997_1808NTOFR01

FIND WHERE YOU BELONG

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FIND WHERE YOU BELONG

ARMY OFFICER
DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL
AND AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER

FIND WHERE YOU BELONG FIND WHERE YOU BELONG

SEARCH ARMY OFFICER SEARCH ARMY OFFICER

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 CONTENTS
02 OUR PURPOSE
04 WHERE LE ADERS BELONG
06 WHAT YOU CAN DO
10 MEE T OUR OFFICERS
18 WHERE E VERYONE BELONGS
20 CAREER PROGRESSION
22 LIFES T YLE & BENEFITS
24 WHO CAN JOIN?
26 WHEN CAN YOU JOIN?
28 BURSARIES
30 BECOMING A REGUL AR OFFICER
32 ARMY OFFICER SELEC TION BOARD
36 THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURS T
42 LIFE AS AN OFFICER
44 OPPOR TUNITIES AF TER THE ARMY
46 ARMY RESERVE OFFICER
48 UNIVERSIT Y OFFICERS’ TR AINING CORPS

SEARCH ARMY OFFICER

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 OUR PURPOSE
The biggest team you’ll ever join. The most important job you’ll ever do.
A place to realise your potential – and make a real difference in the world.
From preventing terrorism to providing humanitarian aid to people in
need, the British Army is driven to make the world a safer, better place.
At the heart of everything we do are our Officers, making split-second
decisions in critical situations, often in demanding conditions.
They command some of the best soldiers in the world, setting a
benchmark for success and supporting their team to overcome
any challenge.

02 OUR PURPOSE SEARCH ARMY

SEARCH
OFFICER
03
ARMY OFFICER

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 WHERE LEADERS BELONG
Leading from the front. Putting your team first. Doing something that
really matters. For everyone that knows they want more from their career
than the average nine-to-five can offer, there’s another option; becoming a
British Army Officer.

Our Officers provide the Army with the leadership and direction we
need to overcome pressing challenges in the UK and across the globe.
There’s no better feeling than earning the trust of their team and
empowering them to be the best they can be – and there’s no bigger
reward than having the purpose to make the world a safer, better place.

04 WHERE LEADERS BELONG SEARCH ARMY OFFICER

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 Always leading from the front, whether on the front line, on land, sea or in
the air, in a combat role, in a supporting role or working in a headquarters.
There are a number of different Officer roles in the Army and each one plays
a vital part in our success, at home and overseas.
With or without a degree, there’s opportunity for you here: if you’ve the
W H AT Y O U C A N D O potential, drive and determination, we’ll provide you with all the training
you need to lead some of the best soldiers in the world.
Working with state-of-the-art technology and being set on a path of
rewarding career progression right from the moment you join, being part of
the British Army gives you the opportunity to work for a dynamic, innovative,
supportive employer and enjoy one of the most meaningful jobs in the world.

06 WHAT YOU CAN DO

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 TRANSPORT INTELLIGENCE,
C O M B AT ENGINEERING MEDICAL HR & SUPPORT
& LOGISTICS COMMS & IT

Leading from the front. Engaging
the enemy. Officers in combat roles
are responsible for tackling threats
and responding to humanitarian
crises across the world.
Maintaining complex equipment
and making essential repairs.
Protecting our forces and ensuring
mobility across the battlefield.
Officers in these roles find practical
solutions to battlefield problems.
From Doctors to Surgeons, Dentists
to Vets, Nurses to Occupational
Health Specialists, our Medical
Officers treat soldiers, their families
and people in need across the world,
in peacetime and during conflicts.
Managing a complex supply-chain
with millions of product lines across
the world to make sure our soldiers
have the support and supplies
they need. That’s the role of our
Transport & Logistics Officers.
Intelligence, communication and
information technology are essential
to modern military operations.
Our Officers keep us a step ahead
at all times, by making sure data
and analysis are always flowing.
Support the Army’s most
important asset: its people.
Travel the world, gain
professional qualifications and
deliver the support to keep our
operations running smoothly.

