RESERVE

RESERVE
SPARE-TIME
Your Guide to Joining the Army
as a Soldier in your Spare-Time

WHAT’S INSIDE
ABOUT US
06 What Is The British Army?
08 Joining The Army Reserve
10 How Will This Work For You?
12 What We Stand For
14 A Diverse Team
16 Meet The Reservists
YOUR OPTIONS
18 Working Your Way Up
The Ranks
20 Over 200 Roles
To Choose From
YOUR REWARDS
22 Benefits & Rewards
23 Skills & Qualifications
24 Adventurous Training
26 Love Sport?
YOUR APPLICATION
28 Can I Join?
30 How To Apply
32 Are You Army Fit?
AFTER YOUR JOB OFFER
34 Phase 1 Training
36 Phase 2 Training
JOINING FULL-TIME
38 Joining The Army Full-Time
02 Contents

Maybe you’ve always
wanted to join the
Army Reserve, but
couldn’t quite work out how
to fit it around your day job.
Or, maybe it’s something that’s
always been in the back of your
mind but you haven’t quite
managed to take the next step.
This guide is here to help you.
You’ll get the low-down on what it’s like to be a soldier in
your spare-time; the huge variety of roles you can choose
from, the skills you’ll gain, the social life, the travel and
importantly, what you’ll get paid.
You’ll also learn more about the recruitment journey
and the support you can expect along the way.
Don’t forget, there are lots of ways to get in touch with
us if you need more information or have any questions:
• Visit our website: army.mod.uk/join
• Search ‘Army Reserve’
• Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and
Instagram: ‘Army Jobs’
• Call us on: 0345 600 8080
• Pop into your local Army Careers Centre, or visit one
of our Army Reserve Units. We have hundreds all over
the country - you can find the nearest one to you on our
website under the ‘In Your Area’ section.
army.mod.uk/join

EAM

YOU
WILL
EVER
JOIN...

WHAT
IS THE
The Army is the biggest team
you will ever join and our
key purpose is to defend
the interests of the UK and our
overseas territories.
06 About Us

But it goes further than
that. We will be called upon
to support peacekeeping
missions, help people affected
by natural disasters and work
to prevent terrorism all over
the world.
Key roles of the Army:
• To protect the UK
• To fight the UK’s enemies
• To prevent conflict
• To deal with disaster
So, you could find yourself
taking part in operations
amongst your local community
and overseas, but you’ll also
be able to learn a trade and
master new skills.
army.mod.uk/join

Army Reserve soldiers get
involved in everything the
Regular Army does, from
combat to peacekeeping
and humanitarian work.
The difference is that
Reservists are not full-time
soldiers. Most Reservists
have a day job.
As a Reservist, you do your
training in the evenings and
at weekends and you get
paid for the time you spend
training. The Army Reserve
is organised into national
and regional units.
08 About Us
REGIONAL UNITS
Most people who join the Army Reserve join a
regional unit. They are all over the UK, so there
should be one near you. They recruit for lots of
different jobs, from drivers to chefs, mechanics
and infantry soldiers. You’ll work and train at
your local Army Reserve Centre, along with
your new Reservist friends.
NATIONAL UNITS
National Reserve units recruit from all over the
UK, so if you join one it might not be based
near where you live. The work they do is more
specialised than regional units. They normally
look for people who already have specialist skills,
such as medical, engineering or intelligence and
communications, but sometimes they train people
from scratch.
Did You Know:
The minimum commitment is 19
days per year for national units
and 27 days for regional units.
There are also a range of financial
incentives for new recruits.
Visit our website to find out more.

