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  • The Royal Logistic Corps
  • Specialist Unit

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) is a unique, challenging, and diverse squadron based in Oxfordshire. Their mission is to train, deliver and sustain the specialist Helicopter Handling (HH) and Underslung Load (USL) capability of Defence to enable Aviation Lift operations worldwide, in order to meet UK Defence mission and tasks.

The squadron is based at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire and consists of 60% British Army and 40% Royal Air Force personnel

The Squadron is structured as:

  • JHSS Headquarters
  • Mobile Air Operation Team (MAOT)
  •  2 x Task Troops
  • Communications Troop
  • Mechanical Transport Cell
  • Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant’s Department
  • Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Workshop
  • Defence School of Helicopter Handling

JHSS is an integral part of Joint Aviation Command (JAC) and is utilised in a variety of roles, including providing aid after natural disasters and delivering mission critical support on operations. JHSS is deployed all over the world, making it a challenging and extremely exciting place to work.  

JHSS works closely with UK Military Support Helicopters, using their underslung load capability to get vital equipment quickly to where it is needed. The main rotary platform the Squadron works with is the Chinook because of its excellent underslung load capability. Other helicopter types including Merlin, Wildcat and Apache are also supported by JHSS.

When arriving at JHSS, all new members will undertake specialist training on how to prepare, rig and hook an underslung load to the bottom of an aircraft. The loads could be anything from an armoured vehicle to an international intermodal container - preparing personnel for the wide range of detachments they could be assigned to.

 

JHSS employs a selection of Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) trades, including:

The Squadron is also made up of personnel from other cap badges including the Army Air Corps (AAC), Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and the Adjutants General’s Corps (AGC SPS).

Lance Corporal Sam King- RLC Driver Communications Specialist

I have been in the Army for over 6 years now as a Driver Communications Specialist and I have gained a wide variety of qualifications in that time including: Large Goods Vehicle Class C/C+E, Quad Bike Driver, Class 2 Driver and Class 1 Communications Specialist and I am hoping to go for my Royal Signals Institution Communications in the upcoming year. The role of a Communications Specialist is a top tier job, which provides plenty of opportunities to travel throughout the UK and overseas abroad improving skills and knowledge. My current role my on JHSS is as a Rigger Marshaller as well as Radio Operator; this requires me to provide ground to air comms with helicopters such as Chinook, Puma, Merlin and Wildcat. This is something that has greatly improved my skill set and confidence both inside and outside of the Army. I have also represented my previous and current regiments playing football.

Corporal Ben Siddons– RLC Driver

During my time on JHSS, I have completed various courses and gained qualifications as a Helicopter Handling Instructor (HHI) and Husle Load Sling Equipment Inspector (HLSEI), leading me to my current role as an instructor on the Defence School of Helicopter Handling, delivering training across Defence. JHSS is a unique specialist unit that provides many different opportunities including working alongside the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. During my tour so far, I have deployed to many places including Kenya, the Falkland Islands as well as embarked on His Majesty's Ship Prince of Wales. As a team we work directly with air crews mainly underneath hovering helicopters such as Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat, which joining as an RLC Driver I never thought I would find myself doing!

Sporting Opportunities

Playing sport improves physical fitness and encourages teamwork. In JHSS, soldiers have the opportunity to play a wide range of sports while serving and may get the opportunity to represent the Army in a chosen sport.

We currently have several soldiers representing the Corps, including sports such as athletics, football, rugby, cricket and basketball. 

There are also opportunities to take part in Adventurous Training which is designed to be challenging and take you out of your 'comfort zone'.

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Joint Helicopter Support Squadron equipment

Speed: The ATV's alone can reach speeds of up to 75kph.

Logistic vehicles
Rapid: Jackal 2 is a high mobility weapons platform, with a unique air-bag suspension system allowing rapid movement across varying terrain.
Reconnaissance vehicles
Tests: On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned.
Small arms and support weapons
The general purpose machine gun (GPMG) can be used as a light weapon and in a sustained fire role.
Small arms and support weapons
Mobility: The SV fleet provides far greater mobility than previous generation cargo vehicles.
Logistic vehicles

Recruitment

Interesting in joining the Royal Logistic Corps?

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