SUPPORT TROOPER

The Job

As a member of a Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) Yeomanry regiment, you will be trained as an Individual Reservist (IR) to be deployed in time of war to a Regular RAC Formation Reconnaissance regiment. Working as a member of a close-knit Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Spartan) crew within a Formation Reconnaissance regiment, you will provide expert knowledge on demolitions, mine warfare and other specialist areas.

The Right Job For Me?

You do not need to be super-fit to join the Territorials but the training can sometimes be physically challenging so you need a good standard of health and stamina. As part of a larger unit, an ability to take orders is essential, but you must also be able to act on your own initiative if the situation calls for it.

What Skills Will I Learn?

You will be trained in mine warfare, demolitions and other specialist Support Trooper tasks.You will be trained to identify both enemy and friendly vehicles using optical, image-intensified and night-viewing (thermal imaging) equipment.You will be taught how to maintain and service the vehicle weapon systems and assist other crew members in a variety of tasks.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial trainingThis takes place at a number of locations nationwide, such as the Army Training Regiment (ATR) Lichfield, ATR Grantham or ATR Bassingbourn. Your first Phase 1 course is called the Common Military Syllabus (TA), which teaches you basic soldier skills and lasts for 14 consecutive days.Further trainingAfter completing your Common Military Syllabus course you will be given a period of familiarisation training specific to the RAC Yeomanry, which will include how to operate the VHF Bowman radio system. You will then begin your specialist trade training as a Support Trooper, on either a mixture of residential courses and weekend training or on unit-held courses. Having reached the minimum safety standards required, you will then complete a number of live-firing exercises in demolitions and mine warfare with your own Yeomanry regiment once a year during their annual live-firing period. This normally takes place on Castlemartin Ranges in South Wales.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

You will have access to a Continuous Professional Development Plan and Personal Development Record. Together, these will help you identify and develop your skills and turn them into recognised civilian qualifications, which may be of help to you in your civilian career.

Future Prospects

The Versatile Engagement (V) regulations for Territorial soldiers are currently in the development stage, but it is likely that under these new terms you will be offered a career of up to 12 years. Having completed your initial (Phase 1) and specialist (Phase 2) training, your promotion prospects are very good and you could reach the rank of Sergeant. It is likely that you will be offered to serve a full career up to 24 years, which will allow you to reach the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 if selected. As well as keeping you fit and helping you make friends for life, being in the Army gives you a major advantage in the increasingly competitive job market. Employers recognise Territorial soldiers as committed individuals who work well in a team and who are always looking for challenges and opportunities to extend their skills. They will know you are flexible, self-motivated, dependable, confident and responsible. Above all, being a Territorial soldier demonstrates that you can handle pressure, and have professional expertise backed up by solid experience.