THE ARMY RESERVE
JOINING IN YOUR
SPARE-TIME
army.mod.uk/join

10 About Us

HOW MUCH TIME WILL
IT TAKE UP?
You do 19 or 27 days training each year, depending on your
unit (national units are 19 days and regional units are 27 days).
If you do all of these days and pass the Military Annual
Training Tests, you’ll get a tax-free bonus payment on top
of your pay. You can do more training if you like – you’re paid
for each day you do so it’s a good way to earn extra cash.
The great thing is that you can fit most of your training
around your day job. You do it in the evenings and at
weekends. There’s also a two-week training camp each
year. Apart from the camp, it’s up to you to decide how
much training you do.
Of course, if you are deployed on operations it’s different.
You will be away from home and you’ll need to take time
off work. But we make it as easy as possible for you and
your employer.
WHAT IF I WANT TO LEAVE?
WILL I BE CALLED UP?
There is a chance you could be asked to serve alongside
the Regular Army and it couldbe anywhere in the world.
This will only happen if the Army really needs you.
You or your employer can object if it would seriously
affect your personal life or your work. Most people find
that serving on operations is a fantastic experience because
they get to put their skills and expertise into action, make
a real difference and make friends that they will have for
the rest of their lives.
WILL IT AFFECT MY JOB?
Being in the Army Reserve can affect your job – but in
a good way. Many people find they develop leadership and
management skills, which help them at work. You must tell
your employer if you join; most employers are very supportive
of Army Reserve service, and rest assured your employment
is protected by law. Of course, if you know you will need to
take time off it’s a good idea to tell them as soon as possible.
You can leave at any time, unless you are currently deployed
on operations. If you decide the Army isn’t for you, or your
life changes and you don’t have the time anymore, just let
your unit know.
army.mod.uk/join

A
s a soldier you will
be expected to live
up to the values and
standards of the Army at
all times.
These will make you a better
soldier and maintain our
reputation for excellence.
COURAGE
Soldiers must know what the right thing to do is
and be brave enough to do it.
DISCIPLINE
The Army has to be a disciplined force, so every
soldier needs to follow the rules and be responsible
for themselves.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
No matter what situation you are in, you must show
respect and tolerance for other people and be able
to put yourself in their shoes.
12 About Us

INTEGRITY
Soldiers must always be honest, sincere, reliable and
selfless. Soldiers must be loyal to the Army and be ready
to do as it asks. The country relies upon it.
LOYALTY
Loyalty is about supporting your team, looking after
and helping them even when the going gets tough.
In return, they do the same for you.
ARMY STANDARDS
The Army’s standards are designed to ensure that all
behaviour is lawful, appropriate and totally professional.
Low standards damage the team, which could lead to
failure on operations.
Good To Know:
We will refer to these Values & Standards
during your recruitment journey. The more
familiar you are with them, the better!
SELFLESS COMMITMENT
The needs of the team always come before your own
needs. Soldiers are part of something bigger and must
commit to it.
army.mod.uk/join

A DIVERSE TEAM: WE
FROM ALL BACKGROUN
YOUR GENDER, RACE,
RELIGIOUS BELIEF, THE
YOU IN THE ARMY.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
We consider sexual orientation to
be a private matter for the individual.
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB)
soldiers serve throughout the
Army’s Corps and Regiments.
TRANSGENDER
If you have completed transition,
you will be treated as an individual
of your acquired gender. If you are
still undergoing transition then your
application will be treated on a
case-by-case basis.
RACE
We are proud to be an equal
opportunities employer and offer
careers and progression based on
your talent and ability not on your
ethnicity or cultural background.
We simply want the best people
to join our ranks.
14 About Us

WELCOME PEOPLE
DS. WHATEVER
ETHNIC ORIGIN OR
RE IS A PLACE FOR
GENDER
Men and women are on the same pay
scale and are paid according to their rank.
Again, we promote people based on their
performance, capability and potential.
FAITH
We will always try to help you
observe the customs of your faith.
Spiritual advisors serve with most
units, offering help and guidance
to soldiers at home and overseas.
Padres are Christian ministers,
but they support soldiers of any
faith as well as those who have no
religious beliefs at all. There are
also Armed Forces Chaplains of the
Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish
and Sikh faiths and a network of
religious advisors.
army.mod.uk/join

