Find and Strike
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) is the oldest regiment in the British Army with a long history of tradition and excellence. HAC soldiers take great pride in their ability to switch quickly and seamlessly between serving their country on operations and performing ceremonial duties in the City of London.
Facts & Figures
Active from
1537
Role
SURVEILLANCE, reconnaissance AND FIELD ARTILLERY
Specialism
SURVEILLANCE & reconnaissance PATROLS; LIGHT INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE & reconnaissance; CLOSE SUPPORT ARTILLERY.
Our skills
The HAC offers an unrivalled variety of roles. Whichever you choose, you will face unique challenges and learn new skills.
- Surveillance & Reconnaissance Patrol Soldier
- Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Soldier
- Light Gun Operator
- Communication Information Systems Operator
- Artillery Logistician
- Bugler or Drummer
- Musician
Our deployments
Operations
Over the past 15 years, over 280 HAC soldiers have deployed on operations. These have included:
- Kosovo
- Iraq
- Afghanistan
- London Olympic Games
More recently HAC soldiers have deployed to:
- Bosnia
- Sierra Leone
- Cyprus
- South Sudan
Overseas Training
The HAC has excellent access to unique, cutting-edge training, delivered across the globe. In recent years HAC soldiers have trained in the following locations:
- Cyprus
- Canada
- Malaysia
- Kenya
In 2017 the Regiment deployed to the US to train alongside the Californian National Guard. This year we are planning a training exercise in Japan.
Our People
Our Location
Get directions
The HAC occupies Finsbury Barracks, a single location in the City of London. The barracks is located on City Road, between Moorgate and Old Street tube stations, where all members of the Regiment train collectively every week. We recruit from across London and the south east of England.
Honourable Artillery Company
Finsbury Barracks
City Road
London
EC1Y 2BQ
Our Role
The HAC is the Army Reserve’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Regiment; it exists to support the Regular Army on operations. We work closely and train with our two paired regiments; 5th Regiment Royal Artillery and 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.
WHAT ROLES ARE ON OFFER?
The HAC offers an unrivalled variety of roles. Whichever you choose, you will face unique challenges and learn new skills. To find out more, please come down to one of our recruiting presentations held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at Finsbury Barracks. Arrive at 18.30 for a 19.00 start.
Surveillance & Reconnaissance Patrol Soldier
You will operate in small, specialist teams and deploy covertly to identify high value targets, carry out surveillance and gather information.
Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Soldier
You will collect vital intelligent using electro-magnetic optics to identify activity in poor light, man-portable radars that can detect movement in thick cover, and counter-mortar radars that will locate hostile artillery before their shells have even landed.
Gun Operator
You will use the 105mm Light Gun. Your close training relationship with 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery means you can attempt the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection (P Company).
Communication Information Systems Operator (Signaller)
As a Signaller, you will become the lynchpin in any headquarters, operating in a complex and dynamic environment. You will use the latest military communication and information systems, and help the commander communicate to remote stations sometimes hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away.
Artillery Logistician
You will sustain other elements of the Regiment in the field. You will have the opportunity to gain LGV driving licenses and learn a variety of cross-country driving skills and the tactical skills necessary to protect the troops and the equipment that are part of your convoy.
Bugler or Drummer
Members of the Corps of Drums are soldiers first and foremost, and can be drawn from any part of the HAC, but they predominantly comprise Gunners of ‘A’ Battery. To be a Drummer, you will learn to play the bugle and fife, or a drum.
Musician
You will already play one or more musical instruments to a high standard when you join the HAC Band. Your colleagues are some of the most talented and highly trained musicians in the British Army and you will often find yourself supporting state ceremonial events.
Ceremonial Soldier
All Soldiers will have the privilege of firing Gun Salutes at the Tower of London on state ceremonial events such as Royal Birthdays, march in the annual Lord Mayor’s Show, form the Guard of Honour when foreign Heads of State visit London and lots more besides.
The Honourable Artillery Company is the oldest regiment in the British Army and the second most senior unit of the Army Reserve.
Our location
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Honourable Artillery Company
Honourable Artillery Company Finsbury Barracks City Road London EC1Y 2BQ
