505 - Wessex Squadron Royal Air Force Reserves 3.06

As a Reserve you’ll get to live your normal life and use your spare-time to develop transferable skills, increase your self-confidence, meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and enjoy adventurous training opportunities.

Reserves commit a minimum of 27 paid days per year on a renewable five year basis. Each year includes a two week (15 days) block for general RAF training, and at least 12 weekend or holiday days for additional training, trade training, or training exercises.

While you may get the opportunity to train overseas as part of your annual 15-day training block, most of your time will be spent on a nearby RAF base. Each one of these has its own role, from front-line operations to training establishments.

Like Regular RAF personnel, Reserves can be mobilised on expeditionary operations at some time during each five-year contract. They can be deployed to a UK, overseas or temporary base for up to six months, plus another six months for pre-deployment training and post-deployment relaxation with your loved ones.

During your time away you could be travelling with your unit, filling in for another member of the RAF, or working alongside Regulars and Reserves from other services. You could also be part of a small team dedicated to a particular job, or a big disaster relief mission.