REPAIR, MAINTAIN AND ADAPT ALL ARMY WEAPON SYSTEMS
ARMOURERS KEEP THE WEAPONS IN THE HANDS OF ALL OUR SOLDIERS.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Then it’s off to the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MoD Lyneham. Over the next 39 weeks, you learn how to look after and adapt all the Army’s weapon systems. You will also be taught to drive and gain your licences in Car and HGV.
Entry Requirements
Age:
16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
Qualifications: GCSE Grade A–D/9-3 in at least English Language, Maths and Science
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3m
- 2km run 11m 30s
- MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m
- MSFT (beep test) level 7.5
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance
- Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance
- Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering
- Qualifications in Leadership and Management
- Car License and opportunity to gain HGV
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“As an Armourer I am responsible for fixing, repairing and maintaining a huge amount of weapons at my unit. This varies from the SA80 to General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). I have gained many qualifications since joining such as NVQs and my driving licences all while being paid. I am also a very keen diver and recently got to go to Egypt on my diving instructor course. This is a course that gives me access to a huge spectrum of jobs around the world if I leave the forces. I only paid a contribution of £80 for the whole thing. I have seen active service in Afghanistan and travelled all over the world.”
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
Training For The Role
Basic training teaches you to be a soldier, to survive outdoors and fire your personal weapon. Then it’s time to learn how to repair, service, inspect and modify all the Army’s weapons so that others can depend on you to keep their critical equipment working. Training is modular and most of it is done at your Army Reserve unit (at evenings and weekends) with key lessons delivered during two-week residential courses at the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MoD Lyneham, Wiltshire.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 42 years 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3m
- 2km run 11m 30s
- MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m
- MSFT (beep test) level 7.5
Qualifications:
GCSE Grade A–D/9-4 in at least English Language, Maths and Science
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Eligibility for professional accreditation as an IMechE Engineering Technician once you have completed military Class 1 trade training.
- Qualifications/accreditation in Leadership and Management.
- You may also gain category B and C driving licences depending on your exact role.
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £40.13 in training and rising to £51.22 per day once you're a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
From the Field
“As an office worker, I wanted a change of scenery and to inject some fun and variety into my life. I decided to join the Reserves as an Armourer, as I’ve always been interested in weapons and wanted to see them in real life. I’m now in charge of all my unit’s guns and rifles, ranging from the SA80 personal rifle to the AS90 gun. Since joining, I’ve served across Europe and managed to get a spot on Op OLYMPICS, helping to keep the Olympic park secure. I got to meet some of the celebrities and athletes.”
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
