Communications Infrastructure Technician: Fibre & Antenna

As a Communications Infrastructure Technician you will provide communication for the RAF’s digital infrastructure ecosystem by installing and maintaining essential fibre optic and data communication cables, radome structures and antenna masts working at height or in secure operation rooms.

• Ensure that the RAF remains at the forefront of a progressive cyber engineering industry
• Repair, maintain and recover communication equipment
• Investigate and fix faults with antenna systems, fibre optic and data communication cables
• Assemble and install communication infrastructure such as antenna masts, fibre optic cables and radome installation structures

• Age 16 – 47 years (must attest before 48th birthday)
• Minimum GCSE Grade 4 (or equivalent SCE Standard Grade 2/Scottish National 5 at C or Functional Skills Level
  2) in English Language and Mathematics. If missing one subject, can still join but must achieve FS Level 2 in that subject during Phase 1 training.
• Must complete a specialist interview which includes a climbing aptitude test at RAF Digby.
• Maximum weight 100kg (must be achieved and maintained by medical review).
• Commit to a minimum of 3 years post‑Phase Two training.

• Citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality, or Commonwealth citizen with right to work.
• Residency in the UK for the 5 years immediately preceding application (minimum 3 years acceptable).
• Meet Security Check (SC) clearance.

• Pass the Pre‑Joining Fitness Test (PJFT): 2.4km run on treadmill (zero incline). Requirements vary by age and gender.
• Fitness assessed again at RAF Cranwell via Multi‑Stage Fitness Test (MSFT).
• Maintain physical fitness throughout service.

• Medical fitness (physical and psychological) for military duty, including deployability.
• Maintain BMI within specified limits (healthy BMI 18.5‑24.9; higher BMI up to 32 allowable if muscle mass, with waist circumference measurement).
• Eye and hearing standards must be met.

• Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions.
• Check eligibility under Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• Achieve Security Check (SC) clearance.

• Membership or support of a group that fosters racial hatred or violence.
• Pending court appearance or unspent convictions (must declare spent convictions for certain roles).
• Misuse of drugs, solvents or anabolic steroids.
• Obscene or offensive tattoos, brands or bead implants (specific restrictions on location and content).
• Visible body piercings that do not close.
• Undischarged bankrupt status.

• Phase One Training – 10 weeks basic recruit training at RAF Halton.
• Phase Two Training – 26 weeks specialist training at RAF Digby.
• First tour – ongoing assignments at RAF bases within the UK or overseas.
• Ongoing professional development – opportunities for apprenticeships, industry‑standard certifications, and potential for professional registration with a national engineering institute.
• Future career prospects – eligibility for promotion to AS1 (T), Corporal, and higher ranks, with progression to ICT Manager after further training.

• Subsidised food, travel and accommodation.
• Free gym access.
• Guaranteed job upon completion of apprenticeship and training.