At a glance
- Soldier
- engineering
Arming our units is a vital job. Whatever the weapon – from artillery gun to pistol – you’ll repair, maintain and inspect them to ensure they are fit for purpose.
- £18,687The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £23,496Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 16 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
- QualificationsGCSEs

From pistols to artillery guns – as an Armourer, you’ll know all the Army’s weapons inside out. You’ll use your first-class training to repair, maintain and adapt them. That way, every unit will be armed and ready to fight. It’s an important job: there’s no room for mistakes with a gun that fires shells over 20 miles. You’ll work with specialist tools and gain qualifications, building a great career. One day, you could even run your own Armoury – but there are many other roles you can try first. Worldwide travel with good mates makes for an exciting life.
The Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) provides engineering support to maintain and repair the vast array of British Army equipment. They will be found wherever the Army is operating, at home or overseas. The technical training our soldiers’ receive gives them the confidence to tackle any engineering problem. We are professional, resourceful and resilient, and we strive to keep fit equipment in the hands of the user; to keep the punch in the Army’s fist.
Key Responsibilities
Keep the Army's weapon systems functional and safe to use
Conduct repairs and routine inspection of all Army weapon systems from pistols and rifles to artillery guns
Conduct technical repairs in challenging conditions to support the fighting troops
Continually develop your engineering and equipment knowledge of weapon systems
Have any questions? Talk with us

Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 16 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
GCSE Grade A–D/9-3 in at least English Language, Maths and Science
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
Training for the role
Step 1
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 a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
You head to the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire. Over the next 39 weeks, you learn how to look after and adapt all the Army’s weapon systems. You may also be taught to drive and gain your car and HGV driving licences.
Qualifications you could get after training
Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance
Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering
Qualifications in Leadership and Management
Car License and opportunity to gain HGV
Pay & benefits
Earn £18,687 a year during training. When you have completed 26 weeks' service or finished basic trade training – whichever comes first – your pay will rise to £23,496.
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.