ReGULAR SOLDIER
Men and women who want to do something different. They are full time soldiers - working, living and socialising with their work mates. They are more than soldiers, they are also skilled tradesmen and women.
Meet the troops
- Laura, Lance Corporal, Royal Signals
"I joined at 16 and went to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate to do my basic training (Phase 1). The chance to get qualifications was one of the main things that attracted me to Army life. If you're thinking about joining, I'd say just go for it - the Army is a fantastic career."
- Josh, Guardsman, Coldstream Guards (Infantry)
"I joined the Army after college to carry on with my passion - sport. In just three years, I've been skiing in France, bobsleighing in Austria and to the US where I competed against the US Army in long jump - and won. It was a good experience and great to bond with the lads - your mates will support you through anything."
ARMY LIFE
You'll live and work on military bases, either in the UK or overseas - but that doesn't mean you have to give up your old life. Unless you're away on operations or training exercises you'll normally work 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You'll also get 38 days leave a year (including bank holidays), which is more than most civilian jobs.
Deployment
If you are deployed on operations, you're normally away for six months, but you'll get extra time off when you get back on top of your annual leave. What's more, you'll earn extra cash while you're away.
MILITARY & TECHNICAL TRAINING
You'll start your career with Initial training (Phase 1), where you'll learn to be a soldier. After that you'll move on to learn the skills of your trade in your Phase 2 training.
If you're 16 or 17, you'll start your Army training at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate. You'll do your Phase 1 training here with other Junior Soldiers.
Adventurous training
Adventurous training is great for working as a team as well as improving fitness. It includes activites like skiing, kayaking and mountaineering.
APPRENTICESHIPS & SKILLS
The Army has one of the largest apprenticeship programmes in the UK. There are around 18,000 soldiers working towards an apprenticeship and over 8,000 finish their apprenticeship every year. Your apprenticeship will be planned to fit around your military training and relate closely to your role.
TYPES OF ARMY ROLES
All jobs in the Army fall into one of the following areas:
- Combat
- Engineering
- HR, Finance & Support
- Intelligence, Communications & IT
- Medical
- Logistics & Support
- Music
SOLDIER RANKS
You'll join your unit as a Private. This might have a different name, depending on the Corps you join, e.g. Sapper in the Royal Engineers or Gunner in the Royal Artillery.
You'll earn promotions over time, rising to Lance Corporal after around 3 years, and Corporal after 5 years.
PAY & BENEFITS
On top of challenge and adventure, competitive pay and plenty of travel, you'll get benefits including cheaper living costs, access to gym and sports facilities, free dental and medical care and a free pension.
You'll also be paid from the day you start training. You'll also get extra pay when you're away on operations.
Next Steps
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Not sure where to start, or what you could do? Explore our guide to the different ways to join.