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- .Unmanned Aerial Systems
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Uncrewed Aerial Systems
Be at the heart of action – even back at the base. Fly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.
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 16 years 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.
Drones are uncrewed aircraft that can fly over the battlefield. Join us as a Gunner – Uncrewed Aerial Systems and we’ll teach you how to control them: how to prepare a drone for missions, how to fly it and how to read and interpret the images, videos and data - either live or when it brings them back. In time you could attempt the arduous P Company couse and join the battery which supports the Parachute Regiment. At the same time, you’ll learn skills and get qualifications that you can use in civilian life – in everything from IT to leadership. In your spare time, you’ll have the chance to play sports, enjoy Adventurous Training and hang out with your mates – who may well become friends for life.
Key responsibilities
Fly remote controlled drones
Find enemy threats
Be vital to mission success
Protect troops in combat
Step 1
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 for 15 weeks to train as a Gunner. You do military training, sports and Adventurous Training. You also learn to drive a car and trailer and do a cross country driving course in a Land Rover. After this, you join 32 Regiment Royal Artillery, Larkhill or 47 Regiment Royal Artillery, Thorney Island. At this point, you learn to control a drone (uncrewed aircraft) to help find and destroy the enemy.
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)
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
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
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
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.
Steven R
Royal Logistic Corps
Your future starts here
Every Uncrewed Aerial Systems soldier started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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