Becoming a Army Soldier

What is the work like?
The Army is one of the armed forces that defend Britain and its allies, both in this country and overseas. It also takes part in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and UN (United Nations) operations wherever required in the world. Many of these overseas operations are for peacekeeping and humanitarian purposes.
The Army offers a range of jobs or trades. All soldiers also carry out a wide range of duties, including taking part in military exercises and operations. Combat Combat soldiers work in the field, peacekeeping in war-torn areas, or delivering humanitarian aid to where it is needed.
Engineering Dealing with the nuts and bolts and electronic systems of running the Army and its hardware, from building a base to getting a tank's weapons system repaired.
Materials and supplies Getting materials and supplies from A to B and making sure the Army has the equipment it needs. It can involve taking supplies across country to ensure that all soldiers have food and water, or backing up tank and helicopter crews with fuel and ammunition.
Intelligence, IT and communications The Army relies on information, which means 100 per cent effective communication between allies, the field and those back at base. It also means listening in on the enemy.
Human resources, administration and finance The Army recruits and trains its own human resources, administrative, finance and IT specialists.
Medical Doctors, nurses, dentists and vets protect the lives, health and well-being of soldiers, civilians and the animals that serve the Army.
Music and ceremonial Army musicians take part in ceremonial occasions and represent the public face of the Army at concerts and military parades.
Hours and environment
Working hours depend on the soldier's specialism. Some may work office hours, while others work shifts. Hours may be long and irregular when taking part in exercises and operations, and soldiers may be separated from their families for long periods. Soldiers are on call at all times if needed, and may find personal plans are cancelled if the situation demands it.
Army soldiers can be stationed in the UK or overseas. They are trained to work in a wide range of conditions and situations. Depending on their particular work, they may be in an office, outside in field conditions, or in specialist areas such as workshops or a kitchen.
Soldiers wear a uniform most of the time.
All recruits join on an open engagement for 22 years from the date they are 18, or the date they join - whichever is later. They may leave after four years' service from this date, giving one year's notice. There may be some restrictions if a soldier was involved in a long period of training that the Army paid for. In this case, they may have to work a certain number of years in return for this training.
Recruits may leave after 28 days' service. They may exercise this right up to the six-month point if they are under 18 years, or the three-month point if they are over 18 years.
Pregnant women can choose to resign or take maternity leave.
Salary and other benefits
Pay for a soldier in the Army is determined not just by rank and length of service, but also by the band of pay the particular job commands. Examples of higher pay band employments are: combat engineer, chef, mechanic and Registered General Nurse. The lower band rates of pay for soldiers (at April 2008) are:
New entrants £13,012
Private £16,226 to £25,181
Lance Corporal £19,628 to £27,599
Corporal £25,181 to £31,645
Sergeant £28,622 to £35,218.
Soldiers receive subsidised accommodation and food, on-site sports and entertainment facilities, free medical and dental care, discounted rail travel and subsidised crèche and nursery facilities on most bases.
Skills and personal qualities
A soldier should:
be able to accept discipline
be able to work in a close-knit team, but also use their own initiative
be physically fit with good stamina
be prepared to go into combat
think and react quickly
communicate well
be prepared to work anywhere in the world
accept responsibility
be able to live in close contact with other people
be able to plan, think and act under pressure
have practical and technical skills.
Specific skills and qualities may be required for certain jobs. For example:
military clerks should be methodical
communications and intelligence personnel need foreign language skills
technicians need diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
Interests
It is important to be interested in:
serving the country
working in a tight-knit community with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Getting in
The Army employs just over 100,000 people. There is a constant need for new recruits, and suitable candidates are always in demand.
The first step should be to speak to an adviser at an armed forces careers office or get more information online at http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/.
Entry routes
The minimum entry age is 16. The upper age limit for most trades is 33, but there are higher limits for professionally qualified or specialist entrants.
No qualifications are required for most jobs, but many candidates have GCSEs. Completing the Army Entrance Test (known as the BARB test), a simple touch-screen aptitude test, can be more important than GCSEs. Some jobs, though, require specific qualifications.
All entrants must pass the BARB test and an interview, followed by a physical assessment test, a full medical and a further interview. They must also meet Army nationality requirements.
Women cannot currently join regiments and corps involved in frontline fighting. This means that they can't join the Household Cavalry, Infantry or the Royal Armoured Corps.
People who are not successful at their first attempt to join may be able to reapply, depending on why they were turned down at their first application.
There are seven groups of jobs:
Training
Army training is physically and mentally challenging. All soldiers go through military training and are trained in weapons handling.
Junior entry soldier recruits People aged between 16 and 17 years old enter the Army as a junior entry recruit. They then have two options to complete Phase 1 training: the Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate or the Army Training Regiment (ATR) at Winchester. The AFC is a 42-week course for school leavers, consisting of 23 weeks of military training, five on leadership and initiative training and 14 on vocational skills. The ATR is a 20-week course focusing on core military and vocational skills with a great deal of sport and adventure training. This is followed by Phase 2 training.
In Phase 2 training recruits join their chosen regiment and begin specific training for their chosen Army career. The length of Phase 2 training varies between 14 weeks and two years.
Senior entry soldier recruits Over 17s take one of the following routes which offer basic soldier training:
Those planning to join the Royal Engineers, Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps and Royal Artillery attend one of three Army Training Regiments (ATRs), two at Pirbright and one at Bassingbourn, that offer 12-week courses. Recruits learn skills in weapon handling, fieldcraft, drill, health and safety, map reading and navigation, and personal administration. This is followed by Phase 2 training.
All adult infantry soldiers go directly to the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) at Catterick to complete the 24-week Combat Infantryman's Course. This is a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 course which equips recruits with all the skills they need to join an Infantry Rifle Platoon.
Getting on
All new entrants enter the Army as a private, but the actual job title depends on the particular Arms Service. Progression is to:
Lance Corporal, who supervises small teams of up to four soldiers.
Corporal, who commands more soldiers and possibly high-tech military equipment such as tanks and guns.
Sergeant, a senior role of responsibility acting as second in command to a troop or platoon of up to 35 soldiers.

