As a Postal and Courier Operative you will be responsible for the secure receipt, transit and delivery of secret documents, classified material, and official and personal mail to soldiers, sailors and airmen wherever they are serving around the world. You will also provide vital communication links for the Security Services (MI5), British embassies and defence industries. When documents are time-sensitive Postal and Courier Operatives must use any means of transport necessary to meet their deadlines. This will often involve the use of aeroplanes, helicopters and motorcycles. Wherever there are troops you will find a Postal and Courier Operatives delivering military documents and vital letters from home. The opportunities for travel are unrivalled within the Army and you will get to see more parts of the world than you ever imagined.

As a Postal and Courier Operative in the Army you will gain highly transferable skills, training and NVQs.

The trade provides useful experience for future employment with civilian mail couriers, logistics and distribution companies. With greater skills, operators at Class 2 and above are more likely to enter managerial roles. At Senior Non Commissioned Officer level you would have managerial experience and qualifications suitable for employment within the Civil Aviation Authority and security and logistical communication organisations.

Private Callum Jack, 21, from Oxfordshire, is a Postal and Courier Operative in the 29 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

"Our job is to deliver mail and vital supplies into regiments and distribute it by foot, air or vehicle. Everywhere there’s a soldier they’re going to want mail and they’re depending on you. We can get postings in Africa, Kenya, Jamaica, the Falklands and Belize. It’s just as exciting as all the other Army jobs and really rewarding as receiving mail is a real boost to troops’ morale."

Lance Corporal Kerry Farr, 27, from South Devon is a Postal and Courier Operative in the 29 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps

"It’s not just getting mail in a sack. Last year Jack was in Fort Robinson in Nebraska and I had diplomatic courier runs to Kandahar in Afghanistan. I joined as a Postal Operative because I wanted to travel lots. You also get time off to go on courses to gain further qualifications."