The Regiment is organised into six squadrons:
- 279 Headquarters Squadron - Nottingham
- 280 Movement Control Squadron - Swindon
- 281 Movement Control Squadron - Nottingham
- 282 Movement Control Squadron - Middlesbrough
- 871 Postal and Courier Squadron - Marlow
- 883 Postal and Courier Squadron - Hartlepool
The Headquarters Squadron consists of all the elements required to support the five task squadrons. This includes: communications, catering support, logistic specialist support, HR, mechanical transport, physical training specialists, welfare support and an Engagement team.
We have a well-developed relationship with our paired Regular unit, 29 Regiment RLC.
162 Regiment RLC is the Army Reserve’s only specialist Movement Control and Postal & Courier Regiment. The Movement Controller trade ensures that all people, kit and equipment are deployed safely and securely across all modes of transport around the globe on operations and exercises.
The Postal and Courier trade ensures that diplomatic and personal mail and parcels are delivered across the globe to deployed personnel.
Our team of movement specialists are trained in all modes of transport to move passengers, vehicles and consignments of freight, including all natures of hazardous cargo across the globe. As a movement specialist, you will also get the opportunity to deploy with the force to ensure their onward move and safe return from a theatre of operations or overseas exercise area. Often physically and mentally demanding, movements staff plan and then execute movement working in all conditions at ports, airports and railheads.
Once deployed in a theatre of operations or on a large-scale exercise, our team of specialist Postal and Courier experts will be deployed to a series of postal support hubs. This allows the deploying force to communicate with their families and receive much treasured mail and parcels. Our specialists will also securely deliver the vital diplomatic correspondence sent between our government's departments and Britain's Embassies.
We have a diverse mix of jobs and careers on offer, including:
We also have officers who are trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and personnel from The Adjutant General’s Corps, Royal Army Physical Training Corps and The Royal Army Medical Corps.
LCpl Jodie Farr - 883 Squadron
I joined 162 Regiment RLC in 2013 after transferring from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers so that I could combine my military career with my then civilian job as a post lady. Throughout my career as a Postal and Courier Operator, I have been extremely lucky to experience some amazing opportunities; from working within British Forces Post Offices across the world developing up to a Class One operator, to representing the Corps in Alpine skiing, hockey and even bobsleighing.
I am currently attached to Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) The RLC for six months with the Video Production Team, embracing the opportunity to influence my creativity and passion for photography. As a freelance Graphic Designer, this is the perfect role to be able to utilise my civilian trade skills, whilst developing my knowledge of media use within the Army. To anyone considering joining the Reserves, I would say ‘go for it’.
Private Gareth Hagan - 281 Squadron
During the fight against Covid-19, The Alfreton NHS Supply Chain Depot where I work received support from 46 reserve soldiers. Working with military personnel brought back memories of my nine years served with the Infantry and made me realise that I missed Army life. So, in 2020, I decided to join 162 Regiment RLC.
I have already experienced Combat and Combat Support Arms – an opportunity to understand more about Combat Service Support and British Army Logistics, viewed from a civilian and military prospective. My next step is to complete my Movement Controller (Class three) training course and after this, my aim is to pass the Army Officer Selection Board at Westbury in order to become an Officer Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Private Joanna Shaw – 282 Squadron
I joined 162 Regiment RLC after graduating from university. I was attracted by the opportunities on offer within the Regiment and I chose 282 Squadron because it was local and I was interested in the Movement Controller trade. I really enjoy my trade and have gained many valuable skills, several of which are transferable into my civilian role.
This has allowed me to take up a job in the Civil Service working in movements and logistics. In my career so far, I have deployed overseas, working alongside regular Army Movement Controllers and have also represented 162 Regiment in the Corps Ski Championships. Joining the Army Reserve has really boosted my self-confidence and I would recommend it to anyone.
Sporting Opportunities
Sports and Adventurous Training play a key role within 162 Regiment RLC. The physical and mental health benefits of sport is embraced, as is its ability to develop leadership skills, confidence and teamwork. The Regiment participates in numerous sports, including: cricket, parachuting, equestrian, football, rugby, hockey, cross-country running, power lifting, sailing, climbing, skiing and mountaineering. Personnel have represented the Regiment, Corps and Army and travelled to compete in locations such as Barbados, the USA, the Alps and Pakistan.