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Army life
YOUR GUIDE TO
THE ARMY AIR CORPS
INSIDE
Join the Army’s
high-flying troops
Land yourself an unbeatable career on
the ground or a top job in the air
PLUS
TRAVEL,
ADVENTURE,
QUALIFICATIONS
AND SUCCESS
TELLING IT
LIKE IT IS
WELCOME
“It’s great being part of a team,
training and working together.
Soon we’ll be doing the job for
real on operations” p8
Lance Corporal Russell Southern, 25
Aviation Groundcrew Specialist (Regular)
T
For the lowdown on exactly what it’s like
to be in the Army Air Corps, there’s no one
better to ask than the people doing the job
“I’ve been to Peru and Paraguay, and
I’ve worked in Belize.
Being in the Army is a fantastic way to see the world” p4
Corporal Neil Bloom, 30
Aviation Groundcrew Specialist
(Regular)
“I joined the ground team
at 18 and now I’m a qualified pilot” p14
Sergeant Ben Brown, 28
Helicopter Pilot (Regular)
“There are tons of
opportunities to
travel and learn
new skills – I just
put my name down
for everything” p19
Airtrooper Joanne Anderson, 21
Aviation Groundcrew Specialist (Territorial)
“Aircrews rely on those
on the ground. It’s a big responsibility but training prepares you well” p12
Captain Jamie Bowden, 29
Aviation Flight Commander (Regular)
he Army Air Corps offers
you the choice between
a satisfying trade on the
ground or a great job in the air.
Either way, you will play a vital
role in a close-knit team and will
work with the Apache and Lynx
helicopters – the Army’s fiercest
weapons systems. And if you
show the right stuff, whether
you start in a groundcrew or
flying team, you could get the
opportunity to train as a pilot.
Whichever role you choose,
the Army Air Corps provides an
aviation education from the best
in the business. You will get top
qualifications and gain useful
skills, putting you in a great
position if you decide to leave.
There’s also a great pay package
and the opportunity to take part
in adventurous training and
sports abroad. Give your life the
lift it deserves with a high-flying
career in the Army Air Corps.
CONTENTS
Sport and lifestyle
4
Heart of the action
6
Tools of the trade
10
Which role is for you?
12
Your next move
18
What Army Air Corps soldiers and
officers get up to in their time off
Air and ground crews work closely
together to outsmart the enemy
Under the skin of the awesome
Apache and Lynx helicopters
Discover the huge range of AAC
jobs and pick your perfect role
Take your next step towards a top
career in the Army Air Corps
2
3
AT EASE
THRILLS, SPILLS AND
FOOTBALL SKILLS
Eye on the ball:
Melita takes
evasive action
Exhilarating sports and adventurous training
keep the AAC playing as hard as they work
J
“
ust one example of the great things available to
you when you join the Army is adventurous sport,”
says Aviation Groundcrew Specialist Corporal
Neil Bloom. The Army views sport as part of your
all-round education, and takes it extremely seriously.
Neil’s just come back from three weeks’ trekking and
horse-riding in South America, and his next mission is to
champion a brand-new sport called blo-karting. “It’s great
to get involved in activities that are not readily available to
people on civvy street, and to introduce younger soldiers
to new sports,” he says.
As well as a whole range of activities, the Army gives
you access to top-notch sporting facilities around the
world, and is committed to investing in talent. And the
Army Air Corps produces its fair share of sporting
superstars – the 9 Regiment men’s football team, for
example, are the current Army champions. But as Corporal
Mel Jarvis shows (far right), its female footballers can give
anyone a run for their money.
CORPORAL NEIL BLOOM, 30
AVIATION GROUNDCREW
SPECIALIST (REGULAR)
Spreading the word on blo-karting
– and loving every minute of it
B
“
lo-karting is one of the fastest
growing sports in the country,”
says Corporal Neil Bloom. “It’s
simple to pick up because the equipment
only takes five minutes to assemble and
you can control your speed easily.”
Neil even got the Army to dip into its
pockets to pay for him and two
other soldiers to become
accredited blo-karting
instructors after he found the
unused karts sitting around at
his regiment. “I want to start
some competitions and also
introduce para-kiting,” he
says. “I’ll be transferring to
another base soon, but
I’ll take the sport with me.”