Becoming a Army Officer

What is the work like?
The Army is one of the armed forces that defend the UK and its allies, both in this country and overseas. It also takes part in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and UN (United Nations) operations across the world. Many of these overseas operations are for peacekeeping and humanitarian purposes.
Army officers lead and manage teams of soldiers. They are responsible for carrying out effective operations and for overseeing the training, discipline, welfare and career development of the soldiers under their command.
As well as these general duties, some officers have a profession in the Army, providing the same services to Army personnel as they would in civilian life. These include nurses, doctors, dentists, veterinary surgeons, barristers, solicitors and chaplains.
The Army is made up of regiments and corps, and Army jobs fall into one of seven areas:
CombatCombat officers work in the field, keep the peace in war-torn areas and deliver humanitarian aid where it is needed.
EngineeringProviding engineering expertise for the machinery and hardware used by the Army - from building a base to getting a tank's weapons system repaired.
Logistic and supportGetting materials and supplies from A to B, and making sure the Army has the equipment it needs.
Intelligence, IT and communicationsThe Army relies on effective communication between allies, the field and those back at base. This can also involve listening in on the enemy.
Human resources and financeThe Army recruits and trains its own human resources, administrative, finance and IT specialists.
MedicalDoctors, nurses, dentists and veterinary surgeons protect the lives, health and well-being of soldiers, civilians and the animals that serve in the Army.
Music and ceremonialArmy musicians take part in the ceremonial occasions and represent the public face of the Army at concerts and military parades. For more information, see Armed Forces Musician.
The Territorial Army (TA) forms one quarter of the British Army and trains people to be soldiers in their spare time. Regular and Territorial units work together in training and on operations.
Hours and environment
Working hours depend on an officer's specialism. Some may work regular office hours, while others work shifts. Hours may be long and irregular when taking part in exercises and operations, and officers may be separated from their families for long periods of time. They are on call at all times if needed.
Army officers can be stationed in the UK or overseas. They are trained to work in a wide range of conditions and situations. Depending on their particular work, they may be in an office, outside in field conditions, or in specialist areas such as workshops or communications centres.
Officers wear a uniform most of the time.
Regular officers can leave the Army at any point, once they have served for a minimum of three years after training. All officers have to give 12 months' notice. There are longer periods for some specialised jobs, such as pilot and doctor. Pregnant women can choose to resign or take maternity leave.
Salary and other benefits
Non-graduate officer cadets start on £14,852 a year.
Graduate officer cadets and second lieutenants start on £23,475.
Lieutenants earn from £28,216 to £31,188.
Captains earn between £36,160 and £43,002.
A small number of Army officers may become brigadiers, earning up to £96,287.
Accommodation may be provided, with pay reduced accordingly.
Skills and personal qualities
An Army officer should:
be able to lead and motivate others
be self-disciplined and confident
be prepared to go into combat
be able to plan, think and act under pressure
use their initiative
fit into a highly organised structure
work well in a team and encourage others to do so
communicate well with people at all levels
take responsibility and make decisions
be physically fit with good stamina
be well organised
accept that social engagements are part of the job.
Interests
It is important to:
be interested in serving their country
enjoy leading and motivating.
Getting in
There are around 14,000 officers in the Army, with another 5,000 in the Territorial Army. About 1,000 officer cadets are recruited each year for the commissioning course (CC) - the first stage of officer training and education.
People interested in becoming Army officers can get further information at http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/. The website also has a full list of Armed Forces careers offices. New enquirers will be put in touch with an Army careers adviser.
