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The complete guide on how to pass the British Army selection process in 2024.
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Within this awesome resource, we have provided you with everything you need to successfully pass the Army selection process. The content has been created in conjunction with Army careers office recruitment staff to bring you the very best insider information.
Before you begin the Army selection process it is essential you understand the core values required in order to become a British Army soldier.
As a soldier, you will be highly trained and you will be able to carry out your tasks both professionally and competently. However, if the Army did not have a set of core values and it did not have control of its people, then things could soon go wrong. As a soldier, it can be a difficult task balancing the aggression of combat with the self-discipline that is required to perform under immense pressure.
The selection process for joining the British Army will normally consist of the following elements:
Registration & Application
Armed Forces Careers Office Briefing/Interview
Attend the Army Assessment Centre
Background and Reference Checks
The first step on your journey is to register your interest online, or by contacting your local Armed Forces Careers Office. There you will be required to fill out some basic information, learn about life in the army and if you wish to proceed you can then submit an online application.
Joining the Army is a very big decision and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You will need to consider your choice of career carefully and will be required to complete a short questionnaire that will determine your suitability for joining.
The next stage in the application process is the briefing and interview. During this you may be asked a number of questions regarding yourself and your motivations for applying for the army. During this stage you also get the opportunity to ask any questions about life in the army and your chosen role. Your candidate support manager will also provide you with a plan to help you prepare the the army aptitude tests and the assessment centre.
Usually held at the armed forces careers office, but due to current COVID-19 restrictions this stage is currently undertaken online.
The next stage in the process is to attend the Army assessment centre at one of the centres based around the UK. This 2-day event will include a number of assessments which you will need to pass to progress in the selection process.
The last stage of the selection process will be for the Army to run some background checks and contact your references.
If all is in order you will be made an offer of employment. If this is accepted, you will be given a starting date for your training and you will be formally enlisted and will commence your Army career.
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The values of the British Army are as follows:
Tip Number 1 – Be fully prepared and focused. Learn how to use ‘action plans’ to ensure continuous improvement when applying to the Army
In order to become a British Army Soldier, you will need to be fully prepared and focused. As with any selection process for any British Army jobs or career you need to prepare yourself fully. We believe that you should carry out as much research as possible about the Army and your chosen career or trade.
When you decide to apply you will need to understand what the job is about and how it will affect your life, both professionally and socially. The British Army is looking for people who are professional, flexible, committed, and motivated along with being an effective team player.
You will be required to sit a number of tests and exercises throughout the selection process, including tests that assess your physical fitness. Again, you must prepare for every eventuality. The Army will require you to run a set distance (1.5 miles) within a set time and the only way to prepare for this is to practise, practise and practise some more!
Tip Number 2 – Understand the word ‘teamwork’ and have experience of working in a team when you apply to the Army
The British Army prides itself on its great ability to operate as a team unit.
Try to think of the best football teams in the country. Those that are the most successful are not the ones that have one or two great players, but the ones that have the best overall team. The ability to work as part of a team is essential, and you will be assessed on this throughout the Army selection process.
Within the Army you will be required to work in a team environment every day in order to carry out tasks both small and large. Whether you are working as an Aviation Support Specialist or a Chef, you will need to have very good teamwork skills. Although team skills will be taught during your training, you will still need to demonstrate that you have the potential to become a competent team member throughout the selection process. It is far better if you have experience of working as part of a team prior to joining the Army. If you play a form of team sports then this is even better. There are many definitions of the word ‘teamwork’ but the one that we believe sums it up most effectively is:
Assessment Centre Tips
Our online resources are both packed with essential tips on how to complete a successful application, how to pass the Army tests, how to answer the Army interview questions, and also how to approach the assessment centre.
One of the most important things to consider when applying to the Army is that you need to gain as high a score as possible on the assessment centre tests. The higher you score; the more Army job opportunities you will have at your disposal.
The main purpose of the tests is to assess which jobs you are most suited to. Therefore it is important that you obtain high scores. The higher your scores the more career options you will have.
There are a number of basic standards which you will have to meet in order to be eligible to become a British Army Soldier. You must be either a British or Irish citizen. In some circumstances you also be may able to join as a member of the commonwealth. It is important that you are not carrying any injuries or serious illness when you apply. The age limit for applying is between 16 to 35 years old. Your application may be rejected if you have any criminal convictions or any tattoos which are above the collar or the content is deemed to be offensive. To join as an army regular soldier, you do not require any formal qualifications, although if you are applying for a specialist role, some specific qualifications may be required.
In order to become a soldier, there are several requirements that need to be fulfilled. These include:
1. Nationality and Residency Rules: Meeting the specific nationality and residency guidelines set by the army is essential. These criteria ensure that individuals interested in joining the armed forces meet the necessary legal obligations and have the appropriate residency status.
2. Fitness Test: Prospective soldiers are required to undergo a fitness test to assess their physical capabilities. This test evaluates strength, endurance, stamina, and overall physical fitness to ensure that candidates are physically prepared for the demands of military service.
