British Military

Introduction

The British Military, one of the toughest , one of the most advanced, and one of the best! With plenty of sections to go into including the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, British Army, SAS/SBS and The Royal Marines. However its not that easy to get into you need to be both mentally and physically fit to succeed in it. The British Military has played a part in all major conflicts and wars all around the world from World War One to the current war on terrorism in Afghanistan. The deals that come with the job are great, making friends, exploring the world, pensions and serve for your country.

Royal Navy

History

The Royal Navy is the oldest in the military branch. The history of the United Kingdom is the history of the Royal Navy. As long as there has been a nation there has been a navy, encouraging growth and trade, and defending the people. Henry VIII created the first permanent administration for the Navy via Letters Patent in 1546. With growing skill and assurance, the ships of the Royal Navy defended their nation well throughout the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Royal Navy contributed to the growth of the British Empire during this period, advancing voyages of exploration and defending recent strategic gains. The Royal Navy began to show a superiority to the navies of her enemies, winning, amongst many victories, the great battle of Trafalgar. Imperial assets continued to be defended throughout the 19th century, with the Royal Navy also undertaking the lengthy campaign against the slave trade. In an era of technological revolution, moving from sail to steam, and from wood to steel, the Royal Navy kept pace with her rivals to ensure command of the seas and national security. As the world plunged into the chaos of two global conflicts in the early 20th century, the Royal Navy fought to maintain this command. Convoyed merchant shipping ensured that the country had the food and armaments to survive and turn the conflict against the enemy. Innovative advances in technology created a renewed assurance and confidence in naval power. Naval forces prevailed, whether in the Grand Fleet action of the Battle of Jutland, the slow attrition of the Battle of the Atlantic, or the amphibious triumph of the D-Day Landings. Post-War, throughout the Cold War, and still today, the Royal Navy maintains the means to react rapidly to developing crises around the globe, whether it is deployed to counter conflict, respond to humanitarian disaster, or to evacuate British citizens from danger.

Pay

The more qualifications you have means in theory you can go in as an officer which has higher pay then a rookie, however after you rank up it means you get paid more for it. On entry you start off on £14,145 and could then go on to earn £47,000. an officer will recieve £16,073 on entry and could then progress on to £89,458. You can also earn extra if you have certain skills in certain branches such as the submarines.

Ranks

The ranks from the top are: Admiral of the fleet, Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral, Commodore, Captain, Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Lieutenant, Sub Lieutenant, Midshipman, Officer Cadet. And now its the Non Commisioned Officers known in military terms (NCO) Warrent Officer Class 1, Warrent Officer Class 2, Chief Petty Officer, Leading Rate, and the Starting rank Able Seaman. To get promoted it can consist of doing well and showing leadership etc, or giving so many years to the job.

Officer Training

An officer in the Royal Navy starts in earnest at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth. You’ll spend up to 30 weeks here, learning leadership and teamwork skills, and the principles of command and management, which you’ll put into practice during exercises on Dartmoor and the River Dart. As well as academic studies, you’ll learn how to handle small ships and will spend 9 weeks at sea, working in every department on board. You’ll learn how they operate, and gain first-hand experience of life on a warship that will stand you in good stead for the future. After basic training, you'll start learning the specialist skills you'll need to do your job through a combination of time at sea and in the classroom. It's the start of a training process that will last right through your career. These qualifications will be recognised by civilian employers so when you decide to leave you have some qualifications to your name. To pass the training you will need to be physically and mentally fir, but once completed you will never look back again.

Careers

The British Military offers a huge range of jobs. Name a job in civilian life and the military will have one close or that one. The Royal Navy offers jobs such as: Mine Clearence Diver, Chef, Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, Nurse, Dentist, Logistics, Warfare Specialist and many more. For almost every job you can do them as an officer.

The Fleet

The Royal Navy travels in style by air, land and sea. The Names of the vehicles used in 2012 are:

Aircraft:

Lynx MK8

Lynx MK9A

Merlin Mk1

Sea King ASAC

Sea King MK4

Sea King MK5

Wildcat

Assualt Ships

HMS Bulwark

HMS Illustrious

HMS Ocean

HMS Albion

Destroyers.

There are two types of destroyers type 42 and type 45.

Type 42 is: HMS Edingburgh HMS York

Type 45: HMS Daring HMS Dauntless HMS Diamond HMS Defender HMS Dragon HMS Duncan.

Frigates

HMS Argyll

HMS Iron Duke

HMS Kent

HMS Lancaster

HMS Monmouth

HMS Montrose

HMS Northumberland

HMS Portland

HMS Richmond

HMS Somerset

HMS St.Albuns

HMS Sutherland

HMS Westminster.

Fleet Submarines

This is divided up into two classes Astute and Trafalgar. Astute is the largest and most powerful submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy. Astute Class: HMS Astute

Ambush

Artful

Audacious

Anson.

Ballistic Submarines

This is the nuclear department of the two, this is the shield of defence and one is in our water around the clock. It is classes as the Vanguard class and has four submarines in it. HMS Vanguard

HMS Vengence

HMS Victorious

HMS Vigilant

Maritime Security

The Royal Navy doesn't just take part in wars it also protects its homeland the United Kingdom. It achieves this by constantly having a ship on patrol around all major ports, and can deploy loaded Frigates with divers and minehunters to clear any possible threats. Counter Piracy, they combat piracy through the Gulf of Aden and off the eastern coast of Somalia. Its purpose is to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy and protect ships going about their lawful business, securing freedom of the seas for all nations. Counter Terrorism, most of terrorism is committed on land however more and more terrorists are going by sea, the main culprets of this are drug smugglers. The Royal Navy aims to prevent the movement of terrorists, their weapons and their illegal fund-raising activities on the high seas. It is estimated that over 90% of the drugs produced in Afghanistan are transported by sea, the money earnt from this goes to support insurgency

Cadets

If you are interested in joining the military however you are not old enough the cadets will be perfect for you. It is connected with the branch you want to go in this be navy air force or army, they will give you an experience that is second to none.