Entry routes
Trainee officers must normally be between 17 years and nine months and 28 years (or 33 years for the Territorial Army). Some regiments and corps accept older applicants. Examples include:
veterinary surgeons (entry up to age 30)
nursing officers (up to 39)
graduate clergy for the Royal Army Chaplains' Department (up to 44)
professionally qualified medical and dental officers (up to 55).
The Army recommends, however, that applicants apply when they are below the age limit.
Entrants need at least two A levels, or the equivalent, and seven GCSEs (A*-C), including English language, maths and either a science or foreign language. The top seven GCSEs must total a minimum of 35 ALIS (Advanced Level Information System) points. Certain regiments or corps may also specify subjects.
Of the 1,000 cadets accepted for the CC each year, over 80 per cent are graduates. Any UCAS-recognised degree is accepted, although some regiments and corps may specify a particular degree, depending on their needs.
Some jobs require entrants to be professionally qualified before applying: pharmacy, chaplaincy, physiotherapy and legal services. Professionally qualified medical and dental officers, nurses and veterinary surgeons are accepted. People training for medicine, dentistry, nursing and veterinary qualifications may apply for financial sponsorship during their professional training.
Candidates must pass a medical entrance test and meet the Army's nationality and residency requirements. Selection is by a series of interviews, and practical and written tests at the Army officer selection board (AOSB) at Westbury, Wiltshire.
Candidates apply to a particular regiment or corps for sponsorship through the selection process. Women cannot apply for a commission in the Household Cavalry, the Royal Armoured Corps or the Infantry.
About 60 per cent of candidates who apply to the AOSB are successful.
The armed forces have their own residential sixth form college, Welbeck, which offers a two-year A level education, combined with personal development and physical training. After leaving Welbeck, students may be able to go on to university on a technical bursary, before joining the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (RMAS) to prepare for a career as an officer in one of the Army's technical corps.
The University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) offers paid experience with the Army alongside university study. While many members of the UOTC do go on to join the regular or Territorial Army, there is no requirement to do so. There are 19 UOTCs across the UK.
Training
All officers, except chaplains, go through military training and are trained in weapons handling.
Most officers follow the commissioning course at RMAS, which consists of three 14-week terms. The course includes training in leadership and management, tactics, weapons and fitness.
Professionally qualified officers, such as medical and dental officers, barristers, solicitors, veterinary surgeons and chaplains, have a four-week course at RMAS.
After leaving RMAS, new officers complete an additional course appropriate to their particular arm or service, and receive a commission. There are three main types of commission:
A short service commission (SSC) is the normal first commission, awarded for at least three years (eight in the Army Air Corps) after leaving Sandhurst, with opportunities for extension.
An intermediate regular commission (IRC) - applications can be made after at least two years on an SSC. Officers can serve on an IRC for up to 16 years, and have the opportunity to convert to a regular commission.
A regular commission (Reg C) offers a full career, potentially up to the age of 60. It is awarded to officers who have had at least two years' IRC service.
Throughout their career, officers continue to attend courses to develop skills and prepare for promotion. They are also encouraged to gain nationally recognised qualifications.
Getting on
Officers begin as cadets during their initial officer training at Sandhurst. After commissioning they become second lieutenants (for up to two years of service). Ranks above this level are lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel (typically after 16 to 18 years' service) and brigadier.
Officers who leave the Army may use their leadership skills and specialist training for a variety of careers in civilian life.

