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Driver Air Despatch
Get supplies safely into the air and then accurately deliver them to troops on the ground. Enjoy an incredible job, flying with the Army and the RAF.
Royal Logistic Corps
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 and 6 months.
Fitness
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min 30 sec
Education
No formal qualifications required
Need help?
Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.
Royal Logistic Corps
Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) soldiers work with all units of the British Army, and are found all over the UK, and are deployed worldwide.
Air Despatchers, are responsible for preparing, loading and despatching supplies and equipment from military aircraft. We deploy to overseas locations at very short notice to re-supply personnel by air, land, or sea. We also complete assignments at the Test and Evaluation Unit where new ideas and equipment are trialled and developed.
Key responsibilities
Provide support to the British Army through Aerial Delivery using different types of aircraft
Located at RAF Brize Norton you will work within a Very High Readiness Task Troop
Primarily be located in the UK with opportunities to deploy worldwide
Gain specialist driving licences and qualifications, including: personal leadership, communication and computing skills
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which 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
Next, you will undertake your Class 3 Driver course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield, which will take about 25 weeks to complete. This will include earning you category B and C+E licenses, learning off road driving, driving different vehicles, Hazmat and basic vehicle maintenance.
Step 3
You will then begin the 12-week Basic Air Despatcher course where you will be taught the basic principles of aerial delivery, including air safety, supply drop equipment, loading and unloading an aircraft and air despatch drills. On completion of this course, you will be qualified in various systems and ready to progress onto the Class 2 course. On promotion to Lance Corporal, you will complete the Drop Zone Non-Commissioned Officer course and other specialist Air Despatch courses.
You'll earn £26,334 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
Soldiers will receive Initial Rate RRP(FC) when they have completed the Basic Air Despatch Course and have entered their 5th year of reckonable Service. Personnel will then receive the Higher Rate after 9 years’ service from the qualifying competence.
Level 2 Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driver C + E Apprenticeship
Numeracy Levels 1 and 2
Materiel Accounting and management qualifications
Mechanical Transport management qualifications
Further Air Despatch specialist qualifications
Qualified Air Despatch Instructor qualification
Driver Specialist qualifications
Military parachutist (on completion of P Company)
Opportunities to obtain various instructor qualifications
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.
Air Despatchers are responsible for preparing, loading and dispatching supplies and equipment from military aircraft
As a Driver Air Despatch, you’ll play a vital role in getting essential equipment, supplies and vehicles where they’re needed most. Working as part of a specialist team, you’ll prepare, load and deliver cargo by air in support of operations worldwide. It’s a highly skilled role that combines precision, teamwork and responsibility, giving you the chance to work in fast‑paced environments and directly support the Army’s ability to operate effectively.
Jen
Royal Logistic Corps
The RLC is the largest Corps in the British Army and wherever in the world you find the Army, you’ll find us… Travel, Promotion, Sport, Adventure and Challenge – we’ve got it all.
Life in the RLC is varied and worldwide. You could be training in the UK one month and supporting operations overseas the next. Alongside your trade, you’ll get chances to travel, play sport and take on new challenges.
Heidi
Royal Logistic Corps
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 Driver Air Despatch started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.
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