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Army life
YOUR GUIDE TO
THE ROYAL
ARMOURED CORPS
INSIDE
Join the Army’s
tank-busting troops
Get your career on track with a role
in the ultimate combat team
PLUS
TRAVEL,
ADVENTURE,
QUALIFICATIONS
AND SUCCESS
TELLING IT
LIKE IT IS
WELCOME
Get up close and personal
with the RAC’s deadly Scimitar
and Challenger 2 tanks p10
T
he Household Cavalry
and the Royal Armoured
Corps can offer you an
action-packed career at the heart
of military operations.
You could learn to drive the
Army’s most advanced military
vehicles, be the eyes and ears
on the battlefield in a Formation
Reconnaissance Regiment, or
take part in world-famous state
ceremonies and royal occasions.
But whichever role you choose,
you’ll gain technical, academic
and computer skills that will set
you up for life. The opportunity
to take part in all kinds of sports
and adventurous training abroad
is guaranteed. And with this
comes the chance to experience
a team spirit unique to Army life.
Get your career heading in the
right direction with a lead role in
the Army’s front-line force.
For the lowdown on life in the Household Cavalry
and Royal Armoured Corps, there’s no one better to
ask than the soldiers and officers serving right now
“Life in the Armoured Corps
is so varied – you’re always
given fresh challenges” p6
Trooper David Wilcox, 24
Tank Crewman (Regular)
“You get to take
part in loads of
adventurous
training and
overseas sport
in the Army.
It’s a major
bonus” p5
Lance Corporal Paul
Birmingham, 26
Tank Crewman (Regular)
“The Army will find
out what you’re good
at and nurture your
talent. And they make
sure you get decent
qualifications” p10
CONTENTS
4
Heart of the action
6
Packing the punch
10
Which role is for me?
12
Your next move
22
What Royal Armoured Corps soldiers
and officers get up to in their time off
A night-time exercise sees the RAC
pulling together to defeat enemy forces
Trooper Bon Scott, 20
Tank Crewman (Regular)
Get up close to the Challenger 2 battle
tank – the power behind the RAC
“It is a real privilege to turn out for
royal parades. They’re a huge part
of Britain’s history and it is great
to play a leading role in them” p16
Captain Tariro Mundawarara, 21, Troop Leader (Regular)
2
Sport and lifestyle
Discover the massive range of career
opportunities within this Corps
Take your next step towards a place
in the Household Cavalry and RAC
3
AT EASE
The Army is getting
behind Tony to support
his Olympic dream
LIVES LESS
ORDINARY
Eye on the ball:
Melita takes
evasive action
The sky’s the limit when it comes to sport
and adventurous training in the RAC
W
hatever the sport, Captain Nick Durrans believes in
throwing himself headlong into it. “There is so much
opportunity for sport and adventurous training in the
Army,” says Nick, who has notched up 120 jumps in the RAC’s skydiving club. “There’s a great bunch of guys in the club, and people’s
ranks are totally forgotten when we meet up at the weekends.”
Massive emphasis is placed on sport in the Army because it’s vital
for personal and professional development. Soldiers and officers
in the RAC can take advantage of the Army’s top-class facilities
around the world. The Corps also has a great track record in sports
such as rugby, football and sailing. And thanks to the likes of Lance
Corporals Tony O’Hara and Paul Birmingham (far right) – both
contenders for the British Olympic team – some new sporting
traditions look likely to be established in the coming years.
CAPTAIN NICK DURRANS, 29
ADJUTANT (REGULAR)
This adrenaline junkie says jumping
out of a plane is great for team spirit
Captain Nick Durrans admits he was terrified
the first time he had to jump out of a plane.
“You feel like there is a monster on your
shoulder saying, ‘Don’t do it!’. But the more
jumps you do, the smaller that monster gets,”
says Nick, a member of the RAC’s skydiving
club, S-Cubed. “You have a bundle of
emotions but when the parachute
opens you feel really chilled out.”
Life is pretty hectic for Nick – he
has been on tours to Iraq and
Afghanistan and is studying
for a Masters in Business
Administration. But he doesn’t
let that get in the way of his
jumping. “It’s great to get away
with your mates to do a sport
you all enjoy. If I did any other
type of job, I probably wouldn’t
get this chance to do this.”
4
The RAC’s Alpine Ski Club stages an annual tournament in Verbier, Switzerland
LANCE CORPORAL TONY O’HARA, 22
TANK CREWMAN (REGULAR)
This Royal Armoured Corps soldier is determined to high-kick
himself all the way to the 2012 Olympics in his home town
Tony O’Hara has a lot to thank his mum
for. When he was 14, she suggested he join
the local taekwondo club to get rid of
some of his teenage angst. Less than a
decade on, the 22-year-old is competing
for a place in the 2012 GB Olympic team.
Tony still attends his local club in Goole,
East Yorkshire and the Army is helping
him pursue his Olympic dream. “Because
of the level I’m now competing at, my
Commanding Officer has been very
supportive. I compete abroad in countries
such as Belgium, Germany, Holland, Spain
and Sweden,” says Tony. Being Londonborn, making it to the Olympics in his
home town would be a dream come true.
And he fancies his chances. “My coach has
high hopes, although competition will be
tough. But I’m training hard and loving it
– it’s all about performance on the day.”