MEET THE
RESERVISTS
Name: Signaller Dicker
Regiment: Royal Signals
Civilian Role: Student
Army Travel: France, Austria,
Scotland, Italy
I joined the Army Reserve whilst studying at
university in Swansea. For me, being a Reservist has
allowed me to enhance my skills whilst getting paid
at the same time, for instance I have already learnt
to drive, ski and surf during my training. The Army
provides the opportunity to try something completely
different and one of the most exciting things about
my role is the variety – you never know what’s around
the corner or where you will next be based. For me,
what makes the Army great is the camaraderie in
everything you do and of course the adventurous
training – so far I’ve had opportunities to go rock
climbing, mountain biking, surfing and skiing. In
my four years with the Army Reserve I have already
had many experiences unrivalled in my civilian life,
making me immensely proud to serve my country.
16 About Us

“ To anyone who is
considering joining,
I’d say go for it, the
opportunities you’ll
have are almost endless!”
Name: Lance Corporal Lock
Regiment: Royal Engineers
Civilian Role: Store Manager
Army Travel: Egypt, France,
Germany, Cyprus
Good To Know:
Look out for our live Facebook webchats
with serving soldiers. Ask them questions
about their role and why they chose it.
Search ‘Army Jobs’ on Facebook.
As an Engineer IT Systems Operator, it is my job to
set up, operate and maintain the communications
equipment – whether that be on a training evening,
at the weekend or out on exercise for two weeks.
I really enjoy the diversity that having a role in the
Army Reserve alongside my full time job provides.
I get the opportunity to work with very complex, stateof-the-art
kit, in a variety of environments, all of which
pose different challenges. The role has really helped
develop my leadership and problem-solving skills,
which are skills I can transfer to life outside of the
Army. I’ve also had some amazing opportunities to
travel for adventurous training with the Army Reserve
– recently I went to Egypt where I completed a diving
qualification. To anyone who is considering joining,
I’d say “go for it, the opportunities you’ll have are
almost endless!”
army.mod.uk/join

WORKING
YOUR WAY
UP THE
RANKS
You join the Army Reserve as either a soldier
or an officer (officers are the Army’s senior
managers). You will have a rank which is the
same as the Regular Army. This helps define your job
and what responsibilities you have. This system also
gives everybody a clear career path to follow. Everyone
wants to be recognised for their hard work and of course
an increase to your pay packet is always welcome!
PRIVATE
On completion of Phase 1 training,
all new soldiers start as Privates
although the title may be Trooper,
Gunner, Signaller, Sapper, Fusilier,
Rifleman or even Kingsman depending
1on the Corps/Regiment.
18 Your Options

LANCE CORPORAL
Promotion to Lance Corporal may
follow after Phase 2 training or after
about 3 years as a Private. Lance
Corporals are required to supervise
a small team of up to four soldiers.
They also have opportunities to
2undertake specialist military training.
CORPORAL
After 6-8 years, and depending
on ability to lead, promotion to
Corporal typically follows. In this
rank additional trade and instructor
qualifications can be gained.
Corporals are given command of
more soldiers and equipment such
3as tanks and guns.
SERGEANT
Sergeant is a senior role of
responsibility, and you normally
reach here after about 12 years.
Sergeants are usually second
in command of a troop or platoon
of up to 35 soldiers, with the
important responsibility of advising
4and assisting junior officers.
STAFF/COLOUR
SERGEANT
After a few years as a Sergeant,
promotion to either Staff or Colour
Sergeant may follow. This is a
senior role combining man and
resource management of around
100 soldiers, or even command
5of a troop or platoon.
6
WARRANT OFFICER
CLASS 2 (WO2)
This is a senior management role
focusing on the training, welfare
and discipline of a company, squadron
or battery of around 90 soldiers. WO2s
act as senior advisor to the Major in
command of the sub-unit and may 7soldiers
also be selected for a commission
as an officer.
WARRANT OFFICER
CLASS 1 (WO1)
The most senior soldier rank in the
Army, WO1s are the senior advisors
to their unit’s commanding officer,
with leadership, discipline and welfare
responsibilities of up to 650 officers,
and equipment.
army.mod.uk/join

