Aviation Groundcrew Specialist

The role of Groundcrew Specialist is very dynamic, and is a role that will vary considerably each day. In a flying squadron, you will be working when there is flying, which could be morning, afternoon, evening, or the entire day. On exercise, again you will work alongside the pilots and their flying schedule.

Roles will include refuelling of aircraft, marshalling and movement of aircraft, uploading ammunition (more commonly on Ex), preparing kit, other driving tasks, preparing the airfield/ aircraft landing sites, to name but a few. It’s a very enjoyable role, especially when you’re hands on with the aircraft, or under the disk.

There is of course opportunities for PT everyday, but a lot of Groundcrew conduct their own personal phys in their own time due to the nature of the job role. There are also opportunities for adventure training and sport, especially in quieter periods.

Groundcrew Specialists are hands-on with the aircraft, helping to move, refuel and prepare them for flight. It’s a varied role where you work closely with pilots and are involved in operations both in the UK and overseas.

The AAC is one of the few roles in the Army where you get to do the job you trained for on a daily basis. For example, our pilots have to remain in current flying practice, so our aircraft are constantly flying and are supported by all officers and soldiers in associated jobs.

The AAC also offers very junior soldiers the opportunity to command at a very early stage in their careers. Senior Airtroopers (our name for Private soldiers) and Lance Corporals can command Apache Attack Helicopter refuelling and re-arming teams and Helicopter Landing Sights as well as commanding communications detachments which may be operating forward of the main base area.

We are also a relatively small Corps so we are a very tight-knit community and everyone tends to know each other regardless of where you are stationed.

Life in the Army Air Corps is focused on aviation, so you’re working around aircraft and operations every day. It’s a close-knit Corps where everyone plays a part in keeping aircraft flying and missions moving.

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.

You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.