Make sure our tradesmen have everything they need
Lance Corporal Gale relishes responsibility “We’re the glue that keeps the other trades together.”
In the Army we use a huge range of equipment, from rocket launchers to binoculars. As a Technical Support Specialist, you look after all of this kit, making sure your unit has whatever they need, whenever they need it. You’ll receive a lot of responsibility very early on, getting the training required to manage weapons, ammunition, vehicles and tools. You will be responsible for millions of pounds worth of equipment and gain first class managerial training and experience. You will travel the world supporting fighting units and have fantastic opportunities for sport, making friends for life.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- provide logistical support to a REME Unit, from engineering tools to supplies for every day living
- The accounting and management of thousands of pounds of tools and test equipment used by all REME tradespersons
- The maintenance and inspection regime of specialist engineering tools and test equipment
- Military Training Instructor is a potential pathway for a Technical Support Specialist soldier, they are responsible for providing military specific training to other soldiers
- Keeping the REME logistical chain moving forwards to support the needs of the mission
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 12 weeks, you learn how to run a unit’s entire technical store and deal with demands. You will also be taught to drive and gain your car and HGV licences.
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: Lift 40kg, 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 Warehousing and Storage
- Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Logistics Operations
- Qualifications at different levels, in Leadership and Management
- Car and HGV Licenses
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 as a Private 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
“Day-to-day, I ensure equipment used by other trades is accounted for correctly. As a TSS I’ve been involved with the transfer of all my unit’s equipment into a new accounting system, now used widely throughout the Army. I’ve also provided real-time life support for my unit during operations in Afghanistan: supplying rations, water and accommodation. I’m currently getting more involved in military exercises so that I can improve my skills and become a Military Instructor. Then I can train my colleagues in things like shooting, first aid, communications and drill. All soldiers need to keep their military skills up-to-date.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
You do basic training with your unit at weekends and a two-week residential course. Once you’re a skilled soldier, you learn everything you need to know about managing stores and how to track specialist engineering equipment. You will also get your B and C+E driving licences (car and lorry).:
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 40kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Warehousing and Storage
- Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Logistics Operations
- Qualifications at different levels, in Leadership and Management
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 as a Private 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
“I have been in the Army Reserves for four years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I have managed to do so much in my time, including the netball championships, which took place in Germany. I also took part in a karate championship where I placed third. I’ve obtained my driving licence too – I didn’t have one when I joined. The Army has opened my eyes to so many opportunities in life and given me support and qualifications to better myself. I would never have been able to do all this without them.”
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.