OFFICER ROLES
–– Gunner-Artillery Officer
–– Household Cavalry Officer
–– Infantry Officer
–– Officer Pilot
–– Aviation Support Officer
–– Armoured Corps Officer
OFFICER ROLES
–– Engineer Troop Officer
–– Engineering Platoon Officer
OFFICER ROLES OFFICER ROLES OFFICER ROLES OFFICER ROLES
–– Adult Health Nurse* –– Logistic Corps Officer –– Communications Troop Officer –– Military Police Officer
–– Dentist* –– Intelligence Officer –– Education and Training Officer*
–– Doctor* –– HR Officer
–– Environmental Health Officer* –– Legal Officer* (Barristers,
–– Medical Support Officer Solicitors & Advocates)
–– Mental Health Nurse* –– Chaplain*
–– Pharmacist* * T hese roles require a degree or professional
–– Physiotherapist* qualification.

–– Veterinarian*
* T hese roles require a professional qualification.

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 MEET OUR “I WANTED TO MAKE AN IMPACT
OFFICERS ON THE WORLD – THAT’S WHY
I BECAME AN OFFICER.”
ADAM, LIEUTENANT
“I COMPLETED TRAINING THREE
TROOP LEADER, ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS
YEARS AGO AND I’M STILL JOINED AS A NON-GRADUATE
LEARNING EVERY DAY.”
JO, CAPTAIN “I’ve been trained to command four tanks and 15 soldiers, learning
how to motivate each individual to get the most out of us as a team.
Life in the Army is challenging, but the rewards are unparalleled:
BATTLE GROUP ENGINEER, ROYAL ENGINEERS progression has been constant and there’s never a day when I’m not
JOINED THROUGH A SPONSORED DEGREE learning. I live and work with my friends, lead a capable team and
get to represent my regiment at skiing.”
WITH THE ARMY

“The Army has been part of my life since I was young.

I joined the The Army Cadets at 12, did the two-year
course at Welbeck at 16 and went on to complete
an Army-sponsored Engineering degree at
Aston University, before taking my place at
Sandhurst. It was great to learn with like-
minded people: we gave each other the
support to make it through a challenging
time. I commissioned three years ago,
and I’m still learning every day.”

10 MEET OUR OFFICERS

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 “IT WAS THE MOST
REWARDING EXPERIENCE
OF MY CAREER SO FAR.”
VERITY, MAJOR
DENTAL OFFICER, ARMY MEDICAL SERVICES
JOINED AFTER UNIVERSITY
“I knew I wanted more of a challenge after university and my
postgrad year in the NHS. I wanted the opportunity to travel and
work overseas, to treat people that really needed a high standard
of dental care and to continue to develop as a dentist, which was
why I joined the Army. All of these things came together when
I deployed to Kenya to provide healthcare to the local population.
It was the most rewarding experience of my career so far.”
12 MEET OUR OFFICERS
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“THE GREATEST EXPERIENCE
OF MY LIFE.”
GAVIN, LIEUTENANT
INFANTRY PLATOON COMMANDER, INFANTRY
JOINED AS A NON-GRADUATE
“At 18 I was faced with a choice: go to university or join the
military. I always thought my strongest attribute was leadership
– and where better to utilise this than the Army? Joining as a
Platoon Commander, I deployed on an operational tour to
South Sudan within eight months. Training my team in the
art of peacekeeping and empowering them to deliver
positive change has been the greatest experience of
my life so far.”
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 “I JOINED IN SEARCH OF
A MORE FULFILLING CAREER.”
SAM, LIEUTENANT
“I’VE NEVER HAD TO INFANTRY PLATOON COMMANDER, INFANTRY
HIDE WHO I AM.” JOINED AFTER UNIVERSITY

