Healthy, wealthy & wise
The Army offers a competitive package of pay and benefits, and a level of career development that goes far beyond what most organisations provide. While starting pay might be comparable to other first jobs in the civilian world, bear in mind total salary and benefits with the Army includes: subsidised accommodation and food, on-site sports and entertainment facilities, free medical and dental care, discounted rail travel and subsidised crèche and nursery facilities on most bases.
Pay
Even in basic training, Army pay is competitive. New recruits earn over £241 per week and this goes up to over £300 on completion of training (equivalent to an annual salary of over £15,677.00). Officer Cadets earn a salary of £14,348.88 (or £22,679.76 as a graduate), rising after Sandhurst to £22,679.76 (£27,260.04 for a graduate) on commissioning. Soldiers and Officers enjoy a set pay structure throughout their career according to rank. For example, the typical 3-year promotion to Lance Corporal sees a soldier's salary increase to £18,963.24 and up to £24,328.44 at full Corporal.
Learn more about the Army's pay structure>>
Pensions
It's never been more important for young people to have a pension scheme in place and through the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 05, soldiers and officers will have just that. They are eligible for Early Departure Payments and a tax-free lump sum after 18 years of service and on reaching the age of 40.
Learn more about Army pensions>>
Healthcare
The Army takes the health of its soldiers extremely seriously and all personnel receive regular health and fitness checks. Medical and dental care are provided free of charge, with Army doctors and dentists always on hand both in barracks and on operations.
Time-off
As well as making new friends and getting to go places and gain experiences few people can imagine, there will still be ample occasion for your loved one(s) to spend time with you. The Army's generous annual leave of 30 working days per year, in addition to weekends and bank holidays, means there's no danger of soldiers and officers losing touch with their existing friends and family.