4
The AAC’s adventurous training opportunities can take you all over the world
CORPORAL MELITA JARVIS, 28, AVIATION
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (REGULAR)
C
A world of travel and adventure has opened
up to this Tottenham-supporting Corporal
orporal Mel Jarvis loves her job as
a Training Instructor. But this Spurs
fan is never happier than when she’s
kicking a football. This year, her Army Air
Corps side won the Women’s Counties
league. “I’ve been playing for six years, and
this is my first trophy. I’m dead chuffed
because the standard is very high.”
Her battlefield role has taken her to
Afghanistan, but her interest in football has
also led her to many different countries
abroad. She has toured with her team in
New Zealand, Australia and Cyprus.
Now Mel is eyeing-up a move into
coaching. “Women’s football is up and
coming in the Army, and I want to help it
take off. They recently paid for me to
complete a coaching qualification, so I’m
well placed to help the next generation of
female footballers to realise their dream.”
AIRTROOPER ANDREW RUTHERFORD, 18, AVIATION GROUNDCREW
SPECIALIST (REGULAR)
Andrew gets a taste for adventure
T
he first time I tried wake-boarding
was in France on an adventurous
training trip run by the Army
Air Corps,” says Airtrooper Andrew
Rutherford. “Straight away I thought
to myself, ‘This is awesome.’”
And this isn’t the only sport the Army
has introduced to Andy. “I’ve completed a
sky-diving course and had a go at bungee
jumping,” he says.
The Army encourages anyone who
shows sporting promise, and Andy’s next
posting in Germany will allow him to take
advantage of world-class facilities and
coaching. “I got the transfer because my
officer put in a good word. Now I want to
repay his and the Army’s faith in me.”
“
Wake on me: the
Army pays for Andrew’s
wake-boarding kit
5
IN ACTION
it’s
As a Lynx doorgunner,
Cpl Ellis’s job to provide
protection when flying
over hostile territory
Friends in
High places
When the going gets tough on the ground the troops
on the front line look to help from above – cue
the soldiers and helicopters of the Army Air Corps
T
hrough a dense cloud of swirling
mist, pilot Major Pete Dean can
barely see the ground, but as he
descends, the dry, dusty landscape
suddenly looms into view. Pete checks
the map again before bringing his
Apache attack helicopter into a hover
above the landing zone.
Waiting for him on the ground is Lance
Corporal Russell Southern. Russell is part
of the Forward Arming and Refuelling
Point or FARP team, whose job it is to fill
up and re-arm the Apache. When the main
rotor stops, the FARP team converge on
the helicopter like a Formula 1 pit crew.
They know that for every minute the
Apache is on the ground, it’s vulnerable to
a strike by enemy air units. But today
there’s another reason for their speed.
This is day one of Exercise Eagle Strike,
a marathon 10-day practice session that
will test the skills of pilots like Pete and
groundcrewmen like Russell to their limit.
The objective is to get the Army’s fleet of
attack helicopters working alongside the
ground units ready for future deployments
to Afghanistan or Iraq. Today’s task will see
Pete’s Apache helping an Infantry unit to
seek out and defeat a group of insurgents
thought to be occupying disused buildings
on the edge of a forest.
The insurgents are being played by
soldiers from the Parachute Regiment
and all the combatants are using a system
of lasers to simulate live weapons. Sensors
will tell people running the exercise who
has been ‘hit’. The skills and drills learned
today could save lives when these units
deploy for real, so the action taking place
is deadly serious.
Pete’s Apache might look like a giant
insect, with its sighting systems and ➤
“Working with the
Lynx is everything I could have hoped
for – and more”
Corporal Rob Ellis, 32
Aviation Crewman (Regular)
Army Air Corps badge
Each AAC squadron has its
own badge, and this one
belongs to 659 Squadron.
The Eagle, first used by the
Glider Pilot’s Regiment from
which the Corps was born, is
a symbol of bravery, while the
laurel leaves signify honour
IN ACTION
Re-arming the Apache is
the job of the FARP team
“The moment the
Apache lands, it belongs
to the groundcrew.
You’ve got to have trust and co-operation in a job like this”
“When you fly the
Apache it’s easy to remain calm
because you’re
performing a drill
that you’ve done
hundreds of times”
Major Pete Dean, 32
Helicopter Pilot (Regular)
Lance Corporal Russell Southern, 25
Aviation Groundcrew Specialist (Regular)
any soldiers trying to cross the dead
ground in front of it. Pete signals to the
groundcrew to get clear before the
helicopter’s blades begin to rotate.
at ease
When the work is done, there’s
plenty of time to pursue your
interests, says Lance Corporal
Russell Southern (Regular) – a
recent convert to Army skiing
Soldiers work hard but we get plenty of time off. In the
evenings, me and the lads go out for a drink just like
anyone else. I have always got something planned for the
weekends – I often go back home and catch up with my girlfriend.
