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Combat Service Support Arms

ATO, Combat Service Support

The Combat Service Support Arms help every part of the Army to function effectively, from maintaining it's machinery and vehicles to ensuring the physical wellbeing of it's personnel.  The Combat Sevice Support Arms include the Royal Army Chaplains Department, Royal Logistics Corps, Army Medical Services, Royal Electrical and Mecanical Engineers and the Adjutant General's Corps.

Royal Logistic Corps

The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) is the newest corps in the Army, and the largest.  The RLC supports the supply chain that provides the Army - as well as the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force - with everything it needs.

The job of the RLC is the storage and distribution of vehicles, parts, equipment, clothing, ammunition, fuel, food and water.

Soldiers all over the world depend on the Corps to keep them fed, clothed and equipped. RLC support breaks down into four different functions: Distribution, Maritime, Supply and Catering. After their first tour, RLC Officers can volunteer to work in specialist areas including Ammunition, Petroleum, Food Services, Port and Maritime and Postal and Courier.

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) provide the engineering support that allows the Army to function, fight and manoeuvre. We need intelligent and professionally qualified officers to provide equipment support in hostile environments worldwide. Nearly all REME officers are technical graduates.

The REME always works at the cutting edge of technology, repairing every piece of equipment as far forward on the battlefield as possible.

Life within the REME is challenging and busy, and not only during conflict. Support to operations and exercises all over the world, plus continual professional development training, push the knowledge, expertise and skill of our officers to the maximum.

Adjutant General's Corps

From laying down the law to making sure everyone gets paid, the Adjutant General's Corps (AGC) takes responsibility for administrative matters that affect the daily lives of every soldier. It has four branches:

  • Staff & Personnel Support (SPS) provide HR, admin and finance support, serving alongside every unit in the Army.
  • Royal Military Police (RMP) enforce the law and maintains discipline.
  • Educational and Training Services (ETS) ensure all officers and soldiers are ready for the challenges of promotion.
  • Army Legal Services (ALS) provide law-related support to the Army.

Royal Army Medical Corps

(Medical Support Officers)

There are many duties in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) that are better suited to officers that are not doctors, physiotherapists or pharmacists. These people are Medical Support Officers (MSOs), and they are responsible for the smooth running of the Corps.

Typical duties include command and leadership, operational planning and control, training and communications. While most MSOs are graduates, their degrees need not be associated with medicine. Roles vary enormously; you could be providing mobile medical support to combat troops or running a 200 bed hospital. 

Royal Army Chaplains Department

Commissioned as Chaplains, Padres represent all denominations of the Christian faith as well as representation for most other religions. Padres look after the spiritual, moral and pastoral needs of Army personnel and their families, irrespective of religion or belief. They are non-combatant but often work on the front line. For more information see Professionally Qualified Officers.