Hello,

At some point you will definitely be sharing your living space with others: it's a part of life in the Army.

This will start with being in a 12-bed room, as well as ablutions, with your section in Basic Training. Later, you'll share a "shell scrape" with up to 2 other soldiers while on exercise. You can also expect to share bedrooms when you go on courses or when you're in transit/temporary accommodation.

Once you finish your Basic and Initial Trade Training you can move into your own space such as Single Living Accommodation (which is normally an en-suite for one) or into Service Family Accommodation (which is normally a house for your family).

As a personal example, I shared an 8-bed room and ablutions on a course I was on a couple of months ago, but I normally live in Service Family Accommodation.

I hope that helps to answer your question. Please feel welcome to ask any follow up questions in the comments.

26 January, 2025 16:30

hi thanks for your reply

I have 2more questions- how long can I sign up for initially and if the army isn't for me, how hard is it to leave?

26 January, 2025 17:17

When you start basic training your terms and conditions of service will be fully explained to you before you commit and sign a contract. If you are under 18 when you start basic training your legal guardians can recall you.
If you are over 18 when you start basic training you have a "Discharge As Of Right" (DAOR) window. Once you have completed 28 days of basic training this window opens which allows you to leave the service, this is a one time offer so if you do DAOR and chose to re-join at a later date you will no longer have the opportunity to DAOR.
The DAOR window closes a couple of weeks before your basic training finishes. From then you will have to complete a minimum of 4 years service before you can "notice to terminate" (NTT) which will start the process of you leaving the service. The NTT is a 12 month notice.

27 January, 2025 11:59