Rest assured
Parents can be confident that their child is joining a modern, forward-thinking organisation which believes in allowing its people to develop their full potential, supporting them every step of the way. After all, officers and soldiers are the Army's most important asset.
Duty of care
The Army has a duty of care to its soldiers and officers, to ensure that they can work in a safe and healthy environment. Through the provision of thorough training programmes conducted in dedicated training areas that comply with rigorous safety standards, Army soldiers are fully trained to work effectively in difficult circumstances. Army training is second to none and allows soldiers to do their job properly - wherever they are required to do it.
Welfare
There is considerable welfare support on hand if anyone experiences any emotional or other problems. Rather than dwell on difficulties, Recruits and Officer Cadets are encouraged to discuss them openly with trained staff who are on-hand to deal with a wide range of problems. Training regiments and garrisons also have a resident Padre (the Army's term for a religious minister) and Unit Welfare Officer, both dedicated to providing help when required.
Find out more about the full welfare support available to soldiers and officers >>
Day-to-day living
Food
The standard of food in the Army is high, with an emphasis on healthy eating. Recruits get three meals a day from a varied, well-balanced menu and the Army caters for the biggest of appetites. Halal, kosher and vegetarian foods can be provided, though strict preparation of kosher food can't be guaranteed.
Accommodation
During recruit training, soldier recruits share a room with between four and 12 recruits. After training, they live in barracks in one to four man rooms known as Single Living Accommodation. Officer Cadets have their own room at Sandhurst with shared washing and toilet facilities. After initial training, Service Families Accommodation can be provided for all married soldiers and officers at a subsidised rent.
Resettlement
Most soldiers leave the Army with skills and qualifications which are transferable to the civilian world. Career guidance is provided by experts in the field and soldiers and officers are given resettlement training and a generous grant based on the number of years served. Employers know they can expect certain standards of discipline and commitment from ex-soldiers - which increases civilian job prospects further.
