Army Officer

Army officers command, manage and motivate teams of soldiers.

Typical Salary

£27,273 To £42,009

Typical Hours

Variable variable
evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Army Officer

You could get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College / University

You can do a degree course before you apply for officer training although it's not essential.

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

    • You could work towards this role by doing a relevant subject like Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Public Services. This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this career.

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

    • Apprenticeship

    You can work towards this role by starting with an intermediate apprenticeship as a HM Forces Serviceperson.

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

    • Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    You can apply directly for officer training.

    You'll need to:

    • be between 17 years 9 months and 28 years and 11 months
    • get a GP's medical report

    You'll also usually need a minimum of:

    • GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths, science or a foreign language
    • 2 A levels or equivalent

    You'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about what you want to do. You'll then attend an assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.

    Other Routes

    Other Routes are not listed for this job.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • leadership skills to manage and motivate soldiers
    • excellent verbal communication skills
    • thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
    • persistence and determination
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • concentration skills and fast reactions
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • the ability to work well with others in a team
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Day To Day Tasks

    You could work in a combat role as:

    • an infantry platoon commander leading a team of trained soldiers on operations
    • a helicopter pilot officer with responsibility for your crew and ground troops
    • a tank troop officer in charge of men and their vehicles
    • an artillery troop officer leading a team of soldiers

    You might work in medicine and healthcare as:

    • an adult nurse caring for injured soldiers
    • a dental officer for army personnel and their families
    • a veterinary officer working with military animals

    You could also be:

    • a logistic troop commander managing the supply of things like petrol and ammunition
    • an engineering troop commander managing engineering projects
    • an intelligence officer specialising in intelligence and security
    • a military police officer managing military police soldiers
    • a chaplain giving support and guidance to soldiers and their families

    Working Environment

    You could work be based overseas, at a military base or in a warzone.

    Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

    You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

    Career Path & Progression

    With training and experience, you could rise up through the ranks from lieutenant to captain, major, colonel and beyond.

    On leaving active service, you could use your skills, qualifications and experience to go into a new career, for example in management, planning or teaching. The Officers' Association gives advice and support to officers on finding a career outside the army.

    The Career Transition Partnership, Quest and Troops to Teachers also have more information on career options outside the armed forces.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    You can join the army reserve as a part-time officer to get some experience of what life is like in the regular army and to learn new skills at the same time.

    You'll need to:

    • be between 18 and 49
    • commit to at least 19 or 27 days a year, depending on your unit
    • attend a 2-week training camp each year

    Tips & Information

    Further information

    You'll find more details about careers in the army, training and how to join through Army Careers.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    You'll need to:

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