Frequently Asked Questions

This very much varies between job roles and individual choice. Day to day jobs (so not on exercise or deployment) will allow you to have most weekends off so you can see friends and family. A lot of jobs are now based around Garrison Camps (where more than one Regiment are based) which allows soldiers more opportunity to get jobs in one area for a longer period of time. The Army also provides housing so that families can join you on your postings.

Remember – the Army isn’t forever. If you decide that the Army is not right for you, you should talk to your Commanding Officer who will be able to advise you appropriately. You will need to be Discharged As Of Right (DAOR).

Yes. You will be able to use your phone during your own time. During the day, while you are training, like in any job, you won't have the chance to use your phone, but you are free to make and receive calls when they are not working.

There are weekends and holiday periods built into training and we encourage all recruits to spent time at home. Once you’ve finished your training and joined your unit you’re free to come and go at weekends as long as you don’t have any duties.

During training you will have accommodation with the other trainees. Once through basic training you will then live in a Mess on site, which is an individual room with an ensuite (this does vary from camp to camp). Each room will have basic furniture, but you can add anything you would like and make it your home.

If you are married the Army will provide you a quarter. Size depends on your family size and rank and location depends on availability, but it must be within a certain radius from your work. If you can prove you are in a long-term relationship you may be eligible and can apply for housing, but this will depend on availability in your area.

Each living option is at an incredible rate, which is much less then any rent out there.

The Army has worked hard to improve its food options to ensure there is always a healthy well-balanced menu for all. There are always several options to choose from: from a fully warm main meal to salad bars.

An average meal will cost you around £2.50, which is brilliant value for money.

Today's Army is a modern, highly-skilled force that tackles all kinds of missions, all over the world. Active in peace time as well as conflicts, we carry out humanitarian operations, help in emergencies, get involved in local communities and protect civilians in the UK and abroad.

The Army supports serving parents and carers by offering flexible working opportunities and excellent parental leave options. More information on the Army Parents Network.

Yes, tattoos are allowed but there are some rules so as long as they are:

• not abusive or cause any offense

• on the face or neck.

Find out more information

No.

Whilst at training men's haircuts do need to be off the collar and tend to be short and tidy. Once out of training, as long as it is neat and off the collar then it is an individual choice what they do.

The Army now allows a range of hairstyles for women. The requirement for women with long hair, allows individuals to choose how they wish to wear it in uniform day-to-day. The new options include; a ponytail, plait, bun, braids, twists, cornrows or locks. They may also wear hair extensions, weaves and wigs as long as they are a neutral colour, do not extend below the belt, and can be worn with the appropriate headdress.

Having restrictions on hair styles is more about practicality over anything else.

Yes, women can wear make up but it needs to be natural and subtle. Just highlighting what you already have rather than looking obvious.

For men, make up is not to be worn.

Men in the Army are allowed to have beards and moustaches, but there are some rules that need to be followed.

Moustaches - They need to be neatly trimmed and not go below the lower lip.

Beards - They need to be kept short and neatly trimmed, ensuring it stays off the neck and cheekbones.

If you grow a beard or moustache for religious or cultural customs then it can be grown following these customs.

Yes, there are a few routes. If you would like to do a full career as a soldier you can then go for a Late Entry Commission and become an Officer. This is a boarded process, and you can only apply when you get to a certain rank (ranging between Sergeant to Warrant Officer, and will depend on your cap badge). However, there is also the opportunity for any Soldier to commission and attend Sandhurst. With your bosses support you then just follow the same process as anyone wanting to join Sandhurst.

There are many roles in the Army which do not need any academic qualifications. While you serve, the Army will help you earn qualifications through educational support.

Especially at the beginning of your career the main and obvious difference is that Officers are people managers. They oversee their troop, their welfare and what they do. Whereas Soldier are the ones on the ground doing the work.

This is very job role specific. There are currently no big operations, so if you were to deploy it would be with a small team or your Regiment. However, these will be planned with plenty of notice and training. If you would like to deploy and your current job does not offer it, there is the ability to request a posting or trawl.

Each day is different within the Army. You will spend your days doing physical training, vehicle/kit maintenance, looking after your people and training. Progressing through ranks will see you taking part in career courses but also training to improve your job competence, which includes job role courses. As you progress you will get more responsibilities, which include being in charge of small teams to whole Units. There will also be times when your training includes going on exercise to practice what you have learnt.

On top of daily work, there is also the opportunity to take part in sport on a weekly basis, take part in adventure training and travel with both.

Medical and psychological support for our people, if you get injured is world class.

The Army’s aim is to protect the Nation, at home and abroad. On every occasion possible the Army will not look to endanger anyone’s lives and we have very strict rules and laws to prevent this. However, as history shows, there are times when conflict is the only option.