JACK, LIEUTENANT “Before joining I studied Ancient History at the University of

Nottingham alongside managing a business I founded in 2012.
I decided to join the British Army in search of a more fulfilling
NURSING OFFICER, ARMY MEDICAL SERVICES
career. I joined my regiment in 2017, after finishing my
JOINED AFTER UNIVERSITY training, to command a platoon of infantry soldiers and four
armoured-fighting vehicles. Since arriving, I’ve taken part in
exercises and adventurous training in the UK and in Brunei,
“My brothers are in the Army and I wanted to use my skills to care
Cyprus and France. I’ve also had the opportunity to play
for soldiers like them. I work in a variety of clinical settings but
rugby for my regiment.”
I also lead a group of soldiers – like a Troop Commander, but in
a medical regiment. As a gay man, I challenged a few people’s
misconceptions when I joined. I’ve completed military
training, completed exercises and developed the skills I
need to deploy for real. I’ve worked with amazing people,
and never had to hide who I am. Now I’m looking forward
to the challenges ahead.”

14 MEET OUR OFFICERS

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 “THE ARMY WERE REALLY
ACCOMMODATING –
MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE.”
STEPHANIE, CAPTAIN
AVIATION SUPPORT OFFICER, ARMY AIR CORPS

“I married my husband Anthony in 2015 and we moved into our first married
quarter. Ant is a civilian and works in London, so having a healthy family life can
be somewhat challenging depending on the location of my posting. We were both
keen to have children and as we were now married and approaching the age of
30, it seemed like the right time to try. I fell pregnant in 2016 and I was posted
shortly after to a location closer to my family, which meant I had additional
support when I returned to work. After maternity leave, the Army were really
accommodating and found me a role that would enable me to support my family
while also enhancing my career. It can be difficult to juggle sometimes, but it’s
made possible by the people I work with.”

16 MEET OUR OFFICERS

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 DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The British Army represents the diversity of
modern Britain. It welcomes British citizens
from all backgrounds – every gender and
gender identity, race, ethnicity, religious
belief, sexual orientation and social
background. The Army values diversity and
is committed to inclusion and has a strict
code of conduct to make sure that everyone
is treated fairly. As an Army Officer, you’ll
be expected to embody that code and lead
by example.
WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS Pay and promotion opportunities within
the Army are identical for people of all
genders, and maternity and paternity
leave is available to all parents. The Army
welcomes Transgender, Lesbian, Gay and
Bisexual soldiers who all serve throughout
the Army playing their part in the country’s
security. People who have completed gender
transition are treated as an individual of
their acquired gender.
The Army is very supportive of those
who wish to observe the customs of their
faith, although operational necessity may
sometimes limit this.
18 WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS
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Observances of all major religions are
accommodated and soldiers may wear
beards and adopt hairstyles and dress
in accordance with their faith. Dietary
provisions are made for all major religions
at all times. Spiritual advisors serve
throughout the Army, offering help and
guidance to all soldiers, whether religious
or not. These include Chaplains of the
Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Christian
and Sikh faiths.
The British Army is an equal opportunities
employer and offers full and fulfilling
careers based purely on talent and ability.
Professional networks exist throughout the
Army to connect like-minded people who
have an interest in aspects of diversity.
The British Army wants the best people
that British society has to offer. Diversity is
integral to this aspiration.
SEARCH ARMY OFFICER
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 CAREER PROGRESSION

From the moment you join
the Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst you’ll be set on a
clear path for progression,
with frequent opportunities
for promotion and regular
upgrades in pay and
responsibility. To the right,
you can see the typical career
progression for an Officer in
the Army.
OFFICER CADET
AROUND £27,200
The rank you hold at the Royal
Military Academy Sandhurst.
For more information, please visit
apply.army.mod.uk
2ND LIEUTENANT
AROUND £32,800
The first rank you’ll hold on
commissioning. It’s normally held for
one to two years, during which time
you’ll complete specialist training for
your chosen Regiment or Corps.
LIEUTENANT
AROUND £33,900
This rank is typically held for up to
two years. You’ll command around
30 soldiers and receive increased
responsibilities as you develop.
You’ll also have the chance to gain
specialist skills outside your unit.
CAPTAIN
AROUND £42,000
Many Officers reach the rank of
Captain within three years of
commissioning. As a Captain,
you’ll command specialist soldiers
or be second-in-command of a
group of about 120 personnel,
with considerable leadership and
management responsibility.
MAJOR
AROUND £52,900
It’s reasonable to reach the rank
of Major within eight years
of commissioning. A Major
commands up to 120 soldiers
and is responsible for their
training, welfare, administration
and management, as well as
leading them on operations.

