Soldiers

• What is the minimum amount of time that you have to serve?  4 Years.

• Would I get to go abroad?  Yes, the British Army and the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) are in many countries around the world.

• Can I drive tanks in the TA?  Yes, in the RAC part of the Territorial Army (Known as Yeomanry), you are trained on Challenger 2 and the Formation Recce (FR) vehicles such as Scimitar and Striker.

• How long is training?  Basic Training is 12 weeks when you learn the basic skills to a be a soldier.  You will then complete Phase 2 Training which lasts about 12 - 14 weeks and here you learn your specialist skills; in the case of the RAC you will be trained as a driver/gunner and signaller. 

• How much do you get paid as a soldier?  (Depends on rank and the time you have served) See the Army pay scale.

• Do you ever go home?  Yes, you are entitled to 30 working days paid leave per year.  You also get additional leave if you deploy on operations.

• Can women crew tanks?  At present it is not possible for women to join either the Infantry or RAC. However, many women serve on attachment to Infantry battalions and RAC regiments in a variety of support and administrative roles.  Women are able to join the combat arms of some TA/Yeomanry regiments.

• Do you have to pay for your kit?  No, your kit is issued to you.  You only pay if you lose it.

• What is the food like?  You get three meals a day comprising of a wide selection of foods attempting to meet everyone's taste.  All dietry needs are catered for.

• What facilities are available on camp?  There are accommodation blocks on camp where all the unmarried soldiers live.  These blocks have washing and cleaning facilities as well as recreation areas. There are social areas to meet after work such as the NAAFI.  The NAAFI also contains a shop, a bar and some indoors game facilities (e.g. darts, pool etc).  There is a gymnasium on almost every camp where you can train on your own or in a group with a qualified Physical Training Instructor (PTI).  A lot of camps now have internet cafes and libraries (or at least nearby).  Some camps also have swimming pools (depending on the size of the camp).
  

Officers

• How many new officers can the RAC take each year? The Household Cavalry & Royal Armoured Corps (HCav & RAC) can take approximately 50 new officers each year.

• Is the Apache helicopter replacing the Challenger 2 tank? The Challenger 2 has a specific role and normally works in large numbers closely supporting and working with the infantry. The Apache is an aircraft and therefore has different charactistics providing differing strengths and weakness to the tank.  The Apache's strengths also lie elsewhere on the battlefield (i.e. strikes behind enemy lines).  In short Apache and Challenger are complimentary and therefore both are essential to the combat effectiveness of the British Army.

• Do you need to find a regiment before you go to Sandhurst?  No. However, it is recommended that you have a look at some units across the Army before you attend Sandhurst.  This will give you an idea of what part of the Army you would like to serve in.  When at The Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst (RMAS), you have the chance to see and hear about other types of units through  a series of presentations and displays.  Interviews and visits will follow leading to the final selection of a regiment or corps.  This selection is made by you following advice from experts at RMAS as well as advice from the regiments and corps.

• Which role in the RAC is better, Formation Recce (FR) or Main Battle Tanks (MBTs)?    Both offer rewarding challenges and therfore it is best to try and learn as much about all the roles.  FR works independently, reporting and calling on supporting assets (like aircraft and artillery) whilst remaining unseen and unheard.  They are frequently referred to as the 'eyes and ears' of the commander.  Tanks provide the punch and are usually deloyed in large numbers.  They act upon the information provided by the Recce and take the battle to the enemy, frequently providing support to the Infantry.

• How will I know which role is suited to me (FR or MBTs)?  Essentially, the ethos and types of officers across the HCav & RAC are very similar, so don't just look at the equipment they have.  After considering the following points, you should have a clearer idea of what (and where) you want to join.

  1. Where the regiment recruits its soldiers from (i.e. Wales, Scotland, any specific region of England or from across the whole of the UK).
  2. The role the regiment has (MBTs, FR, NBC and ceremonial)
  3. If the regiment has spaces in the year that you want to join.
  4. If you enjoy the company of the officers that are already serving there.

• What qualifications do I need and how much am I paid as an officer?  Officer entry requirements.  Army pay scale.

• How do I get a bursary or scholarship from the RAC/Army?  Officer sponsorship.

• Which is the best place to serve in, Germany or the United Kingdom?  Everyone has their own views.  The regiments of the HCav & RAC are based both in Germany and the UK.  They move between the countries approximately every 4 - 6 years.  It is worth bearing in mind that even though a regiment is based in a specific location it may deploy on operations or on training all over the world.  If in Germany you will also frequently return to UK for training and courses.  

• Can I apply for a commission as an officer if already serving as a soldier in the Army?  Yes, you will have to make it known that you are interested commission, confirm that you are (or can be) academically qualified and then begin the RCB process to see if you have the potential to be an officer.  If you fail RCB you can still remain a soldier.  If you pass RCB you then attend Sandhurst.