At one time or another, long before you consider young driver car insurance, most boys will play with tanks and probably think how great it would be to drive one.
Imagine - a tank is the largest, most aggressive piece of land based motorised kit out there. You're in it with a bunch of blokes, probably in a foreign land and you're getting paid. Of-course, joining the army is not your regular nine-to-five job, but as a career, there are loads of opportunities and chances to learn transferable skills that translate well in the civilian job market.
So what does a tank driver do?
A Tank Crewman is part of a small team, typically taking vehicles such as the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank into combat on the front line. The Challenger 2 combines lightening speed, state-of-the-art technology and massive fire-power.
Am I the ideal candidate?
If you're a woman, then the answer is, no. At the time of writing, September 2008, women do not go to the front line, Female drivers can drive armoured vehicles in the Royal Artillery, but probably wouldn't go to the front line.
If you are a male aged between 17 and 33 years-old and you are fit, decisive, with a thirst to win, then it could be the job for you. You will need to work well as part of a team in challenging, often cramped and hot conditions. An army career is an active lifestyle combining action, adventure and travel.
What qualifications do I need?
No formal qualifications are needed, not even a full driver's licence, but you will have to undergo initial training at the Army Training Regiment (ATR) in Winchester. The 14-week basic training course comprises fundamental military skills, weapon handling, assault course exercise and physical training to improve your stamina and fitness.
Once you have Passed Out from initial training you will go on to further, more specific, instruction including gaining your full driving licence. There will also be Challenger 2 Tank Driver training, Bowman Communications tuition and operating weapons systems training.
What qualifications could I get?
During your Tank Crewman career you will be enrolled on an NVQ scheme that leads to a level 2 NVQ in Engineering and Maintenance. As you work towards commanding your own tank, you will take further courses and have opportunities to gain more NVQ and academic qualifications.
Will I get rich?
All army recruits start on the same wage regardless of their age. Based on a 30-day month, a recruit will earn a net wage of approximately £780. This is after tax, National Insurance, food and accommodation charges have been taken out of your gross wage. So you will have enough money left to afford your Hoot cheap car insurance. As you progress through the ranks your salary will obviously increase, with prospects for promotion coming regularly as you serve with the same regiment.
More Info
You can check out all you'll need to know about a career in the army at The Army Careers website.
Tanks and Hoot
Ok, so we don't do young driver car insurance for tanks, and no, Volvos and Range Rovers don't count, but we can keep you covered and on the road when you're not doing your training or out on the front line. We understand the problems associated with young drivers and obtaining cheap motor insurance and we do out best to get you the best deal available. If you need a really competitive quote, give our quoteline a call or click on the quote button and fill in the form.