One of the best things about the Army, though, is the chance to try
new and exciting sports. I’ve done a fair bit of adventurous training
and have also tried waterskiing. Earlier in the year I went on a week’s
skiing trip to Austria. Ski hire, accommodation, food and everything
else only cost me £130. Where else would you get a chance
to go skiing in a top resort for that price? I’d never skied
before but I absolutely loved it and will definitely do it again.
8
Russell (below left) leads
the re-arming team on
the ground
➤ menacing 30mm cannon sticking out
of the nose like a beady eye, but it has the
punching power of an airborne tank. The
stubby wings that stick out from the sides
of the helicopter hold Hellfire missiles –
devastating weapons that can destroy any
armoured vehicle on the battlefield, from
tanks to personnel carriers.
Action stations
At the refuelling point, the FARP team has
moved swiftly and has nearly finished its
work. This has been a routine stop to
re-arm and refuel the helicopter because
no repairs are necessary.
But just as the refuelling nozzle is being
withdrawn, Pete gets word over the
comms system that a Commander on
the ground has put in an urgent request
for air cover from the Apache. An enemy
vehicle carrying more insurgents has
been spotted travelling through the forest
and it poses a potentially lethal threat to
Protection from above
Aviation Crewman Corporal Rob Ellis is
five miles away. He’s the doorgunner of a
Lynx helicopter charged with supporting
the mission. As luck would have it, the
Lynx has just dropped off a four-man patrol
which is closer to the enemy position than
the Apache. Rob hears over the radio that
his aircraft is going in to flush them out.
Rob prepares his M3m General Purpose
Machine Gun (GPMG), which is fixed
beside one of the helicopter’s doors. The
Lynx is usually flown either very high so
the enemy’s weapons can’t reach it, or very
low so it is already on top of them by the
time they see it. Right now, the helicopter
is going in low in what’s known by the
Corps as a close-quarter battle run.
As the Lynx swerves round trees, Rob
has an ideal vantage point. Clocking the
enemy, he fires off several rounds from
his machine gun before the pilot turns to
come in for another run. Minutes later,
the ground unit radios to say the enemy
vehicle has been neutralised.
New challenges, new horizons
The crisis on the ground may have been
averted, but new intelligence indicates that
Infantry troops are nearing the danger
zone where the insurgents are thought to
be hiding out. The good news is the
Apache is on its way to assist them.
The aircraft’s sophisticated heat-seeking
sensor pinpoints where the insurgents are
and Pete gives the Commander on the
ground the details. It’s too risky for the
soldiers, so Pete unleashes the Apache’s
fire power, which scores a direct hit.
He didn’t use any real missiles today,
just the laser kit designed to simulate
them, but Pete vividly recalls the first time
he did fire a Hellfire missile. “We were
sent to destroy an abandoned vehicle that
had potentially sensitive information in it,”
he says. “It was awesome. You feel a slight
recoil and wobble when you press the
button. It’s easy to stay calm because
you’re performing a drill that you’ve done
hundreds of times before in training.”
Back at FARP, Russell co-ordinates the
movement of a 15,000-litre fuel tanker and
15-tonne missile transporter back to base.
It’s a major operation, and one which
explains why AAC groundcrew end up with
such an array of driving licences.
Pete guides the Apache home and waves
to the groundcrew on the landing zone as
he skims past. He knows that without
them, neither he nor the Lynx crew would
have been able to do their jobs today.
One of the Lynx crew today has paid
particularly close attention to the Apache
– Rob is set to attend pilot training in a
few weeks’ time. Any soldier in the Army
Air Corps can apply, but he has reached
the next stage and been accepted. By the
time another exercise arrives, it could be
Rob guiding the Apache in to land.
■
did you know...
n In 1942, the Glider Pilot Regiment was
born when the Army realised its assault
glider crews needed soldiering skills. It was
merged into the AAC that same year
n The Blue Eagles
Helicopter display
team (right) is
made up of pilots
from the AAC
The Corps has
n
its own museum,
the Museum of Army Flying at Middle
Wallop, Hampshire. It’s home to more
than 35 historic military machines
n The first AAC Military Crosses since WWII
were awarded to two Apache pilots in 2007.
They rescued an injured soldier in a raid on
an enemy stronghold in Afghanistan
The Apache helicopter can carry 16 devastating Hellfire missiles on its short wings
9
IN DETAIL
flying squad
The AAC is home to the Army’s meanest weapons systems.
