How to Join the British Army

The British Army has been protecting Britain and its territories since the 1600's. Today, the Army defends the interests of the United Kingdom, which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This may involve service as part of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) force or any other multi-national deployment, such as in Afghanistan.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you are eligible to join the regular Army or the Territorial Army. Men and women who join the regular Army are full-time soldiers while those in the Territorial Army are reserve forces.

2. Make sure you are of age. Soldiers in the regular Army must be between the ages of 16 and 33. You must be between 17 and 28 years old to join as an officer. The Territorial Army requires you be between 17 and 43 to enlist as a soldier and 17 and 33 to join as an officer.

3. Contact your local British Army recruiting office and make an appointment to speak to an adviser. A listing of the recruiting offices can be located on the official British Army website. http://www.army.mod.uk/home.aspx

4. Visit your doctor. To join the Army, you must undergo a check-up with your general practitioner as well as pass an Army physical. Your Army recruiter will provide you with a checklist to give your doctor.

5. Choose a potential career path. There are a variety of career paths available for individuals who join the Army including engineering, combat, and medicine.

6. Officially apply after you have completed these initial steps. You will be informed by letter whether you are qualified to join the Army.

7. Decide whether you still want to become a soldier. When you are sure of your decision, sign the papers that show your commitment to the British Army. Your adviser will help you determine how long your term of service should be.

8. Prepare for basic training. Basic training prepares you physically and mentally for the rigors of being a soldier. Start getting ready by running regularly and participating in strength training exercises.

9. Head off to basic training to start your life as a soldier.

Tips & Warnings

• Individuals under the age of 18 are required to have parental consent before joining the British Army.

• Officers of both the Territorial Army and regular Army are required to have a GCSE (General Certification of Secondary Education) with a minimum ALIS score of 35 in their best subjects.

References

• History of British Army
• Age and Medical Requirements to Join the British Army
• British Army Recruiting Offices

Resources

• Career Paths in the British Army
• Citizenship Requriements to Join the British Army
• Territorial Army