Can an already serving soldier become an officer? If so how do u go about doing this and what requirements are needed??
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I’m thinking of joining as a soldier as I like the soldiering part of the army however being an officer also intrigues me, so I wondered if I could do some years as a soldier then commission an officer
Andrew A. asked a question to Combat
Category: Role Description
Date asked: Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Last reviewed: Thursday, October 28, 2021
James A.
Reconnaissance Platoon soldier
Hi Andrew, in short yes.
If you have the necessary education qualifications and requirements I’m pretty certain you can apply for commission.
I’m sure there will be someone who will comment the correct answer shortly.
Regards
J
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Andrew A.
Thankyou,, will keep an eye out f another comment,, wondering what the other requirements other than educational qualifications are also ?
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
James A.
Reconnaissance Platoon soldier
Andrew, please click the link below to check the requirements on the army website
https://apply.army.mod.uk/what-we-offer/regular-officer?gclid=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46uhtFTY9k7SRLtMy6cfZXw_r_sLjfVF2t0Z0AYuVp5HVYV4hBfm1GfhoCNDIQAvD_BwE&cid=semp9686638846&ef_id=CjwKCAjw_L6LBhBbEiwA4c46uhtFTY9k7SRLtMy6cfZXw_r_sLjfVF2t0Z0AYuVp5HVYV4hBfm1GfhoCNDIQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8141!3!355975535001!e!!g!!british%20army%20officer&gclsrc=aw.ds
Regards
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Andrew A.
Ah yes cheers,, didn’t know if it would be a certain number of years service before can commission as a requirement that’s all,, cheers
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Jen C.
Reservist Brigade SO2 SPS
Hi, you don't need to have served a certain number of years. You need to have a recommendation to go for your direct entry commission and will have an interview with your bosses. Then the process is basically the same as if you joined straight from not being a soldier first!
I know of individuals who have been highlighted to go the officer route during basic training!
If you are successful through to the Army officer Selection Board (AOSB) Briefing, many serving soldiers get a Category 2 Potential Officers Development Course (or PODs) pass. This involves 10 weeks (i think - I used to teach on it but it was a while ago!) course at Worthy Down in Winchester doing alsorts of different things that will increase your chances of success at the Army Officer Selection Board. It is genuinely seen by ex POD cadets as one of the best courses in the army. If you are successful at AOSB then you would attend the full commissioning course at Sandhurst and commission as a 2Lt. You also don't need to serve as an officer in the capbadge you joined as a soldier.
As a serving soldier you can also apply as a Late Entry officer but you can't do that until you reach the minimum of Sergeant and in a lot of Capbadges, Warrant Officer Class 2.
Hope this and James' advice has helped.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Andrew A.
Thanks that’s really helped and cleared everything up,, cheers
Thursday, October 28, 2021
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