LANCE CORPORAL PAUL BIRMINGHAM, 26
TANK CREWMAN (REGULAR)
Training for skiing and rifle shooting alongside his Army
career is all in a day’s work for this Olympic contender
“Four years after the Army introduced him to skiing, Paul wants
a place in GB’s biathlon team for the 2010 Winter Olympics in
Vancouver. And he stands a good chance, too. Paul is training
full-time with the GB team. “The Army has been great, and
they’ve put me on courses so I don’t fall behind with my
career while training,” he says. But his sights are
firmly set on the biathlon at the moment, and
he’s paying particular attention to the rifle
shooting event. “Being a soldier, you’d think
I’d be a dead cert for the rifle phase.
But shooting with a steady pulse is
one thing – taking shots after
a 2km ski when your
heartbeat is through the
roof is something else. To
get up to Olympic standard
would be fantastic!”
5
IN ACTION
delivering the knockout
blow
The whole of the Army pulls together on operations
– but it’s the soldiers and officers of the Household
Cavalry and RAC who land the sucker punch…
C
ocktails of mortars and flares
send pulses of light across
the rugged terrain in front of
Trooper David Wilcox. Ahead, the
crackle of rifle fire echoes into a forest as a
squadron sniper engages a distant enemy.
Protected by the reinforced armour of
his Scimitar reconnaissance vehicle, David
switches on his thermal imaging system
and scans the horizon. He spots some
movement on the edge of the forest and
zooms in. A line of enemy tanks has taken
up an advanced position – a dangerous
manoeuvre designed to pin back British
forces. He gets straight on the radio.
David is a Tank Crewman in a Formation
Reconnaissance (FR) Regiment, one of the
three prongs to the Royal Armoured Corps’
attack along with its Armoured Regiments
and its chemical experts. And this morning,
his team’s resolve will be tested to the full.
“FR is the RAC’s eyes and ears on the
battlefield,” explains David, as he radios
the enemy’s position to headquarters.
“We operate either on foot or in tracked
Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles – like the
Spartan (main picture) or Scimitar.
“Our soldiers are sent in before anyone
else to ‘recce’, or scout out, the enemy and
report back to headquarters. The Armoured
Regiments usually clean up from there.”
Their strategy today is to occupy an area
exactly 18 miles north of their current
position. Standing in their way are the
enemy tanks spotted earlier by David’s FR
team. The plan is to use the awesome
firepower of the Armoured Regiments to
destroy enemy tanks and, with the support
of the Infantry, advance to the location.
“It’s a classic RAC manoeuvre,” explains
David. “FR and Armoured work hand-inhand. FR always goes in first to locate
hostile forces. We then relay their position
back to the guys in Main Battle Tanks, who
use their firepower to finish the job.”
Today’s Armoured force features several
Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks – 65-tonne
beasts capable of destroying enemy ➤
deadly assault
A gunner in the
Spartan armoured
personnel carrier
opens fire on the
enemy’s position
directing the fire
The FR Section Commander
eyeballs the enemy’s position,
and calls in a wave of attacks
clear as day
Illumination rounds from a
51mm mortar bathe hostile
ground in bright light
Emerging from their
Spartan, an RAC
team opens fire on
the enemy’s location
6
His Royal Highness Prince Harry served with the Household Cavalry in Afghanistan
life on the front line
Trooper David Wilcox, 24
FR Tank Crewman (Regular)
Blending state occasions with battlefield
action is what life in the Royal Armoured
Corps is all about. David began his career
with the Household Cavalry, the worldfamous ceremonial division based in
Knightsbridge Barracks, London. And he
got a taste of the front line recently when
he moved to a Formation Reconnaissance
Regiment. Now he’s part of a team
responsible for locating and defeating
hostile forces – wherever they’re hiding.
7
IN ACTION
Trooper David
Wilcox makes full
use of the Army’s
sports facilities
“It’s my job to
direct the driver,
control the flow
of ammo and
tell the gunner
where to fire”
Corporal Ashley Kennedy, 29
Tank Commander (Regular)
life outside work
Crewman David Wilcox made the most of his
spare time when he was posted to the capital
The magestic £5 million
Challenger 2 tank is the
Army’s deadliest weapon
➤ tanks from over a mile away. David’s
team has identified a safe route to an
assembly point and, as dawn lights the
battlefield, the Squadron Leader orders
the group to move off. From their hidden
location, the tanks will advance to what’s
called a Forming Up Point (FUP) about one
mile from the enemy’s position.
Riding in this fearsome convoy is
Corporal Ashley Kennedy, an RAC Tank
Commander with bags of experience. He
has been on operations in Kosovo, and
more recently completed two tours to Iraq.
Being a Tank Commander takes multitasking to a new level. “You have to read a
map, direct the driver, tell the gunner where
and when to fire, control the flow of ammo
and stay in touch with the Squadron Leader
so you know what’s happening in the rest
of the battle,” says Ashley. “I’m given a lot
of responsibility by the Corps and I enjoy
the challenge. The buck stops with me.”
