The British Army

The British Army is the land branch of the British Armed Forces. We’re responsible for lots of things like supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world, training Soldiers and Officers, and working to maintain global and national security. In the Army, you’re a soldier first, but there are also lots of great opportunities to learn a trade. We have 70+ roles in the Army which are available across seven different career streams. These are: Combat, Logistics & Support, Engineering, Medical, Intelligence & Communications, Music, HR & Finance. Beyond your Initial and Trade training, a typical day will look very different from one soldier to the next and it’s this variety that makes a career in the Army so exciting!

How can someone join the British Army at entry-level?

There are two main ways of joining the Army: either as a Regular Soldier or a Regular Officer (regular means full-time).

Regular Soldier

There are two options for joining as a Regular Soldier which depend on your age. 

• You can join as a Junior Soldier if you’re aged between 16 to 17 and a half, and then you’ll attend the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. 
• You can join as a Regular Soldier if you’re aged 18 or above, and then you’ll start your 14-week Initial Training at one of the other training establishments, depending on the job you choose.

If you’re 18 or over, you’ll start your Army career with your 14-week Initial Training (Phase 1 training) where you’ll transform from being a civilian to being a soldier. You'll be taught things like survival and fieldcraft skills, first aid, and how to use a rifle. The training centre you go to will depend on the corps that you’re joining. For example, if you’re looking to join the Army Air Corps or the Army Medical Services, you’ll complete your training at the Army Training Centre (ATC) Pirbright in Surrey.

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Regular Officer

At the heart of everything we do are our Officers, making split-second decisions in critical situations, often in demanding conditions. They command some of the best soldiers in the world, setting a benchmark for success and supporting their team to overcome any challenge.

Whether you’re still in school or studying at university, have graduated already or decided against university education altogether, there are a number of ways you can join the Army as an Officer. Whenever you join us, we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to thrive in our team.

Join at A-Level

The Army Officer Scholarship Scheme offers financial support for students studying at A-Level, Scottish Higher or equivalent level, with up to 100 scholarships being awarded each year. If you’re granted a scholarship, you’ll receive £3,000 and be guaranteed a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. From here, you can go on to study at university or choose to join us as a non-graduate.

During your officer training, you'll be taught business skills like team leadership, project management, and strategic management. Your training at the academy counts towards a BSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies, designed with Henley Business School and the University of Reading.

Join as a Non-Graduate

University isn’t for everyone and most Officer roles don’t require a degree (see page 6). If you’ve got drive, determination and the will to make an impact, there’s a place for you here. If you’re still interested in completing a degree, you’ve the opportunity to enrol on a funded BSc Leadership and Strategic Studies at the University of Reading through the Henley Business School. Your 44 weeks at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst will contribute towards a third of your degree, which you can then complete over the next three to six years.

Join as a Graduate

Some people have their heart set on going to university, and some of our Officer roles do require specialist degrees before you can join – including qualified medical or legal positions. If you want to join the Army after university, we can support you with a number of bursary options, ranging from £6,000 to £75,000, to support you through your education. 

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Students interested in exploring career options within the Army can participate in a four-day residential work experience program aimed at enhancing skills such as teamwork, leadership, confidence, and resilience.

 

To book Work Experience or an Elite Skills Academy session, please email:rg-nrcoutreachadmin@mod.gov.uk or phone 0345 600 8080 and ask for ‘Outreach’.

 
LEVEL 4  
Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4) are an equivalent to a foundation degree they can be an NVQ Level 4, a Higher National Certificate (HNC), a Higher National Diploma (HND), or foundation degree. There is also the opportunity to progress to Level 7, postgraduate degree level.  
 
A Higher Apprenticeship can take up to five years to complete, Entry requirements for a higher apprenticeship may include at least five GCSEs grades A* – C (9 – 4 on the new grading system), including English and Math's. 

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Army Foundation College, Harrogate

At the Army Foundation College (AFC), Harrogate we get 16 and 17 year olds ready for a career in the British Army. We can help you get the military skills, fitness and education that you need for a great start in whichever part of the Army that suits you - while you earn a good wage and make friends for life.

 

 

There are two courses, a long and short course. Which one you join depends on the job you're hoping to do in the Army. If you're on the short course you'll have three weeks off, mid-term, while those doing the long course will have eight weeks off.

Short course (20 weeks)
Army Air Corps, Adjutant General's Corps (SPS), Royal Signals, Army Medical Corps, Royal Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, Corps of Army Music

Long course (40 weeks)
Infantry, Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery, Household Cavalry, Royal Logistic Corps.

Find Out More About AFC Harrogate

 

The British Army represents the diversity of modern Britain. It welcomes British citizens from all backgrounds – every gender and gender identity, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation and social background. The Army values diversity and is committed to inclusion and has a strict code of conduct to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.

As an Army Officer, you’ll be expected to embody that code and lead by example. Pay and promotion opportunities within the Army are identical for people of all genders, and maternity and paternity leave is available to all parents. The Army welcomes Transgender, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual soldiers who all serve throughout the Army playing their part in the country’s security. People who have completed gender transition are treated as an individual of their acquired gender.

The Army is very supportive of those who wish to observe the customs of their faith, although operational necessity may sometimes limit this. Observances of all major religions are accommodated and soldiers may wear beards and adopt hairstyles and dress in accordance with their faith. Dietary provisions are made for all major religions at all times. Spiritual advisors serve throughout the Army, offering help and guidance to all soldiers, whether religious or not. These include Chaplains of the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Sikh faiths.

The British Army is an equal opportunities employer and offers full and fulfilling careers based purely on talent and ability. Professional networks exist throughout the Army to connect like-minded people who have an interest in aspects of diversity. The British Army wants the best people that British society has to offer. Diversity is integral to this aspiration.

Defence Stem Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) - Up to £42,750

 

You’ll have unique, exceptional leadership training and experiences, as well as an unrivalled insight into the life of an Army Officer.

 

You’ll have the same world-class leadership training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as our Officers and then further training afterwards, depending on your role.

After 2 months’ training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, you’ll spend 10 months attached to a regular Army unit, in the UK and on routine duties around the world, shadowing the daily role of an Army Officer, learning to lead a team of up to 30 soldiers. Army units cover a range of different career streams, including Engineering, IT and Communications, Logistics, Medical, HR and Finance, and Combat. You can take up an internship before, during or after you go to University.

You’ll be paid throughout and take part in sports, Adventurous Training and military training exercises but you will not deploy on operations. On completion of the Internship, there is no further commitment to the Army, but should you choose an Army career after your studies you can fast-track in.

To qualify, you must have a firm place to read a first degree at a University/College or have graduated within the last 2 years. You must also be aged between 17 years 10 months and 28 years old by mid-September of the year you will start training at Sandhurst and hold or be predicted to gain 72 UCAS points (or equivalent) and have 35 ALIS points, including a C/4 or above in English language, maths and a science or foreign language. You also need to pass a basic fitness test. 

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Professionaly Qualified Officers

 

There are some roles in the Army that we need to fill with people who already have civilian qualifications in their chosen field – giving you the chance to combine the opportunity and adventures of being in the Army with carrying out a specialist role.

We also recruit people who don't have the qualifications yet, but would like to train through the Army. Many specialist roles are on a higher pay scale.

If you already have specialist skills that the Army needs, you could be offered a golden hello – this is extra money that you’ll receive once you’ve completed your training.

If you’re looking to train as a specialist, there are lots of roles where the Army will pay for your training, or award you a bursary while you study.

You may have to take part in specific selection events, for example an audition, as part of your application to make sure that your skills match our needs.

Become a Specialist in the Army