Can I join the RAF with a criminal record?

Asked by: Mr. Gus Schimmel DVM  |  Last update: June 27, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (51 votes)

Having an extensive criminal record can cause you to be rejected from enlisting in the military. Military recruits must undergo a “Moral Character Screening Of Credit and Criminal Background.” This process screens for adverse criminal records, credit issues, or juvenile adjudication records.

Can you join the UK forces with a criminal record?

Everyone makes mistakes and a criminal conviction doesn't have to stop you from joining the Army. Be honest about your past history when you come in for a chat, and we might be able to offer you that all-important second chance.

Can I join the Army with a criminal record for drugs UK?

Drug Offences. A person who has been convicted for an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act may be considered for enlistment. Convictions for any Class A offence (including possession of) will be a bar to enlistment until the offence is spent.

What are the requirements for the RAF?

You'll need to:
  • be over 17.5 years of age.
  • be a UK citizen.
  • have a good level of fitness.
  • pass a medical check.
  • pass enhanced background checks.
  • pass security checks.

What is the minimum service requirement for the RAF?

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or holder of dual UK/ other nationality. Commit to a minimum of 12 years of service.

HOW I JOINED THE MILITARY WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD | Nick Koumalatsos

22 related questions found

Is the RAF worth joining?

The work/life balance with the RAF is very good, whether you prefer to head straight to the bar after work, go to the gym, enjoy full-scale dining in the Officer's Mess or head home to your own house and family then the RAF has something to offer you.

How hard is it to join the RAF?

Basic training is hard with 10 weeks of rigorous mental and physical stress. For example, recruits have to wait for permission to eat or go to the toilet. But with the proper preparation, you can handle basic training. Here we look at the major reasons why recruits fail RAF Basic Training.

Does the RAF pay well?

ENTRY LEVEL SALARIES

Range from £16,235 - £39,000 depending on the role. When training with the RAF you will be paid from the beginning. While in the RAF your day-to-day living costs are dramatically lower, meaning you end up with more disposable cash in your pocket.

Can anyone join the RAF?

The Armed Forces require anyone who joins to be medically fit to serve worldwide. New entrants to the Armed Forces undergo intensive training that is physically demanding and mentally taxing. The RAF executive has a duty to ensure that you are sufficiently robust before you undergo military training.

How long is RAF basic training?

Basic recruit training takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton for Aviators entrants or 24 weeks at RAF Cranwell for Officer entrants. It will make your family member fitter and more confident and prepare them to carry out their role in the RAF.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years UK?

In the UK, the Police National Computer (PNC) stores all recordable offences. It remains there until the person becomes 100 years old.

How can I clear my criminal record UK?

The only way to get your conviction removed from police records is to appeal against the conviction through the courts. You will need to seek legal advice if this is something you wish to pursue. I was told my conviction would be removed after five years.

Can criminals join the military?

A felony conviction can ruin your chance of joining the U.S military. However, there are circumstances when the military may relax its enlistment standards so convicted felons can serve the nation.

Can an ex convict join the military?

Regardless of the crime, felons cannot join the military if they are on probation or parole, in jail or facing criminal charges.

What background checks does the Army do UK?

The army does background checks on your social media and work history, and if you are young enough, school behavior as well. this may take up to a 5 days to do. All trades in the Army are required to have pre-employment checks and this can take up to 6 weeks depending on the individual and job they take in the Army.

What are spent convictions UK?

Under the Act, following a specified period of time which varies according to the disposal administered or sentence passed, all cautions and convictions (except those resulting in prison sentences of over 30 months) are regarded as 'spent'. As a result the offender is regarded as rehabilitated.

What distance is the RAF bleep test?

As with all roles, Officers must pass a fitness test. This is the same 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill and the minimum number of press-ups and sit-ups.

Is 30 too old to join the Air Force?

To enlist, you cannot be younger than 17 (18 for GED holders) or older than 39 years of age. To join as an Officer, you cannot be younger than 18 or older than 39 years of age. To join as a healthcare or ministry professional, you cannot be younger than 18 or older than 48 years of age.

Can you leave the RAF after 3 years?

If you want to leave full-time employment in the RAF within the initial 12 years, it is possible to transfer to the reserves for 3 years, to complete your obligations. Once you have completed your 12 years of service, in most instances, you must give 18 months' notice of your intention to leave the service.

Is the RAF strict?

The RAF has long been famous for having the strictest recruitment policy in the British military, rejecting more applicants than the Army and the Navy. In the past, even having a visible tattoo was a bar to joining the Air Force.

Is the RAF fitness test hard?

Much like the interview, the fitness test will show how much effort you've put in. It's 100% down to you if you pass or not. I will say one thing though, it was a lot easier than I expected and if I had known how easy I would find it, I wouldn't have worried about it at all.

Do you get weekends off in RAF?

When off duty, RAF personnel can leave the base any time they want. Weekends and holidays are free but there are opportunities to do so much more. There are over 100 adventurous training activities available, from mountaineering to skiing and scuba diving to sailing.

How long do RAF applications take?

The entire application process for the RAF can take anywhere between 3-9 months, sometimes longer. This can depend on which role you apply for and when you apply.

What GCSE Do you need to join the RAF?

You can apply directly to join the RAF. You'll need: at least 3 GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths, and a science for some roles. to be over 16 years old - upper age limit varies depending on the role.

Can I join the RAF with no qualifications?

"There are over 50 different careers specialisations in the RAF and anyone can apply for roles which range from having no qualifications to start (RAF Regiment, catering logistics supplier to name a few) right through to professional entry, whereby the individual is fully qualified at the point of entry to RAF service ...