OC 616 SQN

A vacancy has arisen for a Squadron Leader Any Profession to serve as OC 616 Sqn at RAF Waddington on Additional Duties Commitment Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 05 October 2026 (or earlier dependent on individual circumstances).

In accordance with AP3392 Vol 7 Part 2 Chap 6 the post is also open for applicants to apply on alternative TCoS, including PTVR or VeRR. Applicants are requested to make their TCoS preference clear in their application covering letter, for review during the selection process. Applicants for alternative TCoS should state how the role could be delivered on their preferred TCoS, for consideration by the selection board.

The Sqn Cdr’s role is to lead the Sqn to deliver the outputs required by its mission statement, augmenting the RAF both in the UK and overseas.  This is a broad remit but will include responsibility for training, safety, policy governance of all Sqn activity, effective preparation and utility of reserves, retention of PTVRs, engagement with employers and other stakeholders and delivery of targets set in CONEMP, management Plans and higher-level directives.

(Officers) Must either have been, or currently be, a ​ Squadron Leader Any Profession  ​ or a ​ Flight Lieutenant Any Profession  eligible for promotion (RAF Only) in accordance with AP 3393 Vol 1 and AP 7000. All Promotions will be ratified by means of a Promotion Board.

For those applying on VeRR TCoS: Must either have been, or currently be, a Squadron Leader Any Profession. Please note that in accordance with policy, ‘exceptional’ circumstances do not currently exist to offer this position on promotion on VeRR TCoS.

• Previous leadership experience at Flt Cdr level or higher.
• Good experience/knowledge of the RAuxAF or Maritime/Army volunteer reserves – If this is not evidenced by the submitted appraisals, it should be covered in the CV.
• Availability to routinely work at weekends.

• Comprehensive lived experience as a volunteer reservist, or in supporting/enabling volunteer reservist activity.
• Knowledge of the Sqn’s capabilities.
• Knowledge of RAF’s Recruiting and Training processes.
• Operational 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: Wing Commander Graeme Deighton, RAuxAF Deputy Inspector

Email: graeme.deighton276@mod.gov.uk

Applications.  Candidate applications should as a minimum, comprise of a maximum 2-page CV, covering letter and copies of last 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:

Name: Mrs Helen Subramaniam SO2 RPMC

Email: Helen.Subramaniam100@mod.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 05 August 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 Additional Duties Commitment (180) TCoS in accordance with AP 3392 Vol 7 Part 1 and AP3392 Vol 7 Part 3 Chapter 2 for a maximum period of 4 years. Suitably qualified candidates may apply to undertake the job on PTVR or VeRR Terms and Conditions of Service, but will need to demonstrate during the selection process that they can meet the requirements of the position.

Joint Medical Employment Standards. Confirmation of appointment and determination of available TCOS may 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 substantive 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: this position will not be offered on promotion to sister Services.  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.

PTVR Enlistment Age Limits.  At the date of attestation, applicants for PTVR positions should normally be attested before their 55th birthday.  Consideration may be given to the enlistment of a PTVR candidate who is over the age of 55 at the time of their application (where they are currently serving or have recently left service and are considered to be SQEP).

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 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.

Personnel serving on PTVR or VeRR TCoS are not entitled to service accommodation but can utilise service accommodation when on duty subject to availability.