User:MFIreland/Royal Horse Artillery
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MOUNTED GUNNER Royal Horse Artillery
Soldier
A full career in military equitation, firing royal salutes and riding the horses that pull 13-pounder guns – at the gallop The Job Mounted Gunners provide artillery support to the Household Division and ride the horses that pull ceremonial 13-pounder guns. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fires royal salutes on state occasions and takes part in major parades. When the Army mobilises, the King’s Troop provides HGV drivers who deliver ammunition to artillery units around the battlefield. The King’s Troop is based at St John’s Wood, London.
The Right Job For Me? Mounted Gunners must be fit, agile, mentally and physically resilient, and love all things equestrian – although experience with horses is not essential. Applicants need to be able to work as part of a team, be willing to take up challenges and relish the chance to compete and travel.
What Skills Will I Learn? In-depth knowledge of horse management as well as maintenance of the guns and harnesses.Specialisation as a Saddler, Farrier, Tailor or Riding Instructor.Learning all aspects of an equestrian sport, including showjumping, eventing, racing, military skill-at-arms and many more.Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driving skills for delivering ammunition to artillery units around the battlefield.
What Training Will I Do? Initial Training: Your military training will start at Army Training Centre (ATC) Pirbright. Gunners must be able to deploy as infantry as well as artillery, so during your 14-week basic training course you will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course. Your stamina and fitness will develop, and you will toughen up mentally as well as physically. Visits to regiments will help you decide which one you want to join, and before initial training comes to an end – with a Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends – you will know which one you will be joining. Further Training: On completion of Phase 1 training, you will move to Larkhill on Salisbury Plain and start Phase 2 training – a 12-week course that turns you from a basic soldier into a Gunner ready to join your regiment. All Artillery soldiers are taught to drive a Landrover and use BOWMAN secure communications systems. You will also receive Infantry close-combat training and be introduced to the major equipment employed by the Royal Artillery. There are great sporting opportunities on offer, and the chance to undertake adventurous training in Wales. We invest time in your education and give everyone the opportunity to start an appropriate trade-related apprenticeship, with a logistics or telecommunications base, to be completed when you join your unit. When you arrive at the King's Troop you will learn to look after, ride and compete on the horses that pull the guns. Mounted Gunner training includes: Riding in a gun-team, Taking part in the Musical Drive – at the gallop – as well as ceremonial parades and royal salutes in London, Windsor and abroad. Equestrian skills: Learning to ride in the military style as well as the basics of stable management, horse care, saddlery and farriery.
What Qualifications Could I Get? There are many qualifications available to Mounted Gunners, including: HGV driving licence; NVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Horse Care and Management; British Horse Society Instructor qualifications; Computer Literacy and Information Technology stage 1 (CLAIT); Certificate in Team Leading; ILM Diploma in Management; NVQs in Learning and Development; and Apprenticeships as a Farrier, Saddler or Tailor.
Future Prospects Your prospects for promotion will depend on your performance, but you could expect to be promoted to Lance Bombardier in about three years, Bombardier in three to five years, and Sergeant in six to eight years. You may be selected to attend the six-month Riding Instructor’s course held at the Defence Animal Centre. Outside the Army, your experience with horses and leadership skills will hold you in excellent regard for employment in animal management.