At a glance
- Featured
- Soldier
- combat
Become a highly skilled Gunner and make a big difference on the battlefield. Get qualifications, make friends for life and enjoy an exciting Army career.
You control the Light Gun, a weapon that can go almost anywhere. You and your crew travel into action and support Infantry or other combat units – which means you’re crucial in battle. You’ll be trained to look after the gun and fire it, hitting targets up to 10 miles away. In some of our Reserve roles, in time you can attempt the arduous Patrols course to become and elite Special Observer – working in a team of six well ahead of friendly forces and sometimes behind enemy lines. You can also learn new skills and take qualifications – even learn to drive an HGV. Your CV will take you far, inside or outside the Army. With sports, Adventure Training and great mates around you too, it's an exciting career.
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
Work as part of a close-knit team
Protect troops on the ground
Move around the battlefield to support the mission
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
Army Reserve standards
Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm
MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8
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
On Phase 2 training you learn how to maintain, operate and fire the Light Gun to devastating effect. You can also get lots of different driving licences, all the way up to HGV level.
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.