RECOVER VEHICLES FROM THE BATTLEFIELD
RECOVERY MECHANICS HELP KEEP THE WHEELS ON THE ROAD TO GET THE JOB DONE.
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
Basic training teaches you to be a soldier, how to survive outdoors and fire weapons. Then it’s off to the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MoD Lyneham. Over the next 20 weeks, you learn how to drive a variety of military vehicles from cars to tanks. The expert training you receive will enable you to understand the principles of recovery and carry out your critical role.
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 143kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support
- Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support
- Qualifications at different levels, in Leadership and Management
- Different driving licences
- Car and HGV licenses + Opportunity for tracked vehicle and plant licenses
- The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Part 1 Team Card
- ADR for the safe recovery of Hazardous vehicles
- Able to become an Associate Member of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR)
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“I’ve been in the Army four years. It’s fast paced and hard work, but I wouldn’t change a thing! I had no driving licence when I joined and I’m now a qualified driver with my category B and C and my full C+E licences. I didn’t have to pay anything – in fact, I got paid to do them. I’m a keen ice hockey player and have played all over Europe and Canada. I spent a month in Canada (fully paid). The Army picked up the flights! There’s nothing like this in civvy street. I would recommend the REME to anyone.”
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
First, you complete basic training to become a soldier. Then you learn to drive (if you can’t already) and begin your trade training so that you can recover, load and move the Army’s stricken vehicles. Training is modular and most of it is done at your Army Reserve unit (at evenings and weekends) with key parts of the course done on practical field exercises or 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 143kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications:
GCSE Grade A-D / 9-3 in at least English Language, Maths and Science
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Category B and C+E driving licences and military vehicle familiarisation/conversion 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.
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £39.34 in training and rising to £50.21 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
“I work within a nationally recognised recovery company, so a job as Recovery Mechanic in the Reserves was the obvious choice for me. I was able to bring my existing expertise and travel the world – adding some excitement to my life while getting paid. I’ve been to Afghanistan and on exercise in Canada, while enjoying the benefits of a civilian job. It really is the best of both worlds. I get to do things like a week’s skydiving in Germany and snowboarding in Austria. I would recommend a Reserve job within the REME to anyone.”
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.
