Army Officer

Army officers lead and manage teams of soldiers. They are responsible for carrying out effective operations and for overseeing the training, discipline and welfare and the career development of the soldiers under their command.

As well as these general duties, some officers have a profession in the Army. They include nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, veterinary surgeons, barristers, solicitors, and chaplains.

The Army is made up of regiments and corps. Army officer jobs within these regiments and corps are broken down into four areas:

• Combat Arms - fighting regiments such as the Infantry
• Combat Support Arms - providing the Combat Arms with direct support on the battlefield in areas such as artillery and engineering
• Combat Service Support Arms - helping every part of the Army to function effectively, including areas such as human resources and medical services
• Professionally qualified officers (PQOs), who are qualified officers prior to joining the Army including, for example, doctors, nurses, solicitors and ministers.

Working hours depend on an officer's specialism. Hours may be long and irregular when taking part in exercises and operations. Army officers can be stationed in the UK or overseas.

Salaries range from £15,268 for a non-graduate officer cadet (£24,133 for a graduate officer cadet) up to a maximum of £98,984 a year for brigadiers.

Army officers should:

• be able to lead and motivate others
• be self-disciplined and confident
• be prepared to go into combat
• be able to plan, think and act under pressure
• be interested in serving their country.

There is a constant need for new recruits. Trainee officers must normally be between 17 years and nine months and 28 years. Entrants need at least two A levels, or the equivalent, and seven GCSEs (A*-C), including English language, maths and either a science or foreign language. Selection is by a series of interviews, and practical and written tests at the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) at Westbury, Wiltshire.

Most officers complete a 48-week Commissioning Course followed by specialist training appropriate to their particular arm or service. Throughout their career officers undertake continuing professional development and training.

Officers begin as cadets during their initial officer training. After commissioning they become second lieutenants. Ranks above this level are lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel and brigadier.

Further details