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Army officer
Professionally qualified officer, officer reserve, commissioned officer
Army officers command, manage and motivate teams of soldiers.
Average salary (a year)
£31000
Starter
£48000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
0.0 to 0.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You could get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
University
You can do a degree course before you apply for officer training although it's not essential.
Most subjects are acceptable.
You can also apply for an army officer internship before, during or after university. This gives you the chance to learn about the officer role and whether it's something you want to do.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could work towards becoming an officer by doing a college course, for example in public services or A levels. You would then apply to the army for officer training.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
    Apprenticeship
    You could start your army career by doing an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
    You would apply directly to the army to find the best apprenticeship route for you.
    Entry requirements
    To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
    • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
    More Information
    Army apprenticeships|https://jobs.army.mod.uk/regular-army/what-you-get/apprenticeships-skills/
    guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
    Volunteering
    You can join the Army Reserve as a part-time officer to get some experience of what life is like in the regular army. You'll also learn new skills at the same time.
    You'll need to:be between 18 and 49, commit to at least 27 days a year, though this can fall to 19, if you apply for a specialist unit, attend a 2-week training camp each year
    If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Army Cadet Force.
    Direct Application
    You'll need to
    be between 17 years 9 months and 28 years and 11 months, get a GP's medical report
    You'll also usually need a minimum of:GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths, science or a foreign language, 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications
    You'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about the opportunities available. You'll then attend a 2-part assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.
    If you're accepted, you'll move onto formal officer training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in Surrey.
    More Information
    Further Information
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      Leadership skills
      Excellent verbal communication skills
      Thinking and reasoning skills
      Persistence and determination
      Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
      Concentration skills
      The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
      The ability to work well with others
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Related Restrictions
    meet the British army nationality and residency rules
    pass a fitness test
    pass a medical check
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    As an army officer, your duties will depend on your unit.
    In a combat role you could
    command infantry soldiers on operations, pilot a helicopter and lead your crew and ground troops, co-ordinate surveillance to locate tank and artillery targets
    In a medical or healthcare role, you could
    care for injured soldiers as a doctor or nurse, provide dental care for army personnel and their families, work with military animals as a veterinary officer
    You could also
    co-ordinate supplies for disaster relief efforts and military deployments, manage engineering projects from setting up camps to building bridges, plan operations based on intelligence gathering, provide support and guidance to soldiers and their families as a chaplain
    Working environment
    You could work at a military base, be based overseas or in a warzone.
    You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
    Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    Your first command post will usually be for 12 years though you can leave during training or after 3 years' service. With training and experience, you could move up through the ranks from lieutenant to captain, major and beyond.
    Throughout your army career, you'll have the opportunity to gain qualifications in your chosen field.
    On leaving active service, you could use your skills, qualifications and experience to go into a new career, for example in management, planning or teaching. You can find details about support and opportunities from:Quest, Career Transition Partnership, Forces Employment Charity, Get Into Teaching
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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