Whatever your ambition, the Army will support you in your personal career development –
with the opportunity to reach the highest ranks in the long term.

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 SIX WEEKS’ WORK-LIFE GYM AND SPORTS
PAID LEAVE BALANCE FACILITIES
– 30 days’ annual leave plus To achieve a healthy work-life balance, Physical fitness is an important part
bank holidays depending on your role and location, of Army life. You’ll have access to:
– Additional time off before you may be able to: – Free gym
and after deployment -P articipate in team sports on a – Sports facilities
Wednesday afternoon – World-class fitness training
-W ork flexible hours, e.g. early Friday – Dietary advice
finish or late start Monday
- Weekends off when not on duty
-P ersonal development courses at
UK universities

NON-CONTRIBUTORY ADVENTUROUS FACILITIES

PENSION TRAINING
– A ll pension contributions paid for Adventurous Training provides an Throughout your career in the Army,
by the Army opportunity for personal development, at home and abroad, you’ll receive:

LIFESTYLE & BENEFITS – Nothing deducted from your salary challenge and travel. Organise and
lead a range of adventurous pursuits,
including:
– Subsidised food
– Subsidised accommodation

– Skiing in Canada
– Trekking the Himalayas
– Climbing in Wales
– And so much more

FREE DENTAL AND PROFESSIONAL MILITARY

MEDICAL COVER QUALIFICATIONS DISCOUNT
– Receive free medical and – Opportunity to earn professional –R
 eceive discounts in high-street
dental care qualifications throughout your career stores and online

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 In order to join the Army as an Officer, you’ll need to meet the following
eligibility requirements:

BE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 30

(Except for the Army Officer Scholarship Scheme)

HOLD 38 ALIS POINTS FROM YOUR SEVEN

BEST GCSES OR 37 ALIS POINTS FROM
YOUR SEVEN BEST SNQ SUBJECTS
If you have taken GCSEs: 38 ALIS points from seven subjects and at least a grade C/4 in
English Language, Maths and either Science or a foreign language.
If you have taken SNQs: 37 ALIS points from seven subjects and at least a grade C at
SNQ Level 5 or grade 2 at Scottish Standard Grade in English Language, Maths and either
Science or a foreign language.

WHO CAN JOIN?

HOLD 72 UCAS POINTS
These points must come from a maximum of three subjects (four for Scottish Highers)
with a minimum of two subjects being at National Level 3, not including AS-Levels or
General Studies.

National or international equivalents will be considered. A UCAS-tariff waiver may be

applied for unconventional academic backgrounds. Please contact 03457 622 611 if
this applies.
If you don’t hold the necessary qualifications to become an Officer, you can join as a soldier
and rise through the ranks.

24 WHO CAN JOIN

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 Whether you’re still in school or studying at university, have graduated
already or decided against university education altogether, there are a
number of ways you can join the Army as an Officer. Whenever you join
us, we’ll provide you with all the training and support you need to thrive
in our team.

JOIN AT A-LEVEL:
The Army Officer Scholarship Scheme offers financial support for students studying at
A-Level, Scottish Higher or equivalent level, with up to 100 scholarships being awarded
each year. If you’re granted a scholarship, you’ll receive £3,000 and be guaranteed a place
at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. From here, you can go on to study at university
or choose to join us as a non-graduate.

