The British Army has lowered the minimum rank to become an Army pilot to Private with a recommendation for promotion to Lance Corporal (LCpl).

The Army Air Corps cites this as ‘one of the biggest upheavals in the way the AAC recruits, selects and employs soldier pilots since its formation in 1957.’

The change is a result of Project MORDEN, the AAC’s personnel transformation project, with the aim of benefitting from a more agile SNCO (Senior Non-Commissioned Officer) pilot workforce that can meet the challenges of operating 21st century helicopters and modern warfare.

The Army Air Corps said, ‘With the advent of the 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team and the introduction of the AH-64E, now is an exciting time to join the AAC and be at the forefront of the technological revolution that the Army is currently going through. The AAC is seeking soldiers from across the Army to come and see if they have what it takes to become an Army Pilot. Our pilots come from all backgrounds and cap badges.”