Port Operator - Reserve

Royal Logistic Corps

At a glance

  • Soldier
  • logistics

Work in a port and learn how to load and unload cargo from ships. Travel the world supporting the Army and other Services.

Port Operator transporting cargo onto a vessel with a mechanical arm vehicle

I load military vessels around the globe using specialist heavy lifting equipment

We use specialist machinery, such as cranes and drive different types of vehicles in order to carry out our operations. Working alongside the Royal Marines and Airborne Forces means that we get plenty of opportunities to travel, working in ports worldwide and helping to support operations and disaster relief tasks. We also have opportunities to complete an apprenticeship and gain widely-recognised trade qualifications.

We also have a Regimental Dive Team and have a proud history competing in Army Sports.

The Royal Logistic Corps are the Army’s professional logisticians keeping the Field Army marching, its helicopters flying, its vehicles moving and its tanks and guns firing. We enable its deployment and supply it with everything it needs, wherever it operates, throughout the world.

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Key Responsibilities

  • As part of a Port Task Group, load and unload vessels to meet port deadlines and operational commitments.

  • Primarily based at the home of Army Maritime in Marchwood, Southampton.

  • You could be deployed worldwide– wherever the British Army has a presence.

  • Gain your Category C+E Driving Licence and learn how to use equipment such as an Industrial Forklift.

  • Gain MHE qualifications and a Level 2 Port Operative Apprenticeship.

Have any questions? Talk with us

port operator

Reserve (part time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months

  • Qualifications:

    No formal qualifications needed

  • Basic physical fitness assessment:

    • Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m

    • MSFT (beep test) level 6.6

    Army Reserve standards

    • Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm

    • MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8

    More information about the fitness test

Training for the 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
Then it’s onto a 2 week course where you’re trained to be a Port Operator. Later, you can get your Cat C driving licence. We’ll do our best to make sure training fits around your day job.

Qualifications you could get after training

  • Car Licence (Cat B)

  • HGV licence (Cat C+E)

Pay & benefits

You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private. 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.

More about Reserve benefits

How to Apply

When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.

To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.

More about the joining process