Armed forces

You could get into this job through:

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

University

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

Most subjects are acceptable.

You can also apply for an army officer internship before, during or after university. This gives you the chance to learn about the officer role and whether it's something you want to do.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could work towards becoming an officer by doing a college course, for example in public services or A levels. You would then apply to the army for officer training.

Apprenticeship

You could start your army career by doing an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You would apply directly to the army to find the best apprenticeship route for you.

Entry requirements

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

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

For more information

• Army apprenticeships|https://jobs.army.mod.uk/regular-army/what-you-get/apprenticeships-skills/
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

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

You'll need to:

• be between 18 and 49
• commit to at least 27 days a year, though this can fall to 19, if you apply for a specialist unit
• attend a 2-week training camp each year

If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Army Cadet Force.

Direct application

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 qualifications

You'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about the opportunities available. You'll then attend a 2-part assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.

If you're accepted, you'll move onto formal officer training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in Surrey.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• meet the British army nationality and residency rules
• pass a fitness test
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Further information

You'll find more information about becoming an army officer from Army Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

Your first command post will usually be for 12 years though you can leave during training or after 3 years' service. With training and experience, you could move up through the ranks from lieutenant to captain, major and beyond.

Throughout your army career, you'll have the opportunity to gain qualifications in your chosen field.

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. You can find details about support and opportunities from:Quest; Career Transition Partnership; Forces Employment Charity; Get Into Teaching