Links to the Royal Navy

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British Army

History

The history of the British Army spans over three and a half centuries and numerous European wars, colonial wars and world wars. From the early 17th century until 1914, the United Kingdom was the greatest economic and imperial power in the world, and although this dominance was principally achieved through the strength of the British Royal Navy, the British Army played a significant role. In peacetime, Britain has generally maintained only a small professional volunteer army, expanding this as required in time of war, due to Britain's traditional role as a sea power. Since the suppression of Jacobitism in 1745, the army has played little role in British domestic politics (except for the Curragh mutiny), and, other than in Ireland, has seldom been deployed against internal threats to the state (one notorious exception being the Peterloo Massacre). The Army has been involved in many global international conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War and the two World Wars. Historically, it contributed to the expansion and retention of the British Empire. The British Army came into being with the merger of the Scottish Army and the English Army, following the Acts of Union 1707 and the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated existing English and Scottish regiments, and was controlled from London. Before this event, the essential nature of the British army as a body which was entirely at the service of the Government and not involved in the appointment of that Government, had been determined by prolonged conflict and argument within both countries.

British Army Structure

The main objective of the British Army is to defend its land this consisite of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However it is also prepared to get deployed overseas with such groups as the United Nations (UN) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Higher Command

There is a section in the army which is designed for the highest ranks and people this was made official on 01/11/2011. The Chief of the General Staff (CGS) now commands a single Army Staff which works out of a new Army HQ in Andover. CGS exercises command of the Army through three 3 star subordinate commanders: Commander Land Forces (CLF), Commander Force Development and Training (FDT) and the Adjutant General (AG).

Divisions and Brigades

The British Army is divided up into different sections ie: corps, regiments divisions and brigades. There are in total 9 main divisions and many within it. There are:

1st (UK) Armoured Division

With 7th and 20th Armoured Division in it. 1 (UK) Armoured Division has existed in the British Army since 1809 when the Duke of Wellington formed it,in Portugal, from two British brigades and one Hanoverian brigade of the King's German Legion. Therefore, since its inception in the 1800s 1 Div has had strong links with this part of Germany.

2nd and 5th Division

These were both disbanded on 2 April 2012.

3rd (UK) Division

The Division is made up 1 Mechanized Brigade (Tidworth), 4 Mechanized Brigade (Catterick), 12 Mechanized Brigade (Bulford) and 19 Light Brigade (Lisburn). The Division can trace its history back to 1809 in Spain when in the early years of the Peninsular War the future Duke of Wellington decided to adopt, for the first time in the British Army, a permanent divisional structure to help him combat the French.

Support Command

This does what it says on the tin SUPPORT. It has the most section within the Divisions and Brigades title made from:

02 (South East) Brigade.

15 (North East) Brigade.

38 (Irish) Brigade.

42 (North West) Brigade.

43 (Wessex) Brigade.

49 (East) Brigade.

51 (Scottish) Brigade.

143 (West Midlands) Brigade.

145 (South) Brigade.

160 (Wales) Brigade.

The tasks it has are: •Lead on the Firm Base Concept for CLF from 1 Nov 11. •Deliver Firm Base support as defined by Project AVANTI from 3 Jan 12 within 2(SE), 43(Wx) and 145 (S) Bde boundaries and for the remainder within boundaries from 3 Apr 12. •Assume command of British Gurkhas Nepal and British Forces Brunei from 3 Jan 12. • Provide the LF link to the RFCA in order to ensure its outputs match the LF requirement. in order to provide land military capability in the Most effective and efficient manner.

16 Air Assault Brigade

The Brigade was formed on 1 September 1999, It was born of an amalgamation of elements of 5 Airborne Brigade and 24 Airmobile Brigade, bringing together the agility and reach of airborne forces with the potency of the attack helicopter. With 8,000 personnel, 16 Air Assault Brigade is the largest Brigade in the British Army. Its structure makes it highly flexible and capable. The Units, listed below, provide Air Assault Infantry, Parachute Battalions, Signals, Pathfinders, Attack and Utility Aviation, Artillery, Engineers, Armoured Recce, Logistic and Equipment Support, Medical and Provost capabilities.

HQ London District

This is thr main headquarters for the whole of the British Army including cadets and territorial forces. It also provides all of Londons cerimonial events such as rememberance sunday and is supporting the London Olypic Games in 2012. With all of this it supports operational deployments overseas such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

HQ Theatre Troops

Headquarters Theatre Troops was formed on 31st August 2001 and provides the essential specialist 'capabilities' - such as Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), deep strike, specialist engineers, communications, medical support, air defence and logistic re-supply - without which no UK military operation can be successfully mounted. Within this section there is 101,102 and 104 Logistic Brigade.

UK Support Command Germany

This does the same jobs as the UK Support Command but is basesd in Germany and supports stuff going down in Germany.

Rank System

Once you have completed basic training, you will dtart with ranks and you will start off as a Private then move onto: Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff/Colour Sergeant, Warrent Officer Class 2 (Company/Squadren Sergeant Major), Warrent Officer Class 1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) after that you get a commision which means you are now an officer. The officer ranks are: Officer Cadet, Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonal, Colonal, Brigadier (1 Star), Major General (2 Star), Lieutenant Generel (3 Star) and the top man General (4 Star).

Medals and Awards

You gain medals and awards for completing service or doing somthing worthy and which puts you out from the other for example jumping on a bomb to protect others.

Current Campaign Medals

Operational Service Medal- Introduced on January 1 2000.

Iraq Medal (2003 onwards) -Awarded for 30 days service on Operation Tellic in Iraq.

General Service Medal (GSM)- Awarded for 30 or more days service in Northern Ireland from 14 August 1969 onwards.

Honours and Gallentry Awards

Victoria Cross- The premier award for gallantry, the VC may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians for gallantry in the presence of the enemy. It may be awarded posthumously.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)- Originally to reward junior officers in the Army for distinguished service or acts of gallantry against the enemy. While the Order of the Bath had been available for senior officers and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the other ranks.

Conspicuous Gallantry Cross- Awarded in recognition of acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy.

Distinguished Service Cross- Awarded in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy at sea.

Military Cross- Awarded in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.

Distinguished Flying Cross- Awarded in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air.

George Cross- The highest gallantry award for civilians, the GC is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally granted, such as acts of gallantry not in presence of the enemy.

George Medal- Awarded to civilians for acts of great bravery, but not so outstanding as to merit consideration for the George Cross. The GM is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally granted, such as acts of great bravery not in presence of the enemy.

Queens Gallantry Medal- Awarded to civilians for acts of exemplary bravery, at a level below that of the George Medal. The QGM is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally be granted, such as acts of exemplary bravery not in presence of the enemy.