Gathered at the FUP, the line-up of
firepower is formidable. “We need to keep
8
Night-vision kit allows
soldiers to work under
cover of darkness
toxic troopers
The RAC’s experts are always on hand to
neutralise the threat of chemical attacks
The Army now has clever ways of keeping its soldiers
safe from lethal gases, radioactive substances and
poisonous chemicals. The Chemical, Biological,
Radiological and Nuclear Regiment, or CBRN for short,
was formed in 1998 to deal with just this sort of thing.
Equipped with protective suits, state-of-the-art
vehicles and hi-tech gadgets, CBRN teams can detect
and analyse dangerous substances. And if they suspect
a chemical attack, they will alert troops to the potential
danger and cordon off contaminated areas.
the formation line as straight as possible,”
explains Ashley. “If you veer off course you
cut down the firing arc of the tank next to
you.” Up front are seven Challenger 2 tanks,
with the Squadron Leader stationed in the
central vehicle. Behind these sit three more
tanks in support, followed by the Infantry in
their Warrior armoured personnel carriers.
A further four tanks have flanked the enemy
and will offer additional fire from the east.
On Corporal Kennedy’s instruction, the
gunner sitting below him prepares to fire.
Lining up his shot, he pauses for a moment
to wait for the okay – and fires. It’s a direct
hit, and it’s one of many as the Challengers
pound the enemy with attack after attack.
From their new position, Trooper David
Wilcox’s team offers covering support along
the group’s flanks. As the shelling continues,
David spots a group of enemy tanks
withdrawing. With his tanks engaged in
battle and no air support available he is
forced to call in firepower from another
weapon in the Corps’ armoury – the deadly
Javelin. “It’s an extremely accurate and
efficient shoulder-mounted missile system
used by FR soldiers,” he explains. It’s a
‘fire-and-forget’ anti-tank weapon, and its
operator moves quickly into position to
We put a lot into our work, so it’s
important to wind down – and
the Army gives you plenty of
spare time to do just that. I’m married, so
at weekends I go back home to spend time
with my wife and family.
At the moment I’m based at barracks in
Bovington, Dorset, which has a great gym
and swimming pool that I visit three times
a week. I also play football, which is a good
way to relax and maintain your general
take out the breakaway tanks. Both targets
are neutralised. The Squadron Leader gives
orders to stand down – the enemy has been
defeated. Today’s operation has been part of
a three-day exercise to practise armour-onarmour combat. The action took place on a
training area in Poland, firepower was
simulated by a laser system, and the enemy
was played by fellow soldiers and officers
from the Royal Armoured Corps.
“Last month I was guarding the Queen
in London,” says David, enjoying a quiet
moment for the first time that day. “This
month I’m on exercise in Poland, and next
year I will be going to Afghanistan on
operations. That’s how life is in the RAC –
you’re always given fresh challenges.”
Since joining, David has learned to ride
a horse, drive a tank and has developed the
field skills needed for life in combat. Next
year he’ll get his first taste of operations,
and backing him up when he deploys will
be the might of the Royal Armoured Corps
– the Army’s tank-busting troopers. ■
fitness – not to mention the perfect
chance to banter with your mates.
When I did my Mounted Cavalryman
training I was based at the Household
Cavalry’s barracks in Knightsbridge, near
Harrods. What other job allows you to live
in a prime area of London so cheaply? It
was great going out in the capital. There
is so much stuff going on right
on your doorstep, and loads of
people on base to go out with.
did you know...
n Lawrence of
Arabia, who
heroically led the
Arabs against the
Turks in WWI,
joined the Tank
Regiment in Dorset in 1923.
n Other famous faces in the RAC have
included musicians James Blunt and Billy
Bragg, and the Earl of Cardigan, after
whom the knitted waistcoat is named.
n The Earl of Cardigan led the Cavalry, the
RAC’s predecessor, in 1854’s Charge of the
Light Brigade – the Crimean War battle
made famous by Lord Tennyson’s poem.
n His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan was
an officer in the RAC and retains his close
links with the Corps as Colonel-in-Chief
of The Light Dragoons Regiment.
Wartime PM Winston Churchill was a Cavalryman before his move into politics
9
IN DETAIL
the deadly duo
CHALLENGER 2 BATTLE TANK
Nothing packs a punch in combat quite like the Army's £5 million Challenger 2.
And the four-man crew make the most of its hi-tech weapons to get the job done.
The Scimitar and Challenger 2 are a formidable double act. Trooper Bon
Scott explains how they work together to seek out and destroy the enemy
The Scimitar reconnaissance
vehicle and the Challenger 2
combat tank are the deadliest
weapons in the RAC’s arsenal. The Scimitar
uses its size, speed and agility to remain
undetected on the battlefield. And because
it puts very little pressure on the ground, this
armoured vehicle can handle all sorts of
terrain and access hard-to-reach places.
