SO1 APAT

A vacancy has arisen for a Wing Commander Aircrew to serve as SO1 Aircrew Profession Advisor Team (APAT) at HQ Air Command, RAF High Wycombe on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 04 January 2027.

This role requires RAF Aircrew with a wide range of experience and an extensive network of contacts to deliver SME advice at every level across Defence. Whilst the role is suitable for some flexible working, applicants should expect to attend HQ Air Command at least 3 days per week during a normal working pattern. GAI 1058 has full details, but roles include:

-       Monitoring the structural sustainability of the Aircrew Profession and initiating mitigating and/or remedial action.

-       Providing specialist advice and necessary staffing on Aircrew subjects including workforce planning, selection, recruiting, training, career management, remuneration, and retention.

-       Conducting specialist staffing of Aircrew papers up to and including Air Force Main Board (AFMB).

-       Briefing and engaging with Aircrew across Defence, including organising the annual Aircrew Conference.

-       In conjunction with other SMEs, identify where additional remuneration may be appropriate, with appropriate Strategic Workforce Planning & Recruitment (SWP&R) and Pay Reward staffing.

-       Fulfil the role of accreditation sponsor for the Aircrew Profession.

-       Maintain oversight of clothing scales pertinent to the Aircrew Profession and provide specialist input to new, or amendments to current, clothing submissions.

• The ability to influence and staff effectively at senior levels.
• Flying Command experience to at least OF3 level.
• Strong Aircrew policy knowledge or Career Management experience.
• Confident in written and verbal communication.
• Commitment to improving the Aircrew Profession.
• Significant Aircrew experience with a demonstrable network across the Aircrew Profession, its aircraft types and roles.
• Headquarters, Group or Defence staff officer experience.

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

Name: Wg Cdr Gary (Gazzer) Coleman

Tel: (VOIP) +44 303 374 6679

Applications.  Candidate applications should as a minimum, comprise of a maximum 2-page CV, and copies of last 3/4 appraisal reports (as required). Where candidates have been out of military service and / or have additional civilian SQEP relevant for the role, they should include evidence including qualifications, references, civilian appraisals as deemed appropriate, for use by the Selection Board, and should be sent to:

Gp Capt Mike Wilson, DACOS APAT, mike.wilson855@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 29 June 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 13 July 2026.

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 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. 

Candidates must be attested before their 61st birthday. However, suitably qualified personnel may be considered but a waiver must be sought from SO1 Res Spt prior to 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.

Joint Medical Employment Standards. The post is non deployable, non-safety critical, does not involve operational support activity and is sedentary in nature. IBN 94/24 applies.

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) 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 RAF High Wycombe.