Repair, maintain and adapt all Army weapon systems
“Armourers keep the weapons in the hands of all our soldiers.” – Lance Corporal Flack
From pistols to artillery and helicopter chain guns – as an Armourer, you’ll know all the Army’s weapons inside out. You’ll use your first-class training to repair, maintain and adapt them. That way, every unit will be armed and ready to fight. It’s an important job: there’s no room for mistakes with a gun that fires shells over 30km. You’ll work with specialist tools and gain qualifications, building a great career. One day, you could even run your own Armoury – but there are many other roles you could try. Worldwide travel with good mates makes for an exciting life.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Keeping the Army's weapon systems functional and safe to use
- Conduct repairs and routine inspection of all Army Weapon systems from Pistols and Rifles to Artillery Guns
- Conduct technical repairs in challenging conditions to support the fighting troops
- Continual development of engineering and equipment knowledge of weapon systems
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–C/9-4 in at least English Language, Maths and Science
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
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 & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 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. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“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.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Basic training teaches you to be a soldier:
- to survive outdoors and fire weapons. Then it’s time to learn how to look after and adapt all the Army’s weapon systems. You will also be trained to drive. Remember that your Army training will be mostly on weekends and evenings, to fit in with your day job.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: GCSE Grade A–D/9-3 in at least English Language, Maths and Science
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min
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 at different levels, in Leadership and Management
- Various driving licences
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 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. More about Reserve benefits
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.