Armed forces operational officer : Employers and vacancy sources

There are only four employers within the armed forces, namely:

• the Royal Navy
• the Army
• Royal Air Force (RAF)
• Royal Marines

The armed services are an arm of the government, which currently defines their purpose as follows:

• to defend the United Kingdom and its interests;
• to assist in keeping the peace around the world;
• to deliver emergency humanitarian relief.

Much of the time, the armed forces achieve these aims through membership of alliances, particularly the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) , but unilateral responsibilities may mean that they act alone and thus need to be equipped and trained for all aspects of modern warfare. Britain's membership of the United Nations (UN) , and her permanent place at the Security Council, may also call for the use of armed force in defence of international security (as in Afghanistan) or in support of humanitarian and peacekeeping initiatives (as in Bosnia or after the Asian tsunami).

The services have an important diplomatic function in representing Britain overseas with goodwill visits and also in training - both in the UK and abroad - other countries' armed forces. There is also action in support of the civil power (as in Northern Ireland).

Many opportunities exist for officers upon retirement from the armed forces because of the management and professional training and experience gained during their period of service.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Royal Navy Careers
• Army Careers
• Royal Air Force Careers
• Armed forces university liaison officers (ULOs).
• Local armed forces careers offices.

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