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Soldier

Alternative titles for this job include Army soldier, army non-commissioned officer (NCO), army reserve

Soldiers take part in peacekeeping missions, support disaster relief operations and fight in combat zones around the world.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£37,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

Variable a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You can apply to join the army through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You apply directly to the army to find the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in, for example, engineering, health or logistics.

Entry requirements

  • entry requirements vary

More Information

Volunteering

You can join the Army Reserve to get experience of what life is like in the regular army. You'll also learn new skills at the same time.

You'll need to:

  • be aged between 18 and 43
  • commit to at least 27 days a year, though this can fall to 19, if you apply for a specialist unit
  • attend a 2-week training camp each year

If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Army Cadet Force.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to join the army. You do not need any specific qualifications unless you're applying for a technical role like engineering or communications.

You'll also need to be:

  • aged between 16 and 36
  • physically fit

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about the opportunities available to you. You'll then attend a 2-day assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.

Further information

You'll find more information about becoming a soldier from Army Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • physical fitness and endurance
  • concentration skills and fast reactions
  • active listening skills and the ability to follow instructions quickly
  • the ability to work well with others in a team
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • thinking and reasoning skills and the confidence to act quickly
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a soldier, your duties will depend on your unit. You could:

  • service and repair HGVs, Land Rovers, tanks and other armoured vehicles
  • refuel and re-arm combat helicopters as part of an aviation groundcrew team
  • set up communications links and conduct cyber warfare activities
  • collect and analyse military intelligence to help plan operations
  • support medical, veterinary or administrative services
  • take part in training exercises, and humanitarian and combat operations

Working environment

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

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

You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

When you join the army, you sign up for 4 years. You can leave at any time after this as long as you give 12 months' notice. If you want to stay longer you can extend your contract.

Throughout your army career, you'll have the opportunity to gain qualifications in your chosen field. With experience you could move up through the ranks or into a specialist unit like the commandos or paratroopers. You could also train to become an officer.

You could apply to join the UK Special Forces as a Regular or a Reservist. Get information on how to join UK Special Forces Reserves.

You can move into a wide range of careers after leaving the army. You'll find details about support and opportunities from:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Royal Marines Commando - HM Forces Serviceperson (Public Services) Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

RAF Regiment Gunner - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £25,200 a year Annually
  • Location: Leconfield, Beverley
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC Diploma in Public Services L3

  • Provider: CITY OF PORTSMOUTH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2025
  • Location: Portsmouth

LV3 Extended Diploma in Public Services

  • Provider: COVENTRY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: COVENTRY
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

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