Considerations and Requirements for Joining the UK Army

The British army is one of the best in the world. It prides itself on excellence. There are a number of considerations that a person willing to choose the army in terms of a career need to make. First off, the British army requires that the recruits meet high standards before they are signed up. The high standards are reflected in the recruitment process which is always thorough and carried out in a professional manner.

The first thing is to choose whether you want to join the army as an infantry or a territorial soldier. Joining the Territorial Army requires that you are 17 years old. The benefit of joining TA is that you can combine your civilian life with soldier life. Though you serve part time, you may also be called to serve as TA overseas. It is always easy for TA soldiers to join regular army to enhance military security. Joining the regular army means that you are a full time army; you will be paid full time, will get pension and can even go for tours of up to 6 months. 

When you want to join the regular army, you can choose between two levels; officer or soldier. The officer level has more educational and age requirements. You need to research on the various roles of the two levels as you will be interviewed on your strengths and interests when you apply.

British Army Basic Entry Requirements

Irrespective of whether you want to join as a regular or a reservist army, you have to meet some basic requirements. The first thing to be checked is your age. To join regular soldier, you have to be 16 years and above. By the age of 33 years, you ought to have completed Phase 1 training of the UK army. To be a regular officer, you need to be between 18 and 25 years old.

To join the army, you have to be physically and mentally fit. Before you are signed into the army, you have to undergo full medical examination. Some of the medical conditions that can bar you from joining the army include back problems, kidney problems or kidney donation within two past years, bone and joint problems, neurological disorders, blood diseases, chronic abdominal diseases, eye problems, ear disorders, pregnancy, skin and chest problems and psychiatric conditions.

Benefits of Joining the Army

Army life is not all smooth; there are hard times. However, most recruits enjoy army life and learn new skills to improve on military security. Besides the fat pay and the many rewards that the army gets, they enjoy subsidised goods, subsidised accommodation and travel expenses as well as free sporting facilities. The army gets a minimum leave of 38 days annually and gets subsidies on medical care. There are possibilities of going up the ranks as you continue working. The army is a promising career path to most young people in the UK. Once you join the army, you not only help in military security but also achieve your dreams as you get to continue with your education.

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