- .Regular Army
- .Find a Role
- .Missile System
- combat
- Soldier
- Regular
Missile System Gunner
Learn how to fire the high-powered armoured rocket launcher that has a crucial impact in battles. Travel, make friends and take qualifications, too.
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.
You’re on the battlefield with your team of three. Together, you use an armoured rocket launcher to fire high-powered missiles at targets up to 50 miles away. The rockets travel at 1,200 mph and are very accurate. . First-class training teaches you to use the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, but you’ll learn much more than that. You’ll also get to take qualifications and gain new skills, building a great CV. With sports, worldwide travel and Adventurous Training, too, there’s action plus an exciting future.
Key responsibilities
Fire a high-powered rocket launcher
Hit targets up to 50 miles away
Work in a small team with big responsibility
Work from hidden locations
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 in Wiltshire to become a qualified Gunner. Over 15 weeks, you do military training, sport and Adventurous Training. You also learn to drive a car and trailer, and do a cross-country driving course in a Land Rover. Then you join 39 Regiment, Royal Artillery, Newcastle where you're trained to look after, move and fire the Multiple Launch Rocket System.
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
Tracked-vehicle driving licence
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
Computer Literacy and Information Technology Stage 1 (CLAIT)
HGV truck licence
Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
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
Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.
You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.
Greg H
Royal Military Police
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.
Holly J
Royal Adjutant's Corps
Most days you finish work and can spend your evenings however you like, and you’re usually free to go away at weekends.
When you’re not on duty, your time is your own. Many people use evenings and weekends to relax, keep active, or spend time with friends on camp.
James M
Infantry
There are varied periods where you’ll be extremely busy and also periods where you could be having downtime at home with family and friends.
Not at all. Some parts are intense, especially during training or when learning something new, but it’s not like that all the time. You’ll have structured periods where you’re focused and pushed to do your best, but there’s also downtime to reset, socialise and look after yourself. That balance helps you grow without feeling overwhelmed.
Jen C
Adjutant General's Corps
Your future starts here
Every Missile System Gunner soldier started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
Not ready to apply? Get in touch
Contact us
Find a careers centre
More roles like this
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Air Defence Gunner