Air Force Cross- Awarded in recognition of exemplary gallantry in the air on non-active operations.

Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll- You do not earn this medal, the way you get it is through KIA (Killed In Action). Check for Eligibility on the British Armys website.

Corps and Regiments

Once you have decided the Army is for you, you can now select where you would like to be placed this will be your regiment or corps. there are plenty to choose from and all of them do different things.

Royal Armoured Corps

These are heavly armoured vehicles and will be used as back up support. It is split up into regiments.

Household Calvalry

The Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) has an operational role in armoured fighting vehicles which has seen them at the forefront of Britain's military operations including the Falklands (1982), the Gulf (1990), Bosnia, Kosovo and most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Queens Dragon Guards

The Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG) is the Cavalry Regiment of Wales and the Border Counties (Shropshire, Herefordshire and Cheshire). It is the senior Regiment of the Line in the British Army and has 324 years of distinguished history.

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are Scotland's senior regiment and her only regular cavalry.

The Regiment was formed in 1971 from the union of two famous regiments, the 3rd Carabiniers and the Royal Scots Greys. The 3rd Carabiniers had themselves been constituted in 1922 form the amalgamation of the old 3rd Dragoon Guards and the Carabiniers (6th Dragoon Guards).

Royal Dragoon Guards

The Royal Dragoon Guards is an armoured regiment. Our primary role is to provide the main battle tank and close reconnaissance component to the British Army. In recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq we have also been able to demonstrate our diversity and flexibilty as we have taken on a varity of other front line roles.

The Queens Royal Hussars

The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own and Royal Irish) is the senior light Cavalry Regiment of the British Army. Our mission is to destroy enemy tanks and support the infantry in close combat. To achieve this we are equipped with 58 Challenger 2 organized into 4 Sabre Squadrons.

9th/12th Lancers

The paths of the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers and the 12th Royal Lancers have been intertwined every since they were both formed in July 1715 in response to the Jacobite rebellion against King George I. They were both initially named after their founders, Major General Owen Wynne of the 9th and Brigadier Phineas Bowles of the 12th, becoming first dragoon and then light dragoon regiments.

The Kings Royal Hussars

The most recent amalgamation took place in December 1992 but the Regiment has a long and proud history which has its root in the amalgamation of four very individual Cavalry Regiments, each with their own history, customs and traditions.

10th Royal Hussars (PWO)

Formed in 1715 as Gore's Dragoons to fight the Jacobites, they were renamed The 10th Light Dragoons (Prince of Wales' Own) in 1783. In 1806 they became the first regiment to be equipped as Hussars and saw action all around the world, especially during the Second World War where they served in both Italy and Africa. The Prince of Wales' Feathers are maintained today as collar badges. Their squadron affiliation is with D Squadron.

11th Hussars (PAO)

Raised in 1715 as Honywood's Dragoons, they earned the name 'The Cherrypickers' during the Peninsula War, and were awarded the honour of wearing crimson trousers when they escorted Prince Albert to his wedding with Queen Victoria in 1840. This tradition is continued today. They played a prominent part in the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. Their squadron affiliation is with C Squadron, the senior squadron.

The Royal Hussars (PWO)

Formed in 1969 as an amalgamation of the 10th and 11th Hussars. In 1982, they were the first regiment in the Army to receive Challenger. The Regiment has seen active service around the world, including tours of Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Hong Kong. 14th (King's) Hussars Formed as Dormer's Dragoons at the time of the First Jacobite Rebellion, they gained a reputation second to none as Light Cavalry during the Peninsula War. At Vittoria in 1813 they captured the chamberpot belonging to Joseph Bonaparte earning them the name 'The Emperor's Chambermaids' they were heavily involved in The Sikh Wars, earning their most important battle honour at Ramnuggur. Their squadron affiliation is with B Squadron.

20th Hussars

Formed originally in Enniskillen in 1759, they are the most junior of the 4 parent regiments, serving only in wartime until 1862. They saw service in Sudan and South Africa as The Honourable East India Company Cavalry and were heavily involved in the First World War. In 1920, whilst carrying out operations against Turkish Nationalists, they performed the last British military cavalry charge. Their squadron affiliation is with A Squadron.

14th/20th King's Hussars

Formed in 1922 as an amalgamation of the 14th (King's) and 20th Hussars. In 1945, they fought alongside The 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles at Medicina (earning the crossed kukris) and saw service in the first Gulf War in 1991.

Light Dragoons

The Light Dragoons were formed in 1992 as an amalgamation of 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) and 15th/19th The Kings Royal Hussars. These Regiments date back to the early 18th Century and were originally known as Light Dragoons. As the name suggests, Light Dragoons were Light Cavalry mounted on fast horses, able to move quickly across the battlefield.

Queens Royal Lancers

The Queen's Royal Lancers are 4 (Mechanised) Brigade’s Reconnaissance Regiment based in Catterick, North Yorkshire. Since forming from 2 distinguished regiments (the 17/21st Lancers and the 16/5th Lancers) in 1993, the Queen's Royal Lancers have deployed to every major theatre including: Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan. As recce soldiers we are the Brigade's eyes and ears; we are equally at home on foot or mounted on CVR(T) Scimitar, tracked vehicles equipped with the 30mm RARDEN Cannon.

1st Royal Tank Regiment

The Regiment’s history can be traced back to the formation of A Company of the Heavy Section of the Machine Gun Corps in May 1916. D Company formed in July 1916 and on 15 September 1916, became the first tank unit ever to go into action against the enemy. In December 1916, the new arm was expanded with A and D Companies becoming Battalions and the formation of G and H Battalions. n June 1917 these units became Battalions of the newly formed Tank Corps and all were involved in the battle of Cambrai in November 1917. In January 1918, A, D, G and H Battalions were renamed 1, 4, 7 and 8 Battalions.

2nd Royal Tank Regiment

The Royal Tank Regiment is the oldest tank unit in the world. The Second has been at the forefront of armoured warfare since the moment the first tanks broke through the German trenches at Cambrai, France, in 1917. The men of 2 RTR are experts in fighting from Armoured Fighting Vehicles. During training, young Tankies cut their teeth on the most complex vehicle in the British arsenal - the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.

Royal Yeomanry

The Royal Yeomanry (RY) is the oldest of the four Territorial Army (TA) Yeomanry Regiments within the Royal Armoured Corps. Our job is formation reconnaissance, we go out and look for the enemy, sometimes on foot and sometimes in fighting vehicles. We are experts in detecting and dealing with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats.