Once the crew of the Scimitar susses out
the enemy’s location, the Challenger 2 tank
Top road speed: 36mph
Length: 8.3m
COMMANDER’S SEAT
The Commander is in charge
of the crew and responsible for
communication, navigation and fire
control. The primary sight allows the
the scanning and selection of targets
L30
120mm
RIFLED GUN
Weight: 62,500kg
LOADER/RADIO
OPERATOR’S SEAT
From here, the main armament
and machine guns are loaded
and the radio is monitored
Fires rounds at an
amazing 3803mph,
and has an effective
range of 5000m
2
3
4
Challenger crew comprises
a Commander (1), Loader (2),
Gunner (3) and a Driver (4)
FIRE CONTROL
WEATHER SENSOR
Measures cross-winds, air temperature and
pressure to ensure the tank’s ammunition
is fired as accurately as possible
MAIN ENGINE
GUNNER’S SIGHT
THERMAL IMAGING SYSTEM
FOUR-MAN CREW
1
Height: 2.49m
follows up to deliver the knockout blow. It has
a whole load of weapons installed to ensure it
finishes the job. Getting behind the controls
of a Challenger is what boys dream about – it’s
awesome. I was driving one within six months
of joining, much sooner than I thought.
The adrenaline really pumps. And whether
you drive, load weapons or control the firing,
you know the rest of the Army is
relying on your training and skills
to land the sucker punch in battle.
L30 120MM RIFLED GUN
The main gun is mounted on a
turret that has 360-degree rotation.
Its rounds travel at 3803 miles per
hour, making it the fastest gun
in the Army's arsenal
Width: 3.52m
KEY WEAPON
Ten tonnes and 26 litres
delivering 1200 bhp,
which is twice as
powerful as an F1 car
The main sight uses a
laser rangefinder that has
a range of up to six miles
This provides the crew with night vision.
The images are displayed in the gunner’s
and commander’s sights and monitors
SCIMITAR
HIDE AND SNEAK
The Scimitar reconnaissance
vehicle is a stealth tank mounted
on tracks. It's lightweight, fast and
extremely agile, allowing it to creep
around the battlefield undetected.
VITAL
STATISTICS
Top speed: 50mph
Fuel capacity: 423 litres
Engine: 5.9-litre, 190 bhp
Weight: 8070kg
Height: 2.1m
Length: 4.9m
Width: 2.24m
10
It sneaks into hostile territory to
locate the enemy and plot a battle
course for the troops that lie in
wait. Tank regiments then move
in to neutralise the threat.
WEAPONRY
30mm
RARDEN
CANNON
THREE-MAN CREW
2
DRIVER’S PERISCOPE
3
1
Fires 160 rounds
of ammo and has
a range of over
1500 metres
FUEL TANKS
Scimitar crew comprises a
Commander (1), Gunner (2)
and a Driver (3)
The driver has an imageintensifying periscope that
allows him to drive at night.
The day and night sights
are interchangable
SIDE SKIRTS
Holds 2200 litres
of fuel – or enough
to travel for up to
280 miles without
stopping to fill up
Give minor ballistic
protection, and keep
the dust down and
channelled to the rear,
helping the tracks roll
smoothly in the desert
The British Army has 386 active Challenger 2 tanks, with a combined value of nearly £2 billion
11
OPPORTUNITIES
THE ROLES
Whether you’re into tanks, guns, royal events or horses,
there’s a place for you in the Army’s tank-busting team
T
he Household Cavalry and
Royal Armoured Corps are
part of the Army’s front-line
force, placing you right at
the heart of overseas action. You could
join a Formation Reconnaissance (FR)
Regiment, scouting ahead of your
troops to locate the enemy. Or you
can get behind the wheels and guns of
the Army’s best tanks in an Armoured
Regiment. The Household Cavalry
gives you the chance to work with
horses and take part in royal events.
Once you’ve made the decision to
enlist, you’ll need to choose which
route to follow. Join an FR Regiment
(see p13 and p16) and you’ll get the
chance to perform reconnaissance and
KEY TO SYMBOLS
“It’s a great feeling
to go into combat
with your mates”
Use these icons to match your
skills with the jobs on offer
Trooper Tom Allan,19
FR Crewman (Regular)
ceremonial roles. Joining an Armoured
Regiment gives you the opportunity
to drive tanks, and to specialise in
hazardous substances (see p15). But
you don’t have to decide straight away
– an RAC officer will advise you during
your first weeks of training to help you
make the right choice.
Whichever route you select, you’ll
get to enjoy all the benefits of life in
the Army. This means adventurous
training abroad, world-class sports
facilities and coaches, and the chance
to make great friends with the people
in your barracks. Check out the jobs
on offer in this section, and see what
a career with the Army’s tank-busting
troops can do for you.
COMBAT
MECHANICAL
DRIVING
TECHNICAL
IT
TERRITORIAL
MANUAL
TRAVEL
FORMATION
RECONNAISSANCE
TANK CREWMAN (FR)
The Role As a Formation Reconnaissance
(FR) Tank Crewman, you will operate
armoured vehicles such as the Scimitar
or Spartan. Trained as driver and gunner,
you will gather battlefield intelligence and
relay it to commanders. Tank Crewman (FR)
can also become Snipers, Anti-tank Missile
Operators, Forward Air Controllers, Support
Troopers, or even train to become Advanced
Signallers or Deputy Vehicle Commanders.
The Skills As a Tank Crewman (FR), you
will drive Combat Vehicle Reconnaisance
Tracked (CVRTs) in challenging conditions
and operate hi-tech digital communications
kit. As you move up the ranks to the
position of Tank Commander you will
develop leadership and communication
skills. There will also be the opportunity to
gain NVQ and City & Guilds qualifications
in public services, engineering, driving
and maintenance as well as advanced
qualifications in gunnery and signalling. ➤
Job notes
Name: Trooper Tom Allan, 19
Job: FR Crewman (Regular)
I first drove the Challenger 2
on an Insight Course at the
Army’s tank base in Dorset. I’d never
seen anything so powerful. I just
remember thinking, ‘This is the job I
want to do’. It has certainly lived up to
expectations, and I’ve been surprised
by the range of things you can do on
top. I’ve beefed-up my CV with
loads of extra qualif ications.
