Army officer job

What's it like?

You would be in charge of leading a group of troops from the British Army as they worked to complete a job or mission. In tense and perhaps hazardous circumstances, you would make snap judgments on what course of action to pursue.

You would be in charge of the training, health, and discipline of the people under your command, in addition to being accountable for their well-being. You would inspire them to function as an efficient and well-disciplined unit while working together.

If you are an officer in a unit that is part of the Combat Arms, you would be in charge of leading soldiers that are actively engaged in combat. These forces include the infantry, armored corps, air corps, and cavalry.

When you join a regiment that specializes in Combat Arms Support, you will be given the responsibility of commanding a team that performs tasks related to artillery, engineering, information technology and communications, intelligence, logistics, and healthcare.

You would see to it that your troops are provided with the necessary supplies, training, and assistance. If you were an officer, one of your responsibilities would be to manage the troops in your unit as well as to oversee the training and incorporation of new recruits. There will also be work involved in administration.

Your specific responsibilities will be determined by both the Arm that you join and the work that you conduct.

The following are some examples of jobs within the Combat Arms:

Platoon officer in the infantry is responsible for directing a group of thirty fully trained men on missions.

As a helicopter pilot officer, you are responsible for both your crew and the ground forces that are supporting you.

Officer in command of a tank troop, responsible for 12 men and the tanks they operate

Officer of an artillery unit, responsible for a squad of thirty troops and the equipment they use.

The following are examples of positions that fall under Support Arms:

Adult health nurse tasked for providing medical attention to wounded service members in high-pressure environments

Whether as a medical support officer or a dental officer, their primary responsibility is to ensure the wellbeing of service members and their families.

Veterinary officer, or someone who works with animals in the military

Chaplain is someone who provides emotional and spiritual support to service members and their families.

In addition to completing operations in conflict zones, your unit may also participate in missions aimed at maintaining peace and assisting those in need.

Conditions of employment

Hours

Your work schedule will be determined by the branch of the armed forces that you are assigned to. If you are not participating in training or operations, your typical workday may go from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You may be required to work longer hours and erratic schedules during exercises and operations.

Environment

Depending on the job you play and the regiment you follow, you may be subjected to a variety of difficult tests, settings, and scenarios. Training exercises would take up a significant portion of your time, and you may also find yourself working in an office as a manager, an engineering workshop, or a field hospital.

Travel

It's possible that you'll be separated from your loved ones for extended stretches of time. It is possible that you will be stationed in the United Kingdom (UK) or somewhere abroad, such as Canada or Cyprus.

Top skills

This profession requires a variety of talents, some of which are listed below. Sign in to see how your talents stack up against those of other users.

Adaptability

Resilience

Delegating

Taking responsibility

Inspiring and urging on others

Making choices and judgments

Putting together a strategy

Verbal communication

Cooperating

Resourceful

Getting in

The prerequisites for individual classes are subject to change. Always be sure to verify with the college, institution, or training provider that you want to attend by calling them.

Qualifications

You would need seven National 5 qualifications with a grade of C or higher (SCQF level 5), two Highers with an aggregate score of 180 UCAS points across no more than four subjects (SCQF level 6), at least two more qualifications at the Higher or Advanced Higher level (SCQF level 6 or 7), and/or a university degree in any subject (SCQF level 9 or 10).

You also have the option of joining the Army as a soldier and then applying for advancement from inside the organization.

You need a minimum grade of C/2 in English Language, Maths, and either a science or a foreign language to become an officer. Additionally, you need 180 UCAS Tariff points from a maximum of three subjects (four for Scottish Highers and excluding General Studies), with a minimum of two at National Level 3 (excluding AS Levels) or National or International equivalent.

Useful subjects

etymologically (required)

Maths (required)

curricular options in the sciences or languages (required)

Social subjects

Education in physical activity

You will need require

In addition to that, you will need to succeed in:

Medical for the Army

Examen de forme militaire

And the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB), which consists of a two-part briefing that lasts for 24 hours and an evaluation that lasts for 3.5 days.

The 'beep' test is a component of the evaluation procedure and is used to evaluate an individual's level of cardiovascular fitness. There are other exercises such as sit-ups and press-ups.

Although you must be between the ages of 18 and 28 years and 11 months to apply to become a regular officer, you may apply for sponsorship at sixth form or university before you reach this age.

For officer candidates who are interested in joining the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, or MOD Civil Service, the residential sixth form college for the services is called Welbeck. Additional information on the college can be found on the website www.army.mod.uk.

If you are beyond the age of 30, you may be eligible for consideration on a case-by-case basis throughout the application process if you are able to get sponsorship from a regiment or corps. There may be higher age limitations for candidates in some professional or expert fields.

You may not be allowed to join if you have certain body piercings. You won't be able to join the army if your tattoo is considered to be racist, insulting, or otherwise inappropriate. Having a few non-offensive, little tattoos on your body that aren't in any way offensive shouldn't be an issue for most people, however this does depend on where on your body they are and how visible they are. Tattoos on your head or face are not tolerated in today's society. If you have a tattoo, the best thing to do is go to the Army Careers Centre that is closest to you and ask them to verify whether or not it is acceptable.

If you join the Army, you will be subject to random and mandatory drug testing; if the tests reveal that you have been taking drugs, you will very certainly be kicked out of the service.

The application procedure includes a comprehensive medical test; however, before you begin, it is important to review this list to determine whether or not you are qualified to apply.

Beneficial to possess

The following are examples of qualifications that indicate an awareness of the armed forces, physical and mental fitness, and devotion to one's community:

Abilities Necessary for Work in the Armed Forces and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4)

SQA Leadership Award, which is at the SCQF level 5/6 level

Award for a Cadet Organization or One of the Many Other Youth Awards