Air & Space Operations Specialist (Flight Operations) - Aldergrove, United Kingdom - Royal Air Force

Description

What will you do?

Air & Space Operations Specialists (ASOS) work across 3 Employment Pillars; Air Operations Support, Air Operations Systems and Space Operations providing specialist skills across a variety of Employment Areas. Typical responsibilities include:

The coordination of airspace for military and civilian aircraft

Monitoring and identifying all aircraft within UK airspace including assisting in the scrambling of Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon jets

Keeping watch for foreign missile launches and monitoring foreign surveillance satellites

Management of aircraft mission planning systems and aeronautical data

Currently recruiting Gaming & computers Analysis & maths Travelling the world DAY RATES START AT: £ BENEFITS

Already applied?

What will you do as a Reserve?

Air & Space Operations Specialists (Flight Operations) provide direct support to aircrew, Operations Managers and air traffic control in a variety of roles. In support of aircrew, you could be employed in a squadron operations room, responsible for maintaining aeronautical information, operating the mission support IT used by aircrew, managing airspace bookings; all of which are critical to the safe and expeditious conduct of the mission.

You could also be required to operate ground to air radio equipment and provide specialist knowledge and advice during the mission planning stages of flights.

Alternatively you could be employed in station operations and flight planning.

Minimum Education Requirements

As a minimum, you will need GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English and Mathematics.

Requirements

Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.

Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training

Meet the health and fitness criteria

Pass the

Pass a Fitness test - Detail below

Minimum Education Requirements

Have GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics.

Requirements

Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday

Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis

Be a UK citizen or have dual UK/other nationality

Commit 27 days per year

Pass the

Pass a

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 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland 606 Sqn, RAF Benson, Oxon 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside CAREER, TRAINING & 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. 10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training

The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you will also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Specialist training 10 weeks RAF Shawbury The next step is the Air & Space Operations Specialist Course (ASOSC) at RAF Shawbury. 10 weeks RAF Shawbury Phase two training

You will be taught the basic theory required to operate at your first frontline Unit. On successful completion of the course you will be promoted to Air Specialist (Class 2) and receive your first assignment.

03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned This is likely to be in the core roles of airspace monitoring at the Control and Reporting Centre or Mobile Radar Unit, Air Traffic Control, Station Operations or Area Radar. Ongoing As assigned First tour

During this assignment there may be opportunities to move to another Employment Area on unit for your personal and professional development.

04 Your career prospects Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned After completing your first year of service, you will be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist (Class 1) provided you pass specialisation training and Profession Workplace Assessment. Ongoing As assigned Your career prospects

Following your first assignment you will be assigned to another station either within the UK or overseas. As an AS1 the majority of specialisation Employment Areas will be available to you through further specialist or workplace training as required. This could be supporting a variety of aircraft platforms such as F35 Lightning, E7 Wedgetail, P8 Poseidon or Remotely Piloted Air Systems. You may be employed in the Space employment area, either at the National Air and Space Operations Centre or RAF Fylingdales.

As an ASOS you could be employed in support of either Air Command or UK Space Command. Further promotion to Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection for established vacancies. To be eligible for promotion you should undertake assignments across multiple Employment Areas or Pillars. If successful, to prepare you for Non- commissioned Officer (NCO) service, you will attend leadership and management training at the Aviator Command School. Upon reaching Sergeant you will be re- mustered as an Air & Space Operations Manager (ASOM).

05 Continued development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will undertake annual Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you build on your specialisation and Service knowledge. Ongoing As assigned Continued development

We will continue to train you in new skills, and you will have the opportunity to serve broader specialisation and wider RAF roles. As your seniority grows and you move up the ranks other roles will be available to you.

These include training and recruitment duties or a role working for NATO. Training never stops and there will be a wide array of courses to enhance your skills and competency levels.

06 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Service as an Air & Space Operations Specialist (ASOS) will develop your resilience and personal skills such as problem solving, team work and communication. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

The leadership and management training in addition to the qualification offered as part of your ASOS specialisation training, are as valuable in civilian world as they are in the RAF. Meaning that whenever you decide to leave the RAF, you will be well placed to find another career.

prevnext CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION As a reserve member of the RAF you are a valued and important member of the force. Your personal success is vital to make us succeed too and we believe training is an essential foundation to this. You will receive basic training, and specialist training in your field to prepare you for your role with us. 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 3 weeks (split) RAF Shawbury Your specialist training is split into two phases. Part 1 is a theory phase and part 2 is a practical phase. 3 weeks (split) RAF Shawbury Phase two training

Specialist theory training is conducted at either 606 (Chiltern) Sqn RAF Benson, 600 (City of London) Sqn RAF Northolt or 602 (City of Glasgow) Sqn Glasgow.

During part 1 you will be taught the basic theory and regulations of flight operations and air traffic control as well as aircraft and airfield operations, meteorology, navigation and airspace. This theory will give you an understanding of Flight Operations duties and will be conducted over approx.10 days of modularised training at your nominated training unit.

Part 2 is a 11-day residential at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire, where utilising the knowledge gained in Part 1 of your specialist training, you will practise carrying out your role using the flight operations and flight planning simulators.

03 Commitment Your commitment to us Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve, progress and provide value to us. Ongoing As assigned Commitment

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 Further development 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 Transferable skills Skills Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferable 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 RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training 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 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 Aptitude test 2 Selection Interviews 3 Health Assessment 4 Fitness Test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Aptitude test Stage 1 of 6

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you're a good fit for the role you're applying for. You'll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

Verbal reasoning – use and interpretation of written information

Numerical reasoning – ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae

Work rate – speed and accuracy of tasks

Spatial reasoning – how shapes and objects work

Electrical comprehension – working with electrical concepts

Mechanical comprehension – grasp of mechanical concepts

Memory – ability to remember information accurately

You can try the online practice test .

2 Selection Interviews Stage 2 of 6

Here's where we get to know you a little better. You'll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we'll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

Family life

Education

Work experience

Special interests or hobbies

Interest in the RAF

Training

The role you've applied for

The RAF

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 6

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 6

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 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6

Once you've successfully completed each phase of the application process you'll be invited to a remote provisional offer of service interview.

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

6 Training Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

Arrival - You'll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number

General Service training - You'll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct

Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment

Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions

Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities

Graduation - Learn about what's required in your first post and display your new skills.

What next?
Now you're a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)

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–⁠⁠2017 GCSE 2017 and after Scottish national 5 Mathematics CGrade 4C English Language CGrade 4C

.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/other nationality.

RESIDENCY

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full 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.