So, what's it all about?
The Armed Forces defend our country and perform operations in trouble-spots around the world. This involves a lot more than just fighting: they also engage in peacekeeping, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, civil engineering projects, training, education and more.
Britain’s Armed Forces offer the chance to travel, to meet new people, to gain qualifications and training, and to feel a part of a worldwide organisation. They’ll give you the chance to take part in any sport you can think of, go on adventurous training exercises in all parts of the globe – from the Arctic to the Amazon – and gain plenty of skills along the way, like leadership, communication and teamwork.
But that’s not all. Any branch of the Armed Forces is only as good as its people, so the Army, Navy and RAF invest a lot in them, making sure their personnel get the best training, and the best opportunities, they can. That includes an education that is as relevant in the civilian world as it is in the services: what you learn in the Army, Royal Navy or RAF will be valued and useful if you ever decide to leave, as well as an essential part of your skillset while you’re in active service.
Those qualifications include Apprenticeships in trades like engineering, maintenance and fitting. You could train on state-of-the-art equipment in challenging environments all over the world, while earning a decent wage, accommodation, and the support of a major employer.
But it’s not for everyone – life in the Armed Forces can be tough, and it can be dangerous. The training can be hard, and it can take you away from home for a long time, so it’s important to think long and hard about whether or not it’s the right decision for you. You make a big commitment when you join up, so make sure you’ve done your research.
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Royal Air Force
The RAF’s role is to defend our skies, but also to undertake search and rescue and humanitarian missions worldwide. They have roles for pilots, but also for ground crew, observers, navigators…everything it takes to keep things flying along smoothly.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy isn’t just about ships. It’s also about planes, helicopters, submarines, and of course the Royal Marines – the Royal Navy’s elite fighting force. The Royal Navy keeps the seas safe, provides offshore support to military operations, helps in sea rescues, and much more. There are roles on shore as well as at sea.
Visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers
Army
At home and overseas, the Army is there to protect the UK, engage in military operations and keep the peace where there is potential conflict. There are numerous branches to the Army, from infantry soldiers to armoured vehicles, artillery to engineers, all with specialised equipment and training.
Visit www.armyjobs.mod.uk