Ammunition Technician in the British Army
Introduction
In every conflict, ammunition is the lifeblood of combat. From bullets and mortars to missiles and demolitions, the storage, transportation, and disposal of munitions is a job that demands perfection. In the British Army, this responsibility falls to the Ammunition Technician (AT) — a specialist soldier trained in explosives, bomb disposal, and ordnance management.
Ammunition Technicians don’t just work behind the scenes. They’re often deployed on the front lines to identify, defuse, and destroy threats — from IEDs in Afghanistan to WWII bombs in the UK. Their work is highly skilled, intensely technical, and absolutely vital to operational success and public safety.
What Is an Ammunition Technician?
An Ammunition Technician (AT) is a soldier in the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) trained to:
- Store, inspect, and maintain ammunition of all types
- Manage large-scale ammunition supply systems
- Identify and dispose of unexploded ordnance (UXO)
- Disarm improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- Provide explosive safety training and advice
- Support bomb disposal units and counter-terrorism operations
They are experts in explosive theory, chemistry, fusing mechanisms, and logistics systems — combining science and soldiering in one of the Army’s most dangerous and respected trades.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
1. Ammunition Storage and Control
- Manage vast ammunition depots
- Monitor temperature, humidity, and storage conditions
- Use computerised systems to track inventory and shelf life
- Ensure explosive regulations and safety procedures are followed
2. Inspection and Testing
- Perform technical inspections on all forms of ammo
- Detect signs of degradation, leakage, corrosion, or unsafe fusing
- Advise commanders on whether ammunition is safe to use or must be destroyed
3. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
- Deploy to remove or disarm UXO or IEDs
- Support civil authorities with bomb threats, suspicious packages, or historic ordnance
- Use bomb suits, robots, and controlled detonations
4. Combat and Humanitarian Missions
- Accompany front-line units to manage ammo use and disposal
- Clear war-torn areas of mines or ordnance post-conflict
- Destroy enemy ammunition caches
- Help local populations by clearing villages of dangerous remnants of war
Specialist Equipment Used
Ammunition Technicians are trained to operate and maintain:
- Bomb disposal suits (e.g. EOD 9/10 suits)
- Remote-controlled robots (like CUTLASS and Wheelbarrow Mk8)
- X-ray and ECM systems for identifying bomb circuitry
- Ammunition testing rigs
- Demolition kits for safe explosive destruction
- EOD vehicles and blast containers
- Protective shelters and blast barriers
Training Pathway
Step 1: Enlistment and Basic Training
- Join the British Army and complete 14 weeks of Basic Training at Pirbright or Winchester
Step 2: Phase 2 Specialist Training
- Move to the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment (DEMS Trg Regt) in Bicester, Oxfordshire
Training Includes:
- Ammunition types and classifications
- Explosive physics and chemistry
- Ammunition storage regulations
- Fault detection and inspection
- Fusing systems
- Basic EOD theory and protocols
Step 3: Further Career Progression
- After gaining experience, apply for the elite EOD Operator Course
- Trains soldiers to safely approach, diagnose, and neutralise live devices
- Includes advanced robot operation, IED disarmament, and emergency response
Career Progression
| Rank | Role |
|---|---|
| Private – Lance Corporal | Ammunition Technician trainee, depot or field team support |
| Corporal – Sergeant | Senior technician, manages explosive storage, conducts inspections |
| Staff Sergeant – Warrant Officer | Oversees regional EOD teams, mentors junior ATs, liaises with commanders |
| Commissioned Officer Route | Can apply for Late Entry Commission into logistics or EOD command positions |
Real-World Deployments and Operations
Afghanistan & Iraq
- Disarmed thousands of IEDs planted by insurgents
- Supported infantry and engineer patrols with EOD clearance
- Destroyed enemy ammunition factories and caches
UK Public Safety Missions
- Respond to bomb threats across Britain
- Deal with unexploded WWII ordnance (London, Portsmouth, etc.)
- Support major events (e.g. Olympics, Royal ceremonies) with counter-IED sweeps
Ukraine & NATO Support
- Advised allies on ammo management and clearance of Russian UXO
- Trained Ukrainian troops in battlefield EOD
Humanitarian Aid
- Supported mine clearance in Bosnia, Sierra Leone, and Kosovo
- Provided safety assurance to NGOs and reconstruction teams
Daily Life and Working Environment
Ammunition Technicians split their time between:
- Depot or base inspections
- Live training areas (explosive range work)
- EOD standby duties
- Operational deployment zones
- Joint tasks with civilian police or fire services
They often work under time pressure, especially when dealing with:
- Suspicious packages
- Ammunition that’s close to expiration
- Civilian areas where UXO poses immediate danger
Skills and Qualities Required
- Extreme attention to detail
- Calm under pressure and time-sensitive scenarios
- Scientific aptitude (understanding explosive materials)
- Physical fitness and mental resilience
- Excellent communication — must brief commanders and civilians
- Strong sense of duty and responsibility
Pay and Perks
- Initial salary: ~£18,000–£22,000 during training
- Post-qualification: ~£30,000–£40,000 depending on experience
- Additional pay for:
- EOD allowances
- Hazard pay
- Deployment bonuses
- Free medical, dental, and housing options
- Education support: Paid qualifications in explosives, safety, logistics
Civilian Career Options After Service
Former Ammunition Technicians are in demand across:
- Police bomb squads and counter-terrorism units
- Airports and transport security
- Oil and gas industry (explosive safety)
- Private explosive demolition companies
- Ordnance testing and manufacturing
- Humanitarian demining (e.g. HALO Trust, MAG)
Many become:
- Explosive Safety Advisors
- UXO Technicians for building contractors
- Civil Defence Consultants
- Military instructors
Recognition and Respect
Ammunition Technicians are highly respected for their courage, intelligence, and professionalism. Their role combines physical bravery with meticulous scientific understanding — a rare mix.
They have received:
- Queen’s Gallantry Medals
- George Medals for bravery
- Unit citations from NATO and coalition partners
Conclusion
The British Army’s Ammunition Technicians are the ultimate professionals in the handling of explosives. Whether ensuring safety at home, neutralising IEDs in warzones, or managing vast stores of munitions, their work is precise, dangerous, and invaluable.
In a world where one loose fuse can change the course of an operation — or take innocent lives — these specialists stand between chaos and control, ensuring that every explosive does what it’s meant to, and nothing more.
