Royal Air Force

Company Details

Today’s modern Royal Air Force is the UK’s aerial, peacekeeping and fighting force. It’s made up of impressive full-time Regulars and spare-time Reserves who come from diverse backgrounds and work side-by-side to make a difference at home and abroad.

The RAF relies heavily on defence intelligence to support operations in both peace and war time. Intelligence personnel use state-of-the-art technologies to collect and interpret information. They provide vital intelligence to support military forces deployed around the world.

Reasons you should join RAF Intelligence:

• Have a real-time impact on military operations
• Get paid to learn a language as an Intelligence Analyst (Linguist)
• Access supported undergraduate and post-graduate degree schemes
• Complete a level 4 apprenticeship as an Intelligence Analyst

Typical responsibilities:

• Collect, collate and evaluate intelligence from multiple sources.
• Monitor and analyse radio and electronic transmissions broadcast throughout the world.
• Intercept potential or current enemy communications as a linguist.
• Analyse and interpret aerial or satellite imagery using high tech systems.
• Disseminate tailored Intelligence to commanders, aircrew or troops on the ground.

Other benefits of joining the RAF:

• Subsidised food and accommodation

• Free medical and dental healthcare

• 6 weeks paid holiday per year

• Free gym access, over 45 sports clubs and subsidised adventurous training like skiing expeditions.

• The opportunity to be part of an equal opportunity organisation listed as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Women

This really is No Ordinary Job!

Day in the Life of Ali

My role is to intercept, translate and analyse foreign signals. The information is passed up the chain of command and distributed throughout the British Armed Forces to ensure they are able to carry out their roles safely; it alerts them to any potential threat to life or operations. I could be listening to Air Traffic Control or communications between enemy troops.

As an RAF linguist I work shifts. This can be challenging and busy, but knowing that what you're doing has a direct impact on military operations makes it very satisfying. I intercept and translate foreign communications daily, determining which information is of intelligence interest and quickly passing it to the relevant parties. I use the most modern technology and software to assist me in this role. Outside of this I have been given many opportunities to take part in adventure training and recently spent a week skiing in the French Alps. When I'm not in work I have the opportunity to volunteer for secondary duties such as working in the bar on camp or sitting on the committee for functions, these are essential for the social side of military life.