12
Trooper Tom Allan
enjoys some downtime
with his tank team
Visit army.mod.uk/jobs to see which role would suit you
13
OPPORTUNITIES
ARMOURED REGIMENTS
TANK CREWMAN
(MAIN BATTLE TANK)
The Role Tank Crewmen in an Armoured
Regiment operate the Army’s £5 million
Challenger 2 tank in combat. After
Formation Reconnaissance soldiers scout
out the enemy, you are sent in to deliver the
Army’s knockout punch. You will be trained
to perform the roles of driver, gunner
and loader/operator, after which you can
progress to become a Tank Commander.
And depending on which regiment you
join, you could also perform a dual role
as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological
and Nuclear (CBRN) soldier. The Tank
Crewmen of the Armoured Regiments
can go on to become Advanced Signallers,
Medics, Close Recce Crewmen, Deputy Tank
Commanders, or even regimental combat
reconnaissance experts.
The Skills Tank Crewmen gain an
impressive set of driving licences, learning
how to handle both wheeled and tracked
vehicles in challenging conditions. You will
be taught how to operate the tanks’ weapons
systems and to load ammunition. You will
also develop your IT skills and learn to use
the vehicles’ advanced communications
systems. You’ll develop leadership skills
while working in a team as you progress
to become a Tank Commander. There
are also chances to pick up qualifications
in public services, engineering, driving
and maintenance along the way. CBRN
soldiers are trained in chemical, biological,
radiological and nuclear warfare detection
and decontamination. ➤
Job notes
Name: Trooper William Condon, 20
Job: MT Driver (Territorial)
The Yeomanry is the Territorial
branch of the Royal Armoured
like
Corps, supplying replacement drivers
eI
me to the regiments. I’m lucky becaus
s
get to drive almost all the Army’s vehicle
red
in my spare time, from tanks to armou
very
cars. And Territorials are made to feel
welcome. The banter between the lads
ite
on base is absolutely terrific, and we qu
often meet up after work to drink
a few beers and play some pool.
WHAT I DO
Name: Corporal Ashley
Kennedy, 29 (Regular)
Job: Tank Commander
What does your role involve?
Lots of responsibility – a surprising
amount, in fact. I take care of a fourman crew on the battlefield, direct
our attacks, and stay in constant
touch with other units to make sure
everything goes to plan. My head’s
generally in 50 places at once in
combat, but it’s a massive thrill.
What do you enjoy about your
job in an Armoured Regiment?
Apart from the rewards of
leadership, I’d say it’s the softer
aspects of my role. You don’t stop
caring about your men once you’ve
left the battlefield – I handle every
aspect of their welfare. It’s my job to
ensure soldiers are happy, that they
attend relevant training courses, and
that they get the grades they need.
MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
In the Army, your skills are recognised quickly and you’ll be pushed onwards from day
one. Moving up the ranks means more responsibility, bigger pay and better qualifications
TROOPER
All soldiers in the Household Cavalry and Royal
Armoured Corps begin their career at this rank.
During your time as a Trooper, you will have the
opportunity to pick up qualifications recognised
in the civilian world.
LANCE CORPORAL
After three or four years in a
regiment, you could be promoted to
Lance Corporal. Your pay will go up, and you can
study for BTECs, City & Guilds and NVQs. On top
of this you can learn the basics of command,
14
leadership and management on your way to
becoming a Deputy Vehicle Commander.
CORPORAL
After eight years of service,
you could get another promotion
and a pay rise. You will complete the
Crew Commanders’ course, giving you
leadership and management qualifications, and
will find yourself leading a team of Tank
Crewmen as a Tank Commander. After a further
four years’ service, there will be opportunities for
you to progress to the rank of Sergeant.
The RAC’s Combat
Vehicle Reconnaissance
can handle any terrain
“It feels awesome to
drive an all-terrain
armoured vehicle
onto the battlefield”
Trooper William Condon, 20
MT Driver (Territorial)
For more information about these jobs, go to army.mod.uk/jobs
Challenger 2 teams
form close bonds on
operations abroad
15
OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT I DO
Name: Captain Tariro
Mundawarara, 21
Job: Troop Leader (Regular)
Why did you join the
Household Cavalry?
I was fascinated by the history,
and the idea of being the public
face of the Army in a ceremonial
role really appealed to me. It’s a
career with prestige – and one
that comes with a rent-free flat
in the heart of London.
How have you changed since
joining the British Army?
Proving myself on the battlefield
has given me greater confidence
in my abilities. And I’m certainly
more decisive now. In combat,
you have to make split-second
decisions, so you need to make
your mind up fast.
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY
TANK CREWMAN
(MOUNTED CAVALRY)
The Role Tank Crewmen (Mounted Cavalry)
are members of the Household Cavalry.
They serve as Formation Reconnaissance
soldiers on operations, driving and
operating vehicles such as the Scimitar.