BUILD
COMBAT
Combat soldiers are at the
heart of the action. They have
a central role in major combat
operations, but they’re also
involved in peacekeeping and
disaster relief.
Some of the jobs you can do:
• Infantry Soldier
• Aviation Crewman
• Light Gunner
• Special Forces Soldier
• Tank and Armoured
Vehicle Crewman
YOUR
ENGINEERING
There are lots of different
engineering jobs in the Army,
from maintaining and repairing
aircraft to building bridges or
setting up electrical supplies
for new Army bases.
Some of the jobs you can do:
• Aircraft Technician
• Vehicle Mechanic
• Surveyor
• Electrician
• Weapons Systems Engineer
• Plant Operator
• Geographic Support
Technician
CAREER
HR, FINANCE
& SUPPORT
Like any big organisation,
the Army needs human
resources (HR), finance, legal
and education specialists.
Some of the jobs you can do:
• HR Specialist
• Military Police Soldier
Army careers
aren’t only about
combat, although
of course that’s an
important part and
everybody who
joins is first and
foremost a soldier.
However, we need
lots of different
skills and like all
teams, we work
by placing people
in positions where
they can make
the best use of
those skills.
INTELLIGENCE,
COMMUNICATIONS
& IT
When it comes to winning
the battle, information,
communications and modern
IT are every bit as important
as guns and tanks.
Some of the jobs you can do:
• Military Intelligence
Operator
• Communication
Systems Operator
• Language Specialist
• Cyber Specialist
20 Your Options

OVER
MEDICAL
Wherever the British Army
is in the world, the Army
Medical Services are there
too. They provide vital
medical care to soldiers and
working animals.
Some of the jobs you can do:
• Healthcare Assistant
• Veterinary Technician
• Combat Medical
Technician
• Healthcare Professional
• Nurse
• Environmental Health
Technician
200
LOGISTICS
& SUPPORT
Keeping troops fed and
supplied is vital. The Army’s
logistics experts make sure
that soldiers have everything
they need, when they need it,
wherever they are in the world.
Some of the jobs you can do:
• Logistic Supply Specialist
• Engineer Logistic
Specialist
• Movement Controller
• Chef
• Postal & Courier
• Driver
Good To Know:
Go online and use
our Role Finder tool
to find the right job
for you. Our careers
advisors will also be
able to guide you based
on your interests and
when you want to join.
DIFFERENT
ROLES
MUSIC &
CEREMONIAL
As the public face of the Army
on State occasions, Army
musicians have a proud
history. They also travel
overseas to support troops
on operations, where
they normally play more
contemporary music.
Some of the jobs you can do:
• Musician
army.mod.uk/join

BENEFITS
& REWARDS
Army life can be challenging, but it’s not as daunting as you
might think. As a Reservist you’re supported all the way by your
unit and you’ll be training with like-minded people who will soon
become friends. Along the way you’ll experience challenges and
excitement that you won’t find anywhere else, and you’ll enjoy
some great benefits too.
GET PAID FOR THE
TRAINING AND
RESERVE DUTIES
YOU COMPLETE
NON-CONTRIBUTORY
PENSION AND
PAID HOLIDAY
FINANCIAL
INCENTIVES
AND A TAX-FREE
ANNUAL BONUS
EARN MILITARY
AND CIVILIAN
QUALIFICATIONS
OPPORTUNITIES
TO TRAIN IN PLACES
LIKE CALIFORNIA
OR KENYA
SPORTS AND
ADVENTUROUS
TRAINING
UP TO £2300
JOINING INCENTIVE
WHEN YOU JOIN THE
ARMY RESERVE
(CONDITIONS APPLY)
YEAR
ANNUAL
TAX-FREE
BONUS
1
£440
2
£972
3/4
5+
£1,502 £1,742
22 Your Rewards

