The benefits of being an Officer exceed those of almost any other career path. Not only do you receive excellent training in Management Techniques, you will also find yourself immersed in a lifestyle that is thoroughly rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How much will I get paid?
A1: Your rate of pay is determined by your rank, how long you have served and, in the early stages of your career, whether or not you are a Graduate.
If you are a Graduate Entrant, the Army will generally offer you seniority for the years you have spent at University, up to a maximum of 3 years.
If you are not a Graduate entrant, you will receive £15,268 during your training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. On commissioning you will be paid £24,133 as a Second Lieutenant – you will complete two years in the rank of Second Lieutenant before being promoted to Lieutenant.
For more information on how your wage will increase, click here.
Q2: I’ve heard the Army offers a very good pension. Is this true?
A2: Yes. All regular Officers and soldiers who receive full-time pay are members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme – a final salary-based scheme. After completion of 18 years’ service and reaching the age of 40, you are eligible for Early Departure Payments and tax-free lump sums.
If you leave before this time, provided you have served a minimum of two years, you will receive a preserved pension and tax-free lump sum at the age of 65. If you serve up to the National Army Retirement age of 55, you receive this lump sum and your pension when you retire.
Q3: How much time off will I get as an Army Officer?
A3: All Army Officers are entitled to 30 days paid leave a year as standard. You also receive an additional 30 days leave on completion of an Operational tour and 14 days mid-tour leave during the Operational tour.
The Army also offers generous paid leave packages for maternity, paternity and relocation between postings – as well as unpaid paternal leave. These are in addition to your annual leave entitlement.
Q4: Are there many opportunities for travel?
A4: Definitely. One of the biggest bonuses of being an Army Officer is the chance to travel all over the world. The army is operational in over 14 countries and young Officers can expect a posting overseas – either on operations or on exercise – within a year or two of leaving Sandhurst.
There are even more opportunities to see the world as a part of sporting tours and adventurous training.
Q5: Sport and Adventurous Training seem to be an important part of Army life. Could you explain exactly what they entail?
A5: In many cases, Sport and Adventurous Training can serve a very similar purpose. There are dozens of sports, played at all levels, that are recognised by the Army. From bobsled to basketball, they are all considered an important part of the lifestyle of a young Army Officer. Officers will have opportunities to organise or participate in expeditions around the world, learning new skills, including how to develop their teamwork and leadership skills.
SPORT
The Army offers a ‘sport for all’ ethos – no matter what your standard, there will be a sporting activity that suits you. Sport in the Army can mean many things, ranging from Land Rover Rallying to football. At the top level, the Army boasts several Olympians and national sporting squad players.
ADVENTUROUS TRAINING
As an Officer, you will organise Adventurous Training and expeditions for your soldiers. These can include diving, watersports, parachuting, hang-gliding and potholing. Several Officers and soldiers have even been on expeditions on Mount Everest.
Q6: What are the benefits of being a TA Officer?
A6: As a TA Officer, you get many of the benefits of Army life without giving up your day job.
TA Officers also receive regular Army rates of pay for attending training, annual camps and courses. In addition to the opportunities to partake in sports and adventure training with their regular counterparts, TA Officers receive an annual tax-free bounty for completing the requisite number of days per year . They are also reimbursed any costs incurred in travelling to TA events.
Click here for more information on pay and benefits in the TA.
Q7: Can you take a sabbatical as an Army Officer?
A7: Yes, the Army allows Officers to take Career Breaks during their service for varying lengths of time. The Army is keen to invest in its personnel and their professional and personal development. Officers can take a career break for various reasons, such as to study for an MBA or to spend time concentrating on a particular sport at a high level.