1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Soldier

Soldier

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

Soldiers take part in peacekeeping missions, supporting humanitarian efforts or fighting in combat zones around the world.

Average salary (a year)

£15,985 Starter

to

£35,853 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 a soldier

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to join the army through an HM forces serviceperson intermediate apprenticeship.

You'll need to 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

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 49
  • commit to at least 19 or 27 days a year, depending on your 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 don't 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 33
  • physically fit

If your application is accepted, 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.

More Information

Further information

You'll find more information about careers in the army through 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 carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

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

Your day-to-day duties will depend on your job. You could:

  • act as pit crew to move, refuel and arm helicopters
  • work on and maintain vehicles like tanks, HGVs and quad bikes
  • gather evidence and make arrests as part of the military police
  • provide administrative support in HR or finance roles
  • gather and analyse military intelligence and information
  • support health or veterinary services
  • track, store and deliver equipment and supplies to barracks and in the field
  • take part in parades as a musician or ceremonial gunner

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 you can extend your 4-year contract.

With training and experience you could move up through the ranks or into a specialist unit like the commandos. You could also gain a commission to become an officer which would give you a higher salary.

You could move into a wide range of careers after leaving the army. The Career Transition Partnership, Quest and Troops to Teachers have more information on careers outside the armed forces.

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: £20,400.00 Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC Public Services

  • Provider: TOR BRIDGE HIGH
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: Plymouth

Level 1 Public Services

  • Provider: TAMESIDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Ashton-Under-Lyne
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

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

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.