Meet the missile-wielding Apache Mk1 and the super-swift Lynx
“The Apache AH Mk1 has the ability to turn
the course of a battle in seconds – thanks in no
small part to its awesome Hellfire missiles,” says
18-year-old Airtrooper Ricky Matthews (left).
“It’s no wonder the Infantry feels better when it
hovers into view. The Lynx is what the Army turns
to if it needs a fast and flexible machine to swoop
soldiers in and out of hostile situations. To work
with this kind of sophisticated kit is unreal. You’re just constantly in
awe of what these machines can do, which as you can see is plenty.”
TAIL ROTOR
RADAR DOME
The Mk1’s two tail rotors work
against the main blades to rotate
the helicopter in either direction
or keep the aircraft steady
Locates and prioritises
targets, and pinpoints
them on the pilot’s and
gunner’s displays
MAIN ROTOR
This spins four blades, each
six-metres long. The pilot
alters lift and direction by
adjusting the angle
of the blades
TWIN TURBOSHAFT ENGINES
Each RR TM322 engine harnesses around
1900 brake horsepower and turns a drive
shaft that is connected to a gearbox
APACHE AH MK1
THE ATTACK HELICOPTER
The Apache is designed to hunt and destroy tanks. It can
detect and recognise 256 potential targets in seconds while
staying out of trouble by cleverly dodging heat-seeking missiles.
With the firepower of an armoured unit, the Apache is one
of the deadliest weapons in the Army’s arsenal.
CREW Two: pilot
and co-pilot/gunner
Length 17.7m
PILOT’S STATION
Along with all the
instruments needed for
flying, the pilot’s station
has the same controls
and sensors as the
gunner, so the pilot
can take over if
the gunner is
unable to
man the
weapons
WINGS
These small wings add stability
to the aircraft and hold the
missile launchers
TOP SPEED
CRUISE SPEED
201 MPH
138 MPH
LYNX AH MK7
70mm ROCKET
LAUNCHER
These launchers can
be used for a variety of
warheads. Each can hold
up to 19 rockets, fired
individually or in groups
THE AERIAL ATHLETE
Agility and speed are the Lynx’s key features,
which is why the AAC values it so much. It’s
super-manoeuvrable (it can even fly upside
down!) and can sneak past radar by flying in
fast and low behind enemy lines. The Army
HELLFIRE
MISSILES
DIRECT VIEW
OPTICS SENSOR
Pictures from this video
camera are transmitted
to a display – or monocle
– sitting just in front of
the pilot’s right eye
10
30mm
AUTOMATIC CANNON
This weapon deals with closerange targets. In total, it can
fire an incredible 1200 rounds
PILOT’S NIGHTVISION SYSTEM
Allows the pilot to
navigate as well in the
dark as during the day
These laser- and radarguided missiles are the
Apache’s primary weapon.
It can carry a maximum
of 16 missiles, which are
designed to take out
armoured vehicles
depends on this helicopter for evacuating
wounded soldiers or rescuing captured troops,
but it isn’t just about load-carrying. The Lynx
has some pretty sharp teeth – it can be fitted
with a general purpose or an M3 machine gun.
WEAPONS
Length 15.2m
TOP SPEED
CRUISE SPEED
184 MPH
138 MPH
1 x M3m Heavy
Machine Gun
1 x General
Purpose
Machine Gun
CREW
Three (plus up to
eight passengers)
7.62mm
(calibre)
A specially modified Lynx notched up a world speed record for helicopters – flying at 249.1mph
11
OPPORTUNITIES
THE ROLES
KEY TO SYMBOLS
Whether you want to work on the ground, in the air or
both, find out where you fit in to the Army Air Corps
T
DRIVING
TERRITORIAL
IT
TRAVEL
TRADES ON THE GROUND
AVIATION COMMUNICATIONS
SPECIALIST
The Role Aviation Communications
Specialists are responsible for sending
and receiving ground-to-air and groundto-ground messages. This means you’re
the one who knows exactly what’s going
on all of the time. During operations you
could find yourself working in all sorts
of environments, such as the back of
a Land Rover, relaying messages from
a reconnaissance or attack team back to
the command post. You also assist in the
specialist communications systems built
into airframes, such as those designed for
the Lynx and the highly sophisticated
Apache helicopters.