3. Medical Check: A thorough medical examination is conducted to determine the health and fitness levels of individuals wishing to join the army. This assessment verifies that candidates are in good health and capable of enduring the physical and mental challenges associated with military service.
4. Security Checks: To maintain the safety and integrity of the armed forces, prospective soldiers undergo rigorous security checks. These checks ensure that candidates do not pose a threat to national security and have no criminal records or affiliations that could compromise their suitability for military service.
5. Enhanced Background Checks: In addition to standard security procedures, enhanced background checks are carried out. This involves an in-depth investigation into a candidate’s personal, social, and professional history, aiming to evaluate their trustworthiness, loyalty, and overall suitability to serve in the military.
By fulfilling these restrictions and requirements, aspiring individuals can demonstrate their commitment, readiness, and eligibility to become valued members of the armed forces.
Although the initial recruit basic salary does seem to be quite low for soldiers, once you finish your initial training your salary will increase. It is also worth noting that the army will contribute towards your pension and you will receive free medical healthcare. The holiday entitlement in the army is also very good. You will receive 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Your food and accommodation are heavily subsidised and you will free access to gym and other sports facilities. In the British Army you will have the opportunity to learn and develop a number of key skills, trades and qualifications, which you can use in your civilian career, once you decide to leave the army. The British Army Soldier current pay scale is displayed below:
You can apply to the British Army in a number of ways. The most common is to apply via the army website. On the website you can discover what types of roles are available and stacks of information available to you, so you can make an informed decision if any of the British Army jobs are right for you. Another way that you can apply of find out more is to visit your local armed forces careers officer. The recruitment officer, will be more than happy to advise you further regarding your options and help to get your application started if you decide to apply.
The joining process can differ depending on the individual circumstances. However, the average joining time is around six months from the initial application. It is not uncommon though for candidates to join quicker than six months on occasion.
To be eligible to join you will need to be between 16 to 35 years old. The earliest you can apply is when you are 15 years and 7 months old. If you are under 18 you will need your parents’ consent to join. For reservist soldier roles, the joining age is higher (43). For some specialist roles you can join as a reservist up to the age of 49.
Yes, the British Army does offer a number of limited spaces to applicants from the Commonwealth. To be eligible to apply you must have permission to be in the UK for the duration of your application up until you are selected for enlistment. Applicants must have a valid passport with at least 2 years from your start date. This only applies to full time regular applicants and is not available for reservists. To find out more about joining the army as a commonwealth citizen please visit our Join the British Army as a Commonwealth citizen page.
No, this resource is for entry as an army soldier or army reserve soldier. To find out more about joining as an army officer please visit our How to Become an Army Officer page.
The career path and progression opportunities for a soldier in the army are quite diverse. When an individual joins the army, they commit to a minimum of four years of service. However, they have the flexibility to leave at any time after these initial four years by giving a 12-month notice. Alternatively, if a soldier wishes to continue their service, they have the option to extend their contract.
One of the notable aspects of a soldier’s career is the opportunity to gain qualifications in their chosen field. The army provides avenues for individuals to expand their knowledge and expertise through various training programs and courses. By accumulating experience over time, soldiers have the potential to advance through the ranks or even transition into specialized units like the commandos or paratroopers. Additionally, soldiers can choose to pursue the path of becoming an officer, which involves further training and development.
Upon leaving the army, soldiers have access to a wide range of prospective careers. Several organizations offer support and opportunities for transitioning soldiers, including Quest, Career Transition Partnership, Forces Employment Charity, and Troops to Teachers. These organizations assist in finding suitable career options and provide guidance in navigating the civilian job market.
Overall, the career path and progression opportunities for a soldier in the army are not limited to their time in service but extend into various civilian fields. With the potential for growth, specialized training, and support for transition, soldiers have a range of possibilities to explore beyond their tenure in the armed forces.
To become a soldier, one must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge. These requirements include:
1. Physical Fitness and Endurance: Soldiers must be physically fit to endure the demands of their duties. They need to possess strength, stamina, and agility to perform tasks such as carrying heavy equipment, running, climbing, and engaging in combat situations.
2. Mental Alertness and Quick Reactions: Soldiers must have sharp concentration skills and fast reactions to react swiftly and appropriately to unpredictable and dangerous situations. They need to be able to think on their feet and make split-second decisions.
3. Active Listening and Quick Instruction-following: Soldiers should possess excellent listening skills and the ability to quickly understand and follow instructions. Clear communication and the ability to act promptly on orders are crucial for the success of missions.
4. Teamwork and Cooperation: Soldiers work in teams, so the ability to collaborate effectively with others is essential. They must be able to coordinate with fellow soldiers, follow leadership, and contribute to the overall objectives of the team.
5. Calmness and Patience under Stress: Soldiers face high-pressure situations where maintaining composure is crucial. They need to remain calm during stressful events, allowing them to think clearly and make rational decisions.
