engineering
logistics
Soldier
Regular

Recovery Mechanic

When vehicles break down or get stuck, you race to the rescue. Our training gives you the skills, while qualifications improve your CV.

Starting salary
£26,334
Age range
16.6 to 35.6

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Role details

Entry Requirements

Age

To apply for this position, you must be between 16 years & 6 months old and 35 years & 6 months old at the time of your application.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m (Army Reserve 2.7m)
2km run 11 min 30 sec

More information about the fitness test

Education

GCSE Grade A*–C/9-4, or Scottish National 5 (A-C), in English, Science, and Maths.

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Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

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About the Role

Out on the battlefield, Army vehicles can get damaged, bogged down and overturned. As a Recovery Mechanic, it’s your job to rescue them. You will use specially adapted tanks and trucks to help you do your job, which is why you will learn to drive a number of Army vehicles in training. You need to be quick-thinking and brave for this role – after all, you’ll be moving vehicles in the middle of battle. It's up to you to assess the nature of the vehicle recovery needed and to decide the method of recovery. This may involve winches, ropes, metal cutting equipment or even the use of explosives. You will receive world-class training throughout your career in order to develop your trade skills and expertise. All the while, you’ll have sports and other activities to keep you busy, and good mates around you.

Key Responsibilities

Help to recover damaged vehicles and rescue stranded soldiers
Work at the heart of the action
Be adept at numerous recovery methods
Use cranes, lifting gear and mechanical theory to work out how to retrieve immobile vehicles
To keep the fighting forces moving forwards

Training

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 (short) course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.

Step 2
You head to the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MOD Lyneham. Over the next 20 weeks, you learn how to drive a variety of military vehicles from cars to tanks. The expert training you receive will enable you to understand the principles of recovery and carry out your critical role.