engineering
logistics
Soldier
Regular

Recovery Mechanic

When vehicles break down or get stuck, you race to the rescue. Our training gives you the skills, while qualifications improve your CV.

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Starting salary
£27,282
Age range
16 - 35

Apply now

Role details

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Entry Requirements

Age

You can join between the ages of 16 – 35. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3m
2km run 11 min 30 sec

More information about the fitness test

Education

GCSE Grade A*–C/9-4, or Scottish National 5 (A-C), in English, Science, and Maths.

Need help?

Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

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About the Role

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) are responsible for keeping the Army's equipment working and ready to use.

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.

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

Training

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 the basic military training (short) 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
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.

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1.1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

Real Army Life

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

Ask a question

What’s it like living on a base day to day?

It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.

Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.

Holly J

Royal Adjutant's Corps

How supported are you when you’re new?

How much of the job is physical vs learning?

What is basic training like?

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

Tori C

Royal Army Medical Services

Your future starts here

Every Recovery Mechanic started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Apply now

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

0345 600 8080

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Part-time opportunity

This role is also available in the Army Reserve

Serve part-time as a Reserve Recovery Mechanic while maintaining your civilian career. Train on evenings and weekends, with opportunities for overseas deployments and adventure training.

Commitment

27 days per year minimum

Training

Evenings and weekends

View Reserve role

Benefits of Reserve service

Earn extra income
Gain world-class training
Develop skills
Close-knit local unit
Deployment opportunities

More about Reserves

Ready to start your Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers journey?

Apply now

Recovery Mechanic

Role details

Entry Requirements

About the Role

Training

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

Online application

Real Army Life

Your accommodation

Food & Meals

Gym & training facilities

Adventurous Training

Ask a Soldier

What’s it like living on a base day to day?

How supported are you when you’re new?

How much of the job is physical vs learning?

What is basic training like?

Your future starts here

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

Find a careers centre

More roles like this

Vehicle Mechanic

Plant Operator Mechanic

Aircraft Technician

This role is also available in the Army Reserve

Commitment

Training

Benefits of Reserve service

Ready to start your Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers journey?