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Gunner — Light Gun

British Army

Operates the L118 Light Gun 105mm. Deployed with the Parachute Regiment and air assault forces. If you wondered who carries artillery into places that are only accessible by parachute, it's these people. They did wonder at first, too.

Basic Training
Phase 1
Role Classification
trade
Recruiter vs. Reality
What the AFCO says
  • →Light Gunners crew the L118 105mm — the artillery piece for airborne and air assault gunners, underslung beneath a helicopter and deployed anywhere within hours.
  • →Serve with 7 Para RHA or 29 Commando RA and earn the Maroon Beret or the Green Beret on top of your artillery trade.
  • →Light gun ops are fast-paced, deployable, and varied.
What it's actually like
  • —Maroon Beret with 7 Para RHA means P Company. Green Beret with 29 Commando means the All Arms Commando Course. Both wash out a chunk of candidates. The recruiter pitches it as an exciting extra; it's also an extra wall to climb on top of your trade.
  • —Light Gun crew is hard graft. Bringing the gun into action, digging in, humping rounds, keeping it serviceable in cold wet mud — the gun is towed, not air-conditioned, and you are the engine. Welcome to the Army.
  • —The L118 is old. The Army is muddling through capability programmes but the near-term future of light artillery is Service Life Extension on what you've already got. You'll likely train on the same kit your dad would recognise.
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British Army
Gunner — Light Gun
the British Armed Forces · trade
OPSEC:Under the Official Secrets Act, do not disclose unit movements, operational planning, classified equipment capabilities, or force readiness figures. You can share your honest experience of service life without putting anyone at risk.
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Gunner — Light Gun (British Army) — Frequently Asked Questions

Q01Is Gunner — Light Gun in the British Army (United Kingdom) worth it?
Recruiter messaging emphasizes: Light Gunners crew the L118 105mm — the artillery piece for airborne and air assault gunners, underslung beneath a helicopter and deployed anywhere within hours.. Serve with 7 Para RHA or 29 Commando RA and earn the Maroon Beret or the Green Beret on top of your artillery trade.. However, service member accounts indicate: Maroon Beret with 7 Para RHA means P Company. Green Beret with 29 Commando means the All Arms Commando Course. Both wash out a chunk of candidates. The recruiter pitches it as an exciting extra; it's also an extra wall to climb on top of your trade.. Light Gun crew is hard graft. Bringing the gun into action, digging in, humping rounds, keeping it serviceable in cold wet mud — the gun is towed, not air-conditioned, and you are the engine. Welcome to the Army.
Q02What does the British Army tell recruits about Gunner — Light Gun?
Light Gunners crew the L118 105mm — the artillery piece for airborne and air assault gunners, underslung beneath a helicopter and deployed anywhere within hours. Serve with 7 Para RHA or 29 Commando RA and earn the Maroon Beret or the Green Beret on top of your artillery trade. Light gun ops are fast-paced, deployable, and varied.
Q03What is Gunner — Light Gun in United Kingdom actually like according to veterans?
Maroon Beret with 7 Para RHA means P Company. Green Beret with 29 Commando means the All Arms Commando Course. Both wash out a chunk of candidates. The recruiter pitches it as an exciting extra; it's also an extra wall to climb on top of your trade. Light Gun crew is hard graft. Bringing the gun into action, digging in, humping rounds, keeping it serviceable in cold wet mud — the gun is towed, not air-conditioned, and you are the engine. Welcome to the Army. The L118 is old. The Army is muddling through capability programmes but the near-term future of light artillery is Service Life Extension on what you've already got. You'll likely train on the same kit your dad would recognise.
Q04What does a Gunner — Light Gun do in the British Army?
Operates the L118 Light Gun 105mm. Deployed with the Parachute Regiment and air assault forces. If you wondered who carries artillery into places that are only accessible by parachute, it's these people. They did wonder at first, too.
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Under the Official Secrets Act, do not disclose unit movements, operational planning, classified equipment capabilities, or force readiness figures. You can share your honest experience of service life without putting anyone at risk.

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