Fire-Fighter

Save life, minimise damage to aircraft and associated equipment and make safe any special
risks.

KEY POINTS
 Exciting role with fantastic career opportunities, in the UK and overseas
 World class training for incidents involving all types of aircraft
 Working in a close knit team towards a common vision and goal
TRADE OVERVIEW
Crash fire rescue is one of the most aggressive firefighting disciplines requiring courage and professionalism.
RAF Fire-fighters form a component part of the Force Protection recuperation element for Defence when
operating both in the UK and overseas. As part of a close knit team, you can be deployed within short time
frames to any location worldwide using limited resources to offer a multitude of fire prevention/protection duties to
meet Defence requirements. You will receive exceptional training to ensure you are adequately prepared to
respond and resolve incidents involving aircraft, buildings, vehicles, hazardous substances and incidents caused
by hostile activities. In addition, you may also have the opportunity to gain fire prevention qualifications to ensure
you can provide MOD personnel a safe and secure environment.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS: REWARDS FROM RAF LIFE

Because you’ll have all the development opportunities and
career prospects of your civilian counterparts, along with
civilian accredited qualifications, if you decide to leave the
RAF you’ll be well placed to find a job as a civilian fire-fighter
RECRUIT TRAINING
Your career will start with a 10-week Basic Recruit Training
Course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. 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.
SPECIALIST TRAINING
The 14 weeks phase 2 specialist Fire-fighter training course
takes place at the Defence Fire Training & Development
Centre Manston in Kent, where you will be enrolled on to
Level 3 Apprenticeship as an Operational Firefighter.The
specialist course will teach you:
 Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
 Fire Service Drill
 Breathing Apparatus
 Structural Fire-fighting
 Road Traffic Incident Techniques
 Aircraft Construction
 Crash Fire-fighting Operations
You will deal with ‘live’ practice fires and gain experience of
specialist crash rescue fire-fighting vehicles.
 Competitive pay and pension
 Training and lifelong learning
 Six weeks paid leave and public holidays
 Free medical and dental care
 Subsidised food and accommodation
 Free gym and sports facilities
 Adventurous training opportunities
REGULAR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Fire-fighter
Age: 17– 47*
th
*(Must attest before 48 birthday)
Qualifications:
You must have a minimum of GCSE at Grade C
(Grade 4 with effect from Aug 17) or equivalent in
English language and Mathematics or SCE Standard
Grades at Grade 2/ Scottish National 5 (Grade A – C)
in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
Clean full driving licence is also required.
Pay:
Visit https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment
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 will be
considered.

As part of Phase 2 training you will be enrolled on to a Level Nationality: You must be a citizen of the United
3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. This is a 3 year Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual
programme you will complete as part of your daily duties . UK/Other nationality or have been a Commonwealth
citizen since birth.
 ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
Level 3 Award in Incident Command (Corporal)
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing (Corporal & above)
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
(Corporal and above)
Level 4 Award in Incident Command (Sergeant &
above)
Technician Membership Institute of Fire Engineers
(Sergeant)
Graduate Membership Institute of Fire Engineers (Flight
Sergeant)
Member Membership Institute of Fire Engineers (Warrant
Officer)
ONGOING TRAINING/DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
As your career progresses we will continue to develop you in
new skills. Early on you could achieve your category C large
goods vehicle driving licence and learn the specialist skills
needed to drive fire fighting vehicles by completing an
Emergency Response Drivers course.
YOUR FIRST TOUR
For your first tour you will be posted to one of eight UK RAF
bases where you’ll work as part of a tight-knit team, on call
to handle any emergencies.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS AND
PROGRESSION:
After a year, you’ll be eligible for promotion to Senior
Aircraftman if you pass a series of Trade Ability Tests.
Further promotion to the rank of Corporal and beyond is by
competitive selection. Opportunities also exist for suitable
individuals to Commission into the Air Operations (Systems)
Branch as a specialist Commissioned Fire Officer.
Search online for other trades both Regular and Reserve
https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment
Selection:
Your eligibility will require you to pass a medical, have
a clean full driving licence and pass a series of tests,
the first of which will be held at your AFCO. If you are
successful, you will then be sent on a 3 day Specialist
Interview at the Defence Fire Training & Development
Centre at Manston in Kent. During your visit you will be
put through a series of assessments, some are
mandatory and must be passed prior to progressing
with the course. The assessments include working from
height, confined spaces, hose running and elements
designed to test your teamwork, dexterity and
communication. Some of the tests will be carried whilst
wearing and using standard fire service equipment and
can be very physically demanding. You will also be
expected to complete the RAF Fitness Test (maximum
effort) which includes shuttle runs, press ups and sit
ups. The Centre expects high standards and
candidates need to prepare well to offer the best
chance of selection.
Equal Opportunities: The RAF values every
individual’s unique contribution, irrespective of race,
ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or
social background.
Register your interest in this role:
On line:
https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment
Or
Telephone: 0345 605 5555
Follow us on TWITTER
@RAFFireService
This information was last updated in Dec 18, but may
have changed since. If you have any queries, please
check with RAF Staff at any Armed Forces Careers
Office