YOU GET PAID FOR ALL THE TIME YOU SPEND TRAINING
YOUR DAILY PAY GOES UP EVERY YEAR AND WITH EACH PROMOTION
£37.12
NEW ENTRANTS
£45.96
PRIVATE
£63.45
LANCE CORPORAL
£74.00
CORPORAL
£83.25
SERGEANT
£93.71
STAFF/COLOUR
SERGEANT
£101.92
WARRANT OFFICER
2ND CLASS
FOR EVERY TEN DAYS IN TRAINING YOU WILL GET ONE DAY OF PAID HOLIDAY
SKILLS &
QUALIFICATIONS
£118.05
WARRANT OFFICER
1ST CLASS
MILITARY SKILLS
Whatever job you do in the Army
Reserve, you’ll start by learning
military skills like how to
fire weapons and survival
training outdoors.
EXTRA TRAINING
For some jobs you’ll get extra training
as well. The Army might pay for you
to get your LGV driving license,
or to gain qualifications such as,
City & Guilds Effectiveness at Work
or DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching
in the Lifelong Learning Sector).
LEADERSHIP
You’ll learn other things too.
Most people find that Reserve
service makes them more confident
and gives them skills like leadership
and problem solving. And it shows
employers that you’re committed,
disciplined and focused. That’s
good for them and good for you
and your career.
Figures correct at time of going to print (May 2016)
army.mod.uk/join

RESERVISTS
GET AMAZING
OPPORTUNITIES
TO DO
ADVENTUROUS
TRAINING
ALL OVER
THE WORLD
24 Your Rewards

Reservists get amazing
opportunities todo
adventurous training
all over the world. Adventurous
training is a challenging
outdoor activity designed to
develop leadership, teamwork,
fitness and courage.
Some have gone paragliding
in California and trekkingin
Morocco – the opportunities
are almost endless. Sometimes
there is no cost to you and
sometimes there’s a small
charge, which is a lot less
than you would pay normally.
ADVENTUROUS TRAINING
CANOEING/KAYAKING
CAVING
FREEFALL PARACHUTING
MOUNTAINEERING
OFFSHORE SAILING
PARAGLIDING
SKIING
SUB-AQUA DIVING
SKILLS AND TRAINING
Many Reservists get to train abroad for the two
week annual training camp. You could find yourself
on exercise in Kenya or learning your trade in Cyprus.
The overseas training exercises are where you can put
all your training into practice and get to learn new skills.
army.mod.uk/join

LOVE
26 Your Rewards

SPORT?
There’s no better place to be than in the Army.
From football to Alpine skiing, you’ll get the chance
to train with the very best coaches in world class
facilities in the UK and abroad. If you’re an absolute
beginner we’ll help you find your sporting passion and
give you every opportunity to be the very best you can.
army.mod.uk/join

CAN I
JOIN?
28 Your Application

NATIONALITY
You need to be a British, Irish or a
Commonwealth citizen. For some roles
you need to have lived in the UK for
a certain amount of time.
FITNESS
Fitness is a big part of Army life and
we do have fitness tests during the
recruitment process (see page 32).
QUALIFICATIONS
This varies depending on the role
you are applying for. Many roles
require no qualifications at all.
TATTOOS
Small tattoos that aren’t offensive
are not normally a problem.
If you have a tattoo, the best thing
to do is get in touch and we’ll let
you know if it’s okay.
CRIMINAL
CONVICTIONS
Everyone makes mistakes and
a conviction doesn’t have to stop
you from joining the Army.
MEDICAL
CONDITIONS
Army life can be tough, so some
medical conditions can stop you
joining. For more information, visit:
www.army.mod.uk/join
HEALTH
Your GP must fill in a medical
questionnaire and you will have to
pass an Army medical examination.
AGE
18-50 years. You can apply to join
the Army Reserve when you’re
17 years and 9 months and you
must have submitted your application
by your 50th birthday.
Good To Know:
You can find out more
on our website but if you’re
unsure about anything, get in
touch with us and we will be
happy to advise you. Or, just
pop into your local Army Careers
Centre and speak to one of the team.
REJOINERS
You must have been trained and
completed service within the last
6 years for fast track application.
Medical discharge categories of MFD
(Medically Fully Deployable) and MLD
(Medically Limited Deployable) are
acceptable. You must be between 18-52
years old (higher age limit for some
professional or specialist applicants).
army.mod.uk/join

