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SOLDIERS FOR THE HIGHLANDERS
 The Highlanders are infantrymen trained to protect themselves and comrades and to use initiative, skill and cunning to defeat the enemy. Highlanders are mentally and physically tough, good team members and strive for excellence. They seek an active lifestyle, have an appetite for challenge and enjoy the friendship of like-minded people. They are also dedicated to their work and want to have fun whilst they do it.
Job Description
You need no formal qualifications to join The Highlanders but you will have to pass basic training at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. Once you pass you will be part of the most highly trained workforce in the country. The length of time spent in training will depend on your ability.
After completing the Combat Infantryman's Course, newly qualified soldiers join The Highlanders as riflemen. Once their skills have been sharpened by experience, riflemen can consider further career options and specialisations such as instructors, mortarmen, mobile operators, drivers, reconnaissance specialists, signallers...the list goes on!
A Highlander works with various types of transport from armoured vehicles to helicopters, aeroplanes or assault boats, and in all types of terrain: deserts, towns, cities, forests, mountains and the arctic.
  
Training for New Recruits
As a new recruit, you will receive basic infantry training at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, where you will learn how to operate weapon systems, sustain yourself outdoors, and become really fit. You will be taught map reading, first aid, marching and be able to take part in many sports. All training is progressive - the aim is to build up your basic military knowledge and skills, step by step, to a point where you can undertake specialist training, then take your place in The Highlanders. All fitness training is progressive, aiming to build fitness, stamina, strength and endurance.
By the end of the course you will have the self-confidence and knowledge to take your place in The Highlanders on operations.
Push Your Limits
 The Army is about playing hard as well and sport is an essential part of Battalion life. Once you find a sport you enjoy, we will give you the time to become the best you can be. Our cross-country ski team is amongst the very best in the Army and every year we train novices to compete at the highest level. We have an extremely successful football team and the Army's only shinty team. Our cross-country runners are also amongst some of the fastest in the Army. We also take part in other sports such as rugby, golf, squash, tug of war, athletics and hockey. So join us and become part of a winning team.
 
In addition to sport, we mount adventurous training expeditions all over the world. Recently Highlanders have climbed, trekked, canoed, sailed, paraglided and skied in Poland, Norway, France, Bavaria, Gibraltar, Morocco, Canada, the United States, Switzerland and Nepal!
Terms and Conditions of Service
To qualify for a full 22 year career, an applicant must be between 16 and 27 years on the day of enlistment. Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent. Prior to acceptance for training, applicants must pass a medical examination conducted at the Recruit Selection Centre before attestation. Applicants must also pass the physical selection standards at the Recruit Selection Centre.
As a general rule, all recruits enlist on an Open Engagement. This allows a recruit to serve for 22 years from his 18th birthday, or date of attestation, whichever is the later, and qualify for a pension.
Any soldier enlisted on an open engagement has a statutory right to leave after four years, reckoned from his 18th birthday, or from three months after attestation, whichever is the later. This is subject to giving 12 months notice of intention to leave and providing the soldier is not restricted from leaving in any way.
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