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Is it possible to join straight up as this, or do you have to serve several years and then specialize? Ive done some research and from what ive heard, you start off by manning the guns then put in an application for OP assistant. Is this true?

BUT it is put up as a job on the army careers website, which would imply you could become one straight away, though there is no mention of phase 2 training for OP assistant on the Royal Artillery website.

http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/Jobs/JobDeta ... category=1

Any help would be welcome!

You can go straight in as an OP assistant, its the special observer role that takes a couple of years to get to if thats what you're interested in. I asked the question myself when i was looking at different options for joining (i was looking to be a special observer). If you wanted to do special observer, thats what you apply for but you do 2 years as an OP assistant first, then you can do selection for Special Observer.

Hope this helps

nope special observer is direct entry as well the careers office can tell you all this info im sure others would agree but ask about joining requirments in the careers office they have all the up to date info

It is direct entry yes, you can do selection straight after basic BUT you still have to do 2 years as an OP assistant before you can become a Special Observer.

http://www.army.mod.uk/royalartillery/r ... server.htm

It doesn't say 2 years on there but it is. I emailed one of the recruiting staff at 4/73 battery about it myself a few months ago.

Mikey

fair enough then thanks for the correction jump freak

Sorry to bring this somewhat dead thread back to life.

I too am interested in the Special Observer role and emailed the staff at 4/73 battery and have a couple of different answers to share.

First off you don't necessarily do selection after phase 2. The course is run twice (this might be changing) a year. After completing phase 2 you are posted straight into the battery where you wait for the next course to start.

And secondly you don't have to spend two years as an OP assistant.

Thats the info I got. Not calling you a liar JumpFreak, just sharing the facts that were handed to me. Who really knows the truth, just have to show up and have a crack at it right?

Cheers,

Kiwilad

haha my info was also from 4/73 battery by email. who knows what the truth may be!!

Mike