Army Soldier

All soldiers carry out a wide range of duties, including taking part in military exercises and operations. They also carry out a particular trade or job. There is a huge range of jobs, from chef to military clerk and from combat engineer to vehicle mechanic.

The army is made up of regiments and corps, and army jobs fall into one of seven areas:

• combat
• engineering
• logistics and supplies
• intelligence, IT and communications
• human resources, administration and finance
• medical
• music and ceremonial.

Working hours depend on a range of circumstances, including a soldier's specialism. Hours may be long and irregular when taking part in exercises and operations. Soldiers can be stationed in the UK or overseas.

Salaries range from £13,337 for a new entrant up to £45,836 for the most senior rank.

Soldiers should:

• be able and willing to accept discipline
• be able to work in a close-knit team, but also use their own initiative
• be physically fit with good stamina
• be prepared to go into combat
• be interested in serving their country.

There is a constant need for new recruits in the army. Many jobs, particularly technical and mechanical apprenticeships, require a set number of GCSEs at particular grades. The minimum entry age is 16. The upper age limit for most trades is 33. All entrants must pass the army entrance test and a two-day selection programme. They must also meet army nationality requirements.

Individuals aged between 16 and 17 years old enter the army as junior entry recruits. Over 17s enter as standard entry recruits. All entrants are taken through phase one training, encompassing military training, eg weapons handling and drill. The length of time spent undertaking phase one training depends on the soldiers' chosen specialist area. This is followed by phase two training, which is specialist training for the chosen army career. This could last up to two years if they take an apprenticeship.

All new entrants enter the army as a private, but their actual job title depends on the particular arms service. Progression is then through the ranks. Soldiers who show good leadership skills may go on to train as officers. Soldiers who leave the army may use their skills and specialisms for a variety of careers in civilian life.

Further details