14 Regular Regiments, 13 Jobs in 12 locations...

..........taught to drive, qualifications for life as part of a team of 7,300 members of the Royal Artillery
DOING WHAT?

GUNNER AS90

Using the 155mm Tracked Armoured Field Howitzer (AS90).  Crew of 8, AS90 is a fully automated howitzer which fires a 96lb shell out to 24.7 km. The gun weighs 45 tonnes, has a top speed of 55mph and comes into action in 1 min. Units: 1 RHA, 3 RHA, 4 Regt RA, 19 Regt RA and 26 Regt RA.

GUNNER Light Gun

Using the 105mm Light Gun.  The versatile Light Gun is delivered by helicopter, landing craft, parachuted or towed on to the battlefield. A crew of 6 serve the GPS fitted system which has a range of 17.2 km. Each HE shell weighs 35 lbs. In service with 7 Para RHA, 29 Cdo Regt RA, and the TA - 100 Regt RA (V) and 103 Regt RA (V).

GUNNER MLRS

Using the Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS).  Small tight knit crew of 3 operate the fully computerised MLRS which fires GPS guided rockets out to 72 kms.  What is more, it is accurate to within 2m. Used by 39 Regt RA and 101 Regt RA (V).

GUNNER Rapier

Using the Rapier Medium Range Air Defence System.  The Rapier guided Air Defence system can engage two targets simultaneously. The crew of 8 operate four main components: the launcher, two radars and a control unit. The missiles fly at twice the speed of sound, have a Maximum range of 8000m and ceiling of 5000m. Units: 16 Regt RA and 106 Regt RA (V).

GUNNER HVM

Using the High Velocity Missile System Man portable or tracked HVM close air defence systems which are deployed alongside the Infantry and tanks. With a speed of Mach 3, the laser riding missile has a range of 5.5km and ceiling of 1000m.  Used by 12 Regt RA and 106 Regt RA (V).

ARTILLERY TARGETING

GUNNER Observation Post

As part of a Fire Support Team.  Part of a tight knit six man team, working on the front line embedded in an infantry or armoured manoeuvre unit. Trained to plan and coordinate fire from artillery, naval guns and mortars as well as control attack helicopters and fast jets. Kit includes image intensifiers, thermal sights, MSTAR man portable radar and UHF/VHF/HF radios. There are FSTs in all AS90 and Lt Gun Regts (inc Para and Cdo).

GUNNER Special Observer

Inserted behind enemy lines, by foot, boat, helicopter or vehicle.  Special Observers operate in small 6 man teams, to provide intelligence and cue fires from artillery, aircraft or attack helicopters using encrypted communications. 4/73 Bty RA (5 Regt RA) and HAC is the TA equivalent.

GUNNER Radar Operator

Mamba, Cobra and LCMR are mobile weapon locating radar which detects rockets and mortar/artillery rounds in flight. Mounted on a BV206 over snow vehicle, a Foden truck or stand alone; it can identify eight targets simultaneously out to a range of 25 miles. In service with 5 Regt RA and 101 Regt RA (V).

GUNNER Sound Ranger

Working as part of a small team using state of the art acoustic and computer equipment to locate the enemy, missiles, mortars and guns. Used by 5 Regt RA and 101 Regt RA (V).

GUNNER TUAS (Tactical Unmanned Air Systems) Operator

The team launches, controls and recovers pilot-less air vehicles.  The Hermes 450 (soon to be replaced Watchkeeper) collects real time battlefield intelligence, beaming back thermal and TV imagery while in flight, using a data link to a Ground Control Station. Used by 32 Regt RA, 47 Regt RA and 104 Regt RA (V) is the TA equivalent.

GUNNER Artillery Logistics

Artillery Logisticians store, account for and re-supply Artillery units in battle with fuel, ammunition, food and water. Trained to drive DROPs HGVs, there is the chance to gain motorcycle and tracked licences as well as specialist logistics qualifications. Every Artillery Regiment must have its own supply experts, giving individuals a wide choice of postings.

INTELLIGENCE, IT & COMMS

GUNNER Artillery Command Systems (ACS)

Operate and maintain the latest high tech computer and radio equipment to ensure that voice and data messages are passed across the battlefield. ACS is used in every Royal Artillery Regiment.
REMEMBER - No Comms - No Bombs!

MUSIC & CEREMONIAL

MOUNTED GUNNER King's Troop RHA - Learn to ride and drive in a Gun Team of 6 galloping horses with the King's Troop RHA and fire Royal Salutes in Hyde Park. Specialist training as a farrier, saddler or tailor is available. Mounted Gunner applicants MUST attend and pass the Potential Recruits Course held at King's Troop. Learn to ride and drive in a Gun Team of 6 galloping horses with Kings Troop RHA and fire Royal Salutes in Hyde Park. Specialist training as a farrier, saddler or tailor is available. Mounted Gunner applicants MUST attend and pass the Potential Recruits Course held at King's Troop. POC is the Recruiting Sergeant on 0207 414 4630 or 0797 3343551.

INFANTRY (Secondary Role) Combat Soldier - every Gunner is trained in basic close combat skills at Phase 2 training to ensure our ability to be deployed and operate in our primary role or as infantry anywhere in the world.

SPECIALIST ROLES
Parachute & Commando Units

7 Para RHA

The Parachute Gunners (105mm Light Gun) are based in Colchester and support 16 Air Assault Brigade. Volunteers wear the maroon beret and are required to complete P-Company and the Parachute Course, at RAF Brize Norton, before earning Para pay.  Available trades: Light Gun, Arty Comd Systems, Fire Support Team and Logistics.

29 Cdo Regt RA

The Commando Gunners (105mm Light Gun and Naval Gunfire Support) are part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines - the UK's Amphibious and Arctic & Mountain Warfare experts. On completion of the All Arms Commando Course, you will earn your green beret and serve in Plymouth, Arbroath or Poole (the Bde Recce Force). Available trades: Light Gun, Arty Comd Systems, Fire Support Team and Logistics.

Gunner Special OP

Volunteers for 4/73 Bty RA (5 Regt RA) will need to pass a 20 week Special Observer Patrols Course following Phase 2 Training. Further information can be found DIN: 2006 DIN002-211, a useful reference document for potential direct entry recruits.

GUNNER HVM (Para)

12 Bty RA (12 Regt RA) provide Close Air Defence for 16 AA Bde, again soldiers wear the maroon beret and must pass P-Company and the Static Line Parachute Cse, at RAF Brize Norton, before earning Para pay. The sub unit is based at Thorney Island.
All specialist volunteers choose a shadow posting to another unit in case of failure.

Support to Current Operations, Tertiary Roles and New Equipment Conversions

1. All Close Support Artillery Regiments deploy to Afghanistan with Light Gun. Some convert to Light Gun for a 6 month tour on Operation HERRICK and then revert back to their primary role;  Applicable to Gunner AS90 applicants only.

2. 16 Regt RA (Rapier) deploys a battery to the Falkland Islands in the primary role. Other operational commitments are conducted (in the tertiary role) using - a new and highly sensitive sense and warn system which detects rockets and projectiles in flight. Applicable to Gunner Rapier applicants only.


Giraffe Radar

3. 47 Regt RA are currently equipped with Desert Hawk 3 (Mini Unmanned Air Systems) and use this system on operations.


MUAS Operator 

4. 39 Regt RA have recently converted from MLRS to Guided MLRS for use on operations. Applicable to Gunner MLRS applicants only.


Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)