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Ways Of Joining the UK Armed Forces

Step 3: Choose The Right Path

Ways of Joining UK Armed Forces

You’ve shown an interest in joining the UK Military. Now you need to know exactly what they have to offer you and whether it is the right career move for you. In the ideal win-win arrangement you will stay in the Armed Forces until you retire, which is usually after around 18 – 22 years. Just when most civilian workers are also considering a change in career! You’ll also have a pension to help get yourself set up with a new career that will make the most of the skills you learned in the military.

Of course, 20 odd years is a long time so now’s the time to see what you get now and how you can live your life in the short to medium term.

- Royal Navy

Active duty (full time)
Reserve (part time)
Officer (Officer Candidate college, Direct Commissioned Officer for part time)

- Royal Marine Corps

Active duty (full time)
Reserve (part time)
Officer (including Officer Candidate College, Direct Commissioned Officer)

- British Army

Active duty (full time)
Reserve (For call up duty or volunteer part time/full time)
Officer (including Officer Candidate College, Direct Commissioned Officer)

- Territorial Army

Soldier (part time or full time on operations)
Officer (Officer Candidate college, Direct Commissioned Officer for part time or full time on operations)

- Royal Air Force

Active duty (full time)
Reserve (part time)
Officer (including Officer Candidate College, Direct Commissioned Officer)