The Queens Own Yeomanry

The Queen's Own Yeomanry (QOY) is the Territorial Army's only armoured reconnaissance regiment. The regiment has squadrons in Newcastle, York, Belfast, Ayrshire and Fife. Regimental Headquarters is in Newcastle.

Royal Mercian And Lancastrian Yeomanry

The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry (RMLY) is a Territorial Army regiment whose history dates back to 1794 when volunteer cavalry troops were raised to assist in times of invasion and civil unrest.

Royal Wessex Yeomanry

As part of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) The Royal Wessex Yeomanry is the South West of England's only Yeomanry regiment. The Royal Wessex Yeomanry has four squadrons and has TA centres in the counties of Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Armour Centre Bovington

The centre trains soldiers in driving & maintenance of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), and operation of vehicle weapons' systems and communications equipment. The AFV Training Group commanded by HQ Armour Centre has three schools delivering training in the three disciplines of armour (Communications, Driving & Maintenance and Gunnery) and the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment.

Army Air Corps

The Army Air Corps is the smallest of the three combat arms in the Army, but its fleet of helicopters makes it one of the most potent. Providing firepower from the skies, it has a unique role to play on the modern battlefield by delivering hard-hitting support to ground forces during the key stages of a battle.

The Royal Artillery

Commonly called the Royal Artillery (RA), or the 'Gunners', and are the artillery arm of the British Army. Despite the name, we comprise several regiments. Supplying the army's firepower is as vital on the modern battlefield as it has ever been.

Regiments that use AS90

The AS90 is a 155mm self-propelled gun that equips six Field Regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Artillery:

1RHA

3RHA

4 Regt RA

19 Regt RA

26 Regt RA.

Regiments that use HVM

The Starstreak HVM (High Velocity Missile) is designed to counter threats from very high performance, low-flying aircraft and fast 'pop up' strikes by helicopter attacks.

39 Regt RA.

Regiments that use MLRS

The state of the art Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), nicknamed the '70km Sniper', provides pinpoint accuracy delivering a 200lb high explosive warhead to its target, with twice the range of other artillery systems used by the British Army.

39 Regt RA.

Regiments that use Light Gun

The versatile 105 mm Light Gun is used by the Parachute and Commando Field Artillery Regiments of the British Army.The Light Gun can be towed by a medium-weight vehicle, or carried around the battlefield under slung by a Puma or Chinook helicopter.

7 Parachute Regiment RHA

29 Commando Regiment.

Regiments that use UAS/UAV

UAS (Unmanned Air Systems) UAV (Unmaned Air Vehicle). The TUAS has a deep battlefield surveillance capability, which can fly for 14 hours with a range up to 150km. It beams back real time video and thermal imagery by day or night which is then processed into intelligence.

32 Regiment 47 Regiment.

Regiments that use Surveillence Target Acquisition

The MAMBA is an air portable, small and accurate radar system.

5 Regiment

Honourable Artillery Company (HAC).

Regiments that use Rapier

Rapier FSC is compact, mobile and air portable, making it suitable for worldwide operations.

16 Regiment.

Royal Corps of Signals

Royal Signals provide military commanders with their information requirements and ability to command and control their forces. The methods used are at the forefront of modern digital military communications and information systems technology and the Corps strives to live up to its motto 'Certa Cito', which freely translated means 'Swift and Sure'.

Corps of Royal Engineers

The Corps of Royal Engineers is unique with all our "Sappers" being multi skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradesmen working alongside all parts of the Army we play a vital role in the effectiveness of the British Army and the United Kingdom in both peacetime and on Opertations.

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) are the technicians and mechanics that constantly repair and maintain the large array of equipment that the British Army has. As technologies advance and equipment becomes more complex, men and women of REME have to be up to the challenges of training and keeping up to date with modern engineering. Whether it's maintaining the Apache Attack Helicopter, repairing a Multiple Launch Rocket System or recovering a Challenger tank, REME ensures that the equipment of the British Army is ready for action.

Royal Logistics Corps

The Royal Logistic Corps was formed on 5 April 1993 by joining together several existing corps to make the biggest UK Regiment with 16,000 men and women. Our founding corps have centuries of history and tradition, and we're proud to continue this into the future. Their skills and expertise are essential parts of the RLC: Royal Corps of Transport - drivers, air dispatchers, port and maritime specialists, movement controllers, railwaymen and radio operators.

Royal Army Ordnance Corps - supply controllers and supply specialists, vehicle specialists, petroleum operators, ammunition technical and explosive ordnance disposal teams.

Royal Pioneer Corps - artisans and defence skilled soldiers.

Army Catering Corps - chefs and catering experts.

Also, the Royal Engineers (RE) supplied our postal and courier personnel, although the rest of the RE continues to function as a major part of the British Army. Regiments of the Royal Logistic Corps:

1 Logistic Support Regiment

2 Logistic Support Regiment

3 Logistic Support Regiment

4 Logistic Support Regiment

5 Training Regiment

6 Regiment

7 Regiment

8 Regiment

9 Regiment

10 Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment

11 EOD Regiment

12 Logistics Support Regiment

13 Air Assault Regiment

17 Port and Maritime Regiment

23 Pioneer Regiment

24 Regiment

25 Training Regiment

27 Regiment

29 Regiment

Commando Logistic Regiment.

Intelligence Corps

The Intelligence Corps is co-located with the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) at Chicksands in Bedfordshire. The structure of the Intelligence Corps is continually adapting to meet operational requirements, and currently comprises of a Military Intelligence Brigade (1 MI Bde) which includes 3 regular and 2 reservist Multi Function Battalions. The Intelligence Corps also provides personnel to support a number of other Units and Establishments within Defence.

Royal Army Chaplains' Department

The Royal Army Chaplains' Department offers help and guidance to all soldiers who asl are in need. They do not carry weapons but go with soldiers to battlezones. They wear the same uniform as other soldiers. Their role is to offer: •Spiritual leadership to all levels of the Army from private soldiers, through to the most senior officers.

•Moral guidance through both the formal teaching of the core values of the Army (selfless commitment, respect for others, loyalty, integrity, discipline and courage), and the many informal opportunities we have to minister to our soldiers and their families.