Skills You will be trained in all of the
relevant analogue/digital radio and
communications systems. You will develop
your IT skills, getting your hands on some
of the latest computer systems and kit. This
is a central role and you will be constantly
developing your man-management and
teamwork skills by liaising with both the
groundrew and aircrews. You will also be
taught how to drive a range of vehicles.
Job notes
Name: Airtrooper Graham Barry, 23
Job: Aviation Communications Specialist (Regular)
12
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
he Army Air Corps is part
of a front-line force called
Combat Arms, so whichever
job you select you’ll find
yourself in the thick of the action.
You can choose between multiple
roles when you join up. Groundcrew
specialists are responsible for
refuelling and re-arming aircraft
back at base, communications and
doorgunning, while the Aircrew
supplies expert helicopter pilots.
Your choice is not restricted either,
and you can even switch between
ground and air teams if you fancy
a new challenge in a different area.
Best of all, most people get the
chance to learn how to fly. Whatever
your background or qualifications,
you could train to pilot the world’s
most expensive flying machines
when you join the Army Air Corps.
I’m currently an Aviation
Detachment Supervisor –
the link between ground and air
crews. When pilots needs to refuel
or land they talk to me, and I
prepare the groundcrew. You’re
thinking all the time, and it’s a real
team effort. I love the job, but I’m
starting my new role as a Lynx
helicopter Doorgunner soon. One of the
reasons I joined the Army Air Corps was
to fly, and I have already put in
my application for pilot training.
AIRCRAFT
AVIATION CREWMAN
“When you return from operations
you get a real adrenaline rush. You feel like you’re 10 feet tall”
Captain Jamie Bowden, 29
Aviation Flight Commander (Regular)
Visit army.mod.uk/jobs to see which job suits you
The Role This job is open to any member
of the AAC groundcrew who has reached
or been recommended for the rank of
Lance Corporal, and who has passed the
required aptitude and medical tests.
Aviation Crewmen are the members of the
groundcrew who get to go up in the aircraft
and occupy its rear positions, working
closely with the pilot. In the Lynx helicopter
this could include you operating the
7.62mm machine gun in the role of
Doorgunner. You will also supervise the
movement of soldiers and officers in and
out of the aircraft, and at times you could
be assisting in the evacuation of casualties.
Skills The experience of being in the rear of
an aircraft is the ideal grounding for going
on to become a pilot. You will find out how
the airframes work, become far more
aviation aware and learn exactly what the
role of a pilot entails. ➤
13
OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT I DO
Name: Captain Jamie Bowden, 29
Job: Aviation Flight Commander (Regular)
Why did you join the AAC?
I’ve loved helicopters since I was four, so the idea that the
Army would pay for me to learn to fly them was unbelievable.
What does an Aviation Flight Commander do?
We are professional officers who specialise in aviation. I write
flight programmes and co-ordinate training, use of the
simulator and flight requirements. You need good
management and problem-solving skills. But my favourite
part of the job is still the flying. When I was in Iraq earlier this
year I wasn’t nervous – the training kicked in and took over.
AVIATION GROUNDCREW
SPECIALIST
The Role Aviation Groundcrew Specialists
keep the AAC’s rotary and fixed-wing
airframes fuelled and armed. In other
words, it’s down to you to ensure the
aircraft are ready for action at a
moment’s notice. You will form part
of a dedicated groundcrew team working
with the Apache and Lynx helicopters.
You will go wherever the airframes
are needed and, on operations, you
may be required to defend Forward
Operating Bases and Forward Arming
Refuelling Points.
Skills You will be trained to refuel and
re-arm all of the AAC’s aircraft and be
taught to drive and maintain a range of
vehicles from Land Rovers up to refuelling
tankers and the 15-tonne Detachable Rack
Operating Platform System. This is a multiskilled and pivotal role so you’ll learn how
to work under pressure and think on your
feet. As well as managing vehicles, you’ll be
repsonsible for a close-knit team of people
relatively early in your career.
TEACH YOUR TEAM TO EXCEL
You will play a pivotal role no matter whether
you are part of an Apache or a Lynx unit. You
could be in charge of more than 20 people and
up to eight aircraft. Groundcrew and pilots
often work long hours under pressured
conditions. Working on sophisticated combat
helicopters leaves no margin for error, so as
the officer in charge you will need the ability
to motivate them to do their jobs quickly,
efficiently and accurately.
14
There’s a lot of variety in my
job, and on operations I do
everything from re-arming the
aircraft to defending a refuelling
base. And on top of refuelling Army
helicopters, I find myself working
on many other NATO aircraft. It’s
important to be adaptable but
the training prepares you for
all the likely challenges.
