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Basic Training - The Entrance Procedure

Step 9: Get Ready For Basic Training

The Entrance Procedure

The entrance procedure for soldiers is slightly different for each service, but in each case you need to pass physical and medical tests, take some basic academic tests, and decide which area of your chosen service you want to serve in.

Army

There are different ways of joining the British Army as a soldier and getting your initial military training. This training consists of map reading, navigation, drill, weapon handling, health and safety and personal administration.

If you are a school leaver (between 16 and 17 years and 1 month) you can apply for the Army Foundation College at Harrogate in Yorkshire. This offers a 42-week course to boost your education and provide your initial military training. Alternatively you can join the Army Training Regiment (ATR) at Bassingbourn in Cambridgeshire which offers a 20 week initial military training course including a significant amount of adventurous training and sport.

If you are over 17 years old you go straight into military training. If you are planning to join the Royal Engineers, the Royal Artillery, the Royal Logistics Corps or the Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps you can go to one of three Army Training Regiments (ATRs) that provide 10 – 12 weeks of initial military training. These are situated in Lichfield, Pirbright and Winchester. After the initial training you will start your specialist training which ranges from about two months for combat roles to about two years for technical roles.

If you are planning to join the infantry you train at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) at Catterick in Yorkshire. This is combined Phase 1 and 2 training and is called the Combat Infantryman’s Course. It lasts 24 weeks and provides all the skills needed to join an Infantry Rifle Platoon.

RAF

There are different forms of basic training in the Royal Air Force depending on your career role. Gunners have a five months training course at RAF Honington in Suffolk to prepare you for life in the RAF Regiment. This involves boosting your fitness levels, the use of weapons, fighting and survival tactics, navigation and driving. You will be pushed to the limit to enable to develop character, determination and to work under pressure. After you complete the training you will go to your first posting.

Non-Commissioned Aircrew complete nine weeks of military training at RAF Halton, in Buckinghamshire where you will learn self-discipline, understand how the RAF works, substantially improve your fitness and learn how to handle a rifle. The next step is ten weeks of leadership and personal development training at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. This includes training in organisation, communication and administration as well as a field training exercise. After this course you will move on specialist training for your job role, including hands on training at an Operational Conversion Unit.

Royal Navy

Navy ratings take their initial eight week training course at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall. This is a shore-based course that also includes exercises on Dartmoor and includes an introduction to teamwork, firefighting, security, weapons handling and marching.

After that you will move onto the specialist training for your intended job role and this varies, depending on how technical the job role is.

Royal Marines

The Royal Marines Commando training is one of the toughest in the world and last for 32 weeks. It is held at Lympstone in Devon and involves achieving an exceptional level of fitness and the Commando ‘state of mind’ as well as learning advanced soldier and teamwork skills. Recruits who successfully pass the test start their career as a Commando with opportunities for specialist training and leadership courses.