At a glance
- Featured
- Soldier
- combat
Our helicopters have a big part to play in battle - and so do our Groundcrew. Could you get aircraft ready for take off?
Groundcrew are responsible for getting our helicopters in the air and providing essential protection for them on the ground. You'll be trained to move, refuel and re-arm the aircraft that support ground forces. You'll also drive everything from Land Rovers to heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs).
Wherever the Army is in the world the Army Air Corps is there ready to provide tactical aviation action and support. modern operations require big-picture thinking and large-scale cooperation, which is why the Army Air Corps is proud of it's forward-thinking personnel and cutting-edge technology.
Key Responsibilities
Get the Army’s fleet of battlefield helicopters in the air - from re-arming the Apache gunship to programming the Wildcat flight maps
Take responsibility for all the equipment and supplies required
Deploy on exercise and operations all over the world, wherever your squadron is needed
Have any questions? Talk with us
Reserve (part time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 5.8
Army Reserve standards
Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm
MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8
Training for the role
Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.
Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.
Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.
Step 2
You then have basic Groundcrew and Communication training. After this, you can decide if you want to be a Groundcrew Specialist or a Communication Specialist.
Step 3
Groundcrew Specialist – You learn how to prepare helicopters for missions. You also learn how to marshal and load aircraft. You can get a range of driving licences too.
Qualifications you could get after training
Cat C+E LGV driving licences
Level 2 Award in Enhanced Employability Skills - City and Guilds
Levels 3 to 6 Awards in Leadership and Management
Pay & benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increasing as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
How to Apply
When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.
To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.