I have got the chance of a job as a “multi skilled” driver with the army. The money is ok, basic of 37 hours anything over is time and a half. Mostly involves taking soldiers around to exercises in coaches, and a bit of army truck driving. Has anyone else ever done this? If so what’s it like?
Take it, its a job!!! At least it won’t be moaning old ■■■■■, just squaddies…
bloody hell i agree just do it for now and see 
I used to know a few “Civi” drivers for the MOD, the job is a goodun although boring, the wages are not brilliant but reasonable, the best thing about it is if you are working directly for the MOD and not for a contractor, you are still classed as civil servant and can easily get strong union representation and a final salary pension.
It is a lot more regimented than a civillian job, daily checks are thorough and must be done (sackable offence).
You, on the whole wont travel far, and there will be very little variety , but you will have a lot more job security .
One other thing to bear in mind, if you are direct, most civil service jobs are ring fenced and offered internally before advertised, and it can be very easy to climb the ladder to a real cushy number, certainly easier than getting there from outside the “club”
Thanks for replies. It is directly employed, and part of a 24 driver team. Have seen it advertised a fair bit this year, which sometimes rings alarm bells! Only got as far as being offered an interview, so will go and find out more.
How do you find out about these civilian MoD driving jobs?
I wouldnt getting the chance to occasionally still use my bus licence… 
DAF95XF:
How do you find out about these civilian MoD driving jobs?
I wouldnt getting the chance to occasionally still use my bus licence…
Google MOD jobs, there are normally a few driving jobs on there- but they are bottom level entry and poorly paid- its getting in, taking the entry level that can in time get you onto the better stuff as it advertised internally first
I found it on a local recruitment agency’s website. The agency find the best candidates and then pass them to MOD for interview. This one is £20000 for basic 37 hour week then time and a half thereafter.
Taking a chance here mentioning another forum but if you can contact craigC10 on T/W he can give you the run down you need.He is a civvy driver for the MOD.
Normally the driver jobs are advertised internally first - then they go to external advertising - you can find them on this web page - by specifying an area once you have got a log on.
We have civ MoD drivers where I work and I know a lot of them - yes the money is poor but they dont have to do much for the money and get good expenses and overtime + as Ricki said the pension scheme is good - here they also have a free gym.
We are advertising for a bus driver currently.
rp1974:
‘…what’s it like?..’
Probably alright - but from my experience as a pax …maybe learn who is the ‘senior man’ on the bus if things get iffy; avoid getting cowered by a bit of rank & be equally courteous to all.
A bus ride is a chill-zone for the lads who will warm to a human rather than a ■■■■. Have a sack for the ‘gash’ to help them avoid making a mess; stay calm & never show signs of irritation if you ever get rattled.
There was a similar job advertised for an MOD PSV/HGV driver last year, there was only one vacancy and I was applicant number 273, I didn’t get the job 
Tiger.
I’ve just come back from the interview for this job, it is with Babcock Defence, they have just taken responsibility for this site. They have said that they will provide training for ADR including explosives and radioactive, a two week low loader course, training in all relevent plant (so as to be able to load it onto low loader), and later on an international CPC passenger and goods, if I want. They said that there are always plenty of jobs advertised internaly before opening them to the public.
I’m currently getting £23,000 driving a puddle jumper. I could JUST stomach a 3 grand drop, but I suppose there is a chance of making it up with overtime. Think I’ve just made my own mind up while writing this, but what would you do? btw not been offered it yet, but got a good feeling that they were impressed with me.
If you have the exact job spec and know exactly what your duties will be then - is this what you want to do?
Been thinking that it might be worth taking it for the training and the experience of driving different things, maybe there is more scope for employment when I have the qualifications and the experience.
only you can make the decision to take or leave the job mate,not us,but if rickki says there could be opportunites to move up the ladder or onto better paid/spec jobs within its gotta be worth a punt fella.
I found out today through a contact that there is a Job going at ATR Bassingbourne near Cambridge. The basic is pretty poor at around 16K but lots of overtime is on offer. I am told that it is not unusual to get 37hours over time in a week. Must be willing to do nights out but that is in accomodation not in cabs. It is also a civil service job so you get the perks and the union back up. most of the driving is Land Rovers, 7.5 tonners and coaches, I don’t know if they would put you through your D licence. Finally you must be willing to undergo a CRB check. I live too far away from Bassingbourne. PM me if you want a contact number.