At a glance
- Soldier
- engineering
- logistics
When vehicles break down or get stuck, you race to the rescue. Our training gives you the skills, while qualifications improve your CV.
- £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 or equivalent qualifications

Out on the battlefield, Army vehicles can get damaged, bogged down and overturned. As a Recovery Mechanic, it’s your job to rescue them. You will use specially adapted tanks and trucks to help you do your job, which is why you will learn to drive a number of Army vehicles in training. You need to be quick-thinking and brave for this role – after all, you’ll be moving vehicles in the middle of battle. It's up to you to assess the nature of the vehicle recovery needed and to decide the method of recovery. This may involve winches, ropes, metal cutting equipment or even the use of explosives. You will receive world-class training throughout your career in order to develop your trade skills and expertise. All the while, you’ll have sports and other activities to keep you busy, and good mates around you.
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
Help to recover damaged vehicles and rescue stranded soldiers
Work at the heart of the action
Be adept at numerous recovery methods
Use cranes, lifting gear and mechanical theory to work out how to retrieve immobile vehicles
To keep the fighting forces moving forwards
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, or equivalent qualifications, 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. Over the next 20 weeks, you learn how to drive a variety of military vehicles from cars to tanks. The expert training you receive will enable you to understand the principles of recovery and carry out your critical role.
Qualifications you could get after training
Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support
Qualifications at different levels, in leadership and management
Car and HGV licenses + Opportunity for tracked vehicle and plant licenses
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Part 1 Team Card
ADR for the safe recovery of Hazardous vehicles
Able to become an Associate Member of the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR)
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.