So how do you join us?

The easiest way to apply to join The Black Watch is to contact our Battalion Recruiting Team (BRT), whose address and phone number are given at the bottom of this page, along with our e-mail address.

The BRT will be able to give you more detailed information about a career in The Black Watch, and depending upon where you live, we will usually be able to come and visit you in person. We will be happy to talk to you and any other member of your family, and answer any questions you may have, whether it be about the application process, recruit training, army life, pay, qualifications, travel etc. The next step is to have an interview at an Army Careers Information Office. The advantage of contacting the BRT first is that we can arrange this for you and if possible, we will be happy to take you to and from the office ourselves.

Alternatively you can walk into any Army or Armed Forces Careers Office in the UK, and tell the staff that you wish to join The Black Watch. They should then help you with your application. You will be expected to meet certain basic intelligence and health/fitness standards, and attend a number of interviews.

Do not be put off at this stage! Thousands of young men and women join the Army each year. The standards are more achievable than you probably realise - at least come along and see us and have a go.

Next let's look at your initial training

Once you have successfully completed the selection process, every infantry soldier must complete recruit training before joining The Black Watch. This could be either at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate Army Training Regiment in Bassingbourne or at the Infantry Training centre at Catterick (ITC (C)), depending on your age and Recruit Selection Test results. Those recruits who attend Harrogate or Bassingbourne will attend a second phase at the (ITC (C)). The following tables give more information about these options, including the qualifications you will achieve, which are recognised by civilian employers should you decide that you do not wish to stay in the Army beyond your obligatory four years.

Phase 1:

Phase 2:

Your training will continue when you reach the battalion, as you continue to enhance your skills. Once you have mastered your job as an infantryman in a rifle platoon, we will train you to do one or more of the following advanced specialist jobs:

Rewards
Why it pays you to join The Black Watch:

New entrants are paid £233.24 per week (£12,162 per year). Once in the Battalion having passed your training, a private soldier's pay varies from level 1 at £274.68.16 per week (£14,323 per year) to level 7 at £370.02 per week (£19,294 per year).

In addition while serving in Northern Ireland you will receive an additional ‘Northern Ireland Residential Supplement’ which is currently £5.60 a day.

You will receive 30 working days of paid leave a year plus an additional 7 Northern Ireland Long Weekends (at the Commanding Officer’s discretion)

Accommodation and food are automatically provided.

Subsidised fuel and travel.

Free driving licence and tuition.

Gain SVQ/NVQ qualifications up to Level 2 within 3 years of joining.

Receive an annual personal education allowance of up to £175 a year.

Receive free medical and dental care.

All clothing and equipment is provided.

Re-engagement bounty/retention bonus at 2, 5, 8 and 12 years.

Lifestyle
Introduction

Joining the Black Watch does not just guarantee you an exciting career, it's also about enjoyment and a high quality of life. Here are some of the other benefits on offer:

Sport:

We have clubs or teams for most sports and encourage participation at any level. Football is particularly popular, but we offer a choice ranging from rugby and running to skiing and swimming. We have recently had sports teams competing abroad in France and Hong Kong. Don't worry about fitness as we will train you gradually and progressively to the expected standard.

Adventure Training:

There are many opportunities for adventurous training both in the UK and abroad such as diving, sailing, parachuting, hill-walking, climbing and canoeing. There are many more to choose from and, again, participation is encouraged.

Travel:

Many opportunities exist to travel widely, a lot of which are short term exercises. Over the last couple of years we have had groups or individuals in the following locations: Germany, Canada, USA, Cyprus, Belize, Hawaii, Kenya, Northern Ireland, Zimbabwe, Brunei, New Zealand, Poland, Hong Kong, The Alps, The Balklands, Falkland Islands, Namibia, Kuwait and Iraq.

Welfare:

Single soldiers live in service accommodation, although permission can be sought to live out. Families Quarters are provided for married personnel. A dedicated social club provides on camp entertainment and facilities for single soldiers, and there is a families club which caters for all the married personnel's needs. We have a full time Families Office providing welfare assistance when required along with other service and civil organisations.

Officer Careers

The Black Watch has high expectations of its officers. The Battalion is looking for young men who are capable of leading its soldiers in the most demanding situations and yet able to fit happily into the Black Watch family during less challenging times.

To be eligible you must have obtained the required academic qualifications, be medically fit and have British or Commonwealth citizenship. Officers do not necessarily have to come from Scotland for the priority is quality not domicile. Although candidates are eligible for commissioning in the British Army up to the age of 29, it would be exceptional for The Black Watch as an infantry Battalion to accept anyone over 25 years of age.

If you are interested in more information on qualifications, selection procedures and training, contact the Black Watch Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Roddy Riddell at the address / telephone number / e-mail address below.

BE BLACK WATCH!

Conclusion

The Black Watch is a regiment with a glorious history and an exciting future. Join us and you will join a family that is known the world over for its professionalism, patriotism and pride.

Whether you are interested in a full career or just want to gain some exciting experiences before moving onto something else, your time with the Black Watch will be worthwhile and fun, and you will never forget it. Contact us now and remember,

Be The Best.......