lwaddle:

The T-38 I fly (and I think this is true for every fighter aircraft in the country) is not RVSM certifiable because:

1. We don't have an autopilot
2. Don't have an altitude-alerter
3. Don't have two sources of pitot-static
4. Don't have independent altimeters

Nonetheless, I have flown in RVSM airspace legally. I also dealt with this in a Lear 35 that took 9 months to get the paperwork on the OPSECS after the mod was done. (Yes, that was frustrating).

How to:

Check the AIM for exact format, but file the highest legal altitude you can fly (either 270 or 280), and in the remarks, "Request FLXXX; Negative RVSM" (That's how I file it; it works).

First Controller above FL230, tell him "Request FLXXX, negative RVSM." That's the key.

He will give it to you IF traffic permits. However, for HIM to be legal, he needs no one inside a cylinder 2000 ft above and below you. The front of the cylinder is 20 miles in front, not sure if it is 20 miles all around, or if it is 20 front, 10-ish on the side, and 5-ish behind.

Either case, that is a big chunk of moving airspace, centered around your airplane, and why it is so traffic-dependent. Almost impossible on the east-coast corridor. Best luck is late at night, and over the western half of the country.

IF he gives you clearance, every altitude call you make must include "Negative RVSM," even if just checking-on with the next sector.

Do NOT just file it and fly there as (I hope) CE650 was kidding.

Just re-read this and realized you were asking about transiting RVSM. If your jet can go that high, yes...easier, but he (ATC) still needs the 20-mile/2000 bubble around you to give you the climb or the descent. Once above 410, you don't need to say negative RVSM...but when you descend into it again, yes (until below it).