Whether you choose the Royal Navy, Army or RAF, a career in the Armed Forces can be like no other. The UK Armed Forces has hundreds of different types of roles, from soldiers to mechanics and engineers, from drivers to chefs and HR staff, and from logistics to intelligence operatives and Marines. It’s the kind of career you can be proud of as you’ll be protecting the UK’s interests all over the world, whilst developing skills that stay with you for life. 

What skills and qualifications will I need?

You may already have some of the skills required for a career in the military, including:

• The ability to work on your own or as part of a team
• Physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• Communication, thinking and reasoning skills
• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

With so many different and unique roles, formal qualifications aren’t always required. If you don’t have GCSE passes in English and Maths, you will attain equivalent qualifications as part of your training. The Armed Forces are one of the UK’s biggest apprenticeship providers, and apprenticeships are completed as part of the training for some roles. 

Existing qualifications will give you more choice, for example enabling you to join as an officer or as part of a specific trade like engineer or a medical role. 

You will need a basic level of physical fitness to pass selection and you’ll be given lots of advice to help you. You’ll need to pass a medical examination too. 

What else do I need to know?

Generally, the starting pay for a trainee is £15,000, progressing to a minimum of £20,000 on completion of training.  Entry level salaries for officers can be as high as £39,000 though most will be nearer £30,000.   The benefits package includes subsidised accommodation, meals and travel.  

The Armed Forces require a high level, of integrity, discipline and commitment. You’d need to commit to 3.5 years in the Royal Navy, 4 years in the Army and 6 years in the RAF, but many go on to serve much longer careers. Opportunities for promotion are well structured and it is possible to rise steadily through the ranks.

Want to know more?

Please visit the following websites to find out more about the types of roles on offer.

• Roles in the Royal Navy (external website)
• Roles in the British Army (external website)
• Roles in the Royal Air Force (external website)   

In some jobs, you’ll need to pass a DBS check (external website). Learn more about the DBS process with this video guide (external website).