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Armed forces operational officer : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Training
  5. Career development
  6. Employers and vacancy …
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Case studies

  • Graduates enter the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst , Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth or the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell as graduate officer cadets. The starting salary in all three armed services is £24,133.
  • After successful completion of initial officer training, salaries increase to £29,000 - £32,061.
  • The armed forces offers benefits such as an excellent pension scheme, private health and dental care as well as subsidised accommodation in some cases.
  • When on operations, you will be working in a challenging environment where long hours and difficult conditions can be expected.
  • Many officers work in the UK at bases and stations where security restrictions operate, but there are many opportunities for periods abroad or on board ship.
  • Job rotation and relocation can be expected every two to three years. The extent of relocation, travel and family separation will depend upon the service and posting, but the support services as well as social and recreational facilities are good and annual leave and free time are seen as generous.
  • Self-employment is not possible.
  • Opportunities for women graduates in the armed forces are increasing, with most posts equally open to both men and women, but women are not recruited into direct combat roles. They do not serve in the Royal Marines  Commando, the Royal Air Force (RAF)  Regiment, submarines, tanks, mine clearance or the infantry. However, they regularly operate in direct support of combat units, particularly given the nature of modern military deployments where the traditional 'front line' has given way to 'areas of operation'.
  • As an officer, you are given a high level of responsibility early in your career. The work is challenging and varied, but it also may be stressful, at times dangerous, and involve operating in adverse conditions.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
September 2010
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