New recruits

While we are not currently running an active recruitment campaign for new Authorised Firearms Officers, we encourage you to explore our website to learn about the role requirements and prepare for future opportunities. Here you can discover the entry qualifications, fitness standards, and medical requirements needed to join the Ministry of Defence Police as an AFO. Our comprehensive information will help you understand the application process, assessment stages, and specialist training you would undertake if successful. By familiarising yourself with these requirements now, you'll be well-positioned when our recruitment reopens. Please check this page regularly for updates on upcoming recruitment campaigns.

Role type

Police Constable - Authorised Firearms Officer Counter-Terrorism

Salary

£28,412 - £45,819 (depending on location and allowances).

Hours

40 hours a week

Typical shift pattern consist of four 12-hour shifts followed by four days off.

To note, shift patterns are subject to review throughout the Force.

Job description

As an AFO-CT with the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), you'll play a vital front-line role in safeguarding the UK's Defence and critical national infrastructure. This is not a typical policing role – it's an opportunity to specialise in counterterrorism (CT) duties, armed security and protecting some of the nation's most sensitive assets. Every day, your work will have a direct impact on national security, requiring precision, dedication, and commitment.

Key accountabilities

• perform armed patrols and frontline response to incidents within the Defence estate,

• maintain firearms and fitness qualifications,

• engage with communities, victims and witnesses,

• gather intelligence, conduct investigations and manage evidence,

• apply problem solving and evidence-based policing methods.

Recruitment process

The journey to transferring to MDP involves several stages. To help you understand what to expect and prepare effectively, we have created a detailed guide to our recruitment process.

Stage 1: Register your interest

Once a campaign goes live, you will be able to register your interest.

Stage 2: Application form

After registering you will be sent an application pack. You will need to submit the application form and return this this our recruitment team, with the required documentation. To note: Our application form requires you to provide personal details about a range of subject areas. This includes information for vetting purposes, on your financial position and any previous involvement with the police.

You will be notified of the sift results by email.

Stage 3: Interviews

Upon notification that you have been successful at the application stage, you'll be invited to partake in the interview process with relevant information and guidance provided with your invitations.

 The first interview will be a Competency based Interview, conducted on Microsoft Teams with two assessors. It will be focussed on the MDP Competency Framework and will last approximately 45 minutes.

Those successful at the competency interview will be invited to a face-to-face Suitability Interview, conducted at MDP HQ RAF Wyton (or alternative location as advised) with two assessors.

It will focus on your understanding of the force and the roles we undertake, your motivations for applying and you’re understanding and expectations of the impact the role may have on your personal life. The interview will last approximately 40 mins, and you may also be invited to undertake your Job-Related Fitness Test on the same day.

Stage 4: Medical, fitness test, national security vetting

If you are successful at the interview stage, you'll be invited to attend a medical (and fitness test if you have not already undertaken it).

Your national security vetting application for Security Check (SC) clearance will also need to be initiated and Police Vetting checks will be conducted. The recruitment team will guide you through this process.

If the post you will be offered requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance, this will be initiated once your station allocations confirmed, and the SC has been granted.

Once you have successfully completed all the processes, you'll be ready for appointment (subject to vacancy availability).

Stage 5: Hire

Candidates who successfully passed the recruitment process are held, pending an intake, and offered available positions.

Stage 6: Appointment and training

Congratulations, you've now successfully completed the application process and your MDP journey will begin at the training school. Upon commencement of training, you'll be an MDP employee, and you are therefore paid your starting salary from day one of the training programme.

All successful applicants in England and Wales will be enrolled onto the Level 4 Non-Home Office Police Officer apprenticeship delivered by the MDP. This is a two-year apprenticeship with 20 weeks initial. And firearms training, after which training continues on station. Once complete, the apprenticeship will be signed off by an outside agency at the end point assessment, which will consist of knowledge cheques, a professional discussion, and a practical assessment.

Successful applicants in Scotland will be enrolled on Level 7 Scottish Diploma delivered by the MDP. This is also a two-year course where apprentices will undertake 20 weeks of probationer training programme and firearms training. On conclusion of the training, apprentices will be required to complete exams and an operational module assessed debrief.

Apprentices are not required to contribute towards the cost of their training. They will remain in probation for the two-year duration of their programme and at the end will be qualified police officers.