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Army Officer

Do you want to become a Army Officer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Army officers lead and manage teams of trained soldiers. This can be during peacetime and war, as their job may take them into conflict. They also work to support humanitarian efforts. They are responsible for operational effectiveness and overseeing the training, discipline, welfare and career development of the soldiers under their command.

Some officers have a profession in the army, for example nurses, doctors, dentists, veterinary surgeons, barristers, solicitors and chaplains.

Working hours depend on the officer's specialism. Some may work office hours, others work shifts, but they are on call at all times. During exercises and operations, hours may be long and irregular.

Army officers are trained to work in a wide range of conditions and situations. Depending on their role, they may work in an office, outside in the field or in a specialist area such as a workshop or kitchen.

Salaries range from £21,301 for a second lieutenant, up to £39,018 a year as a captain.

Army officers need to:

• be able to lead and motivate others
• be self-disciplined and confident
• be able to plan, think and act under pressure
• use their initiative
• fit into a highly organised structure
• work well in a team and encourage others to do so
• communicate well with people at all levels
• be interested in serving the country.

There are about 12,500 officers in the army, and around 700 are recruited each year. Over 80 per cent of officers are graduates. They need at least two A levels/three H grades, or the equivalent, and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), normally including English language, maths, and either a science or foreign language. The A levels, or equivalent, should add up to 140 UCAS tariff points.

They must normally be between 17 years 9 months and 29 years, pass a medical entrance test, and meet the army's nationality requirements.

Most officers complete three 14-week terms of the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, followed by a Young Officers course of specialist training.

Army officers start as second lieutenants and can be promoted through the ranks up to the role of captain. A small number of army officers may become brigadiers.

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