At a glance
- Soldier
- combat
- engineering
- logistics
Get in the driving seat of a fast, light-armoured vehicle that can be fitted with all kinds of weaponry.
Fast and light, the Jackal 2 is incredibly useful in combat - and you could be at the wheel. As Light Cavalry Crew, you'll drive and fire this all-terrain combat vehicle as part of a three-strong team. If you can’t drive yet, we’ll teach you. You’ll get your car and HGV (Cat B and C) driving licences, and go on to learn how to drive and maintain the Jackal and fire its weapons. Then you'll join the unit you're selected into and start playing a part in regimental life.
The Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) provides the armour capability of the British Army. It combines speed, momentum, firepower and reconnaissance capabilities with armoured fighting vehicles, such as the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank and Jackal Fighting Vehicle.
Key Responsibilities
Get specialist training on the Jackal 2 armoured vehicle and heavy weapons
Focus on combat operations and battlefield success
Become a reconnaissance / surveillance specialist and master of mounted manoeuvre
Develop the skills to be as good at fighting on your feet as you are at fighting from your vehicle
Enjoy a varied role and opportunities to travel
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 76kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
MSFT (beep test) level 8.06
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’ll then go on to learn how to drive, maintain and fire the Jackal 2. We’ll give you the same annual training tests as Regular soldiers – and the same opportunities to join in Adventurous Training and sport.
Qualifications you could get after training
Car licence (Cat B)
HGV licence (Cat C)
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.