•Pastoral support for all who seek it, whatever their religion, beliefs or background might be. This could also include the care of enemy combatants.

Infantry

The Infantry is the backbone of the British Army, going into frontline combat and right into the action it is the largest section in the British Army.

The Grenadier Guards

The Regiment, as the Royal Regiment of Foot Guards, was formed in 1656 by King Charles II who was then in exile in Bruges, Flanders. It consists of the 1st Battalion and the Nijmegan Company.

Coldstream Guards

Formed in 1650 as part of the New Model Army during the English Civil War, the regiment swore allegiance to King Charles II in 1660 and has guarded the country's monarchs since. Consisting of three parts:The 1st Battalion, Number 7 Company, and The Regimental Band.

Scots Guards

The Scots Guards are part of 4th Mechanized Brigade. Although we are famous for our ceremonial role, this is just one of the Regiment's tasks. First and foremost, we are Combat Infantry soldiers, trained and ready to deploy on operations at any time, anywhere in the world. Made up of: The Armoured Infantry, 1st Battalion Scots Guards and F Company.

The Irish Guards

The Irish Guards is a Light Role Infantry Battalion affectionately, and widely, known as The Micks. It only has one battalion the 1st Battalion.

The Welsh Guards

The Welsh Guards was raised on 26 February 1915 by order of King George V, in order to complete the national complement of regiments of Foot Guards identified with the countries of the United Kingdom.

The Royal Regiment of Scotland

The Regiment's regular battalions are based in Canterbury, Germany, Inverness and Edinburgh and retain strong links with their local recruiting areas. Each of the seven battalions has a linked page on the left, where you can learn what they have been up to, whether deploying to the battlefield by helicopter in the Air Assault role, by Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle, by boat or even by foot. It has seven battalions the: 1 Scots, 2 Scots, 3 Scots, 4 Scots, 5 Scots, 6 Scots, 7 Scots.

The Princess of Wales's Regiment

Known as the Tigers, the Regiment recruits many of its officers and soldiers from Kent, Sussex, Surrey, London, Middlesex and Hampshire as well as the the Isle of Wight. Made up from the 1 PWRR, 2PWRR and 3 PWRR.

Duke of Lancaster's Regiment

Our history begins in 1680 with the formation of the Earl of Plymouth's Regiment of Foot, later known as the 4th or King's Own. Made up from four parts: 1 Lancs, 2 Lancs, 4 Lancs and the Regimental band.

Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

The Fusiliers are a two-battalion Infantry regiment. The 1st Battalion is equipped with the WARRIOR Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle and skilled in the complex demands of fast-moving armoured warfare, while the 2nd Battalion is a Light Role battalion with the ability to deploy quickly and adapt to any operational scenario.

Royal Anglican Regiment

The Royal Anglian Regiment is a line infantry regiment. The 1st Battalion is currently in the mechanized infantry role, the 2nd Battalion in the light role and the 3rd Battalion is a Territorial Army Battalion.

The Yorkshire Regiment

The Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th, 19th and 33rd/76th Foot) is the infantry regiment of the North of England. It consists of three Regular Army Battalions (1st, 2nd and 3rd) and one Territorial Army Battalion (4th). It is made up from 4 battalions: 1 Yorks, 2 Yorks, 3 Yorks and 4 Yorks.

Mercian Regiment

The Mercian Regiment is comprised of former county Regiments and their past antecedent Regiments. The Regiment was formed from The Cheshire, Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters, Staffordshire and West Midlands & Kings Cheshire Regiments. It has 1 Mercian, 2 Mercian and 3 Mercian.

Royal Welsh

St David's Day 2006 saw the formation of a new Regiment - The Royal Welsh - that united the regular, reserve and cadet infantry battalions of The Royal Welch Fusiliers and The Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41st Foot) in the principality of Wales. It has, 1 Welsh, 2 Welsh, 3 Welsh.

Royal Irish Regiment

The history of the Regiment is traced back to 20th June 1689 with raising of Tiffins's Regiment of Foot (later to become the 27th or Inniskilling Regiment of Foot) which fought in the Williamite Wars. Of the remaining Regimental antecedents, the 83rd, 86th, 87th and 89th Regiments of Foot were all raised in 1793 for service in the Napoleonic Wars; the 108th Regiment was taken onto the Army establishment from the East India Company's Army in 1861 following the Indian Mutiny.

The Parachute Regiment

On 22 June 1940 Winston Churchill called for the formation of an elite Corps of troops... the Paras. Following Churchill's wishes for 'a corps of at least 5,000 parachute troops, suitably organised and equipped' a Parachute Training School was established at Ringway Airport, near Manchester.No 2 Commando was chosen for the first training in parachute duties and the regiment quickly grew into the 11th Special Air Service Battalion and ultimately, on 1 August 1942, the Parachute Regiment. It has 1 Para, 2 Para, 3 Para, 4 Para.

The Royal Gurkha Rifles

The Royal Gurkha Rifles was formed on 1 July 1994, after amalgamation of four Gurkha Regiments, 2 GR, 6 GR, 7 GR and 10 GR. Its history is therefore short, but full. During this time, battalions of the Royal Gurkha Rifles have taken part in operations in Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Afghanistan. Companies of Gurkhas have also deployed to Iraq.

The Rifles

The regiment prides itself in providing the environment for some of the finest soldiering in the British Army, by the pursuit of excellence both at work and play. An ethos of mutual respect and support amongst all Riflemen, regardless of rank, reinforced by the shared hardship of operations, binds the regiment into a tight knit family. 5 Battalions: 1 Rifles, 2 Rifles, 3 Rifles, 4 Rifles and 5 Rifles.

Equipment

Everyone in the British Army gets issued with protective gear from the head down to the feet.

Small Arms

SA80 A2- Individual Weapon. L129A1- Sharpshooter Rifle. L115A3- Long Range Rife

Support Weapons

81mm Morter Combat Shotgun L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) Grenade Machine Gun L1A1 Heavy Machine Gun Light Anti-Structures Missile (LASM) Light Machine Gun (LMG)

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Challenger 2 Main Batlle Tank Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle Saxon Armoured Personnel Carrier FV430 Series&Bulldog Stormer

Protected Patrol Vehicles

Vector Viking BVS10 Mastiff 3 Panther Husky Warthog Wolfhound

Artillery & Air Defence

Starstreak High Velocity Missile AS90 Self Propelled Gun L118 Light Gun GMLRS Rapier

Aircraft

Apache Lynx Gazelle Squirrel Bell 212 Defender UAV Wildcat AH Mk1

Landing Craft & Assault Boats

Assault Boat MK6 Combat Support Boat Ramped Landing Craft

Sports

The British Army offers a wide range of sports from sailing, Rugby, Fishing, Gliding and Judo and Many more.