The Role Aviation Support Specialists are
responsible for maintaining the supply of
fuel and ammunition to the aircraft at all
times. You are the AAC’s logistical experts
and are the people that ensure both the
groundcrew and aircrew have everything
An officer role in the AAC is ideal for high-flyers
As a Flight Commander you’ll be managing
senior soldiers and will be responsible for
some of the Army’s most expensive equipment.
To do your job well you’ll need first-class
management and communication skills, as well
as an aptitude for technology.
Like all Army officers, you’ll need to be able to
think on your feet, and because everything tends
to happen at great speed in the air, you must
excel at staying calm under pressure.
The Army Air Corps offers a long and
rewarding career path for its officers, with the
chance to qualify as a helicopter instructor as
well as plenty of opportunities for pay rises and
promotions. And if you leave the Army, your
military experience can also help you secure a
similarly high-flying job in the civilian world.
levu
Name: Airtrooper Viliame Matanibuka
ular)
(Reg
st
ciali
Job: Aviation Groundcrew Spe
AVIATION SUPPORT SPECIALIST
LEARNING TO LEAD
The position of Aviation Flight Commander will
come after you have gained experience of being
a qualified pilot. As Flight Commander, you will
lead a team of highly trained soldiers who hold
the rank of Sergeant or above.
Job notes
“I ensure our teams
have the supplies
they need. It’s big
pressure but I love
the responsibility”
Lance Corporal Anthony Matts, 24
Aviation Support Specialist (Regular)
For more information about these jobs, go to army.mod.uk/jobs
they need to do their jobs. As well as fuel
and ammo, this could include essential lifesupport supplies such as food and water.
You’re needed wherever the aircraft go and,
like Groundcrew Specialists, may have to
defend the Forward Operating Bases and
Forward Arming Refuelling Points.
Skills You will learn about logistics and
planning and be trained to refuel and re-arm
all of the AAC’s aircraft. You’ll also be taught
how to drive and maintain a range of vehicles
from Land Rovers up to the Detachable
Rack Operating Platform System, which
weighs 15 tonnes. There’ll be no shortage
of responsibility because the aircrew and
groundcrew are going nowhere without
you. You’ll be liaising with both soldiers
and officers so will constantly develop your
communication and teamworking skills.
TRADES IN THE AIR
HELICOPTER PILOT
The Role Pilots fly the AAC’s rotary or
fixed-wing aircraft. Having successfully
completed the Army’s pilot course, you
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
The Army Air Corps is dedicated to professional development, which means
its members have the opportunity to gain a raft of qualifications and skills
SOLDIER
All Airtroopers undertaking Phase 2
training at the School of Army
Aviation enter an apprenticeship in
aviation or telecommunications,
depending on whether they
enter the Groundcrew or
Communications stream. This
apprenticeship includes a Level 2
NVQ and a technical certificate.
After qualifying as Class 2
soldiers, Airtroopers return for
Class 1 training. In the near future, this will
involve an advanced apprenticeship in aviation,
telecommunications or distribution, including
an NVQ Level 3 and BTEC.
Further opportunities once promoted may
include a chance to obtain a foundation degree,
and work towards a full degree. Management
qualifications and membership of industry and
sector institutes are also available.
OFFICER
The Commissioning Course offers
professional management
qualifications and memberships
of various institutions, such as
the Institute of Leadership &
Management and the Chartered
Institute of Management.
Thirty Open University Level 1
credit points are available on the
Elementary Flying Training Course,
and even more could be made
available to you should you decide to apply and
succeed in the numerous advanced courses.
In the future, the AAC hopes to offer a
foundation degree on award of your Wings, and
then the opportunity to complete extra study to
gain a full degree (this accreditation will also be
available to NCO pilots). These qualifications will
be invaluable if you return to civilian life, whether
you pursue a career in aviation or another sector.
➤
15
OPPORTUNITIES
complete the 14-month pilot course
and then be selected for training on a
specific aircraft. Once you get your Wings,
you will automatically be promoted to
Acting Sergeant. Pilots can progress
by training as a Qualified Helicopter
Instructor or as an Aviation Instructor.
Whether you serve as a soldier or officer,
you’ll have the opportunity to acquire
management and related qualifications,
including a university degree.
QUALIFIED HELICOPTER
INSTRUCTOR
Job notes
Name: Jason Aitkinson, 26
Job: Aviation Groundcrew
Specialist (Regular)
I’m part of the motor
transport team looking
after vehicles such as Land
Rovers and fuel tankers. But
the best part of being in a
groundcrew team is refuelling
and re-arming the helicopters –
that’s when the adrenaline
really starts flowing.
