BECOME A SOLDIER AND A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER
“I’VE DEPLOYED ON TWO OPERATIONAL TOURS TO AFGHANISTAN, AND HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO COMMAND A SECTION OF EIGHT SOLDIERS IN THE UK AND ABROAD.”
Drivers are the lifeblood of the Royal Logistic Corps and the whole Army. You’ll be a vital link, transporting soldiers and supplies all over the world. Whether you’re driving through desert, jungle or snow, you’ve got to look after your vehicle and get your load to its destination. We’ll give you driving licences for all kinds of vehicles, including quad bikes and HGVs.
You will also enjoy all of the benefits of life as a soldier: travelling the world on operations and exercises, as well as sport and Adventurous Training - all whilst making life-long mates and gaining valuable qualifications.
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 49-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 you’ll begin the specialist training you need to become a Driver. Held at Defence School of Transport Leconfield, It lasts between 17 and 24 weeks. You’ll learn about different vehicles, cross-country driving, convoy driving, maintenance, navigation, loading and driving at night. You also get to practice Basic Close Combat skills.:
Entry Requirements
Age:
16 years 3 months - 35 years 6 months
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Level 2 Certificate Logistics & Transport
- Affiliate Membership of CILT
- Level 2 Apprenticeship Driving Goods Vehicles
- Level 5 Diploma Logistics&Transport
- Gain higher qualifications throughout
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“I completed my trade training as a Driver, qualifying me to drive civilian and military HGVs. I received my first posting to Germany in early 2009. I took full advantage of all the Adventurous Training opportunities and discovered a talent for skiing, which has seen me compete for the Army on numerous occasions. I deployed on tour to Afghanistan, providing dismounted force protection for six months. This tested my skills as a soldier both physically and mentally, and taught me what being in the Army was really about: doing your job for real and looking after your mates.”
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
Step 1
You start by training to be a soldier with your Reserve unit.
Step 2
Then, you get your LGV category C licence with a local driver training school. Afterwards, it’s off to the Defence School of Transport for 2 weeks to learn how to be an Army Driver. When you return, you’ll get your +E driving licence, again with a driving school in your local area. As a Reserve Driver, you may be able to train with specialist Army vehicles further down the line.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 49 years 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Cat C+E HGV driving licence
- Cat B car licence
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 haven’t looked back since joining the Royal Logistic Corps. I was a lorry driver in civvy street before I joined, which enabled me to become a military Driver more quickly than most of my colleagues as there was no licence acquisition involved. However, I did gain my LGV C+E licence with the Army Reserve, so my part-time work with the Army is actually complimenting my full-time job! I have been taught to drive military vehicles including LGVs and Land Rovers off-road, which so far has been the most enjoyable part of my training.” – Pte Atkinson
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.
