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.
- Geographic Technician is a Geographic role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade. More about types of roles in the Royal Engineers.
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/9-5 in Maths and GCSE Grade A-C/9-4 in English Language and one other subject
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 118kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 10m 45s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Class 2 Geographic Technician - Diploma of Higher Education
- Class 1 Geographic Technician - Batchelors of Science Degree in Military Geospatial Science
- You can then study in your own time to gain Honours with this undergraduate degree accredited to Sheffield Hallam and funded by the Army
- Cat B and Cat C+E driving licence
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“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.”
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
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 - 42 years 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 118kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 10m 45s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications:
Reservists need to already have professional qualifications
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
“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.
