Postal Delivery Worker (Soldier)

Postal and Courier Operators play an essential role in maintaining one of the Army's vital lines of communication as well as keeping the morale of troops high.

Age

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application, you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and 35 years & 6 months old. You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

Requirements

GCSE Grade A–D/9-3, or Scottish National 4, in Maths and English Language.

Key responsibilities

• Run your own Post Office using state-of-the-art IT systems to handle large amounts of cash and stock.
• Work with all types of mail - both official and private.
• You’ll be based at South Cerney in Gloucestershire with opportunities to be deployed worldwide.
• Deploy all over the world on exercise and operations - wherever your expertise is needed.
• Gain your Level 2 Apprenticeship.
• Earn your category B Driving Licence.

Training Steps

1. You'll start with your initial military training which teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do a basic military training (long) course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult basic training.
2. Next, you’ll take a four-week course at the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration in Worthy Down, Winchester. This teaches you to use our systems which help us track and trace mail all over the world. You also learn how to deal with Top Secret material. You will earn your category B driving license at the Defence School of Transport.
3. Your Class 2 is awarded after 12 months on-the-job training and completion of all RLC PC Op Class 2 training objectives. You are then eligible to upgrade to a Class 1 Postal and Courier Operator on selection for promotion to Lance Corporal.

You’ll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Qualifications

• Category B Driving Licence.
• Level 2 Express Delivery Apprenticeship.
• Defence Awarding Organisation (DOA) - Level 4 Award in Management of Postal and Courier Services.
• Defence Awarding Organisation (DOA) - Level 2 and 3 Award in Postal Accounting Management Transactions.
• IWFM - Level 4 in Facilities Management.
• Levels 2 and 3 Certificate in Logistics and Transport.
• Levels 5 and 6 Diploma in Logistics and Transport.

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months. Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

Real Army Life

• Follow one of the team around for a look at a day in their life when on ops.
• As a Postal Courier you'll set up post offices in the field.
• See what daily meals look like at the cookhouse and how they fuel you for training and tasks.
• Get up close with the gear and equipment you’ll use out in the field.
• Take a look inside the accommodation you’ll live in during basic training.
• Learn how your pay, perks and support go further than many civilian jobs.
• Build resilience, teamwork and confidence through activities like climbing, skiing and watersports.
• Explore all the sports you can take part in at every level.
• Discover what you can do in your downtime, on camp and beyond.
• See how Army life gives you chances to travel the world and experience new places.
• Train in modern gyms and facilities built to keep you fit, strong and ready.

Ask a Soldier

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

The RLC is the largest Corps in the British Army and wherever in the world you find the Army, you’ll find us… Travel, Promotion, Sport, Adventure and Challenge – we’ve got it all.

Life in the RLC is varied and worldwide. You could be training in the UK one month and supporting operations overseas the next. Alongside your trade, you’ll get chances to travel, play sport and take on new challenges.

Basic Training

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of. Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

Living Conditions

It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp. Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day-to-day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.

Meals

Most people eat in the mess on a pay-as-you-dine basis, but if you live independently you can cook for yourself. Most meals are provided for you in the mess during training. It’s a social part of Army life, and makes it easier to focus on your training and routine.

Your future starts here

Every Postal and Courier Operator started exactly where you are now. Take the first step. Be the backbone of the Army: get vital supplies wherever they're needed with the help of our expert training. Get supplies safely into the air and then accurately deliver them to troops on the ground. Enjoy an incredible job, flying with the Army and the RAF. Keep our regiments in communication. Take charge of crucial communications systems and set them up wherever you are.

Ready to start your Royal Logistic Corps journey?