They are also trained as mounted soldiers
on horseback. In this elite role you will
guard the Queen during state ceremonial
occasions and take part in world-famous
events such as the annual Trooping the
Colour. Based in London at Knightsbridge
Barracks, you will be assigned your own
horse and will have the opportunity to
specialise and train as a Farrier, Saddler,
Tailor or even as a Riding Instructor. Those
who see their future on the battlefield
will go for further training as Formation
Reconnaissance soldiers following their
time in London.
The Skills You will learn to ride your own
horse and be taught how to care for it
properly. You’ll also learn to carry out drills
on horseback. If you follow the Formation
Reconnaissance route, you will learn how
to drive and operate a range of vehicles,
as well as acquiring engineering, IT and
communications skills. Whichever route
you choose in the Household Cavalry, there
will be plenty of opportunities to gain NVQ
and City & Guilds qualifications in areas
such as horse management, engineering,
driving and maintenance. ➤
BECOME AN RAC TROOP LEADER
After completing your Troop Leaders’
Course, you return to your regiment to
meet your troop. You will take charge of
up to 20 soldiers in your first posting. It’s
your job to ensure they make it through
the appropriate training and courses.
YOUR ROLE
On operations you could find yourself
working with UN, NATO or coalition
forces. You might even work with local
police and armies. But flexibility is the
16
key here. It’s not unusual to find yourself
taking part in mounted patrols in
armoured vehicles, being air-dropped by
helicopter into the combat zone, and
running courses – all in the same week.
TRAINING AND SKILLS
Troop Leaders complete extensive
training prior to going on tour. You will
spend time in British bases in Germany,
Poland or Canada, learning everything
from fieldcraft and troop leadership right
up to brigade-level military strategy.
Job notes
Name: Trooper Craig Baker, 21
Job: Mounted Dutyman (Regular)
I’m in the Life Guards. It
is one of the most famous
jobs in the world and my parents
are really proud of me. And yes,
people do try to make me laugh
all the time when I’m on guard! I
joined the regiment because it has
an armoured side, and I’m moving
into FR next month. I already know
how to ride horses, but soon
I’ll be training to drive tanks.
Trooper Craig Baker, 21
Mounted Dutyman (Regular)
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
Develop the skills to lead your team on the field of battle
RAC TROOP LEADER
“This month, I’m
guarding the Queen in
London. Next month,
I’ll be training abroad.
That’s how life is in the
Household Cavalry”
The Army prides itself on the professional development of its men and
women, giving you the chance to gain valuable skills and qualifications
“Some people think
that the Household
Cavalry is just
about ceremonial
work, but we are
soldiers above all”
SOLDIER
Soldiers in the Household Cavalry
and Royal Armoured Corps benefit
from some of the Army’s most varied
and extensive training programmes.
NVQs, SVQs, City & Guilds and
HNDs are all on offer, plus an array
of driving licences from motorcycle,
car and forklift truck right up to
heavy goods vehicles. And depending
on your choice of career path, you
will get the chance to pick up
specialist qualifications in areas like
IT, communications, engineering,
management and teaching.
OFFICER
You are responsible for the welfare
and education of all the troops in
your command, and you play a major
leadership role in combat. This
means plenty of opportunities to
gain high-level qualifications.
Specialist skills include the detection
of chemical, biological and nuclear
substances. But the range of
management and leadership
qualifications is the biggest incentive.
All of these are recognised in civilian
workplaces, and some even give you
membership of professional guilds
and industry bodies.
Captain Tariro Mundawarara, 21
Troop Leader (Regular)
For more information about these jobs, go to army.mod.uk/jobs
17
OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT I DO
Name: Lance Corporal
Nathan Turner, 21 (Regular)
Job: Close Recce Trooper
What does your job involve?
I work with a recce crew in the Scimitar
armoured vehicle. Our role is to sneak
into hostile territory to locate enemy
forces. It’s an incredible job, but best of
all is the camaraderie between the lads.
We work closely together all day, and
socialise on base after work, so you can’t
help becoming good mates.
Why did you join in the first place?
To be honest, I didn’t know what
I wanted to do when I left school.
But I knew I didn’t want to be
trapped in an office all day or
stuck in a boring
routine. On this
level, a job with an
RAC Regiment is
perfect – there’s so
much variety. And
I get to play a lead
role in some of
the most exciting
areas of combat.
MEDALS FOR VALOUR
Rewards for bravery on the battlefield
are second to none in the British Army
Bravery in combat gets you the ultimate rewards.
Just ask Lance Corporal Christopher Finney. He went
on his first tour to Iraq with the Household Cavalry
in 2003. When the armoured vehicle he was driving was hit by
rockets, Christopher showed the kind of bravery that typifies his
regiment. After escaping from the burning vehicle, he realised
his gunner was trapped and the rest of his team badly injured.
Coming under sustained attack, this plucky driver ignored the
danger and returned to the vehicle – not once but three times
– to rescue its passengers. Christopher was awarded
the George Cross for bravery under fire at the age of
18, and got a promotion and pay rise the next year.
