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Recovery Mechanic - Reserve

When vehicles break down or get stuck, you race to the rescue. Our training gives you the skills, while qualifications improve your CV.

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Starting day rate
£63.27
Age range
18 - 43

Apply now

Role details

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Entry Requirements

Age

You can join between the ages of 18 – 43. At the time of your application you will need to be between 17 years & 9 months old and 42 years & 6 months old.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min 30 sec

More information about the fitness test

Education

GCSE Grade A*-D/9-3, or Scottish National 5 (A-C)/Scottish National (D), in English, Science and Maths.

Need help?

Unsure about requirements? Your local Army Reserve unit can help you.

Find a Reserve unit

About the Role

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) are responsible for keeping the Army's equipment working and ready to use.

Out on the battlefield, Army vehicles can get damaged, bogged down and overturned. As a Recovery Mechanic in the Army Reserve, it’s your job to rescue them. You will use specially adapted tanks and trucks to help you do your job, which is why you will learn to drive a number of Army vehicles in training. You need to be quick-thinking and brave for this role – after all, you’ll be moving vehicles in the middle of battle. It's up to you to assess the nature of the vehicle recovery needed and to decide the method of recovery. This may involve winches, ropes, metal cutting equipment or even the use of explosives. You will receive world-class training throughout your career in order to develop your trade skills and expertise as a Reserve Soldier. All the while, you’ll have sports and other activities to keep you busy, and good mates around you.

Key responsibilities

Help to recover damaged vehicles and rescue stranded soldiers
Work at the heart of the action
Be adept at numerous recovery methods
Use cranes, lifting gear and mechanical theory to work out how to retrieve immobile vehicles
To keep the fighting forces moving forwards

Training

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: Battlecamp. 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
Then you learn to drive (if you can’t already) and begin your trade training so that you can recover, load and move the Army’s stricken vehicles. Training is modular and most of it is done at your Army Reserve unit at evenings and weekends, with key parts of the course done on practical field exercises or at the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire.

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of at least 6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1.1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

Real Army Life

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

Ask a question

What is Reservist training like

Most Reservists train one evening a week and one or two weekends a month alongside their civilian job.
One week I could be map reading, one week I could be doing rifle training, another week we might have fitness.

Reservist training fits around your life, with regular sessions in the evenings and longer training on some weekends. You’ll build skills step by step, alongside people balancing jobs, study and family life.

Cameron J

Infantry Reservist

How fit do I need to be before I apply?

Your future starts here

Every Reserve Recovery Mechanic started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Apply now

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

0345 600 8080

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Full time opportunity

This role is also available in the Regular Army

Serve full time as a Recovery Mechanic and be part of a team serving the country. Get comprehensive training, competitive salary and opportunities to serve around the world.

Commitment

Full time

Training

Full training & other qualifications

View Regular role information

Benefits of Regular Army

Travel & adventure
Gain world-class training
Free gyms & healthcare
Cheaper housing
30 days annual leave

More about Regular Army

Ready to start your Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers journey?

Apply now

Recovery Mechanic - Reserve

Role details

Entry Requirements

About the Role

Training

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

Your application journey

Online application

Real Army Life

Uniform & equipment

Food & Meals

Gym & training facilities

Sports & fitness

Ask a Soldier

What is Reservist training like

How fit do I need to be before I apply?

Your future starts here

Not ready to apply? Get in touch

Contact us

Find your local Reserve Centre

More roles like this

Vehicle Mechanic - Reserve

Electronics Technician

Technical Support Specialist - Reserve

This role is also available in the Regular Army

Commitment

Training

Benefits of Regular Army

Ready to start your Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers journey?