Provide crucial analysis of terrain
“I have represented the Regiment at rugby, spent a week sailing and gained qualifications that will help in later life.”
Where’s the best place to build a helicopter landing site? What’s the best route for a tank? And where would a missile do the most damage? Geographic Technicians answer all these questions and more. Trained in hi-tech Geographic Information Systems (GIS), they analyse the landscape and give us vital data about it. Join us in this key role and you’ll learn to scan satellite pictures for enemy sites, make 3D models of the battlefield, plan special routes and more. Your training can take you far – within and outside the Army – plus, you’ll get to travel and do sports with mates.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Become an expert in positional surveying
- Work with geographic data and satellite imagery
- Create geographic products using advanced software
- Deploy all over the world and advise senior commanders
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 Royal School of Military Engineering in Minley for nine weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Next stop is the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield for your C+E (LGV) licence. Finally, you go to the Royal School of Military Survey in Hermitage. Over 42 weeks, you learn about GIS, geographic data, satellite imagery and terrain analysis.
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 one other subject
FITNESS: Lift 35kg, Carry 120m, 1.5 mile run in 13 min 15 sec (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Class 2 Geographic Technician - Certificate of Higher Education
- Class 1 Geographic Technician - Foundation Degree in Applied Computing
- You can then study in your own time for a BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (Geographic Information) accredited by Sheffield Hallam and funded by the Army
- Cat B and Cat C+E driving licence
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 Sapper 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
“After completing Basic Training in Oct 2012, I moved onto my Combat Engineer Class 3 at Gibraltar Barracks before gaining an HGV licence. Then I had trade training at RSMS before progressing to the field army in 2014. I deployed to the Falklands in Nov 2014 and went on exercises in the UK too. These have used and developed my technical skills. It’s not all work though; you get plenty of time for sports. I have represented the Regiment at rugby, spent a week sailing and gained qualifications that will help in later life.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Your training will depend on your military experience, trade qualifications and the role of your unit. If you need basic soldiering skills, you learn them at your nearest Army Training Unit. Then, you go to the Army Training Centre, Pirbright, to be trained by Regular Army instructors. You learn to handle weapons, read maps and give first aid. Combat Engineer training is given by your unit. Finally, you spend two weeks at the Royal School of Military Survey in Hermitage learning the skills you need to be a Reserve Geographic Technician. You can also attend the Positional Survey course.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 49 years 11 months
Reservists need to already have professional qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
FITNESS: Lift 35kg, Carry 120m, 1.5 mile run in 13 min 15 sec (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
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 Sapper 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
“After serving with other Army Reserve units, I transferred to the Royal Engineers as a Class 2 Command, Control and Communications Specialist and a Class 3 Combat Engineer. In 2011 I deployed to Afghanistan. Since then, I’ve completed my Class 1 Geographic Technician course as part of my career development in 135 Geographic Squadron. I also completed my All Arms Physical Training Instructors course which has led to a new career in the fitness industry. The Army Reserve has given me so many opportunities and qualifications. I know there will always be a new challenge no matter where my career goes.”
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.