Joining the Army

How do I Join?
Your next stepJoining the Army could be the best decision you ever make. It's also a big one, so you're bound to have lots to ask. This section aims to answer all those questions and help introduce you to one of the most exciting career paths out there, one that can offer you life experiences few other jobs ever could. If you think you might have what it takes to join the Army, then read on and find out more.
Can I Join?
The entry requirements for the Army depend on which role you choose. How old you are, your education qualifications, your nationality and overall health are all factors we consider in whether we can take you on. To join as a Officer you need 5 GCSE's including english and maths and 2A-levels in any subjects or any equivalent qualifications. You will also need to be between the ages of 17 and 28 and be able to meet the fitness standards of the army.
To join as a soldier you do not need any academic qualifications but you need to be between 16 and 33 and be able to meet the army fitness standard.

Army Training

Initial Training
If you are going to do it right, you need to do it right from the start. Basic training will turn you from a civilian into a soldier or officer and prepare you for the next stage of your career. It is physically and mentally challenging, but as long as you arrive with an open mind, you'll be fine. Remember, everything you are taught, you are taught for a reason - it could save your life one day or help you save someone else's.

Officer Training
Live and learnYour officer training will start at the world-famous Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Commissioning Course is 11 months long (or four weeks if you join as a Professionally Qualified Officer) and though uniquely demanding, is one of the most rewarding challenges you will undertake in life. The course will develop your capacity for decisive action in difficult circumstances and foster attitudes of selflessness and loyalty. On completion of your introductory officer training, you'll receive a commission and join your chosen regiment or corps to train as a platoon or troop commander.
Sandhurst - an overviewSandhurst has three intakes a year, in January, May and September. Initial officer training consists of three terms, each lasting 14 weeks. Between each term, you'll get a period of leave and a week of adventurous training. You will train in a platoon of around 30 cadets, under a Captain assisted by a Colour Sergeant instructor.
Sandhurst is designed to test you physically, mentally and emotionally. You will gain a thorough appreciation of British Army doctrine and will learn the essentials of weapons, tactics and survival. You will also learn the strategic skills you will need to grasp the foundations of military thinking. You will learn how to train others in the skills of soldiering and how to get the best out of yourself, your soldiers and your equipment. Be prepared for early starts and long, tough days.
Your time at Sandhurst ends with the Sovereign's Parade, after which you will become a commissioned officer in the British Army. Foreign students also attend Sandhurst and, at this parade will become commissioned officers as well. It is a day of great pride for both you and your family.If you have the right qualifications, there is also the option of joining as a Professionally Qualified Officer via our PQO course.Practical skillsFieldcraftYou will learn how to look after yourself and your equipment in the field as well as basic infantry tactics.
Military skillsYou will become proficient at operating the Army's standard personal weapon, the SA80 rifle, learning how to shoot accurately up to 300m.
DrillDrill enables groups of soldiers to move in a smart and orderly way, encouraging discipline, teamwork and pride in your appearance.
Fitness trainingYour training is progressive and builds up fitness, stamina and strength. You'll need to meet rigorous standards, covering set distances in set times, wearing full fighting kit.
Personal skills
Decision makingYou'll be trained to assess a situation and respond in the best possible way.
NegotiationWe'll teach you to understand what motivates people and makes them tick so you can fully respond to any situation.
Self-confidenceThrough training, you'll develop the confidence to become a team-leader and manage any and every situation.
Mental agilityWe'll be teaching and testing you so you learn how to use reasoning and logic to solve complex problems.LeadershipYou'll learn the methods to manage and motivate those around you.
CommunicationYour training will make you an expert at communicating effectively with a diverse range of people.Adventurous trainingAt the end of term one at Sandhurst, you'll go on a course at a UK adventurous training centre. This will help prepare you for your term two expedition and test your ability to perform under challenging conditions. At the end of term two, you'll go on an adventurous training expedition. The planning, location and organisation is entirely down to cadets. You could go to the Lake District, North Wales, Scotland or abroad to locations like Scandinavia, the USA, Africa or Asia. It doesn't matter where you go - what's important is that when you get there, you put your newly acquired skills into practice.