Good To Know:
Reserve units are always happy to host visits from
potential candidates, without any commitment on your
part. You can visit most units on weekday evenings,
receive information on the unit’s role and opportunities
and meet serving soldiers. In many cases, the unit will
invite you along to a weekend training activity too, so you
can get a really good insight into Army life. Just ask your
candidate support manager for more details.
30 Your Application
HOW TO
APPLY

1 2
3 4
THE FIRST STEP IS
TO APPLY ONLINE
Go to the Army website and click the ‘Joining the
Army’ tab at the top.
Then click ‘Start your application.’ Fill in and submit
the online application form. You’ll get an email with
a link to a medical questionnaire. Complete it as soon
as possible. If everything is OK with that we’ll assign
you a Candidate Support Manager, who will help you
through the rest of the application process.
THE NEXT STEP IS A TWO
DAY ASSESSMENT AT AN
ARMY ASSESSMENT CENTRE
There are four Assessment Centres in the UK
and we will pay for your travel to get there.
The purpose of the Assessment Centre is to see
whether you are suitable for Army life and the
job you have chosen. These are some of the
things you will do at the Assessment Centre:
• A full medical examination
• Physical and mental tests
• Team exercises to see how you work
with other people
• A short talk about yourself to a small group
You will find out how you have done at the Assessment
Centre at your interview, which is on the second day.
You can read more about the Assessment Centre at
army.mod.uk/getready
YOU WILL BE INVITED TO
A BRIEFING AT YOUR LOCAL
ARMY RESERVE CENTRE
If you are medically fit, you’ll be invited for a
briefing with a Reserve Unit. This lets you
ask questions and allows us to see if you are
suitable for the Army. The face-to-face takes
place at an Army Reserve Centre.
We will also send you a medical form, which
you will need to ask your doctor to fill in for you.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE
ASSESSMENT CENTRE?
Once you’re through assessment there’s just some
final paperwork to do before you’re ready to begin
your training:
• We will check your references and do
a background check
• We will give you a date to start your training
and you will formally join (enlist) in the Army
Your Army career then begins with Phase 1 Training
where you learn basic soldier skills. You then learn
the specialist skills of your trade in Phase 2. After
completing Phase 1 and Phase 2 Training, you will
join your unit where senior soldiers will provide
support and ongoing professional development. In the
Army Reserve you don’t have to do all the training at
once. It can be completed in shorter modules or in
one go. Further training also takes place in your
spare-time. It can take weeks or months depending
on your role, course and how much time you can give.
army.mod.uk/join

ARE YOU A
You need to be fit to reach the Army’s physical selection
standards. But if you turn up prepared you should be able
to pass all three tests.
20kg
20kg
CAN YOU
LIFT 2
JERRY
CANS
& WALK
120mUP TO
15-40kg
DOWNLOAD
CAN THE YOU LIFT ARMY A
POWER FITNESS BAGAPP
1.45m
You will be asked to lift two full 20-litre jerry cans
and carry them at a steady pace as far as you can
(up to 120 metres – depending on the role you’re
applying for).
You need to be able to lift a power bag from the ground
onto a platform 1.45m high. The weight starts at 15kg
and goes up to a maximum of 40kg dependent on the
role requirements.
32 Your Application

