Army soldier
Take part in fighting, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations or provide essential services in dangerous situations at home and abroad.
About the job
A day in the life – Army soldier
What it's like
You'd be sent to fight, protect and rescue people in dangerous situations and disaster zones at home and abroad.
You'd join a regiment in one of two sections of the British Army.
In Combat Arms you’d become part of the fighting forces, such as the infantry, armoured corps, air corps or cavalry.
In Combat Support Arms you’d be trained for essential services such as mechanics, engineering, IT and communications, catering or healthcare.
Whichever section you joined you’d be trained to fight so you could take part in operations. You’d do fitness training regularly and take part in exercises so you’d be ready for work in conflict zones.
Your exact duties would depend on which Arm you are in and what type of job you do.
In Combat Arms you might be:
an armoured vehicle driver
a musician
a gunner on board a battlefield helicopter
In Combat Support Arms you might work as a:
mechanical or electrical engineer, maintaining vehicles and equipment
logistics controller, making sure that regiments have operational supplies
communications operator, using radio and satellite systems to keep commanders in touch with officers and troops
Your unit could help with peacekeeping and humanitarian missions as well as undertaking missions in a combat zone.
As an experienced soldier you could take on specific duties, such as target surveillance or explosives work. You could apply to join a specialist unit such as the commandos.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- observation
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- listening
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- time management
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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PE (Physical education)
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Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services
Some positions require no formal qualifications.
If you are entering an army Modern Apprenticeship this usually requires National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF Level 4/5).
To join as a soldier, you don't need any qualifications, except in some of the specialist roles.
Qualifications that show an understanding of armed services, physical and mental fitness and commitment to your community such as:
Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF Level 4)
SQA Leadership Award (SCQF Level 5/6)
Cadet Organisations or other Youth Awards
There are uniformed service preparation courses available up to SCQF Level 5. Entry is usually by interview - these courses don't guarantee entry to the Army.
To pass the army medical, fitness test and entrance test (‘British Army Recruit Battery’ known as BARB).
To join as a regular soldier you need to be at least 16 years old, although you can start the application process earlier, with your parents' permission. If you're under 18, you'll also need parental consent to join. You should be in Army phase 1 training before your 33rd birthday.
You can apply to become a Reservist soldier when you're 17 years and 9 months - ready to start when you turn 18. You can join until the day before your 50th birthday.
There are higher age limits for some specialist roles.
The Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, trains young people to become Junior Soldiers for the various Corps and Regiments of the Army. You could apply for this if you are aged between 16 years and 17 years and 5 months prior to starting training.
You'll need to be a:
British citizen or
British subject under the Nationality Act, 1981 or
British Protected Persons or
Commonwealth Citizen
If you're a citizen of a Commonwealth country, you'll need to have lived in the UK for at least five years before you start an application to join the Army. You must not have been out of the UK for a continuous period of more than 180 days (6 months) during this five-year period.
You'll go through a range of strength and stamina tests, as well as a 1.5-mile run. The standards you need to meet in these tests depend on your choice of unit and job.
If you have a tattoo that is offensive, obscene or racist it'll prevent you from joining the Army. Small tattoos that aren't offensive in any way aren't normally a problem, depending where they are on your body and how visible they are. Tattoos on your head and face aren't acceptable. If you have a tattoo, the best thing is to go to your nearest Army Careers Centre and ask them to check if it's OK. Some body piercings may also stop you joining.
The Army carries out random, compulsory drugs testing, and if the tests find you have been using drugs, you're highly likely to be discharged.
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