Thanks for the question Adele,
Starting as a soldier after initial training everyone starts at the rank/ equivalent rank of Private, you will then have to work hard and impress to move up through the ranks as an NCO. I order to become an NCO you will have to be recommended for promotion and be selected off the promotion board. Following this you will have to complete and pass what is called an ALDP course which was previously known as the pre NCO course. For most the first promotion should come around 4-7 years depending on various factors.

Starting as an Officer is an entirely different challenge and requires you to complete 1 year at the Sandhurst military academy, with a similar system of promotion. As an officer you will be responsible for the running of your Soldiers, their work and discipline, think of it as a management role.

The difference in pay:

Soldier after training base salary £21,424

Officer after training base salary £34,690

Its important to note that these are base salaries, they may differ based on role and over years of service these increase.

At the end of the day it`s down to you, your background and leadership skills as to which role will suit you. All entry requirements for Officer and Soldier can be found on the Army jobs website.

Hope this helps.

07 February, 2023 15:40