RMY FIT?
g
IFT A
BAG
m
HOW FAST CAN YOU RUN 1.5 MILES?
At selection, both males and females need to complete a 1.5 mile (2.4km) run
on 10MIN a good, level running surface. The type of role you want to do in the Army
10MIN
30SEC
30SEC
will PARATROOPER
10MIN determine 30SEC the standard you need to achieve.
PARATROOPER
PARATROOPER
10MIN
30SEC
10MIN
10MIN
PARATROOPER (JUNIOR ENTRY)
PARATROOPER (JUNIOR ENTRY)
PARATROOPER (JUNIOR ENTRY)
12MIN 10MIN
12MIN
12MIN
45SEC
45SEC
45SEC
INFANTRY PARATROOPER (JUNIOR ENTRY)
INFANTRY
INFANTRY
13MIN 12MIN 45SEC
13MIN
13MIN
15SEC
15SEC
15SEC
ROYAL INFANTRY ENGINEERS
ROYAL
ROYAL ENGINEERS
ARTILLERY
ROYAL ENGINEERS
ROYAL
ARTILLERY
ARMOURED
13MIN ROYAL ARTILLERY CORPS
ARMOURED 15SEC CORPS 20kg
ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS
ROYAL ENGINEERS
ROYAL ARTILLERY
ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS
14MIN
14MIN
14MIN
20kg
ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS
ARMY
ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS
ROYAL AIR
ARMY AIR LOGISTIC CORPS
CORPS CORPS
ROYAL ARMY
14MIN ROYAL AIR ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL CORPS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
ADJUTANT
AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
ROYAL
ROYAL
ADJUTANT ELECTRICAL GENERAL'S
LOGISTIC
GENERAL'S AND CORPS
CORPS
CORPS MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
ARMY ADJUTANT MEDICAL ARMY
AIR
MEDICAL GENERAL'S SERVICES
CORPS
SERVICES CORPS
INTELLIGENCE ARMY
ROYAL
INTELLIGENCE MEDICAL CORPS
ELECTRICAL
CORPS SERVICES
CORPS INTELLIGENCE OF ARMY AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
ADJUTANT
CORPS OF ARMY CORPS MUSIC
ROYAL GENERAL'S
MUSIC
CORPS SIGNALS CORPS
ARMY
ROYAL
MEDICAL
SIGNALS OF ARMY MUSIC
ROYAL SIGNALS SERVICES
INTELLIGENCE CORPS
CORPS OF ARMY MUSIC
ROYAL SIGNALS
14MIN
14MIN
14MIN
30SEC
30SEC
30SEC
ALL JUNIOR ENTRY (EXCEPT PARATROOPER)
ALL JUNIOR ENTRY (EXCEPT PARATROOPER)
ALL JUNIOR ENTRY (EXCEPT PARATROOPER)
14MIN 30SEC
CAN YOU
LIFT 2
JERRY
CANS
& WALK
UP TO
120m
DOWNLOAD
THE ARMY
FITNESS APP
Training isn’t as hard when you have
the right support to guide you. Simply
download 100% Army Fit for your
mobile, select your own personal
trainer and you’re ready to go.
army.mod.uk/join

TRAINING
You’ve done all your
prep, built up your fitness,
passed assessment and
done all the medical
checks. Congratulations,
now you’re ready to
start your training!
34 After Your Job Offer

