- .Army Reserve
- .Available Roles
- .STA Patrols Special Observer
- combat
- Soldier
- Reserve
Patrols Special Observer - Reserve
You’ll go ahead of frontline forces and scope out the enemy. Off duty, you’ll get to try Adventurous Training and sports, and gain qualifications too.
Royal Artillery
Starting day rate
£63.27
Age range
18 - 44
Role details
Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.
Age
You can join between the ages of 18 – 44. At the time of your application you will need to be between 17 years & 9 months old and 43 years & 6 months old .
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 requirements? Your local Army Reserve unit can help you.
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.
The more we know about enemy positions the better and as a Special Observer you’ll give us a clearest picture. You join a team of six that works ahead of friendly forces – sometimes behind enemy lines. You then report back on what you see. You might also direct fire from artillery, attack helicopters, jets or missiles to destroy enemy targets. We’ll give you first-class training in the Army Reserve, but you have to be fit, quick-thinking and a team player. You can add to your skills with qualifications in English, Maths and IT. With travel and Adventurous Training, it’s an amazing experience.
Key responsibilities
Get behind enemy lines
Find enemy threats
Call in fire on targets
Work covertly
Enjoy a varied job 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
After training you can volunteer for the Surveillance and Target Acquisition Patrols Course, joining Regular soldiers for training and test exercises. You get fit, learn medical, communications, navigation and patrol skills, and train on live-firing ranges. Next you learn advanced photography and how to call in artillery strikes. SERE (Survive, Evade, Resist and Extract) training teaches you how to survive in the field and avoid capture. Then you’re ready to join your six-person patrol and deploy on operations anywhere in the world.
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.
Specialist vehicle licences
NVQ in Learning and Development
Computer Literacy and IT Stage 1
Literacy and numeracy qualifications
Institute of Leadership and Management
Your application journey
From application to training, you can expect a timeline of at least 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.
Meet your unit
You'll be matched with a Reserve unit that best suits you (if you haven't already found one you want to join). You'll then be sponsored by that unit and they will support you until you're ready to head to the Army Assessment Centre.
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.
Ask a Soldier
Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.
Most Reservists train one evening a week and one or two weekends a month alongside their civilian job.
One week I could be map reading, one week I could be doing rifle training, another week we might have fitness.
Reservist training fits around your life, with regular sessions in the evenings and longer training on some weekends. You’ll build skills step by step, alongside people balancing jobs, study and family life.
Cameron J
Infantry Reservist
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
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
Your future starts here
Every Reserve Patrols Special Observer started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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