Light Gunner

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.

It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.

Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.

From day one you’re trained, supported and developed - you’re never left to figure things out alone.

You’re very well supported. Instructors are there to guide you, and don't forget, you join alongside others who are just as new, so you learn and settle in as a team.

I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.

It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.

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.