ARMOURER

The Job

REME Armourers repair and modify the Army’s weapons – from rifles to complex heavyweights like the artillery’s AS90 self-propelled gun. They include Small Arms and Machine Guns used by the Infantry and Special Forces, the 30mm cannon fitted to both the Warrior Armoured fighting vehicle and Apache Attack Helicopter, the 120mm Gun fitted to the Army’s Main Battle tank; the Challenger 2 and the 155mm barrel fitted to the Royal Artillery’s AS90 which can fire shells over 20km. Armourers know all of the Army’s weapons inside out. And there’s no room for error. With a gun that can fire shells over 20km, precision tools are used to achieve a tolerance of +/-0.04mm. You may find yourself working in tough conditions in hostile territory.

The Right Job For Me?

A relatively long period of training is needed to gain the technical and academic knowledge required for an armourer, who must develop a real understanding of engineering to succeed. You definitely need to be good with your hands for this job, because it relies heavily on machine and hand tools, and precision measuring instruments.

What Skills Will I Learn?

The first stage of an Armourer’s career is learning how to maintain small arms, machine guns, infantry support weapons and minor items of unit equipment.Through further training, you will gain expertise in inspecting, repairing and modifying all ordnance, heavy armaments and mountings.Because each Army unit has its own weapons, all of which require support, you may find yourself working under challenging conditions.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial training: Your military career will start with 23 weeks at the Army Technical Foundation College (ATFC) Winchester in Hampshire. You will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course, as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will be stretched further than you thought possible and toughen up both physically and mentally. In addition to your military training you will take part in an education package, adventurous training (climbing, abseiling and similar activities) and sport. Although the training at ATFC is hard work, you will remember it for the rest of your career as a soldier, and at the end of it all you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends. Further training: Next, you will move on to the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (SEME) at Bordon, Hampshire. Here you will carry out your trade training, starting with a five-week Foundation Course to confirm your suitability for training as an Armourer. Those who find it hard to meet the required standard or wish to change career path may receive a choice of alternative employment, either with the REME or another Arm or Service. On successful completion of the Foundation Course, you’ll be invited to train as an Armourer. The course is about 34 weeks and includes: Maintenance, repair and modification: Small arms, machine guns, light and medium anti-tank weapons, infantry support weapons, and special-to-role turrets. Instruments: Inspection and classification of basic optical instruments, the use of hand tools, machine tools, gauges and precision measuring instruments. Driving: Possible driver training to Large Goods Vehicles, Cat C and E standard. Upgrading course: Subsequent training includes the inspection of ordnance, and the repair and modification of heavy armaments, carriages, mountings and recoil systems. On completion of the upgrader course your salary will also increase.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

On completion of your initial trade training you will gain the grade of Level 2 Apprenticeship in Engineering, which is equivalent to five GCSE passes at grades A* to C. On completion of the Class 1 tradesman course you reach Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering, equivalent to three A-Level passes at grade C. Trained artificers are awarded BTEC Higher National Diploma in Engineering.

Future Prospects

The skills and knowledge of the Army’s mechanical engineers are highly sought after in the private and civilian sectors. Your discipline and training will hold you in good stead if and when you return to civilian life. Within the Army, the route of Artificer is the REME’s equivalent of a fast track to promotion, with improved pay and prospects. It’s open to all technical and electro-mechanical trades. As an REME soldier you can also volunteer for the Special Forces. This is only available to those who demonstrate exceptional aptitude and skill.