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OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ARMY

We asked a group of serving soldiers and officers about their time in the Army - and about the opportunities that they've had that their civilian friends haven't had the chance to enjoy - and certainly not as part of their day jobs...

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

ADVENTUROUS TRAINING

There are very few pursuits that the Army doesn't do, and most give you extra opportunities to travel to new and interesting places around the world. More about Adventurous Training.

HEALTHCARE

You'll receive free medical and dental care. Usually you'll be treated by the Army medical team, but if needed you'll be referred for further treatment.

PAID LEAVE

You'll get 30 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays. If you've been on operations, you'll get extra time off on your return too.

PENSION

The Army will pay all of the contributions towards your pension. If you serve for more than 20 years, you'll also qualify for a tax-free lump sum from the age of 40.

SKILLS FOR LIFE

You'll be given plenty of additional training to help you develop in your job, as well as the chance to earn an apprenticeship if you join as a soldier. You'll gain skills that you can transfer to a civilian career if you choose to leave.

FACILITIES

Not only will you enjoy subsidised food and lodgings in the Army, but you'll also have free access to gym and sports facilities.

about army pay

Each year, everyone in the Army receives a pay rise, and each rank has a pay band - so you'll be rewarded as you progress in the rank.

Some Army jobs pay higher than the standard rate of pay. These are typically specialist roles.

You can find specific pay details for each role on rolefinder.

Soldier pay

Current rates of pay for soldiers just starting out in these ranks are:

  • Recruits (in initial training); £16,844 a year
  • Private: £21,424 a year
  • Lance Corporal: £28,351 a year
  • Corporal: £33,065 a year
  • Sergeant: £37,198 a year

You can find specific pay details for each role on rolefinder.

Officer Pay

The current rates for officers just starting out in each of these ranks are:
  • Officer cadets (at Sandhurst): £28,861 per annum
  • 2nd Lieutenant: £34,690 per annum
  • Lieutenant: £35,908 per annum
  • Captain: £44,457 per annum
  • Major: £55,999 per annum
 Army officer pay is in line with other graduate jobs.

OTHER BENEFITS

On top of the many financial benefits and opportunities that you'll receive, you'll get to enhance and develop your professional qualifications, giving you transferrable skills that are recognised and respected by civilian employers.

DID YOU KNOW?

There's no better place to experience a sense of cameraderie than in the Army. The friends that you make in training will stay with you for life.

FIND A LOCAL ARMY CAREER CENTRE Start your Army application
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