Ground Officer - Reserve

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.

As an officer we have a duty to look after our soldiers, physically but also mentally. We sometimes have to make difficult decisions, even when they’re not easy.

You’re given responsibility early on, but it’s introduced gradually. From the start, you’re trusted to look after yourself, your kit and support your team, with clear guidance and support in place. As you grow in confidence and skills, that responsibility increases. You’re never left to manage things alone. You’re shown what to do, why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger picture.

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.