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Overseas Applications To Join the British Army

OVERSEAS APPLICATIONS TO JOIN THE BRITISH ARMY

You may ask yourself the question – ‘Is it possible for me, as an overseas applicant, to join the British Army as either a Soldier or Officer or sailor’. The answer – ‘Yes’ – but it is dependent on where you live.

The British Army has had many famous Officers and Soldiers from overseas serve within its ranks. Many of them have served with gallantry and distinction, the most recent of these being Grenadian born Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC. Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry shown on two occasions when by his selfless actions he saved members of his Regiment, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, when ambushed in Al-Amarah, Iraq.

To join the British Army you must be either a British or Irish citizen or a citizen of a Commonwealth Country. You may also qualify if you are a British subject under the British Nationality Act of 1981. To check your eligibility go to:

www.army.mod.uk/

and complete the simple questions asked. You will be advised immediately whether you qualify to join the British Army or not. If you do qualify answer the questions on the Overseas Enquiry Form and click on ‘Send me the Information Pack’ at the bottom of the form.

The same rules apply for Commonwealth Citizens applying for the Royal Navy. Check further here:

www.royalnavy.mod.uk

SOLDIER APPLICATIONS

• Choosing a career.

When your initial application form has been processed and your eligibility to serve in the British Army confirmed you will be sent a brochure informing you about careers available to you. Some career choices have a Minimum Education Requirement and for these choices you will have to provide copies of your Education Certificates. When you have selected the career you wish to be considered for you must reply in writing informing them of your choice. For a description of careers available in the Army go to:

www.army.mod.uk/

• Application Form

On receipt of your career choice an application form will be sent to you. This form must be completed and returned within 4 months of receipt in order that sufficient time is allowed to process your application.

• Selection Process.

When your application is received it will be assessed with all the other applications that have been received from UK and overseas residents. If you are successful you will be invited to go to an Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) or an Army Careers Information Office (ACIO) located in the United Kingdom in order that your application can be processed. It is your responsibility to meet the following costs:

- Travel to the United Kingdom.
- General living costs during the selection period. This could be for a period of up to 3 months.

Interviews will be at an AFCO or ACIO that is closest to where you are living in the United Kingdom. Travel costs to the Army Development and Selection Centre (ADSC), where you will undergo assessment as well as medical and fitness tests to assess your suitability to serve in the British Army, will be paid by the Army.

If successful you will be notified of your acceptance for Phase 1 Training. Phase 1 Training takes place at one of the Army Training Regiments (ATR). You must be prepared to travel to the United Kingdom within 4 months of notification of acceptance for Phase 1 Training.

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