Army Career

Am I eligible?

All Army personnel, both Regular and Reserve have the opportunity of a full career in the Army.

What’s it for?

The British Army gives you the opportunity to shape your career.  With hard work, dedication and talent, you can work your way through the ranks, gaining the unique experience and skills that come with the structure of an Army career.

What do I get?

Throughout your career with the Army you receive world class professional training and development that will give you the skills to progress your military career and beyond.  There are various opportunities for continued education and training throughout your service.

Career stability.  Newly joined Regular Soldiers are offered, in most cases, an initial career of up to 12 years and may then be eligible to serve for up to 24 or 30 years.  Regular Officers will normally be offered an initial 6-year Short Service Commission and may then be eligible to serve for up to 20 or 34 years (35 years for some specific roles) or up to a maximum of 60 depending on the age and time they enlisted, and the commission type they are on. Reservists can enjoy lengthy service alongside Regular Service personnel.  Furthermore, flexible working or flexible service can offer increased work/life balance when personal circumstances change - see the flexible service and working benefit pages for more information. 

Career Path.  All promotion is based on Service requirement, and opportunities will therefore vary between cap badges and trades.  Promotion beyond Captain for officers and beyond Private for other ranks is predominantly by selection, dependent on trade and recommendations.  See CM Handbook Part 3 - Guide to Army CM (accessed through DefNet)

Opportunities to change your cap badge or trade or type of service. Subject to Service need, there are opportunities to change what you do in the British Army which can be found on the Digital Transfer app (Digital Transfers (mod.uk)).  You can transfer to another cap badge or trade; move from the Regulars to the Reserves; potentially move from the Reserves to the Regulars; or transfer to another Service in the Armed Forces.  The requirements concerning eligibility for these different career moves are detailed and you can find further information in the references below or ask your chain of command or Career Manager for advice. 

Opportunities for overseas service: There are opportunities to serve abroad, either unaccompanied or accompanied by your family, not just on exercise or operations.  If you are interested speak to your Chain of Command or Career Manager about suitable attachments or assignments.

Career advice.   Responsibility for your career lies with you, the chain of command, and your Career Manager in the Army Personnel Centre.  Career advice can be sought from your chain of command and/or Career Manager; you will receive Formal Career Reviews at various stages throughout your career.  See Career Management Handbook Part 2 - Career Management Roles and Responsibilities.

How do I claim?

Speak to your Career Manager.