Chaplain

Chaplain

Job description

What will you do?

As a RAF chaplain you will be involved in the lives of our personnel, regardless of their rank or religious background. Your personal sacrifice may be considerable as you will serve alongside our people, providing vital spiritual, pastoral and ethical support wherever they go, including deployed Operations.

Typical responsibilities include :

- Assume the pastoral role of a leader from an endorsed faith or belief community, performing the duties of a Chaplain / Non-Religious Pastoral Officer
- Counsel personnel and their dependants on spiritual or emotional matters
- Help personnel work through difficult moral issues as they carry out their duties
- Provide welfare support to dependants and families







Minimum Education Requirements

- The academic qualifications required are those set by the Sending Churches / Endorsing Authority / Panel of Reference for ministerial training.
- You must be accredited / registered / ordained / licensed by the endorsing authority of your faith or belief and subsequently have a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in a full-time leadership capacity (or equivalent), in a pastoral context.

Minimum Education Requirements

- The academic qualifications required are those set by the Sending Churches / Endorsing Authority / Panel of Reference for ministerial training.
- You must be accredited / registered / ordained / licensed by the endorsing authority of your faith or belief and subsequently have a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in a full-time leadership capacity (or equivalent), in a pastoral context.

Requirements

- Be aged 26 53 years old (Must attest before 54th birthday)
- Must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland,





holder of dual UK / other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with right to work’ immigration status..
- Commit to minimum 6 years service
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below

Requirements

- Be aged 26 54 (Must attest before 55th birthday - Ex Regulars over the age of 55 may be considered on a case by case basis)
- Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK / other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth
- Commit 27 days per year
- 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 505 Sqn, RAF St Mawgan, Newquay 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside 614 Sqn, Cardiff 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 Initial Officer Training 12 weeks RAF Cranwell Like all our specialist branch officers, you will begin your RAF career on Specialist Officers Initial Training Course (SOITC) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

12 weeks RAF Cranwell Phase one training

You will follow a challenging 12-week course designed for professionally qualified entrants to the RAF, exploring how to apply your vocation in a military context.

The course includes fitness development, military training and academic study as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.

02 Phase two training Specialist training 6 months As assigned After the SOITC, you will complete a chaplain-specific induction course at an appropriate time within your first 6 months of service.







6 months As assigned Phase two training

The course explores the theology of military chaplaincy and considers its application to practical life in the Armed Forces.

03 First tour Specialist training Ongoing As assigned For your first tour, you will probably be posted to a large base where you will work with a diverse team of Chaplains / Non-Religious Pastoral Officers.

Ongoing As assigned First tour

There will be a senior chaplain on base who will be able to guide you and give you the benefit of their experience.

04 Career prospects Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned You will join the RAF on an Initial Commission (IC) of 6 years as a Reverend (Flight Lieutenant), with an option to leave after 4 years (with 12 months’ notice).

Ongoing As assigned Career prospects







Chaplains on a 6-year IC may apply for a 12 year commission after completing 3 years regular service. Promotion to Reverend (Squadron Leader) is after 3 years’ satisfactory service from the date of commission.

A chaplain may be eligible for competitive boarding for promotion to Reverend (Wing Commander) once they have completed the requisite amount of time in rank as a Reverend (Squadron Leader).

05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned The Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre (AFCC) at Beckett House, Wiltshire, is the chaplaincy training centre for all 3 Services.

Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development

You will visit frequently for continuing ministerial education and other training courses.





There are also opportunities to study at postgraduate level at a later stage of your chaplaincy career.

06 Transferable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned As a chaplain in the RAF, you will have all the development opportunities and career prospects available to your civilian counterparts.

Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

There will be the chance to work around the world and gain unique personal experiences. Most members of the RAF Chaplaincy profession go back into civilian ministerial / pastoral work when they leave the RAF.

prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER 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 Initial Training 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell / local 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.

24 days (split) RAF Cranwell / local Phase one training

This is followed by Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase.

ROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises.

Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT.

02 Phase two training Specific Training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

Ongoing As assigned Phase two training

You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

03 Your commitment to us Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.

Ongoing As assigned Your commitment to us

This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.

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 Ongoing training 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 Ongoing training 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 Filter Interview 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test 4 OASC 5 Familiarisation visit 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Filter Interview Stage 1 of 7

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 online and cover the following topics :

- Family life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special interests and hobbies
- Interest in the RAF
- Training
- The role you’ve applied for
- The RAF

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.

2 Health Assessment Stage 2 of 7

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.

3 Fitness Test Stage 3 of 7

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 (PJFC). 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 .

4 OASC Stage 4 of 7

This will be your second visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before.

During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.

The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.

The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.

5 Familiarisation visit Stage 5 of 7

This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.

6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

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.

7 Training Stage 7 of 7

M)IOT and officer staff training

The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge.

This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development.

Visit our for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve 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 Squadron information event 2 Interview 3 Health assessment 4 Fitness test 5 OASC 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information event Stage 1 of 7

The first step in the application process invites you to attend a Squadron Information Event, this could be either in person or online.

At this event there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in.

2 Interview Stage 2 of 7

The Remote Officer Filter interview is online and is recorded. It covers the following topics :

- Family Life
- Education
- Work experience
- Special Interests or hobbies
- Interest in the RAF
- Military Awareness and Service Knowledge

3 Health assessment Stage 3 of 7

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.

View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4 Fitness test Stage 4 of 7

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 your nearest AFCO, or 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 OASC Stage 5 of 7

This will be your first visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before.

During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.

The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.

The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.

6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7

If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.

7 Training Stage 7 of 7

Phase 1 training 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 is followed by Reserve Officer Initial Training (ROIT) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2 week residential phase.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be aged between 26 and 53 years old (Must attest before 54th birthday).

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

The academic qualifications required are those set by the Sending Churches / Endorsing Authority / Panel of Reference for ministerial training.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, a holder of dual UK / other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen (with right to work’ immigration status) since birth.

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application.

However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance, ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.

▶️ Chaplain
🖊️ Royal Air Force
📍 Aldergrove