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Questions for Parents of Armed Forces members

Step 4: Meet the recruiter

Questions for Parents

Parents want the best for their children — a meaningful and rewarding career, training and preparation for the future, and fun and adventure. So what do the British Armed Forces offer to today’s young people?

Joining the UK Military is an important decision and these questions provide a starting point for you to discuss the pros and cons of a career in the Armed Forces.

1. How does the British Military compare with the private sector?
2. Do you have to be a UK citizen to join?
3. How often will my child be away from home?
4. Will the British Armed Forces prepare my child prepare for a civilian job?
5. Can the Armed Forces sponsor my child’s further education?
6. What is the difference between enlisting and commissioning?
7. How much will they get paid?
8. How long is my child committing to?
9. Could my child get hurt?
10. Are there medical benefits?
11. How much annual leave will they have?
12. How old does my child have to be to enlist?
13. What if my child wants to leave?
14. What sort of training will they receive?
15. How can I help?

1. How does the British Military compare with the private sector?

The military offers stable but challenging careers with regular promotions and often accelerated responsibility. It provides training in an extremely wide range of specialties, many of which have civilian counterparts.

The Military also provides leadership experience and training that help people excel in the civilian workplace when they leave the Armed Forces. Other benefits include: early retirement programs, health and dental care, 30 days (six weeks) paid holiday each year, veterans benefits, competitive pay, subsidised accommodation and food and the potential to take extra formal qualifications like A-levels or degrees.

2. Do you have to be a UK citizen to join?

You must be a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen, or have dual nationality with Britain and another country for most roles. However, some exceptions are made, and some roles are only open to British citizens.

When is the next time I will be able to see my child after they leave for Basic Training? In most cases you may see your child when they graduate from Basic Training. However, this depends on the service and assignment they select, the longer training regimes incorporate periods of leave.

3. How often will my child be away from home?

Travel is part of military life. The amount of travel varies greatly from Service to Service and assignment to assignment.

4. Will the British Armed Forces prepare my child prepare for a civilian job?

Yes. The Armed Forces offer a huge range of careers, most of which have direct counterparts in the private sector. Additionally, service in the military builds leadership skills and personal responsibility traits that many employers look for in employees.

5. Can the Armed Forces sponsor my child’s further education?

Yes. The Armed Forces provide a number of ways to help your child through A-levels and a degree. See our Money for Education Prior to Joining section for more information.

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