Training

Its no lie Army training is hard and will push you to both your mental and physical high. However it is all worth it but there are training programmes online on the British Army website.

Links

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Royal Air Force

History

On 29 November 1917 an Act of Parliament establishing an Air Force and an Air Council received the Royal Assent. The Royal Air Force came into existence on 1 April 1918. Only 9 years before, on 16 October 1908, an American named Samuel Franklin Cody made the first officially recognized aeroplane flight in Britain - a distance of 1,390 feet in a bamboo and canvas biplane known as British Army Aeroplane No1.

The Role

The Royal Air Force’s role, in conjunction with the Defence organisations, is to deliver the UK Defence Vision: Defend the UK and its interests. Strengthen international peace and stability. Be a force for good in the world. We achieve this aim by working together on our core task to produce battle-winning people and equipment. The Royal Air Force will build upon the successes of our past and on the characteristics that make air power essential across the full spectrum of operations in order to contribute to the Defence Vision. Our people lie at the heart of this capability. We rely upon their professionalism, dedication and courage.

Aircraft

Typhoon Tornado GR4 Sentry Typhoon Eurofighter Sentinel R1/ISTAR Tornado GR4A C-17A Globemaster Hercules C1,C3,C4,C5 Trister VC10 BAe 125, 146 Agusta Islander BN2T CC MK2 Chinook Griffin HAR2 Puma Merlin Sea King Griffin HT1 Hawk T1,T2 Knig Air Tucano Tutor T Mark 1 Squirrel HT1 Vigilant T1 Viking T1 MQ-9 Reaper

Weapons

Air To Air

AMRAAM ASRAAM Skyflash AIM-9-Sidewinder

Aircraft Cannons

Mauser 27mm Aden 30mm

Organisation

HQ Air Command

RAF High Wycombe, situated at Naphill in Buckinghamshire, is the home of the Royal Air Force’s HQ Air Command. It was formed on 1 April 2007, when the RAF’s Personnel and Training Command and Strike Command merged. The creation of a single Command, with a single fully integrated Headquarters, will better equip the RAF to provide a coherent and coordinated single Air focus to the other Services, MOD Head Office, the Permanent Joint Headquarters and the rest of MOD.

Groups

1 Group

Their mission is to generate and develop effective combat air power.

2 Group

To protect and support frce elements on operations and excersizes worldwide.

22 Group

Recruits RAF personnel and provide trained specialist personnel to the RAF and the other two services.

Squadrons

In total their are 60 squadrons to choose from specialising in different areas.

RAF Regiment

Formed in the storm and stress of war in 1942, the RAF Regiment was born of the official recognition of the necessity for an indigenous and credible RAF ground defence force. And now The RAF Regiment has been involved in operations in the Balkans, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan, as well as maintaining Force Protection for RAF assets deployed in the Middle East.

Pay

Once you pass everything your annual pay salery will start from £13,895 then as you work your way up an Air Commodore gets up to £101,000.

Ranks

Leading Aircraftman, Senior Aircraftman, Senior Aircrafman (Technicion), Junior Technicion, Corporal, Sergeant, Chief Technicion, Flight Sergeant, Warrant Officer. Officers. Pilot Officer, Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant, Squadren Leader, Wing Commander, Group Captain, Air Commodore, Air Vice-Marshal, Air Marshal, Air Chief-Marshal, Marshal of the RAF.

SAS

History

The Special Air Service was created by David Stirling in 1941. Conceived as a desert raiding force, the Regiment inserted behind German lines in Northern Africa, carrying out sabotage missions and wreaking havoc along Rommel's. It is also known as "The regiment".

Training

The first part of training is "Counter Terrorism" this lasts 24 hours. The "Killing House" Featuring movable partitions, rubber-coated walls to absorb live rounds and extractor fans to clear out the gun fumes, the killing house can be configured to emulate various scenarios. The Killing House is used to hone the SAS trooper's Close Quarter Battle (CQB) skills. It was one of the most fun parts of training you will do in the selection. "Buildng Assualts" When they need to practise getting into buildings, the SAS will use specially built buildings on which to play. Training includes :abseiling down the side of buildings from the roof or onto the rooftops from helicopters, gaining access via ladders - either carried on foot or attached to the roofs of Range Rovers, blowing access holes into the side of buildings using explosives. You will then learn to parachute on "Aircraft Assualts". With this training you have to do the odd PT test etc, just to keep on top of it.

Selection

The SAS only take the best of the best, you have to volenteer or they nominate you for it. The first part of selection training is "Endurance" This stage lasts 3 weeks and takes place in the Brecon Beacons and Black Hills of South Wales. Candidates have to carry an ever-increasingly-heavy bergen over a series of long timed hikes, navigating between checkpoints. No encouragement or criticism is provided by the supervising staff at the checkpoints. SAS Directing Staff (DS) are fully-badged members of the regiment and leave each candidate to their own devices, the endurance phase culminates with 'the long drag', a 40 mile trek carrying a 55lb bergen, that must be completed in under 24 hours. Those who have completed Phase 1 move on to "Jungle Training" training takes place in Belize, in the heart of deep jungles. Candidates learn the basics of surviving and patrolling in the harsh conditions. SAS jungle patrols have to live for weeks behind enemy lines, in 4 man patrols, living on rations. Jungle training weeds out those who can't handle the discipline required to keep themselves and their kit in good condition whilst on long range patrol in difficult conditions. Phase 3 is Tactical, Escape and Evasion training. the candidates are let loose in the countryside, wearing World War 2 vintage coats with instructions to make their way to a series of waypoints without being captured by the hunter force of other soldiers. This portion lasts for 3 days after which, captured or not, all candidates report for TQ. Tactical Questioning (TQ) tests the prospective SAS men's ability to resist interrogation. They are treated roughly by their interrogators, often made to stand in 'stress positions' for hours at a time, while disorientating white noise is blasted at them. When their turn for questioning comes, they must only answer with the so-called 'big 4' (name, rank, serial number and date of birth).

