There's a technical term for immobile vehicles on the battlefield - targets.

Recovery Mechanics have the job of racing into the field, recovering them and getting them back to somewhere safe where they can be properly fixed. All this makes them popular guys in the eyes of marooned vehicle crews.

It's a physically arduous job, and as Recovery Mechanics are at the centre of the action, right up there with the tanks and infantry during operations, they also have to be quick thinkers.

First, they have to work out how to recover a vehicle that's ditched or overturned - and then they have to action those thoughts. They use cranes, lifting gear and their training in mechanical theory to help them work out how to retrieve immobile vehicles.

As a Recovery Mechanic you'll be taught how to estimate the amount of force required, as well as learn to drive tracked vehicles, cut metal and use explosives. You'll train for 23 weeks and upgrade your training every four to five years.

Entry requirements for this career are GCSEs at grade A-D in Maths, Science and English Language. Among the qualifications you'll come away with are LGV and HGV licences and a City and Guilds qualification (part 2) in Light and Heavy Vehicle Recovery.