6. Accepting Criticism and Working under Pressure: The military environment often involves constructive criticism. Soldiers must be open to feedback and improvement, responding positively to constructive critique. They should also be resilient and perform well even in high-pressure situations.
7. Critical Thinking and Quick Decision-making Abilities: Soldiers must possess strong thinking and reasoning skills, as well as the confidence to act quickly on their decisions. They need to analyze complex situations, evaluate various options, and make sound choices rapidly.
8. Attention to Detail and Thoroughness: Precision and attention to detail are imperative in military operations. Soldiers need to pay close attention to instructions, be meticulous in performing tasks, and ensure nothing is missed or overlooked that could jeopardize the mission’s success.
9. Computer and Software Proficiency: Basic computer literacy and competency in using key software packages are becoming increasingly important in the modern military. Soldiers should be skilled in operating computer systems and utilizing software effectively to fulfill their responsibilities.
These skills and knowledge areas are crucial for anyone aspiring to become a soldier, as they contribute to their physical, mental, and technical preparedness for the various challenges they may encounter in military service.
To become a soldier, one must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge. These requirements include:
1. Physical Fitness and Endurance: Soldiers must be physically fit to endure the demands of their duties. They need to possess strength, stamina, and agility to perform tasks such as carrying heavy equipment, running, climbing, and engaging in combat situations.
2. Mental Alertness and Quick Reactions: Soldiers must have sharp concentration skills and fast reactions to react swiftly and appropriately to unpredictable and dangerous situations. They need to be able to think on their feet and make split-second decisions.
3. Active Listening and Quick Instruction-following: Soldiers should possess excellent listening skills and the ability to quickly understand and follow instructions. Clear communication and the ability to act promptly on orders are crucial for the success of missions.
4. Teamwork and Cooperation: Soldiers work in teams, so the ability to collaborate effectively with others is essential. They must be able to coordinate with fellow soldiers, follow leadership, and contribute to the overall objectives of the team.
5. Calmness and Patience under Stress: Soldiers face high-pressure situations where maintaining composure is crucial. They need to remain calm during stressful events, allowing them to think clearly and make rational decisions.
6. Accepting Criticism and Working under Pressure: The military environment often involves constructive criticism. Soldiers must be open to feedback and improvement, responding positively to constructive critique. They should also be resilient and perform well even in high-pressure situations.
7. Critical Thinking and Quick Decision-making Abilities: Soldiers must possess strong thinking and reasoning skills, as well as the confidence to act quickly on their decisions. They need to analyze complex situations, evaluate various options, and make sound choices rapidly.
8. Attention to Detail and Thoroughness: Precision and attention to detail are imperative in military operations. Soldiers need to pay close attention to instructions, be meticulous in performing tasks, and ensure nothing is missed or overlooked that could jeopardize the mission’s success.
9. Computer and Software Proficiency: Basic computer literacy and competency in using key software packages are becoming increasingly important in the modern military. Soldiers should be skilled in operating computer systems and utilizing software effectively to fulfill their responsibilities.
These skills and knowledge areas are crucial for anyone aspiring to become a soldier, as they contribute to their physical, mental, and technical preparedness for the various challenges they may encounter in military service.
To become a soldier, there are several pathways you can take. One option is to pursue an apprenticeship or apply directly to the military. The army provides an opportunity to join through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship. By applying directly to the army, you can find the most suitable apprenticeship route based on your qualifications and interests. Various service roles, such as engineering, health, or logistics, may be available.
Additionally, joining the Army Reserve offers a chance to gain firsthand experience of regular army life. To be eligible, you must be between 18 and 43 years old and commit to at least 27 days per year (though this can be reduced to 19 days if applying for a specialist unit). Regular attendance at a 2-week annual training camp is also required.
Another option is to apply directly to join the army without needing specific qualifications, unless you’re applying for a technical role such as engineering or communications. Being physically fit and aged between 16 and 36 are typically the primary requirements. If your application is accepted, you will be invited to visit your local army careers center to discuss available opportunities. Subsequently, you’ll participate in a thorough 2-day assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.
These various routes aim to ensure that individuals interested in becoming soldiers have the chance to pursue their aspirations and find the most suitable path for their qualifications, interests, and physical abilities.
Soldiers have the flexibility to work during evenings, weekends, and even on bank holidays while being away from their homes. Their work locations can vary, ranging from military bases to overseas postings or even active war zones. The working environment for soldiers can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring them to endure outdoor conditions in all types of weather. Additionally, soldiers are often required to wear protective clothing and uniforms while carrying out their duties.
Joining the Army Reserve is an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand experience of what life is like in the regular army. By becoming part of the Army Reserve, you not only acquire valuable experience but also have the chance to develop new skills. It is important to note that the age requirement for joining the Army Reserve is between 18 and 43 years old. Furthermore, committing to at least 27 days a year is expected as a member of the Army Reserve, although this can be reduced to 19 days if you apply for a specialist unit. Additionally, attending a 2-week training camp each year is a crucial part of your experience in the Army Reserve.