Weapons

C8 Carbine - Rifle. M16 - Rifle. HKG3 - Battle Rifle. HK 33/53 - Bigger HKG3. HK MP5 - Sub Machine Gun. MAC 11 - Sub Machine Gun. Welrod - Pistol. Remington 870 - Shotgun. HK417 - Mid range sniper. L96A1 - Long range sniper. AW .50 - Big Boy gun. Tear gas. Flash Bang. M72 Law - Rocket Launcher. Claymore. Grenades. Singer - Surface to air missile.

Organisation

22 SAS is divided into 4 main Squadrons - A,B, D & G. Each squadron is divided into 4 specialised troops and a command/HQ element. Air Troop, Boat Troop, Mountain Troop, Mobility Troop.

Roles

The SAS has more than its fair share of roles to play, these being: Counter Terrorism, Intelligence Gathering, Forward Air Control, Behind the Lines Sabotage, Close Protection and to train militarys from other countries.

SBS

The Special Boat Service is just like the SAS but part of the Royal Navy.

History

The SBS began its history during World War 2 as the Special Boat Section, an Army commando unit tasked with amphibious operations. The men of the fledging unit were not particularly well trained or equipped but they were enthusiastic, resourceful and cunning. Usually working in 2 man groups, paddling ashore on canoes launched from submarine motherships, the teams would seek out and sabotage high value targets such as rail and communication lines. The first of such raids took place along the shores of Italy and the Mediterranean islands.

Weapons

C8 Carbine, MP5 Sub machine gun, HK53 assualt carbine, G3 Sniper, p226 pistol, Minimi para light machine gun, GPMG, L96A1 sniper, Hkp11 underwater pistol, Flashbang.

Role

These are the SBS's main objectives.

Maritime counter terrorism, Drug interdiction, Anti shipping tasks, Sabotage, Covert operations, Beach/shore reconnassiance.

Organisation

The SBS is divided into 4 sections: C & X Squadron - the 2 'green' SBS squadrons are specialised in amphibious techniques but can carry out a range of operations on dry land. M Squadron - specialising in maritime counter-terrorism (MCT), Z Squadron - experts in the use of mini-subs and surface boats.

Royal Marines

History

On the 28th October 1664 an Order-in-Council was issued calling for 1200 soldiers to be recruited for service in the Fleet, to be known as the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot. As the Duke of York was The Lord High Admiral, it became known as the Admiral's Regiment. The Regiment was paid by the Admiralty, it and its successors being the only long service troops in the 17th and 18th century navy. They were therefore not only soldiers but also seamen, who were part of the complement of all warships. In 1704, during the war with France and Spain, the British attacked the Rock of Gibraltar: 1,900 British and 400 Dutch marines prevented Spanish reinforcements reaching the fortress. Later, British ships bombarded the city while marines and seamen stormed the defences. These later withstood nine months of siege. Today the Royal Marines display only the battle honour "Gibraltar", and their close relationship with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps continues.

Weapons

SA80 A2 NLAW L110A2 Grenade Javelin 0.50 Heavy Machine Gun 9mm Pistol .338 Rifle 51mm morter 81mm Morter Commando Dagger.

Transport

LCVP MK5 Viking Sea King Lynx Rigid Raider Chinook HMS Albion HMS Bulwark LCAC Hovercraft.

Organisation

40 Commando 42 Commando 45 Commando Commando Logistic Regiment 539 Assualt Squadron 43 Commando Fleet Protection

Selection

Academic Tests Reasoning English Language Numerical Mechanical Comprehension A personal interview Pre-joining fitness test Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC) A 3-day course held at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) at Lympstone, Devon, to assess the recruit's suitability for life in the Royal Marines Gym Test 1 Bleep Test Press Ups Sit ups Pull Ups Swim Test Tarzan Assault Course Weapons Familiarization Interview 3 Mile Run Gym Test 2 Realities Of Training Presentation Debrief.

Ranks

Marine, Corporal, Sergeant, Warrent Officer 2, Warrent Officer 1, Officer Cadet, Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonal, Colonal, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, General, Captain General.

Pay

On entry £14,145 then it progresses the highest you get paid for a NCO is £46,753 Officers get, from the start £15,823 but then the very top rank will get £101,000.

Careers

The Royal Marines can offer a wide range of jobs and specialities.

Commando Specialisations

Aircrewman-As an Aircrewman, you’ll work with helicopters of the Commando Helicopter Force. You’ll be trained to work day or night in all conditions, and you’ll carry out important missions such as reconnaissance (missions to get information or getting troops and supplies to the front line.

Armourer-Use a huge range of personal weapons, support weapons and equipment. As an Armourer, you’ll be responsible for keeping everything from night sights to machine guns and sniper rifles working perfectly, whatever the conditions.

Chef-Commandos need to be well fed, whether we’re in the Arctic, the desert or the jungle. But you won’t just be providing food and making sure there are high standards of hygiene whatever the conditions, you’ll be doing a lot for your teammates’ well-being and morale.

Clerk-You’ll provide expertise in human resources and information management, administrative support and cash accounting within the Royal Marines, Special Forces and wider defence.

Driver-As a Driver, you’ll be trained on a range of vehicles, from Land Rovers to pick-up system (DROPS) supply trucks. All vehicles are vital to the support of the Commando Brigade.

General Duties-After your passing-out parade, you’ll normally start your career as a General Duties Marine (GD), serving as a Rifleman in a commando unit, joining the Fleet Protection Group guarding the UK’s nuclear weapons or training to board ships at sea as part of a Fleet Standby Rifle Troop.

Armoured Support-Armoured vehicles provide Royal Marines Commandos with support and protection. You’ll be trained to drive them through all types of environments (including swimming in deep water) and make sure they’re in perfect working order, whatever the conditions.

Assualt Engineer-Assault Engineers are trained to build bridges, field defences, obstacles and other structures used in commando operations. You’ll also be trained in mine warfare, demolition and using explosives.

Combat Intelligence-You’ll gather information on the enemy. You’ll analyse information and turn it into intelligence, then pass it on through written assessments, graphics and in spoken briefs. This intelligence will then be used to plan operations.

Communication Technicion-You’ll be responsible for using our state-of-the-art electronic warfare equipment and intercepting and analysing enemy radio activity to get information on their actions. This information will help Commanders to plan for, and carry out, operations on the ground.