JOIN AS A NON-GRADUATE:
WHEN CAN YOU JOIN? University isn’t for everyone and most Officer roles don’t require a degree (see page 6).
If you’ve got drive, determination and the will to make an impact, there’s a place for
you here.
If you’re still interested in completing a degree, you’ve the opportunity to enrol on
a funded BSc Leadership and Strategic Studies at the University of Reading through the
Henley Business School. Your 44 weeks at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst will
contribute towards a third of your degree, which you can then complete over the next
three to six years.

JOIN AS A GRADUATE:
Some people have their heart set on going to university, and some of our Officer roles
do require specialist degrees before you can join – including qualified medical or legal
positions. If you want to join the Army after university, we can support you with
a number of bursary options, ranging from £6,000 to £75,000, to support you through
your education.

26 WHEN CAN YOU JOIN?

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 If you’re a student or prospective student you could receive an Army bursary to support your
undergraduate education. There are a variety of bursaries available; eligibility is dependent on
what you study, how you expect to perform and the Corps you wish to join.

STANDARD
UP TO £7,000
The Standard Army Undergraduate Bursary is
open to undergraduates interested in joining
the Army as an Officer after university. £6,000
is typically paid to you throughout your course
(£7,000 for four-year degrees).
TECHNICAL
UP TO £25,000
The Technical Army Undergraduate Bursary
is for anyone who wants to join one of the
four technical Corps (Royal Engineers, Royal
Signals, Royal Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers or Royal Logistic Corps), and are
studying, or applying for, an Army-endorsed
engineering or science degree. The Technical

BURSARIES
Bursary award is up to £25,000.

ENHANCED PQO (PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIED OFFICER)

UP TO £24,000
The Enhanced Army Undergraduate Bursary is
open to those who have achieved a minimum of
ABB at A-Level, or equivalent, expect to achieve
a 2:1 degree or higher and can demonstrate the
qualities of a potential Officer. A bursary of up to
£24,000 is available.
UP TO £75,000
PQO bursaries are available to candidates who
have secured or commenced an undergraduate
degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing or
Veterinary studies. The award is paid in
instalments during your final three years of
study, with another lump sum paid on successful
completion of military training. Foundation
years are fully financed.

If you’ve signed up to receive an Army Bursary it’s mandatory that you join the University Officers’ Training Corps. See page 48.

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 01
CREATE
APPLICATION
AN ACCOUNT
Create an online account at
apply.army.mod.uk and then
fill in your application.
05
ARMY OFFICER
BECOMING
SELECTION
SELECTION BOARD –
BRIEFING
A REGULAR Once your Recruiter thinks you’re
ready, you’ll be invited to attend the
OFFICER 24-hour AOSB Briefing at Westbury.
Here, you’ll be assessed on physical
and practical exercises and learn how
to prepare for Main Board.
09
COMMISSIONING
COURSE
TRAINING
You’re now ready to start the
44-week residential course (shorter
for PQOs such as lawyers and
doctors) at the Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst. You’ll be paid throughout
your training, and commission as an
Officer in the British Army.
30 BECOMING A REGULAR OFFICER
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02
MEDICAL
QUESTIONNAIRE
Next, you’ll be sent a link to complete
an online medical questionnaire.
Provided you’re medically eligible,
you’ll be appointed a Recruiter who
will guide you through the process.
06
ARMY OFFICER
SELECTION BOARD –
MAIN BOARD
Put everything you’ve learned to
good use over a three and a half
day assessment. Pass, and you’ll be
offered a place at the Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst.
10
JUNIOR
TERM
In your first term at the Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst you’ll build the
skills that will form the foundation
of your Officer career, from weapons
handling, physical fitness, navigation
skills, first aid and basic drill.
03
INTERVIEW
The next stage is an interview
with a Recruiter. You’ll also be told
how to prepare for the Army Officer
Selection Board (AOSB).
07
PRE-EMPLOYMENT
CHECKS
Before receiving your offer, you need
to complete security forms and your
doctor will have to provide us with
further information relating to your
medical history.
11
INTERMEDIATE
TERM
Your second term balances training
exercises with classroom learning
to round your abilities. This term
consists of two exercises, media and
negotiation training and learning from
Army academics.
04
MEDICAL
You’ll need to have a full medical,
to ensure you are medically fit for
the physical assessments during the
selection process.
08
PRE-COMMISSIONING
COURSE
When you’ve accepted your place,
you’ll need to attend the
Pre-commissioning Course,
where you’ll learn more about the
full course, have a medical and
be issued uniform.
12
SENIOR
TERM
The last hurdle. In this term you’ll be
expected to act as a fully-fledged
leader, demonstrating you’re
ready to be one of our Officers.
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 ARMY OFFICER
SELECTION BOARD
Your first visit to Westbury will be the 24-hour
AOSB Briefing. Here, you’ll be taught how to
prepare for your next visit, the Main Board,
and assessed during physical and practical
exercises. The AOSB Briefing is your stage
for the day: so be sure to arrive well rested
and well prepared. However, don’t be worried
by the tests; they’re designed to help us
understand your development needs before
you attend the Main Board.
The next step will be your invitation to attend
the Main Board, which is a three and a half
day residential assessment. You’ll need to
arrive physically and mentally fit as the tests
will be demanding. For this reason, you may
be advised to wait between Briefing and Main
Board so you come prepared to perform at
your best. If your performance at Briefing
indicates you’re ready for the Main Board you
could be allocated a place within four or five
weeks – but the important thing is to make
sure you’re ready.

