Armoured regiments in the Household Cavalry use the Scimitar vehicle to scout out information about the enemy. You start as a driver or gunner, working as part of a close-knit crew in a four-vehicle troop. You also spend time in The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which provides horse-mounted soldiers for royal and state ceremonies.
Trooper Craig Baker says life in the Life Guards is no laughing matter
“I’m in the Life Guards. It’s one of the most famous jobs in the world and my parents are very proud of me. And yes, people do try and make me laugh when I’m on guard at Buckingham Palace.”
Tank Crewman Trooper David Wilcox gets a real kick out of driving the super-fast Scimitar
“My work is very challenging. I drive the Scimitar reconnaissance vehicle as part of a very close crew. The vehicle is fast and agile, so we can take the fight to the enemy if necessary. We put a lot into our work, so it’s important to wind down – and the Army gives you plenty of spare time to do that.”
After your basic training you get specialist coaching to prepare you for your role. If you’re going to be an armoured reconnaissance soldier you learn how to drive and maintain a tracked vehicle. If you’re going into a ceremonial role you do a 12-week course in how to ride and look after a horse and a four-week course on looking after your riding kit.
As a Household Cavalry Soldier you could choose to learn the mechanical skills you need to drive and maintain different vehicles. Or you could become an expert horseman, learning everything you need to know about riding and horse care. You can move between these roles during your career, and you could go on to specialise in other roles like tailor, saddler or farrier.
Qualifications you can get
Level 2 NVQ Engineering Maintenance or Equine Management
Advanced driving licences
Advanced Signaller
Specialist qualifications as a riding instructor, saddler, tailor, physical training instructor and combat medic
Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA)
Level 2 NVQ IT
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