At a glance
- Soldier
- combat
Defend against air attacks using high-tech guided missiles. Learn all about the technology, get qualifications, make friends and become an outstanding soldier.
- £25,200The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £25,200Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 16 years & 0 months to 35 years & 6 months
- QualificationsNo formal qualifications needed
The Sky Sabre (Regular Army only) and High Velocity Missile weapon systems are used to defend against cruise missiles, jets, attack helicopters and drones. As an Air Defence Gunner, you’ll use these hi-tech weapons to protect sites like airfields, supply depots and headquarters. You'll learn how to spot enemy aircraft and target them for attack; we’ll teach you everything you need to know. In time you could attempt the arduous P Company course and join the battery which supports the Parachute Regiment. Plus, you can get an HGV licence, IT qualifications and leadership skills. With all this plus worldwide travel, great mates, sports and adventurous training, it’s an experience like no other.
The Royal Artillery is the heart of the action - everywhere across the battlefield - providing the British Army with its eyes, ears and firepower. Using high-tech surveillance devices and uncrewed aircraft, the Royal Artillery finds the enemy. We then monitor them before striking decisively. We do this by co-ordinated use of our guns, rockets and missiles, the Army’s attack helicopters and other weapons, including fast jets and even the guns of Royal Navy ships.
Key Responsibilities
Defend troops from air attacks
Work in high-tech weapon systems
Destroy enemy targets
Learn a highly skilled job role
Have any questions? Talk with us
Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 16 years & 0 months to 35 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 6.6
Army Reserve standards
Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm
MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8
Training for the role
Step1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the basic military training (short) course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
Step 2
Then it’s off to Larkhill in Wiltshire to become a qualified Gunner. Over 15 weeks, you do military training and sport, learn to drive a car and trailer, and do a cross-country driving course. You also learn to use Army communication systems. You then join 16 Regiment Royal Artillery, Thorney Island in West Sussex, and learn to use the Army's air defence systems.
Qualifications you could get after training
HGV truck licence
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
Computer Literacy and Information Technology Stage 1 (CLAIT)
NVQ in Learning and Development
Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
Pay & benefits
You'll earn £25,200 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
How to Apply
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
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