18
SPECIALIST ROLES
ADVANCED SIGNALLER
AND IT SPECIALIST
Job notes
Name: Lance Cor poral Matt How, 22
Job: FR Crewman (Regular)
The Role Secure and effective lines of
communication are essential when
engaging hostile forces in combat. And
all RAC Crewmen are qualified radio
operators, trained in IT systems and
digital communications technology. But
you go one step further as an Advanced
Signaller and IT Specialist. You will provide
command-level communications to battle
squadrons and regimental headquarters.
The Skills You’ll be trained in all areas of
communications, from satellite technology
to power supply management. And you
must be techno savvy and articulate
enough to convey a message quickly and
clearly. You will also build and maintain
communication networks using a huge
range of radio platforms, from analogue
and digital systems to satellite equipment.
I have always loved
driving, so this is
my dream job in many respects.
handle
Expert training means I’m qualif ied to
m
most of the Army’s hi-tech vehicles – fro
ourite
light tanks to Land Rovers – but my fav
is the Jackal (main picture). It’s the British
military’s newest combat patrol
vehicle and it’s an absolute monster.
ANTI-TANK MISSILE OPERATOR
The Role Anti-tank Missile Operators are
the FR Regiment’s tank busters. You’ll
handle the latest weaponry such as the
shoulder-mounted Javelin missile launcher.
The Skills You will be trained in state-ofthe-art anti-tank missile technology, as well
as target recognition. You will need to be
quick thinking and fast acting.
CBRN SPECIALIST
The Role Chemical, Biological, Radiological
and Nuclear (CBRN) specialists are trained
to neutralise all manner of enemy threats.
Equipped with protective suits and stateof-the-art vehicles, CBRN soldiers can hunt
for, detect and analyse the smallest traces of
every dangerous substance on the planet.
The Skills You will gain useful qualifications
in CBRN detection and contamination.
And dealing with chemical and biological
threats is not something unique to the
military world, so your skills will be in big
demand if you decide to leave the Army.
CLOSE RECONNAISSANCE
(RECCE) TROOPER
The Role Close Reconnaissance Troopers
operate ahead of the RAC’s tank regiments
in the Scimitar reconnaissance vehicle – a
stealth tank that goes undetected by enemy
radar. Your role is to sneak into enemy
territory to locate their position, and radio
back information to the Challenger 2 tanks
that lie in wait. After this, your role is to
provide covering fire during the mission.
For more information about these jobs, go to army.mod.uk/jobs
The Skills This exciting role combines the
spying skills of Formation Reconnaissance
with the devastating impact of a tank
regiment. You’ll be trained in weapons
systems such as the Javelin anti-tank
missile launcher, and gain advanced
gunnery qualifications. And because the job
involves driving, the RAC will pay for all
your lessons and licences.
FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER
The Role You will work on the front line
with combat troops as part of a Tactical Air
Control Party – the vital link between air
and ground. Your role is to identify hostile
targets, relay this information to supporting
aircraft and ultimately guide pilots to their
destinations. And you’ll get the chance
weapons and communication systems. On
top of this you’ll need to hone your spoken
and written communication skills.
MEDIC
Anti-tank missile
operators get to fire
the awesome Javelin
to work with aircraft such as the hi-tech
Apache attack helicopter and the RAF’s fleet
of Tornado fighter jets.
The Skills Forward Air Controllers are
quick thinkers who can work under
pressure – soldiers who are not afraid to
take responsibility. This role will take your
navigation skills to new levels. And you’ll
learn about different military aircraft, their
The Role In the RAC, you get the chance
to pursue two unique medical roles. As
an RAC Medic, you gain all the medical
skills needed to provide life-saving support
in combat. A role as a Regiment Medical
Assistant sees you take your medical
skills to a more advanced level, providing
assistance to doctors on the front line.
The Skills RAC Medics learn advanced first
aid, trauma relief and immediate lifesaving skills. Regiment Medical Assistants
are trained in advanced medical skills that
enable them to assist doctors. ➤
19
OPPORTUNITIES
MOTOR TRANSPORT (MT) DRIVER
The Role If an armoured vehicle needs
spare parts or more ammunition, it’s your
job to deliver them. Working with Store
Specialists and the Quartermaster, you are
a vital part of the RAC’s supply chain.
The Skills You will learn to drive everything
from motorcycles to coaches, plus how to
maintain engines. You’ll gain qualifications
in ammunition control and logistics, and
get a hazardous materials licence.
MUSICIAN
The Role You will help keep regimental
traditions alive playing in one of the RAC’s
pipe and drum bands, providing a morale
boost for fellow soldiers and officers.
The Skills You are a trained soldier first, but
you’ll also get the chance to pick up music
qualifications throughout your career.
RAC PARATROOPER/COMMANDO
Soldiers in the
Household Cavalry
are some of Britain’s
best horse handlers
TAKE ON A SPECIALIST ROLE
IN THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY
Turn your passion for horses into a rewarding career
TAILOR
The Role You will meet all the Household
Cavalry’s clothing and tailoring needs,
from ceremonial dress to combat kit.
The Skills You’ll begin your career as a
Mounted Dutyman before becoming a
Tank Crewman. You’ll get driving licences
and gunnery qualifications, and complete
basic and advanced tailoring courses, on
your way to becoming a Master Tailor.
SADDLER
The Role You role is to fit, alter and repair
all the Army’s leather ceremonial kit.
