Aviation Groundcrew Specialist

Our helicopters have a big part to play in battle - and so do our Ground crew. Could you get aircraft ready for take off?

I feel I am strong but being a part of an arming team has made me stronger, and together we can work towards anything that supports aviation.

Working alongside aviation is so exciting. It's scratched my itch for adventure and personal development, and I love being part of a large team.

Ground crew are responsible for getting our helicopters in the air and providing essential protection for them on the ground. You'll be trained to move, refuel and re-arm the aircraft that support ground forces. You'll also drive everything from Land Rovers to heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs).

Wherever the Army is in the world the Army Air Corps is there ready to provide tactical aviation action and support. modern operations require big-picture thinking and large-scale cooperation, which is why the Army Air Corps is proud of it's forward-thinking personnel and cutting-edge technology.

Get the Army’s fleet of battlefield helicopters in the air - from re-arming the Apache gunship to programming the Wildcat flight maps

Take responsibility for all the equipment and supplies required

Deploy on exercise and operations all over the world, wherever your squadron is needed

From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months

Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

Module 1:
Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.

Module 2:
Battle camp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
You then have basic Ground crew and Communication training. After this, you can decide if you want to be a Ground crew Specialist or a Communication Specialist.

Step 3
Ground crew Specialist – You learn how to prepare helicopters for missions. You also learn how to marshal and load aircraft. You can get a range of driving licences too.

Cat C+E LGV driving licences

Level 2 Award in Enhanced Employability Skills - City and Guilds

Levels 3 to 6 Awards in Leadership and Management

You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increasing as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.

When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.

To join, you have to apply online . The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.