Join the Army: How to Join & Start Your British Army Career

Considering a career change or new opportunity? The British Army offers a variety of roles, from combat to engineering. This comprehensive guide explains how to join the army, making your path to joining the Army as smooth as possible.

Contents:

1. Can I Apply?
2. The Application Process
3. Army Assessment
4. Army Training
5. FAQs

The first step to joining the British Army is making sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria listed below:

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: The age requirement varies between 16 and 35, depending on the specific role you are interested in.
• Citizenship: You must be a British citizen, Irish citizen, or a Commonwealth citizen who has indefinite leave to remain.
• Fitness Level: The army fitness test is a significant part of the recruitment process. More on this later.
• Health: There are specific medical and eyesight conditions that you must meet to be eligible.

Potential Disqualifiers

• Criminal Convictions: These could make you ineligible depending on their nature and severity.
• Tattoos: Facial tattoos, neck tattoos, or tattoos on the hands could disqualify you from certain roles.

Tips for Eligibility

• If you’re not sure about your eligibility status, we recommend consulting the official British Army website or speak to a recruiter.
• You may also want to take steps to improve your physical fitness, as the army fitness test will be a crucial part of the process.

Here’s what you need to know about how to join the British Army and the application process.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research & Choose a Role: The army offers various roles. Make sure to read about each of them, taking note of the qualifications and responsibilities, before making a decision.
2. Online Application: The next step is to complete the online application form available on the UK Army’s official website. Be thorough and honest in your application.
3. Recruitment Tests: After your application is processed, you will need to undergo a series of recruitment tests. These could include a practice ASVAB test or other aptitude tests.
4. Interview: If you pass the recruitment tests, you’ll be invited for an interview. This could be a face-to-face or virtual interview depending on circumstances.
5. Army Assessment: Passing the interview stage means you move on to the Army Assessment Centre for further tests and evaluations.
6. Training: Finally, if you pass all these stages, you are invited for training.

Note: On average, the army recruitment process can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months. However, this time frame can vary based on individual circumstances.

The Army Assessment Centre is an essential hurdle in your journey to join the army. This assessment helps to evaluate if you’re the right fit for the British Army.

What to Expect

• Medical & Physical Tests: These tests are comprehensive and include blood tests, eyesight checks, and a specific army fitness test tailored to your chosen role.
• Literacy & Numeracy Tests: You’ll undergo basic English and Maths assessments.
• Job-Related Tests: These are specific tests tailored to the role you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re looking into a technical role, you might face engineering aptitude tests.
• Interview: The final stage of the Army Assessment is an interview with a recruiter where they gauge your readiness and fit for the army.

Preparation Tips

• Familiarise yourself with common interview questions like, “Why do you want to join the British Army?” or “What inspired you to consider joining the Army?”
• Physical fitness is key, so regular exercise to prepare for the army fitness test is advised.

After passing the Army Assessment, you move on to the training phase. Training duration  depends on your role but generally ranges from 14 weeks to 44 weeks.

Phases of Training

• Phase 1: Basic Training – This is where you learn the essentials of military life, including basic combat skills and physical training.
• Phase 2: Specialised Training – This phase is tailored to your chosen role in the army.

Note: Training is rigorous and designed to prepare you for the multitude of challenges you’ll face in the army.

How long does the Army recruitment process take?

• The recruitment process generally takes between 3 to 9 months.

What is the process of joining the British Army?

• The process includes researching roles, submitting an online application, passing recruitment tests, clearing the Army Assessment, and finally, completing training.

Is it hard to get into the British Army?

• The recruitment process is thorough and requires a level of physical and mental preparedness. However, with the right preparation, you can successfully enlist in the army.

How long does British Army training take?

• Training duration varies by role and can range from 14 to 44 weeks.

How long are Army contracts?

• Army contracts are usually a minimum of four years but can vary depending on the role.

What qualifications do you need to join the army?

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills are required, along with meeting physical fitness and medical criteria.

How much do you get paid in the Army UK?

• The starting salary is around £15,985 per annum, but this can increase with role and experience.

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Final Thoughts

Joining the British Army is a serious commitment that offers great rewards. By following the advice in this article, you’re setting yourself up for a successful Army career. For up-to-date information, always refer to the official British Army website.