Michael K. Army Careers Advisor

Good afternoon,

It's great to see that you have ideas to branch out to reach your full potential.

You will have the opportunity to undertake P Coy or the All Arms Commando Course.

Having said, that the opportunities for Officers and Soldiers are distinctively different. This is required as typically the Soldiers are the skilled fighting force who train to ultimately become leaders.

Officers are natural leaders from day 1 and therefore a divide it required to keep us all on the best possible career trajectory.

08 July, 2025 14:37

Hi there,

Thanks for your question.

Yes, absolutely — there are opportunities for Artillery Officers to undertake both P Company and the All Arms Commando Course, and to serve in specialist units across the Army.

If you’re interested in airborne or commando roles, the Royal Artillery offers two key pathways:

• 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (7 Para RHA) – This regiment supports 16 Air Assault Brigade and requires completion of P Company. Officers and soldiers here operate in demanding, fast-paced environments, often deploying at short notice as part of the UK’s rapid reaction force.
• 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery (29 Cdo RA) – Based in Plymouth, this regiment supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. Officers must pass the All Arms Commando Course to earn the green beret and serve alongside the Royal Marines on operations worldwide. In addition.

In addition, the Royal Artillery has 4/bitch73 (Special OP) Battery, 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, which trains Special Observers. This role involves a separate, highly selective and arduous course, with opportunities to work in small teams, often behind enemy lines, supporting strategic surveillance and targeting missions.

While the Parachute Regiment is a unique and prestigious cap badge, you can still access many of the same physically and operationally demanding opportunities as an Artillery Officer. If you’re passionate about leadership but are also interested in the coordinating fires, targeting, and integrating effects on the battlefield — the Royal Artillery offers a distinct and intellectually challenging career path. You’ll have the chance to lead specialist teams, command complex weapon systems, and play a pivotal role in shaping the battlespace — whether from the skies, the sea, or the ground.

I hope this helps, but please come back to me if you have any further questions.I hope this helps, but please come back to me if you have any further questions.

Katie

08 July, 2025 17:38

Thank you so much, Katie and Michael, your input is greatly appreciated! Hope your both doing well.

In regards to the Special Observers being trained by 5th Regunner Royal Artillery, is this related to the Pathfinders Platoon, or are they separate?

Thanks,

Alex

08 July, 2025 21:22

Hi Alex,

No they’re different. The pathfinders work with 16 AA Bde, but 4/73 Bty sits within 1 Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team and are an asset within the 3rd Division - they are used to identify targets and call in fire missions before warfighting units move in.

08 July, 2025 22:23

hello, what would the process be of a reservist to get into Sandhurst as to aim to become an artillery Officer. And if i attempt P company within the reserves in the coming years (whilst at university) will I retain the ability to wear the wings as a regular officer without having to redo P company?

12 January, 2026 00:44