Army officer

You can do a degree course before you apply for officer training although it's not essential.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could work towards this role by doing a relevant subject like Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Public Services. This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this career.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can work towards this role by starting with an intermediate apprenticeship as a HM Forces Serviceperson.

You'll need to 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can join the army reserve as a part-time officer to get some experience of what life is like in the regular army and to learn new skills at the same time.

You'll need to:

• be between 18 and 49
• commit to at least 19 or 27 days a year, depending on your unit
• attend a 2-week training camp each year

You can apply directly for officer training.

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

You'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about what you want to do. You'll then attend an assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.

Further information

You'll find more details about careers in the army, training and how to join through Army Careers.

You'll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate soldiers
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills and fast reactions
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others in a team
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• meet the British army nationality and residency rules
• pass a fitness test
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

You could work in a combat role as:

• an infantry platoon commander leading a team of trained soldiers on operations
• a helicopter pilot officer with responsibility for your crew and ground troops
• a tank troop officer in charge of men and their vehicles
• an artillery troop officer leading a team of soldiers

You might work in medicine and healthcare as:

• an adult nurse caring for injured soldiers
• a dental officer for army personnel and their families
• a veterinary officer working with military animals

You could also be:

• a logistic troop commander managing the supply of things like petrol and ammunition
• an engineering troop commander managing engineering projects
• an intelligence officer specialising in intelligence and security
• a military police officer managing military police soldiers
• a chaplain giving support and guidance to soldiers and their families

You could work be based overseas, at a military base or in a warzone.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.