At a glance
- Soldier
- logistics
Get supplies safely into the air and then accurately deliver them to troops on the ground. Enjoy an incredible job, flying with the Army and the RAF.
- £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
- QualificationsNo formal qualifications required
Air Despatchers, are responsible for preparing, loading and despatching supplies and equipment from military aircraft. We deploy to overseas locations at very short notice to re-supply personnel by air, land, or sea. We also complete assignments at the Test and Evaluation Unit where new ideas and equipment are trialled and developed.
The Royal Logistic Corps are the Army’s professional logisticians keeping the Field Army marching, its helicopters flying, its vehicles moving and its tanks and guns firing. We enable its deployment and supply it with everything it needs, wherever it operates, throughout the world.
Key Responsibilities
Provide support to the British Army through Aerial Delivery using different types of aircraft.
Located at RAF Brize Norton you will work within a Very High Readiness Task Troop.
Primarily be located in the UK with opportunities to deploy worldwide.
Gain specialist driving licences and qualifications, including: personal leadership, communication and computing skills.
Complete NVQ Levels 2 - 6 in Leadership and Management, Level 2
Certificate in Logistics and Transport and Level 2 LGV Driver Apprenticeship.
Have any questions? Talk with us
Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 16 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
Qualifications: No formal qualifications required
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
Training for the role
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which 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
Next, you will undertake your 25-day Class 3 Driver course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield. This will include earning you category B and C+E licenses, learning off road driving, driving different vehicles, Hazmat and basic vehicle maintenance.
Step 3
You will then begin the 12-week Basic Air Despatcher course where you will be taught the basic principles of aerial delivery, including air safety, supply drop equipment, loading and unloading an aircraft and air despatch drills. On completion of this course, you will be qualified in various systems and ready to progress onto the Class 2 course. On promotion to Lance Corporal, you will complete the Drop Zone Non-Commissioned Officer course and other specialist Air Despatch courses.
Qualifications you could get after training
Level 2 LGV Driver Apprenticeship
NVQ Level 2 Certificate Logistics and Transport
NVQ Levels 2 – 6 in Leadership and Management
Numeracy Levels 1 and 2
Materiel Accounting and management qualifications
Mechanical Transport management qualifications
Further Air Despatch specialist qualifications
Qualified Air Despatch Instructor qualification
Driver Specialist qualifications
Military parachutist (on completion of P Company)
Opportunities to obtain various instructor qualifications
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.
Soldiers will receive Initial Rate RRP(FC) when they have completed the Basic Air Despatch Course and have entered their 5th year of reckonable Service. Personnel will then receive the Higher Rate after 9 years’ service from the qualifying competence.
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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