British Army Soldier Training
You don't need to be the strongest, the fittest or the fastest. You need to keep showing up.
At a glance
Basic Training in the British Army is designed to prepare you for life as a trained soldier, developing your military skills, fitness, discipline and confidence. The course focuses on the essentials: physical fitness, fieldcraft, weapons handling, first aid, teamwork and leadership. You'll be supported every step of the way and grow into a soldier who lives up to the British Army's values and standards. Training takes place at dedicated Army training centres around the UK. And once you've passed, you'll move on to specialist trade training.
A glimpse into Army Training
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Footsteps hit the ground running as recruits get stuck in to physical fitness training.
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What's basic training really like?
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What to expect from Army training
- 1Your training journey
Not everyone will have the same journey from recruit to trained soldier. There are two phases to British Army training: Phase 1 is at least 13 weeks of Basic Training. Phase 2 is where you'll pick and learn a trade. This is otherwise known as Initial Trade Training and can take at least 12 weeks. But how much time it takes to get through all of your training will depend on the role that you choose.
The more specialised the role, the more time you'll need to prepare to train. Once training is complete, you’ll join your unit and get stuck in to your Army career. Each stage builds on the last, so you're never thrown in without the skills to back you up.
- 2Your daily routine
Early starts, physical training, fieldcraft, classroom lessons, kit checks. A typical day in Basic Training will follow a rhythm, even if the activities change day to day. Evenings and weekends bring some downtime, though how much will depend on which stage you've reached.
- 3Your fitness and preparation
Fitness matters, but so does mindset. No one expects you to show up to Basic Training totally fit, that's what the training's for. The best way to prepare for Basic Training is to turn up ready to learn. Running, some basic strength work, and getting comfortable outdoors before you enter the gates at Basic Training will take you a long way.
- 4Your skills and development
Weapons handling, fieldcraft, first aid, navigation, and the discipline to keep going when it's hard; these are the skills you'll learn in Basic Training and they'll stay with you for the rest of your career. Some you'll pick up fast, others may take the full course to click. No matter what, you'll have the support to keep pressing forward.
- 5Your welfare and support
Homesickness, falling behind, missing your old routine - most recruits hit at least one of these, and it's normal. It's not a sign that you're not cut out for a career and life in the Army. Instructors and support personnel are there to help you catch up, become more confident, and give you the tools to succeed. It’s all part of the process. We're not here to catch you out, so don’t worry.
- 6Your military community
Training will push you further than you expect. And whatever gets thrown at you, the people next to you are going through it too. They're the ones who'll be next to you in the mud at 5am, in the mess halls for meals, and in the classroom earning qualifications. No matter what, you'll lean on each other and find success together.
Where will you train?
TAKE A LOOK AT BASIC TRAINING IN THE ARMY
What soldiers say
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