Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average time is between completing the Weapon Systems Officers pipeline (MSO) course and beginning the Voyager operational conversion unit.

The RAF does not have a specific Mission System Operator course; this is an on-board role undertaken on the Voyager by Weapon System Operators (Non-Commissioned Officers).

The average time during the past 12 months for Weapon System Operators (Non-Commissioned Officers) streamed onto Voyager Operational Conversion Unit after completion of the Air Load Masters course is 19 Weeks.

Royal Air Force Weapon System Officers are streamed into Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance roles only on completion of their training in the Military Flying Training System.