Progression up the ranks offers increased responsibility plus a pay increase, and
with opportunities for further training you also pick up extra qualifications
LANCE CORPORAL
After three to four years you
could gain your first stripe.
You’ll get a pay rise and the
chance to study qualifications such as BTECs and
NVQs. Typical Lance Corporal roles include an
Armed Landing Point Commander, where you
16
WHAT I DO
Name: Airtrooper Gareth Rundle
Job: Aviation Groundcrew Specialist (Territorial)
➤ will be selected for further training
MOVING ON UP
AIRTROOPER
All Army Air Corps soldiers begin their career at
this rank. You will have the opportunity to pick
up qualifications recognised in civilian life.
The Role Qualified Helicopter Instructors
not only teach the Army’s soldiers and
officers to fly the Apache or Lynx
helicopters, but are responsible for
maintaining the overall aviation standards
of the Army. This means making sure that
every generation of pilot is skilled and
meticulous. It’s a big job and only those
working at the top of their game will
succeed in this role. You will train pilots
to fly in a range of battlefield situations
so they have the ability and confidence
to react to any circumstances.
Skills You’ll acquire an in-depth knowledge
in specialised areas such as electronic
warfare, systems and tactics. As well as
flying-related and instructor qualifications,
you’ll acquire a raft of management skills,
accredited by professional bodies. If you
don’t already have a degree, you may also
get the opportunity to study for one. ■
could find yourself second-in-command of a
Forward Arming and Refuelling Point.
CORPORAL
After a further three to four
years, you could get another
promotion, a pay increase, and
be in charge of a number of soldiers. After a
further three years of service, you could progress
to the rank of Sergeant. Those who are successful
in applying to train as a pilot could become an
Acting Sergeant as soon as they gain their Wings.
on a specific aircraft. This could be the
Apache attack helicopter, which is one
of the most sophisticated and advanced
aircraft in the world, or the established
Lynx. Pilots are responsible for the effective
and safe completion of a mission and
also for the aircrew and soldiers who fly
with them. On the ground, your duties
will include keeping up to date with
developments in weapons systems, tactics
and electronic warfare. Pilot training is
open to soldiers and officers in the Army,
as long as they pass aptitude and medical
tests. You must be 30 or under before
beginning your training.
Skills To apply for pilot training, you must
be recommended for or have already
reached the rank of Corporal. You will
“I wanted to do
something different
and to travel. I’ve
already been on tour to Afghanistan,
Belize and Cyprus”
Lance Corporal Natalie Toby, 23
What do you like best about being a Territorial?
It brings a whole new dimension to your life and you get
chances to see and do things that you never would otherwise.
Going on operations, for exanple, is an amazing experience.
And there are stacks of sports and adventure activities around
the world that you can get stuck into.
Does it help you in your day job?
The discipline and organisational skills you learn definitely
make you more efficient at your nine-to-five job. There’s also
plenty of opportunity to gain more qualifications.
For more information about these jobs, go to army.mod.uk/jobs
17
NEXT STEPS
“Where else would
you get paid to work on the world’s
best helicopters?
Taking this job is the best decision I have ever made”
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
These are the steps you will be taking on the way to a career in the British Army
W
hether you want to join the
British Army as a soldier or
officer, full time or in your
spare time, you can find out more either
online, by phone or face-to-face at an
Army Careers Centre. These soldiers and
officers have many years of experience in
the Army, will understand your concerns,
and are able to answer any questions you
or your parents may have.
In the meantime, these are your routes
to becoming a serving member of the
Army. Remember, once you have made
your decision to join, this isn’t
a conveyor belt from which there’s no
escape. If you want to return to your
studies and join later, or simply need
more time to make a decision, there are
opportunities before your training begins
to take time out and restart the process
at a later date, or to pull out altogether.
Airtrooper Ricky Matthews, 18
Aviation Groundcrew Specialist
(Regular)
JOIN AS A SOLDIER
CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS
1
Once you decide to join the
Army you can register
online, by phone or
face-to-face at a recruiting event.
This lets us check that you meet
the Army’s entry conditions, such
as age, nationality and residency.
If you decide to join the
Territorials you may wish to visit
your local unit, to meet the
soldiers and learn more.
INITIAL TESTS
FINAL TESTS
2
3
You will take some basic tests
and assessments to see which
area of the Army best suits you.