Soldier Training
Basic training and beyondNew recruits have different ideas about what the first weeks of Army life will be like. Some think it'll be really tough. Others think it'll be a breeze. The reality is probably somewhere in between. This section aims to give you a taste of what to expect and where you might train depending on your age and career aspirations.
Junior entry recruitsIf you are between 16 and 17 years old, you'll enter the Army as a junior entry recruit. From here, you have two options to complete Phase 1 Training: the Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate and the Army Training Regiment (ATR) at Bassingbourn. The AFC is a 42-week course for school-leavers, consisting of 23 weeks of military training, five on leadership and initiative training, and 14 on vocational skills. The ATR is a 20-week course focussing on core military and vocational skills with a great deal of sport and adventurous training.
Both courses will take you on as a school leaver and send you out as a trained soldier. You'll find that you develop a new confidence and maturity and that, on completion, you're a young man or woman with an exciting career and meaningful future ahead of you. But it doesn't stop here. Now it's time to develop further, more specialised skills in your Phase 2 Training.Senior entry recruitsIf you are over 17 years old, there are four routes which offer basic soldier training. And which one you go down will be determined by your nominated area of interest. Three Army Training Regiments (ATRs) offer 14-week courses, where you'll learn skills in weapon handling, fieldcraft, drill, health and safety, map reading and navigation, and personal administration. ATRs are located in Lichfield, Pirbright and Winchester and will be your base if you plan on joining such Corps as the Royal Engineers, Royal Armoured Corps and Royal Artillery. After passing out, you will move on to your Phase 2 specialist training at your chosen Corps.All adult infantry soldiers go directly to the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) at Catterick to complete the 24-week Combat Infantryman's Course. This is a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 course which equips recruits with all the skills they need to join an Infantry Rifle Platoon.

Army Life

Getting the most out of life is about getting the right balance, and that's what the Army provides. We'll invest time in your training, give you the space you need for your family and friends, and provide plenty of opportunities for you to learn new skills and broaden your horizons.
Making the leap from a civilian life to a military one can seem daunting at first. But in this section you'll get to meet people just like you - people who've taken the step and never looked back. You'll learn that although a role in the Army will never be easy, it is a role which, in making the hardest demands of you, will offer you true life fulfilment.

Daily Life
Army life is always full of challenges and no two days will ever be the same. And while that means your day-to-day will involve plenty of on-the-go, you'll find there are plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind both inside and outside the Army. Throughout your training and career we will always look after you, taking care of your basic needs like food and accommodation, so that you've got the time and energy to focus on being the best soldier you can be.
The world is a very big place. With the Army, you will get to see a lot of it. You might be on adventurous training in the Belize jungle or the Canadian Rockies. You could be part of a peacekeeping mission in the Middle East or delivering humanitarian aid in Africa. When you're posted or deployed abroad, you get to see countries from a unique viewpoint. And you experience different cultures in a way that backpackers never do.
It's a big world out thereThe British Army has a presence in many different countries. Whether you're on adventurous training in the jungle, keeping the peace in a war-torn country or in combat, you'll see a world few can ever imagine.
As well as travelling, Army life involves working alongside people from different backgrounds and nationalities. When soldiers are not on active duty, they have the chance to explore their new surroundings and interact with people from different nationalities and cultures.
There are also opportunities to work with soldiers from other armies, for example when the Army performs peacekeeping duties as part of a United Nations (UN) force. As well as making new friends, you'll have plenty of time to see old mates too. When you are not committed to training or on operations, you will work regular Army hours of 8am to 5pm, plus you will get weekends off. So there's no danger of losing touch with your existing family of friends.