At a glance
- Soldier
- combat
You spot enemy's units and artillery using radar and acoustic ranging systems. Then we lock in on them, which may save many lives. Off duty, there’s an unbeatable Army lifestyle.
Picture this: your troops are coming under heavy fire. The enemy guns need to be destroyed. It's up to you to pinpoint their position using radar and acoustic detection equipment and tell your commander so Army artillery and missiles can take out the enemy guns. This is a typical day for a Surveillance Observer. Whoever the enemy and whatever the weapon, you’ll help us stop them in their tracks.
It’s a job that can take you around the world. In time, you can specialise further by taking on Parachute selection, the Commando Course or the Patrols course. These courses allow you to work alongside the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Marines, and become a Special Observer working in a team of six well ahead of friendly forces and sometimes behind enemy lines. Life off-duty is just as exciting with mates, sports and Adventurous Training. On top of that, you can gain qualifications and build a great CV.
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
Find enemy threats
Protect troops on the ground
Work with high-tech radar, acoustic detection systems and cameras
Travel around the world
Have any questions? Talk with us
Reserve (part time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
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 Phase 2 training turns you into a Gunner. You will learn the skills to operate within a small team to identify targets and relay fire missions to the Gun positions. Training is usually completed over a 2-week period within the Regiment, with another Artillery Reserve Regiment or at the School of Artillery in Larkhill. There may be an opportunity to conduct this training over a number of modular weekends. You will also have the chance to attend courses that teach you how to drive a Land Rover cross country and operate a cutting-edge digital communications system.
Qualifications you could get after training
HGV truck licence
NVQ in Learning and Development
Computer Literacy and IT Stage 1 (CLAIT)
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
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.