FS COMMS1

A vacancy has arisen for a Flight Sergeant Cyberspace to serve as Comms 1 FS  at 90SU HQ Sqn (RAF Leeming) on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 23 September 2024 (or earlier, subject to candidate status).

Crypto Custodian (COMMS1 FS)

Comms1 is team based at RAF Leeming as part of 90 Signals Unit, personally responsible to the Station Commander for the receipt, safe custody, and whole-life accounting of all Cryptographic items.

FS COMMS1 has specific primary responsibilities to the Station Commander for:

• Ensuring the security of the COMSEC Storage Area (CSA) and immediately reporting any breach or suspected compromise.
• Controlling access to the CSA and office area to authorised personnel ensuring visitors are adequately supervised and where necessary sensitive material and equipment is sanitised.
• Ensuring that all Holders and Users of COMSEC items are thoroughly briefed on their responsibilities, including the preparation and provision of orders for Holders, and assisting Holders with the preparation of Users Orders.
• Ensuring that all Holders of COMSEC material read and sign Holders orders and are crypto authorised.
• Supervision of the day-to-day administration of the Station COMSEC account and CODES accounting System.
• Advise 90SU Unit Executives on the principal risks and issues which impact the delivery of emerging and current commitments with regards to cryptographic matters.
• The Continuous Improvement of the Flt and its achievement of applicable safety, health, quality, security standards and practices.
• Be on call, as required, on a weekly basis to act as Duty Custodial team.

• Must either have been, or currently be, a Flight Sergeant (ICT Mngr) or a Sergeant (ICT Tech) eligible for promotion in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 2 Leaflet 560 and AP 3376 Vol 1. All Promotions will be ratified by means of a Promotion Board. If an applicant has been out of full-time military service and is applying for a post on promotion, they will also need to send their civilian appraisals or equivalent to evidence recent skills, knowledge, and experience to be considered by the Promotion Board.
• To be willing to attend Q-TEL-CA course at 1 Radio School RAF Cosford.
• To be willing to undergo security clearance to DV level.

• Previous experience working in with Cryptographic items as a Holder, Custodial assistant, or Custodian.
• Previous experience with the CODES system.
• Current valid Driving License.

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 3 appraisal reports as required. Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:      

Contact Details: Sqn Ldr Lee Lightfoot

                           OC HQ Sqn,

                           Tel: +443001612553

                           lee.lightfoot301@mod.gov.uk

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 3 appraisal reports as required) should be sent to:

Contact Details: WO Nigel Hughes

                           WO HQ Sqn,

                           Tel: +443001595510

                           Nigel.Hughes953@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 17 May 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place shortly afterwards.

Unless already enlisted in the Reserve Air Forces the successful applicant will be required to be enlisted in the Royal Air Force Reserves with a liability for call-out for permanent service.

The appointment is on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for an initial period of 5 years.

Confirmation of appointment will depend on successful completion of a RAF Medical Board.  Personnel who do not meet the Age/Permanent Joint Medical Employment Standard (PJMES) may apply for the appointment but will only be considered subject to an executive waiver process on a case-by-case basis.

Regular Service Applicants.  Personnel currently serving in the Regular Royal Air Force should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Reserves in accordance with AP 3391. 

Pension Issues.  Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans and MMP116 - Re-employment. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment’ on Commutation and, for those leaving on a ‘preserved’ pension, the Resettlement Grant.

Transition between TCoS.  Personnel taking this appointment from other TCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TCoS. 

Flexible Working Arrangements.  In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager.  Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage.

Individual Reinforcement Training (IRT) (Module 1) and RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT).  Reserve personnel are required to maintain currency in IRT and the RAFFT iaw the relevant TCoS.  The successful applicant will be expected to undertake IRT and the RAFFT within 6 months of commencing employment (if required).

Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the reserve air forces.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS(LC/HC)/ADC TCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if available, at entitled rates, if serving within the Air Command TLB.