The Skills In addition to driving licences
and military certificates, you will gain
other useful qualifications in saddle,
bridle and harness making.
20
Saddlers are in
big demand on
civvy street
The Role FR soldiers support the famous
Para and Commando regiments in combat
with their reconnaissance work, and by
providing much needed armoured support.
The Skills Completing the demanding
P Company Parachute or Commando
training courses will mark you out from the
pack, and also earn you the right to wear
the prestigious maroon or green beret.
SNIPER
The Role You’ll identify and take out key
enemy targets from hidden vantage points.
You’ll also provide cover for advancing
troops and feed back information to HQ.
The Skills You’ll enter another league of
weapons expertise and develop battlefield
knowledge to keep one step ahead of
the enemy. You will also learn advanced
navigation and route selection skills.
or team, which could also include Snipers
and Anti-tank Missile Operators.
The Skills Support Troopers are trained in a
range of combat engineering skills such as
bridge building, demolition and minefield
clearance. You’ll develop a range of practical
skills and pick up civilian qualifications.
SURVEILLANCE OPERATOR
“Being a sniper takes
courage, patience,
attention to detail –
and deadly accuracy”
Sergeant Graham Mudd, 35
FR Troop Sergeant (Regular)
The Role Surveillance Operators use hi-tech
surveillance equipment to detect enemy
activity and movement. You work in the
field or as an observer in battlefield HQs.
The Skills You will be trained in state-ofthe-art surveillance and communications
technology, and gain valuable IT skills.
YEOMANRY TERRITORIAL
SERVING IN YOUR SPARE TIME
The Yeomanry is the Territorial branch of
the Royal Armoured Corps. It comprises
four regiments (see panel below), which
are broken down into smaller units called
squadrons. There are 18 squadrons located
at Territorial centres across the country.
As a Yeoman, you get the same specialist
training as your Regular colleagues.
You could be a Challenger 2 gunner, a
replacement driver for an armoured vehicle
or a CBRN operative. Click online or visit
your nearest Territorial Centre to see what
serving in your spare time can do for you. ■
HELPING YOU MAKE THE BEST CAREER DECISIONS
Once enlisted, new recruits must choose between one of the two RAC roles below – or consider
serving in their spare time. Officers in the Corps can help you pick the right career path for you
YOUR CHOICE
FORMATION RECONNAISSANCE (FR) REGIMENTS
ARMOURED REGIMENTS (MAIN BATTLE TANK)
STORE SPECIALIST
THE
FARRIER
The Role You’ll shoe up to 70 horses a
week on top of your regimental duties,
and get the chance to train abroad.
The Skills Like all those in the Household
Cavalry you will be trained as a soldier
first. But after basic training, you will
serve a three-year apprenticeship in the
Household Cavalry forge.
The Role From ammunition to food, it is
your responsibility to keep the front line
stocked, armed and happy.
The Skills You’ll gain stores accounting,
management and logistics qualifications,
as well as additional driving licences.
THE
HOUSEHOLD
CAVALRY
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY
MOUNTED REGIMENT
1ST THE
QUEEN’S
DRAGOON
GUARDS
9TH/12TH
ROYAL
LANCERS
THE
LIGHT
DRAGOONS
THE
QUEEN’S
ROYAL
LANCERS
THE ROYAL
SCOTS
DRAGOON
GUARDS
THE ROYAL
DRAGOON
GUARDS
YEOMANRY – TERRITORIAL FORCE
QU
EEN
U
’ S R OYA L H
SS
ARS
THE
QUEEN’S
ROYAL
HUSSARS
THE KING’S
ROYAL
HUSSARS
1ST ROYAL
TANK
REGIMENT
2ND ROYAL
TANK
REGIMENT
CBRN SPECIALISTS
SUPPORT TROOPER
The Role From destroying obstacles to
clearing minefields, Support Troopers
are the RAC’s demolition specialists. You
typically work as part of a four-man section,
THE
LIFE
GUARDS
THE
BLUES &
ROYALS
THE ROYAL THE ROYAL
THE ROYAL
THE
YEOMANRY
WESSEX
MERCIAN &
QUEEN’S
(ARMOURED YEOMANRY LANCASTRIAN
OWN
& CBRN)
(ARMOURED/ YEOMANRY YEOMANRY
ARMOURED (ARMOURED)
(FR)
DELIVERY)
For more information about these jobs, go to army.mod.uk/jobs
1ST ROYAL
TANK
REGIMENT
21
NEXT STEPS
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
“Working together
under pressure
means you develop
close friendships
very quickly. We
have to rely on each
other completely”
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.
Lance Corporal Sami Boyd, 23
CBRN 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
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.
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.
22
Trooper Stephen Gregory, 20
FR Crewman (Regular)
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
“There’s always time
for sport in the Army.
It was one of the
things that made me
want to join and it’s
definitely lived up
to my expectations”
“Commanding a troop
of soldiers on
horseback is pretty
challenging – in
terms of leadership
training it’s about as
good as it gets”
Captain Tariro Mundawarara, 21
Troop Leader (Regular)
To find out more about the Royal
Armoured 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
23
“MY JOB
INVOLVES USING
THE LATEST
TECHNOLOGY TO
FIND AND DESTROY
ENEMY UNITS”
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/122 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