APPLY NOW MENU LIFE AS A RESERVE Royal Air Force Reserves serve alongside Regulars in the UK and overseas. They get the best of both worlds by balancing their own careers and home life, with the challenge and adventure of the RAF. LIFE ON DUTY IN THE UK RESERVE LIFE As a Reserve you’ll get to live your normal life and use your spare-time to develop transferable skills, increase your self-confidence, meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and enjoy your adventurous training opportunities. AGE Roles are available from 18 right up to 54 years old (you must attest before your 55th birthday). WHERE WILL I BE BASED While you may get the opportunity to train overseas as part of your annual 15-day training block, most of your time will be spent on a nearby RAF base. Each one of these has its own role, from front-line operations to training establishments. “ The Reserves have benefited me in so many different ways; the training opportunities and challenges I have faced have developed a number of fundamental skills that I can apply to all aspects of my life. ” FLIGHT LIEUTENANT DAVID ROSS STUDENT/RAF REGIMENT LIFE ON DUTY ABROAD WHERE YOU'LL BE BASED Reserves could be relocated to a different base at some point during each 12-year contract. The move could be to a UK, overseas or temporary base for up to six months, plus another six months for pre-deployment training and post-deployment relaxation with your loved ones. ACTIVITIES WHILE AWAY During your time away you could be travelling with your unit, filling in for another member of the RAF, or working alongside Regulars and Reserves from other services. You could also be part of a small team dedicated to a particular job or a big disaster relief mission. COST AND TIMESCALES We will cover your costs and provide advice and assistance to your family when you’re away. The maximum period you’ll be away from your employer is one year and you can find advice and guidance about this on the Defence Relationship Management website. “ I’ve met some really great people in the reserves - individuals from different backgrounds, united in serving their country. ” FLIGHT LIEUTENANT DAVID ROSS STUDENT/RAF REGIMENT OUR BASES We have operational bases all over the UK and abroad. Find out which one is right for you. RESERVES IN THE RAF Being a Reserve in the RAF means putting your spare time to good use, learning invaluable skills and getting paid whilst doing so. Click to find out more. SPORTS & ADVENTURE Our vast choice of sports and activities on and off base means you can take part at all levels. GOT WHAT IT TAKES? FIND YOUR ROLE HAVE A QUESTION? LIVE CHAT MORE WAYS TO CONTACT US LIFE IN THE RAF Diversity & Inclusion CAREER AND BENEFITS RAF Fitness FIND YOUR ROLE University Air Squadrons APPLY NOW Apprenticeships RAF main website Rejoiners Air Cadets Reserves Events near you Contact us Aircrew Air & Space Ops Cyberspace Engineering Hospitality Intelligence Logistics Medical Services People Ops Security & Resilience Sitemap Privacy Policy Accessibility © 2021 Royal Air Force - Regular & Reserve UK Crown copyright. We value your privacy By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More Information Manage Preferences Accept All Cookies