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 THE AOSB MAIN BOARD
DAY 1
TAKING TESTS
PHYSICAL TESTS: After your arrival, you’ll complete a series
of fitness tests. This includes the ‘bleep test’, as well as
completing a number of press-ups and sit-ups.
INTRODUCTORY TALK: The head of the AOSB passes on some
useful tips relevant for the next three and a half days.
WRITTEN TESTS: Here you’ll demonstrate your written
communication skills by producing an essay. You’ll also
complete written tests on general knowledge, current affairs
and military knowledge.
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS: You’ll undertake a series of
psychometric tests in order to measure your cognitive
strengths and weaknesses.
DAY 2
TEAMWORK
OPEN DISCUSSION: This lasts for 40 minutes, during which
you and the other members of your group discuss a range
of topics.
INTERVIEWS: There are a series of informal one-to-one
interviews. You’ll be asked about your academic studies,
interests, ambitions and why you want to be an
Army Officer.
OUTDOOR TASK: You’ll complete a team exercise, where your
team is required to solve a practical problem using various
equipment such as ropes and planks.
TUTORIAL: Staff will give advice on the next day’s
planning exercise.
34 ARMY OFFICER SELECTION BOARD
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DAY 3
LEADERSHIP
PLANNING EXERCISE: A theoretical test of your ability to
manage people, equipment and time effectively.
COMMAND TASKS: Outdoor activities in which each member
takes turns at leading the group.
OBSTACLE COURSE: You have to negotiate as many obstacles as
possible within a set time limit.
LECTURE: Each candidate gives a five-minute talk and then
takes questions from the group.
EVENING: Candidates all sit down together for a team dinner.
DAY 4
DECISION TIME
ON THE LAST DAY YOU TAKE PART IN THE FINAL EXERCISE:
An outdoor team competition between all the different groups.
OUTCOME: Results are then sent by post so you should receive
them the following day. If you’re successful at Main Board,
you’ll have secured a place at the Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst.
If you’re not successful on your first attempt, don’t worry –
you’ll be offered a second chance. Depending on your result
you may just need to retake the Main Board. Alternatively,
we also offer the Sandhurst Leadership Development Course
– a 12-week course which provides those who fall short of the
entry mark a chance to really get prepared for the 44-week
Officer Commissioning Course.
SEARCH ARMY OFFICER
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 T H E R O YA L M I L I TA R Y
ACADEMY SANDHURST
Army Officers are people who have ambitious goals in life. At the Royal
Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), you’ll receive the best leadership
and management training in the world. You’ll learn everything you
need to be a leader in one of the world’s most formidable Armed Forces,
training alongside cadets from all backgrounds who will become friends
for life.

