At a glance
- Soldier
- combat
You spot enemy's units and artillery using radar and acoustic ranging systems. Then we lock in on them, which may save many lives. Off duty, there’s an unbeatable Army lifestyle.
- £25,200The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £25,200Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 16 years & 0 months to 35 years & 6 months
- QualificationsNo formal qualifications needed
Picture this: your troops are coming under heavy fire. The enemy guns need to be destroyed. It's up to you to pinpoint their position using radar and acoustic detection equipment and tell your commander so Army artillery and missiles can take out the enemy guns. This is a typical day for a Surveillance Observer. Whoever the enemy and whatever the weapon, you’ll help us stop them in their tracks.
It’s a job that can take you around the world. In time, you can specialise further by taking on Parachute selection, the Commando Course or the Patrols course. These courses allow you to work alongside the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Marines, and become a Special Observer working in a team of six well ahead of friendly forces and sometimes behind enemy lines. Life off-duty is just as exciting with mates, sports and Adventurous Training. On top of that, you can gain qualifications and build a great CV.
The Royal Artillery is the heart of the action - everywhere across the battlefield - providing the British Army with its eyes, ears and firepower. Using high-tech surveillance devices and uncrewed aircraft, the Royal Artillery finds the enemy. We then monitor them before striking decisively. We do this by co-ordinated use of our guns, rockets and missiles, the Army’s attack helicopters and other weapons, including fast jets and even the guns of Royal Navy ships.
Key responsibilities
Find enemy threats
Protect troops on the ground
Work with high-tech radar, acoustic detection systems and cameras
Travel around the world
Have any questions? Talk with us
Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 16 years & 0 months to 35 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications needed
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
Training for the role
Step1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the basic military training (long) course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
Step 2
Then it’s off to Larkhill, Wiltshire, to become a qualified Gunner before joining your chosen regiment. If you want to join 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery you need to pass the All Arms Commando Course at Lympstone, Devon. If you want to join 7 Para Royal Horse Artillery you need to pass P Company selection at Catterick, North Yorkshire, and the Basic Parachute Course at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Qualifications you could get after training
HGV truck licence
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
Computer Literacy and Information Technology Stage 1 (CLAIT)
Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
Tracked vehicle driving licence
Pay & benefits
You'll earn £25,200 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.
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.
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