The Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) was formed 80 years ago as a volunteer force to support the RAF both in times of peace and war. Recent events have shown how key the role of the RAuxAF has become - particularly as the size of the Regular Force has been reduced. Most of the Squadrons in the South East have been deployed either within the UK or to Iraq providing essential and irreplaceable support both to the RAF and the other Services involved. For a video on the Royal Auxillary Air Force click here. 
  
Who can join?

To join the RAuxAF you need to be 17½ - 50, although those up to 55 years may be considered if they are ex-service. You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland and should normally have lived in the UK for at least five years. A volounteer under the age of 18 will only be accepted with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
  
What is the commitment?

Most RAuxAF Squadrons train for one weekend a month with an additional 2-week annual training camp - often abroad.

The initial period of service is five years. Extension of service are permitted for periods of not more than 5 years at a time up to the age of 60, providing an individual can still meet their training requirements, are medically fit and fill a vacancy on the unit establishment.  For another video click here.
  
What is the reward?

You will be paid a similar daily rate of pay as the Regular RAF for all training plus travel expenses and a tax-free bounty if you complete the requisite number of training days per year.

The RAuxAF has a well-earned reputation for retaining its people, this is due in part to the satisfaction that is derived from doing varied and exciting jobs and part from the fact that there is an active social life which Squadron members enjoy. There is also plenty of opportunity for adventure training which can include skiing, canoeing, mountain climbing and more.

There are opportunities for advancement for personnel with the right combination of experience, personal qualities, qualifications and commitment. Unless an individual has previous service experience he or she will be enlisted in the rank of aircraftman or woman.

In the South East, there are four RAuxAF Squadrons, two based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, one at RAF Benson, also in Oxfordshire and one at High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. 

Click here for more information. 
  
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