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 14 WEEKS
JUNIOR
TERM
The first few weeks at the RMAS are probably
the toughest. You’ll find out how to prepare your
kit, how to safely handle and operate a weapon
and the basics of navigation, first aid and drill.
By the end of the first term you’ll have learned
the same basic skills as the soldiers you’ll soon
be commanding. You’ll learn the importance of
teamwork: your unit’s only as fast or as strong as
its slowest or weakest member, so you learn to
support each other.
You’ll also complete three exercises from three to
six days in length: learning field craft, offensive
tactics, navigation and problem solving as part
of a team.
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1 WEEK
ADVENTUROUS
TRAINING
Between your first and second term, you’ll have
the chance to earn an Adventurous Training
qualification in an activity of your choosing.
Examples include:
CAVING / SKIING / PARAGLIDING / SUB-AQUA DIVING /
OFFSHORE SAILING / MOUNTAINEERING / CANOEING &
KAYAKING
14 WEEKS
INTERMEDIATE
TERM
The second term involves academic work, such as
looking at the history and causes of past conflicts.
You’ll also learn about the factors that shape the
world in which you’ll be operating and the nature
of security threats to the UK. There are even
exercises in how to handle the media and how to
conduct negotiations.
You’ll also complete three exercises: two in
Thetford and a battlefield study in Normandy.
1 WEEK
ADVENTUROUS
TRAINING
Between your intermediate and final terms at
RMAS, you’ll have the chance to organise and
lead an Adventurous Training expedition.
You’ll travel to an exciting location almost
anywhere in the world and apply your new
skills on an Adventurous Training exercise.
Examples include:
CAVING / SKIING / PARAGLIDING / SUB-AQUA DIVING /
OFFSHORE SAILING / MOUNTAINEERING / CANOEING &
KAYAKING
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 14 WEEKS
SENIOR COMMISSION
TERM AS AN OFFICER
The third and final term is the most realistic in There will be few prouder moments in your life
terms of the operations you can expect to deploy than graduating from the Royal Military Academy
on in the future, requiring you to demonstrate Sandhurst, commissioning at the time-honoured
your ability to lead by example and make rational ceremony that is the Sovereign’s Parade.
decisions under pressure in a variety of scenarios.
Following 44-weeks of intensive training, you’ve
You’ll be given increased responsibility – an
earnt the Queen’s Commission, a recognition of
invaluable lesson as you’ll soon be standing up
trust in your abilities to lead in the British Army.
in front of your soldiers for the first time, asking
Courage, commitment, character, leadership and
them to trust you.
loyalty: you’ve demonstrated it all. Now, it’s time
The third term opens with a challenging field to march up the steps of the Old College in front
exercise in which you’ll practise the skills you’ve of proud friends, families and dignitaries and
learned over the previous two terms. Both in the become a fully-fledged British Army Officer.
classroom and on exercise you’ll be stretched
further through the introduction of a realistic
civilian population with whom you’ll be required
to interact. The term finishes with Exercise
Dynamic Victory; it’s physically and mentally
tough but once you complete it you can be
absolutely sure you’re ready to commission.

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 The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is just the beginning.
Once commissioned, you’ll join your regiment or corps, where you’ll
meet the soldiers that you’ll lead as a platoon or troop commander.
Getting to know them well and gaining their trust will be your top priority.
They’ll be among the most remarkable and inspirational people that you’ll
ever meet – and you’ll be responsible for getting the best out of them.

One of your first commitments will be to complete the specialist

Officer training course for your role, making sure you’re an expert in
your chosen field. Courses typically last for three months and take
place at training schools in the UK and overseas. You’ll then be able to

LIFE AS AN OFFICER command your platoon or troop with confidence for the next three years
on exercises, operations and during training at your barracks.

