Army soldier
Take part in fighting, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations or provide essential services in dangerous situations across the world.
About the job
A day in the life – Army soldier
What it's like
Looking for a career packed full of challenges and adventures? You could thrive as an army soldier.
You'll be sent to fight, protect and rescue people in dangerous situations or disaster zones. The role will take you across the United Kingdom and abroad.
An army soldier's exact duties depend on which section you're in and what type of job you do. Your unit could help with peacekeeping and humanitarian missions as well as working in combat zones.
No matter which section of the British Army you join, you’ll be trained as a soldier first. That means you’ll always be ready to work on operations when needed. Regular fitness training will keep you in the condition needed to work effectively in conflict zones.
As an experienced army soldier, you could take on more advanced duties. So, you may move into target surveillance, do explosives work or apply to join a specialist unit such as the Commandos.
You'll join one of three sections within the British Army.
Combat Arms
These are the British Army's frontline fighting units. For example, you may work for the Infantry, Royal Armoured Corps, Army Air Corps or Household Cavalry.
In Combat Arms, you could do a variety of jobs – from working as a gunner on board a battlefield helicopter to driving an armoured vehicle.
Combat Support Arms
In this area, you'll provide specialist operational support to Combat Arms.
You'll be trained to perform an essential service – ranging from engineering and mechanics to signals and communications.
In Combat Support Arms, you may work as a mechanical engineer, logistics controller, electrical engineer or communications operator.
Combat Service Support
You'll provide the logistics, transport, medical care, supply chain and other essential services that keep the Army functioning on operations.
In Combat Service Support, you'll work for a regiment such as the Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Logistics Corps, Adjutant General’s Corps or Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
As an army soldier within Combat Service Support, you could do all sorts of roles. For example, you may work as a nurse, paramedic, driver, chef, human resources (HR) specialist or military police officer.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
The British Army – learn how to become a soldier
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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
There are a few different ways you can become a British Army soldier.
Let's explore the routes you can take.
Standard Enlistment
You'll need National 4 or 5 Maths and English. You must also be a British citizen, Irish citizen or a Commonwealth citizen with indefinite leave to remain.
The application process has a few stages. After applying online, you'll be invited to an assessment centre. If successful, you'll then go through a fitness test, medical exam and selection assessment. This process is known as the British Army Recruit Battery (BARB).
Once you've passed the BARB, you'll start basic training.
Army Foundation College
If you're aged 16 or 17 and want to start your army career early, this is a great route. You'll need to be one of the following:
a British citizen
a British subject under the Nationality Act 1981
a British Protected Person
a Commonwealth citizen
You'll attend Army Foundation College for up to two years – this'll combine school-level education with military training.
Once you've completed this programme, you'll move into regular Army training.
Direct Entry for Specialist Roles
Certain job openings in the British Army may accept applicants who have existing qualifications.
For example, someone with an HNC in Professional Cookery could join the Royal Logistic Corps as a chef.
Likewise, a fully-qualified nurse can apply for a nursing role within the British Army.
Many soldiers start in the Army Reserve to gain experience, skills and familiarity with Army life. If you perform well, you can apply to transfer to regular (full-time) Army service.
You can apply to join the Army Reserve at 17 years and 9 months, but you can’t start training until your 18th birthday.
The maximum age for joining the Army Reserve is generally the day before your 50th birthday. Although, some specialist roles may have lower limits.
Learn more about becoming an Army Reserve
If you're aged between 12 and 18, you can join Army Cadets. This'll help you get early exposure to military structure, discipline, drill and teamwork.
To join as a regular army soldier, you must be at least 16 years old. Although you can start the application process earlier, with your parents' permission.
Anyone younger than 18 years old needs parental consent to join the British Army.
You must start Army Phase 1 Training before your 33rd birthday.
If you have a tattoo that's offensive, obscene or racist, it'll prevent you from joining the Army. Small tattoos that are not offensive are usually acceptable, depending on their size, location and visibility. Tattoos on your head or face are not allowed. If you have a tattoo, the best approach is to visit your nearest British Army Careers Centre to check whether it meets Army standards.
Some body piercings may also prevent you from joining the Army.
The Army carries out random, compulsory drugs testing. If the tests find you have been using drugs, you're highly likely to be discharged.
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