Drill Instructor-You’ll be a central figure in the lives of new recruits, with a vital role in training them to become Commandos. You’ll also keep up our worldwide reputation for precision on parades, taking overall responsibility for ceremonial drills, drills on state occasions, such as remembrance parades, and other occasions.

Heavy Weapons Air Defence-Protecting commando units and Royal Navy ships from air attack is a vital part of modern warfare. You’ll work as part of a small, tight-knit team and be trained in all aspects of air defence.

Heavy Weapons Anti Tank-As an Anti-Tank Specialist, you’ll be trained to identify enemy tanks and other armoured vehicles, then use the Javelin anti-tank missile system and the heavy machine gun to hold back the enemy threat.

Heavy Weapons Morter-Mortars are an important part of our resources, helping us attack enemy forces from nearly six kilometres away. You’ll learn how to operate mortars and accurately direct fire onto targets.

Information Systems-Our computer networks allow us to deliver up-to-date battle information to Royal Marines Commandos working in the field. As an Information Systems Specialist, you’ll be trained to design and maintain this vital and complex equipment.

Landing Craft-We use various types of landing craft to transport Royal Marines Commandos from ship to shore. You’ll be trained to drive all types of assault vessels, from small, high-speed raiding craft to vehicle carriers and hovercraft.

Mountain Leader-You’ll become highly-trained in the art of long-range reconnaissance. This is where you will operate in small groups forward of our own lines and report information back to the Command. You’ll be trained as a Military Rock Leader in all aspects of vertical assault and military mountaineering in often dangerous and difficult environments. You’ll also provide instruction, when needed, to all other arms of the British forces.

Platoon Weapons Instructor-In this highly-skilled specialist job, you’ll train your fellow Royal Marines Commandos, Non- Commissioned Officers and Officers in all aspects of weapons handling and marksmanship. During your career, you may work as a Modernised Urban Combat (MUC) Instructor, train snipers and work with armed forces from other nations.

Stores Accountant-Stores Accountants do a vital job, making sure Royal Marines Commandos have the right kit in the right place, at the right time. Wherever you’re based, which could be at sea or on land anywhere in the world, you’ll need to be highly organised, as lives will depend on you.

Swimmer Canoeist-Swimmer Canoeists are members of the Special Boat Service (SBS). Once you’ve passed the UK Special Forces Selection Course (a big achievement in itself), you’ll be trained to the highest standards in surveillance, reconnaissance, parachuting and survival skills.

Medical Assistant-As a Medical Assistant you’ll learn advanced first aid and skills to deal with accidents and emergencies, so you can carry out life-saving procedures in the field with limited medical facilities.

Metalsmith-Working in extreme environments is hard on our kit. You’ll develop a range of skills, including sheet-metal work, repairing glass-reinforced plastic, blacksmithing techniques, welding, panel beating and oxyacetylene cutting, to keep our vehicles, boats and other equipment in working order.

Military Police-The Royal Marines Military Police are in charge of security and convoy control, as well as enforcing the law. You may also be responsible for protecting senior officers on operations, or personnel from the British Embassy and High Commission in countries around the world.

Physical Training Instructor-As a Physical Training Instructor (PTI), you’ll be responsible for delivering physical training and combat conditioning, sport, adventure and recreational training for both recruits and trained ranks. After qualifying you’ll have opportunities to specialise as a close-combat, rehabilitation or adventure-training instructor.

Signaller-Signals Specialists provide communications between land, sea and air forces and Royal Marines Commandos in the field, using everything from satellite links to hand-held radios.

Special Forces Communicator-As an SFC, you’ll provide direct, close-support communications to the Special Boat Service (SBS) and all other parts of the UK Special Forces. So, because you’ll be working alongside them, you’ll need to develop many of the same skills for this incredibly challenging specialist job.

Telecommunications Technicion-You will be trained in electronics and telecommunications, and be involved in maintaining and repairing our radio-communications links.

Vehicle Mechanic-Our fleet is made up of over 2800 different types of equipment. Your job will be to keep them running during peacetime and operations.

Yeoman Of Signals-As a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the communications field, you can apply for further training as a Yeoman of Signals. In this specialist role you’ll manage the complex communications planning for brigade level and commando operations.

Commando Officer Specialisations

Heavy Weapons Officer-As a Heavy Weapons Officer, you’ll be trained how to tactically use mortars, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons or the heavy machine gun. You could be responsible for up to 80 other Heavy Weapons Specialists as well as their vehicles and equipment.

Intelligence Officer-As an Intelligence Officer, you’ll put together and interpret the information that senior officers need to make vital decisions.

Mountain Leader Officer-Mountain Leaders specialise in mountain and cold-weather warfare. You’ll be trained in climbing, mountaineering, route finding, reconnaissance and survival. As well as using these skills in operations, you’ll be involved in training other Royal Marines Commandos. Mountain Leaders are needed to operate in dangerous environments. The Mountain Leader branch also train the reconnaissance operations for 3 Commando Brigade.

Pilot Officer-Flying the helicopters of the Commando Helicopter Force, you could be delivering troops and supplies to the front line, carrying out reconnaissance missions, evacuating injured people or launching a land attack. You could also be chosen to train as a fast jet Pilot alongside your Royal Navy colleagues.

Landing Craft Officer-Landing Craft Officers are specialists in amphibious operations. You’ll be trained to plan and oversee beach assaults and raiding operations, command landing craft and supervise maintenance.

Physical Training and Sports Officer-Physical fitness is central to life in the Royal Marines. As a Physical Training and Sports Officer, you’ll plan and manage training programmes for large numbers of men, and you could go on to manage Royal Marines training facilities.

Signals Officer-Signals Officers specialise in planning and managing the fast, reliable information communications systems which are so important to the success of our work.

Special Boat Service Officer-Only the very best qualify to serve as Special Boat Service (SBS) Officers. You’ll become an expert in swimming, diving, parachuting, navigation, demolition and reconnaissance, and eventually lead missions with the UK’s Special Forces.

Qualifications

To become a Commando and not an officer requires no specific qualifications, However English and Maths would help. For an Officer you need 180 UCAS points and five GCSEs (A* to C) or Scottish Standard grades or the equivalent, which must include English and maths. We consider people with other qualifications individually. If you start as a direct entry officer, you’ll need a degree or equivalent, 180 UCAS points and five GCSEs (A* to C), or Scottish Standard grades or equivalent, which must include English and maths.