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With hundreds of roles available across the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army—over 100 in the British Army alone—the Armed Forces offer exceptionally rewarding career paths.  However, with so many options, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.  In this blog we provide some insights into the range of roles available and where you can find more information.

Regardless of which role you choose, there are several common elements to life in the forces that apply across the board:

A career in the Armed Forces is far more than just a job and unlike any role in “civvy street,” it shapes every part of life, from working on routine tasks to deploying on high threat operations overseas.

You'll form close bonds with others that often become friendships for life through shared challenges and intensive experiences.  These friendships often feel like family and often endure long after service ends.

Military life offers more than career progression. It often includes adventure, travel, sports, cultural experiences and education.

You'll receive exceptional training, not only for your role but also in leadership, planning, organisation, time management and problem-solving—all highly transferable skills valued in civilian careers after service.

What roles are there?

The Armed Forces offer a wide range of roles across diverse fields:

Support Roles: including construction workers, plumbers, electricians and logisticians who handle essential supplies like catering, fuel, water, vehicles, and ammunition, as well as IT and satellite technicians.

Professional Services: including educators, teachers, human resources specialists, lawyers, dentists, vets, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, biomedical scientists, chaplains and personal training instructors.

Specialist Roles: including engineers, data and intelligence analysts, musicians, chefs, linguists, accountants and photographers, each contributing vital skills to military operations.

Frontline Forces: include combat roles in challenging, hostile environments around the world. These forces operate some of the most advanced technology across various terrains, whether on foot, by vehicle, parachute, aircraft, ships, submarines, or even on skis!

What are the main entry options?

You can start with basic training as an enlisted Aviator, Rating, Soldier or Marine. From there, you may progress to specialist training depending on your education level and chosen role.

If you have a university degree or meet the required A-Level (or equivalent Level 3) qualifications and pass a rigorous selection process, you can join directly as an Officer. This route leads to higher-level management and leadership roles.

The Reserves offer part-time or full-time service. You’ll have many of the same opportunities as full time personnel to travel, train in fitness and sports, work in diverse roles, and gain experience alongside international forces in unique locations. Reserve training equips you with skills that can benefit your civilian career once you leave the forces.

Selection and Training

Selection for officer and other ranks roles across the services typically involves:

-   Initial Application: Submit an online application and provide academic qualifications.

-   Medical and Fitness Tests: Ensure you meet health and physical fitness standards.

-   Interviews and Assessments: Assess your potential for your chosen role or leadership and teamwork through interviews and leadership tasks.

-   Basic Training: Successful candidates complete basic training, followed by specialised trade training in fields like engineering, logistics and medical support to name a few.

-  Officer Training: successful officer cadets complete one of the rigorous training programmes Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (44 weeks), Britannia Royal Naval College (29 weeks) or RAF College Cranwell (24 weeks).  Training focusses on the ability to lead teams and manage operations.

Employment Packages and Incentives

The armed forces offer a comprehensive and competitive employment package, with starting salaries in basic training from £25,000 (and from £33,000 for Officers). Benefits include food, travel, accommodation, insurance, and health and dental care.

You’ll also have opportunities to further your education, with options for apprenticeships, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Pre-Enlistment Incentives

There are numerous educational incentives available before enlistment with financial aid provided in exchange for a future service commitment.

These include:

- A-Level Scholarships 

- University Bursaries 

- Defence Undergraduate STEM Schemes 

For example, you could be sponsored through a nursing degree at Birmingham University or join as a fully qualified nurse with a generous salary package. For examples of education incentives prior to join search:

Royal Navy | Apprenticeships

Royal Navy | Defence STEM undergraduate scheme

Joining the Army as a Specialist

Provide Care as an Army Nurse - Medical Service | Army Jobs

Joining as an Army Officer

Army Bursaries & scholarships

RAF Recruitment | Apprenticeships | Royal Air Force

RAF Recruitment | Engineering | Royal Air Force

RAF Recruitment | Hospitality | Royal Air Force

https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/roles/roles-finder/aircrew/pilot

Getting Started

After researching the armed forces websites below, arrange a visit to your local military Careers Office, where you will often find representatives from all three services. Even if you have a specific role in mind, it’s worth exploring other options that might align well with your interests and goals. 

To find out more search the following, contact your nearest Careers Office, or speak to your Future Smart Careers Adviser:

The British Army | Army Jobs and Recruitment

Royal Navy | Explore life in a navy career

Royal Marines | Royal Navy

RAF Recruitment | Find Your Role | Royal Air Force

At FutureSmart Careers, we have trained professionals and our mission is to provide careers guidance, knowledge and resources so that young people can make confident and informed choices about their futures.  

If you would like careers guidance or support for students in your school or college, please get in touch at: enquiries@futuresmartcareers.co.uk 

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