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- .Ceremonial Gunner

- combat
- Soldier
- Regular
Ceremonial Gunner
The excitement, the spectacle, the crowds: there’s nothing like being a Ceremonial Gunner. You’ll learn to ride like a pro and build an amazing career.

Royal Artillery
Starting salary
£26,334
Age range
16 - 36
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old .
You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min 30 sec
Education
No formal qualifications needed
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

Royal Artillery
The Royal Artillery (RA) are known as Gunners and are responsible for finding and striking the enemy where it counts and providing the British Army with its firepower.
Imagine being on parade with thousands of people watching, or riding a horse at a royal event. Join us as a Ceremonial Gunner and things like this will be part of your life. In this role, you join the famous King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and become an expert rider. You perform on horseback and fire guns at state occasions. You can also get qualifications and skills as a carriage driver, saddler, farrier or tailor. With a great team around you plus Adventurous Training and sports, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Key responsibilities
Enjoy a fun and challenging environment
Perform in front of the Royal Family
Work closely with horses
Experience the proud tradition of the Royal Artillery
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 (long) course at Harrogate for 49 weeks.
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, Wiltshire, for 15 weeks to become a qualified Gunner. During your training, you must pass the Potential Recruits course held by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. When you’ve passed, you’ll go to London and learn to ride and drive in a gun team of six galloping horses, and to fire royal salutes in Hyde Park.
You'll earn £26,334 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
Level 2 Express Delivery Apprenticeship
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)
As your career progresses you could also get:
Level 3 Digital Support Technician Apprenticeship


Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.
Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Online application
Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.
Individual Careers Discussion
Meet with an Army Recruiter who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Medical Checks
Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.
Assessment centre
Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.
Security clearance
Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.
Real Army Life
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
The Royal Artillery is a very broad corps… depending on your choice of regiment and specific role will mean that your day to day life will vary significantly… you’ll have frequent opportunities to deploy on overseas exercises… and lots of time to participate in sports and adventure training.
Day to day life in the Royal Artillery is varied. You train, learn new skills and work as part of a team. One day you might be on exercise overseas. Another day you could be improving your fitness or learning new equipment. It keeps things interesting and gives you real-world experience.
Lucy
Royal Artillery
Every day is different day in the Army, your not going to be doing the repetition of doing the same thing all the time because end of the day we have to adapt, we have to learn.
You could be on exercise for one whole week and the next week you could then be flying to somewhere else to do AT (Adventure Training), ski, snowboard.
Your day will usually follow a routine, with time for training, learning new skills and staying fit. There’s structure to help you progress, but every day brings something a bit different.
Craig D
Movement Controller
Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.
Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.
Tori C
Royal Army Medical Services
The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.
You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.
Rob H
Royal Armoured Corps
Most people eat in the mess on a pay-as-you-dine basis, but if you live independently you can cook for yourself.
Most meals are provided for you in the mess during training. It’s a social part of Army life, and makes it easier to focus on your training and routine.
Tori C
Royal Army Medical Services
Your future starts here
Every Ceremonial Gunner started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.


