Army Serviceman/woman

Also known as:

Soldier (Army Serviceman/Woman)
Serviceman/woman

Introduction

Army servicemen and servicewomen choose from many different occupations. Whatever their main duties, all soldiers train in combat skills. Women do not work in front-line fighting posts.

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Work Activities

Army servicemen/women serve in the land-based defence, security and peacekeeping force of the UK. Some have mainly a combat role; others learn a trade and provide support to frontline troops. There are around 150 different occupations within the Army. Many soldiers learn more than one job: after training in their main skill, they go on to qualify in an additional trade.

All soldiers, whatever their trade, are trained in the skills they need for combat and will, at some time, work in battle areas. The Army is made up of regiments and corps. These can be broadly grouped into Combat Arms and Combat Support Arms.

Combat Arms The Combat Arms includes frontline combat troops, including the: Infantry, Household Cavalry and the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC). There are specialist jobs within each of the regiments/corps.

The Infantry is the frontline fighting force of the Army, responsible for capturing and holding ground. Soldiers may operate from helicopters, armoured vehicles or amphibious craft. They use machine guns, rifles and anti-tank weapons.

The Household Cavalry and RAC operate tanks and other vehicles involved in reconnaissance and frontline operations. The Household Cavalry also carries out ceremonial duties.

The Combat Support Arms The Combat Support Arms provide all the backup and support services needed to keep the Army operational. It includes the: Royal Regiment of Artillery, Royal Corps of Engineers, Royal Corps of Signals, Intelligence Corps, Army Air Corps (AAC), Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Adjutant General's Corps (AGC), Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC), Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) and Corps of Army Music.

The Royal Regiment of Artillery gunners operate a wide range of weapons. Gunners may also work in technical trades, communications and in parachute units.

A number of specialist jobs are available in the Corps of Royal Engineers. They construct defences, build bridges and carry out any other tasks needed to help the Army move, fight and survive. The corps includes construction craftsmen, bomb disposal experts and engineers who are responsible for maintaining and operating all types of frontline vehicles, including tanks and amphibious craft.

Surveyors and draughtspeople produce maps for all three armed forces.

The Royal Corps of Signals employs specialist technicians, mechanics and operators concerned with setting up, maintaining and operating communications systems.

Operators in the Intelligence Corps receive and analyse information to find out what the enemy is planning to do and to provide security for the Army.

Soldiers in the AAC are ground support crew for AAC helicopters. Their role includes maintaining helicopters, and re-arming and refuelling aircraft.

The RLC provides the Army with equipment and supplies. They transport people and catering and food supplies by land, sea and air, and provide postal services.

REME repairs, services and modifies all kinds of equipment including aircraft, weapons, radar and all types of vehicle. There are a number of trades including mechanics and technicians who specialise, for example in avionics or telecommunications.

The AGC covers administration and provost (the Army's police force). Clerks maintain records and deal with pay. They may specialise in areas such as accountancy and information technology. The Army's police operate in a similar way to civilian police and are responsible for security.

The RAVC is responsible for looking after and training the Army's dogs and horses. The corps includes dog trainers, veterinary technicians and farriers.

RAMC, RADC and QARANC provide health care services for military personnel and their families. Specialist trades include radiographer, operating theatre technician and nurse.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a serviceman or woman, you have to be well disciplined and willing to follow orders. Good teamwork is essential for effective operations. You will need to be responsible and adaptable.

As a combat soldier you will use a wide range of weapons. You will also need to be able to work well in all types of environment, including jungle, desert and Arctic conditions.

Each trade has specific requirements in terms of personal qualities and skills. Physical fitness is vital for all Army personnel. For all trades, your colour vision and/or hearing will be tested, as will your fitness levels.

As with other careers in the armed forces, you must be prepared to live and serve anywhere in the UK and overseas. You must be prepared to work in difficult, dangerous (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

The basic rate of pay for a soldier on entry is £13,013, rising to £16,227 on completion of training. After this, pay rates vary, depending on specialism and length of service. Pay increases further with promotion.

Hours of work for soldiers vary depending on operational requirements, but may include shifts, early starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays.

As a soldier, you may need to work at short notice, and you should expect to work longer hours during military exercises or on operational missions.

Opportunities exist for senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) to become commissioned officers later in their career, although competition is fierce.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

The upper age limit for entry to most jobs in the Army is 33 years.

'Golden Hellos' are available for some recruits who have already qualified in their trade or profession.

For further information, contact your local armed forces careers office.

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Further Information

Contact your local Army careers information office/armed forces careers office.

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