PHASE 1 TRAINING
This is the start of your journey
towards life as an Army Reserve
soldier. It is challenging but also
really enjoyable.
Every soldier does Phase 1 training, whichever job they are
going into. This consists of two stages, Phase 1 (Alpha) and
Phase 1 (Bravo).
You’ll be taught the basics of how to become an effective soldier,
from building up your fitness level, to learning how to handle
a weapon and understanding Army ‘speak’.
Phase 1 (Alpha)
There are two different ways you can do this: It has been
designed so you can fit it in around other commitments.
• Option 1: 4 weekends of training
This will take place at one of our Training Units – usually
local to your home and selected Reserve Unit over a period
of up to 8 weeks.
• Option 2: 7 consecutive days
This will be at your local Training Unit or at a Regular
Army Phase 1 training establishment.
Phase 1 (Bravo)
Following Phase 1 (Alpha) comes the 2 week Phase 1 (Bravo).
This is a residential, two-week course delivered by Regular
Army staff at a Phase 1 training establishment.
This stage will build on the foundations you’ve already got.
You’ll also get to complete two training exercises, where you
can put what you’ve learnt into action. It culminates in a
prestigious passing-out parade in front of family and friends
on the last Sunday of the course.
How long?
Where?
PHASE 1 (A)
1 week
or 4 weekends
Depending on what
works best for you
Locations
around the UK
PHASE 1 (B)
2 weeks
Pirbright or Grantham
(with Regular Army)

PHASE 2 TRAINING
This is the point at which you
start your trade training and
develop your knowledge and
skills even more.
This will generally be centralised training lasting up
to two weeks at a specialist training school, dependant
on your chosen cap badge.
ONCE YOUR PHASE 2 TRAINING
IS COMPLETED, YOU WILL BE
CONSIDERED A TRAINED SOLDIER
You’ll get the chance to earn professional qualifications,
as well as to go on adventurous training. Both could help
put you ahead in your day job.
Good To Know:
If you need help deciding how to complete
your training just ask someone at your unit
or your Candidate Support Manager (CSM).
They’ll talk you through the options so you
can choose what suits you best.
36 After Your Job Offer

army.mod.uk/join

JOINING
THE ARMY
FULL-TIME
There’s always the option of
making the Army a full-time career
by joining as a Regular soldier.
OUTSIDE WORK YOU
CAN SPEND YOUR
TIME HOWEVER
YOU CHOOSE
Whether that’s keeping up with
hobbies, using the sports facilities
on base, socialising or seeing family.
Living with your friends in Army
accommodation, you won’t have to
look far to find someone to talk to or
relax with. And with excellent Army
facilities, you’ll never be short of
things to do.
YOU’LL LIVE AND WORK
ON MILITARY BASES,
EITHER IN THE UK OR
OVERSEAS
But that doesn’t mean you have to give
up your old life. Unless you’re away on
operations or training exercises you’ll
normally work 9 to 5, Monday to Friday.
You’ll also get 38 paid days off a year,
which is more than most civilian jobs.
IF YOU ARE DEPLOYED
ON OPERATIONS,
YOU’RE NORMALLY
AWAY FOR SIX MONTHS
Then you’ll get an extra four weeks
off when you get back on top of your
days off. What’s more, you’ll earn
extra cash while you’re away.
38 Joining Full-Time

Joining the Army Reserve involves making a
commitment. It does take time to get used to
Army life, but we’ll welcome you, train you and
develop you. And you’ll make friends for life.
Over the next few years the role of the Army
Reserve will be expanded and they will work
even more closely with the rest of the Army.
This means that there will be more opportunities
if you want to enjoy the challenges that come
with being a Reservist, like travel and adventure.
If you decide at any point that this isn’t for
you, or your life changes and you can no longer
give it as much time, all you need to do is tell
your superiors.
We’ll help you uncover strengths you didn’t
even know you had. You’ll soon start noticing
the benefits.
Good luck!
army.mod.uk/join

DON’T FORGET
There are lots of ways to get
in touch with us if you need
more information or have
any questions:
• Visit our website:
army.mod.uk/join
• Search ‘Army Reserve’
• Find us on Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and Instagram:
‘Army Jobs’
• Call us on: 0345 600 8080
• Pop into your local Army
Careers Centre, or visit one
of our Army Reserve Units.
We have hundreds all over
the country; you can find the
nearest one to you on our
website under the ‘In Your
Area’ section.
238_1605NTRES01