As you become eligible for promotion, there are further professional and
educational courses to attend and you’ll have the chance to take on bigger
and more complex command challenges.

No two days are ever the same as an Army Officer and there is no
shortage of opportunities for sport, travel and Adventurous Training –
as well as time off to see family and friends. Most importantly, you’ll
be responsible for leading, training, supporting and developing your
soldiers, both individually and as a team, who form part of one of the
most formidable forces in the world.

42 LIFE AS AN OFFICER SEARCH ARMY OFFICER

43
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 “I’VE BEEN OFFERED JOBS BECAUSE
OF SKILLS I LEARNT IN THE ARMY.”
ROB, FORMER CAPTAIN
CURRENT ROLE:
PROGRAMME MANAGER,
UNITED FOR WILDLIFE

“My training at Sandhurst did more than help me build a military

career: it’s served me well in civilian life after the Army too. The

OPPORTUNITIES
first job I got after the Army was as a Security Communications
Officer for the 2012 Olympics. Since then, I’ve developed a
rewarding career across a number of roles and my military

AFTER THE ARMY background has served me well throughout. In fact, I was offered
my previous position – working on the acquisition of businesses
in Africa – because of skills I learnt in the Army.”

We hope you’d want to build a rewarding career in the Army.

But we know your career journey might take you elsewhere.
Whether you stay here for four years or forty, you’ll be set up for
an incredible civilian career afterwards, with Army skills and training
making you an exciting prospect for employers.

44 OPPORTUNITIES AFTER THE ARMY

45
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ARMY RESERVE OFFICER
The Army Reserve offers the same challenge,
excitement and leadership opportunities as
the Regular Army, but in your spare time.
Being an Officer in the Army Reserve lets you
realise your full potential and live a life full
of excitement and opportunity by combining
military service with a civilian career.
Reservists train alongside the Regular Army,
use the same equipment and share the same
opportunities for adventure, travel and making
a difference. Army Reserve Officers lead their
soldiers during training and operations in the
same way regulars do, and are an essential
and valued component of the Army.
As an Army Reserve Officer, you must meet
the same standards and pass the same
Army Officer Selection Board as your regular
counterparts. However, training is reduced and
completed during weekends and evenings.
46 ARMY RESERVE OFFICER
2554_210x210_Regular-Officer-Brochure.indd 46-47
“IT’S GREAT THAT
THEY’RE SO FLEXIBLE!”
ANNA, LIEUTENANT
TROOP COMMANDER,
ROYAL ARTILLERY RESERVE
Initial Officer Training can be completed
at weekends or in your spare time at one “I first joined the Army Reserve while I was at university
in Manchester. It was a great way to combine my love
of the Officer Training Units located around
of engineering, sports and adventure. Since I graduated,
the country. This consists of a series of I’ve remained part of the Army by moving to different
modules developing your military leadership units as my job takes me around the UK. It’s great that
and skills, culminating in a two-week they’re so flexible!”
course at Sandhurst where you’ll
commission. Alternatively, you can do an
eight-week consolidated course covering
all four modules.
It’s a point of pride that Army Reserve
Officers have supported every Army
operation over the past century, making a
difference and leading a life of challenge
and purpose.
47
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UNIVERSITY OFFICERS’
TRAINING CORPS (UOTC)
Military exercises, Adventurous Training,
community projects and expeditions in the
UK and overseas: the University Officers’
Training Corps (UOTC) offers university
students a unique opportunity to experience
adventure, make friends and learn valuable
skills – all while getting paid.
Officer Cadets at the UOTC are members of
the Army Reserve, but cannot be deployed
during their education. They can apply to
48 UNIVERSITY OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FIND WHERE YOU BELONG
the Army Officer Selection Board which,
if they pass, allows them to attend the Army
Reserve Commissioning Course to become
a commissioned Army Reserve Officer.
There’s no obligation to continue serving
after you graduate, and you can leave the
UOTC at any time.
If you sign up to receive an Army Bursary
it’s mandatory that you join the UOTC.
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