This will include an interview, and
will take place at your local Army
Careers Centre. Your Careers Adviser
will then discuss the options available
to you. For those wishing to join
the Territorials, your interview
could take place at your local
Territorial Unit.
NEED MORE TIME?
If you haven’t decided whether to join the Army, or want
to return to full-time education with possible financial
sponsorship, tell your Candidate Support Manager
(recruiter) and they will stay in touch. In the meantime, why
not try an Insight Course to experience Army life first-hand?
Next, you will attend a two-day
course at an Assessment Centre,
where you will undergo fitness,
health and team tests to determine
your suitability for an Army career.
Depending on your choice of trade
you may be required to attend further
assessment. If you decide to join the
Territorials, it’s exactly the same
selection process as the Regulars.
DIDN’T MAKE IT?
CONGRATULATIONS!
4
1
Once you decide to join the Army
you can register online, by phone
or face-to-face at a recruiting
event. This lets us check that you meet
the Army’s entry conditions, such as
age, nationality and residency.
If you decide to join as a Territorial
you may wish to visit your local unit,
to meet the officers and learn more.
INITIAL TESTS
2
To assess your suitability for a
role as a British Army officer you
will be required to take some
basic tests online. You will also be
interviewed by a Senior Careers
Adviser, before attending a medical
and an Army Officer Selection Board
(AOSB) Briefing, which will help
prepare you for the AOSB Main Board.
ARMY OFFICER SELECTION
3
If you are successful at the AOSB
Briefing, you will be put forward to
attend the AOSB Main Board.
Here you will undertake a series of
physical and mental tests over a threeday period to see if you are Army officer
material. For some roles you may be
required to attend further assessment. As
you decide which Corps or Regiment you
wish to join you will be offered Officer
Familiarisation Visits to find out more.
If you decide to join the Territorials,
it’s exactly the same selection process
as the Regulars.
CONGRATULATIONS!
4
You have passed the AOSB
Main Board and are invited
to join the Army for officer
training. You will be assigned a place
on a Commissioning Course (either
the Regular or Professionally Qualified
Officer (PQO) course) at Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst and will formally
enlist in the British Army. Junior
officers will then attend a role specific
course where they learn the skills
required to be an officer. All TA officers
will undergo TA training modules prior
to attending the TA Commissioning
Course at RMAS.
The information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press.
Please check with a Careers Adviser for latest details.
18
Airtrooper Joanne Anderson, 21
Aviation Groundcrew Specialist
(Territorial)
If you didn’t meet the required standards, there may be an
opportunity for you to retake the tests. Your Candidate Support
Manager (recruiter) will let you know the areas you need to
work on, which means you’ll be better prepared next time.
JOIN AS AN OFFICER
CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS
“As a Territorial I get
the chance to try
things I would not
normally do – and
every day is different
so my job never gets
stale or boring”
You will now be offered a place
on Phase 1 Training – a course
designed to give you all the
skills a soldier needs. On the first
day of training you will formally
enlist in the British Army. Phase 2
of your training will be with your
chosen Corps or Regiment. This
is when you will gain the specific
skills to start your job.
If you join as a Territorial then you
will receive modular training either
in separate units, or if you have the
time, a single consolidated package.
“I’m now a qualified
helicopter pilot – not
bad for someone who left school with
just GCSEs. It’s the
biggest challenge
I’ve ever taken on but it’s been worth it”
Sergeant Ben Brown, 28
Helicopter Pilot (Regular)
To find out more about the
Army Air Corps talk to a
Careers Adviser. You can find
your local adviser by visiting
army.mod.uk/contactus
Call 0845 600 8080
Go to army.mod.uk/jobs
19
“THE ARMY HAS GIVEN ME OPPORTUNITIES I NEVER THOUGHT I’D HAVE”
The British Army
wholeheartedly supports
the principle of equality of
opportunity in employment.
We are opposed to all forms
of unlawful discrimination
on the grounds of race,
colour, ethnic background,
gender, marital status,
sexual orientation, disability,
religious belief or age. We
are committed, wherever
practicable, to recruiting
and maintaining a workforce
which broadly reflects the
UK population we serve. We
have a strict code of conduct
that ensures zero tolerance
of bullying, harassment,
discrimination and
victimisation on any grounds
RG/BRO/121 March 2013
Produced for the Ministry of Defence by Army Recruiting and
Training Division. Crown Copyright March 2013
Call 0845 600 8080
Go to army.mod.uk/jobs