AMMUNITION SPECIALIST

The Job

Having reliable ammunition is vital for the Army. Making sure that bullets, shells and other types of weaponry only explode when they’re supposed to is the job of the Ammunition Specialist. This involves inspecting existing stocks of ammunition, modifying and making repairs when faults are found and destroying any supplies that are unstable or surplus to requirements.

The Right Job For Me?

As a part-time Ammunition Specialist you get responsibility at a very early stage. The work that you do could make a real difference to the safety of soldiers and civilians wherever you operate. You’ll be dealing with some very complex and potentially destructive ammunition, so will need to have a mature and responsible attitude, along with an eye for detail and the self-discipline to work unsupervised. An understanding of science and mathematics is a real plus in this job

What Skills Will I Learn?

Ammunition Specialists learn the basic scientific principles behind the operation of the types of ammunition they will be working with, before progressing to practical training. You will then be taught about British ammunition and how it works as well as how to inspect, repair, store and dispose of it safely. As you progress in your TA career as an Ammunition Specialist you may have the opportunity to learn about more sophisticated weaponry, including guided weapons, and about munitions disposal.

What Training Will I Do?

All recruits complete a series of selection tests during a 2-day weekend Recruit Selection Course at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham, Lincolnshire. During the weekend you will undergo a number of tests and if you achieve the minimum scoring necessary to train as an Ammunition Specialist you will be offered the opportunity to train in this role.After the Recruit Selection Course you will be posted to your unit, 531 Ammunition Technical Squadron RLC(V) at Grantham, Lincolnshire, before undergoing your military skills training course. This consists of two weekends of foundation training, a 10-day residential course (or 5 weekends modular) followed by a final 15-day course of higher level training and live firing. This military skills training can be spread over a 12-18 month period to fit in with your work and other commitments.After your military skills training you will undergo three weekends of training with your unit followed by a 15-day Ammunition Specialist Class 3 Course at the Defence School of Munitions at Kineton in Warwickshire.Your minimum annual training commitment is 19 days. This is broken down into 15 days of training with your unit, either on exercises or on a course, and four days of ‘out of camp’ training, made up of weekend training and other activities.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

As a member of a Territorial unit 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 further recognised civilian qualifications, which may be of help to you in your civilian career.

Future Prospects

Whilst there is no direct comparison with any civilian trade, you will gain command, leadership and management skills that are second to none and these will be directly transferable to civilian life. As well as keeping you fit and helping you make friends for life, being a Territorial 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.