Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
When going through selection for the Army, it can be very tempting to try and be the person you think they are looking for. That might work in the short term, but in the longer term, or when you are under pressure / tired / in command, that doesn't work. It is far better to be the person you really are, with your own quirks and personality, and to utilise your own skills and abilities. The Army can teach you how to lead and think tactically, it can develop your fitness and your endurance, it can't change how you start out as a person.
Career path
SO3 G1 (Pers)
British Army
From 09/2008 to 06/2024Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I joined the Army because I wanted to give something back, to utilise my skill set in a way that I couldn't do in a civilian role. I'd been around the Armed Forces for years before I joined, and I knew the services were a family. Everyone watches out for each other, and strives towards team goals. There is a real sense of belonging, especially within tight-knit squadrons, or in the Officers' Mess. The Army also provides the opportunity to develop, not only military skills, but civilian and personal development as well. Coupled with sports and adventure training options, there is never a dull day.
Greatest achievements
As part of the work our Squadron undertakes, we regularly get asked for highly specific technical advice on projects and programmes that may be planned for years down the line, and which we can spend months working on for them. However, we sometimes get asked to advise on live operational taskings where we can see the outcomes of our advice in real-time, where we have minutes to provide output. These activities have the most impact on us. By occupying the 'thinking space' for commanders, it allows them to focus more on the 'tactical space' and, combined, that provides a huge advantage in the operational domain.
Tori C
Regimental Medical Officer
Top Insider Advice
All doctors at some point will have a difficult time, and many will have considered leaving medicine or the NHS. That might be why you are reading this! I am very glad that I decided to find a different way to continue my career, and would recommend that anyone having doubts has a look to see what else is available. If you love adventure and a bit of a challenge, the Army is an excellent opportunity. You will need to take 3 years out between FY2 and starting specialty training, but most Army doctors will tell you this is the most enjoyable 3 years of your career! After those 3 years, you will likely have a great looking CV and a much clearer idea of what you want to specialise in. The majority of doctors will stay employed by the Army during the training years, although some may choose to return to the NHS to train, this is usually if they decide to do a specialty that the Army doesn't provide (eg Paediatrics). It has been an excellent career change for me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
James G
REMSO
Top Insider Advice
Research the benefits of being in the Army Reserve, there will be a job with in the Army Reserve that interests you, speak to as many people as possible. Visit the units and get a feeling for the roles and the people that are there. Go with a can do attitude and give all you can as you will get it back in life experience, civilian qualifications and sense of achievement. You will gain life long friends and have some of the most exciting weekends possible. Even if you only do it for a short time, you will have gained something and you can always say you tried it. Remember it's easier to get out of, than to get into. And something not tried, is an opportunity missed.
Jason V
Ground crew specialist
Top Insider Advice
When I first applied for the Army I knew I could better my qualifications and travel around the world, but never knew I could gain so much more, for example I would have never of said in 10 years time I want to be a skiing instructor, but the Army has given me that experience and helped me work towards it.