SO2 Training

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader (Any Profession) to serve as SO2 Training at RAF High Wycombe on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 26 August 2024 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status).

Training is an essential part of AIR’s ability to meet the needs of UK Defence Policy. This post will work directly for SO1 Training (Trg) under Assistant Head Force Development (AHFD) Air Capability Strategy (Air Cap Strat) in Head Air Cap Strat’s (HACS) area of responsibility.  The Air Cap Strat Training role is responsible for the setting of requirements and the development of AIR’s strategy as CONDEV and CAPDEV in UK Flying Training for Aircrew (Pilots and Rear Crew) up to Operational Conversion Unit input standard.  The role is to take into consideration the current and future challenges in output to the UK’s Combat Force’s and the future of Aircrew Training for UK Defence beyond 2033. Thereby to inform the training submission for the next Integrated Review.  Externally, the role requires close co-operation with other Air Command units (22 Gp, 1 Gp), other Front-Line Commands’, MoD Head Office, International partners and alliance members as well as industry and academia. You will be responsible for;

• Undertaking capability planning direction and co-ordinate Develop activity for the Training Capability Planning Group (CPG), in conjunction with other CPG stakeholders (where appropriate).
• Training Planning Area compliance to governance and functional processes (TLCM, Portfolio Definition Cycle and Capability Investigations).
• Formulation and communication of Training capability area CMS’s, CMP’s, Programme Mandates and Standalone Project Business Cases.
• Interfacing with the key stakeholders (military, industrial, procurement and S&T), ensuring capability gaps are identified, articulated and planned against to meet or mitigate Defence requirements.
• Make applied military judgement decisions to interpret Training capability goals and the drafting of efficient equipment support plans.
• React to changes in capability provision in the Training CPG area, resulting from changes across DLoD, threat, policy or financial areas.
• Direction, guidance and oversight of the Training S&T research goals and analysis programme where directed.
• In conjunction with technical SMEs inside and outside Government and led by OPSCIAD, provide operational input to the development of plausible future equipment and non-equipment concepts.
• Act as assistant secretary for the Training CPG, when required, in consultation with the other Desk Officer stakeholders.

Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader (Any Profession) or a Flight Lieutenant (Any Profession) eligible for promotion in accordance with AP 3393 Vol 1 and AP 7000. 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.

• Must either have been, or currently involved in training delivery within UK Defence and ideally aircrew training.
• This appointment requires SC clearance, which, if not already held, will be initiated on appointment.
• Good analytical skills.
• Able to manage multiple work-strands simultaneously.
• Ability to work flexibly and manage changing and conflicting work priorities.
• Experience of leading mixed Service and Civil Service teams.
• Good interpersonal skills and team-working ability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Instructional background in Aircrew Trg.

• Experience of command at OF2/3 level or above.
• CFS instructional qualification.
• Experience of concepts and doctrine development.
• Familiarity with current Capability Management principles as outlined in MOD Acquisition System Guidance documentation.

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 4 appraisal reports as required.  Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

Name: Wg Cdr Chris Coker

Tel: 03001546430

Applications.  Candidate applications, with a maximum 2-page CV (to include copies of last 4 appraisal reports as required) should be sent to:

Contact details of Post SponsorWg Cdr Chris Coker, chris.coker435@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 22 April 2024 and interviews (unless prom board required) will take place week commencing 06 May 2024.

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

The appointment is on FTRS (LC) 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.

Candidates who have been out of regular or reserve service for more than 5 years may be considered for this appointment.  Prior approval must be sought from the relevant Professions Advisor to confirm current and past experience prior to being invited to interview.

Applicants of an equivalent rank from sister Services may apply but will only be accepted into the Royal Air Force Reserves if an appropriate Professions advisor can be identified to sponsor the applicant.  The relevant Profession’s advisor approval must be agreed before the interview.

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. However, due to a severe shortage, it is unlikely that accommodation will be available at RAF High Wycombe.