RAF regiment gunner
RAF regiment gunners specialise in combat tactics, weaponry and fieldcraft to defend RAF bases and overseas air operations.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an RAF regiment gunner, your duties will depend on your job. You could:
- defend airfields in the UK and overseas
- train other RAF personnel in defensive military skills
- support Special Forces units
- specialise in dismounted close combat
- operate a variety of weapons and surveillance systems
Working environment
You could work at a military base, on operations around the world or in a warzone.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
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:
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
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could apply to join the RAF as a regiment gunner. You would be enrolled onto the HM Forces Serviceperson (Protective Services) Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, following initial training.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
You can apply directly to be an RAF regiment gunner.
No formal qualifications are required.
You will need to be aged between 16 and 47 but applications can be submitted from age 15 years and 9 months.
If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to an adviser at your local armed forces careers office.
Applicants for the regiment gunner role will do both the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) and the Regiment Fitness Test on the Potential Gunner Selection Course (PGSC).
RAF Reserve
You can join the RAF Reserve as a regiment gunner
You'll need to:
- be between 18 and 54
- commit to at least 27 days a year
- attend a 2-week residential training course each year, though this may not always be the case
Air Cadets
If you're between 13 and 17 years old, you can join the Air Cadets.
The skills you learn and experiences you gain will benefit you whatever career path you choose. Cadets have many opportunities, including UK and overseas camps, leadership courses and air experience flights.
You'll find more details about how to become a regiment gunner through RAF Recruitment.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.