ballistics, projectile motion, and optics. Knowledge of forces, energy transfer, and how radio and electronic signals work is directly relevant to their fieldcraft and equipment use.
• Geography - RAF regiment gunners deploy to locations around the world and need to read terrain, navigate using maps and coordinates, and understand how weather and landscape affect operations. Skills like map reading, understanding contours, and interpreting satellite imagery are used regularly in the field.
• Mathematics - RAF regiment gunners use mathematics when calculating distances, reading grid references, and working with weapon systems that require precise measurements. Quick mental arithmetic and spatial reasoning are important when making tactical decisions under pressure.

Also relevant

• Design and Technology - RAF regiment gunners work with a range of weapons, vehicles, and surveillance equipment that they need to maintain and sometimes field-repair. Understanding how mechanical and electronic systems are constructed helps them keep their equipment operational in challenging conditions.
• Computer Science - RAF regiment gunners operate increasingly sophisticated surveillance and communication systems that rely on networked digital technology. Understanding how these systems process and transmit data helps them use and troubleshoot equipment effectively during operations.
• Politics - RAF regiment gunners are deployed on operations shaped by international relations, defence policy, and geopolitical events. Understanding how governments, alliances like NATO, and global conflicts work gives context to the missions they carry out.
• Psychology - RAF regiment gunners need to remain calm under extreme pressure and work effectively as part of a close-knit team in high-stress situations. Understanding human behaviour, stress responses, and group dynamics helps them manage themselves and support their colleagues in demanding environments.