Armed forces training and education officer : Training

All three armed forces recruit graduates as officers and provide initial officer training followed by specialist professional or technical training.

Army officers begin with a commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst , which lasts 44 weeks. In the Royal Navy, initial officer training is 28 weeks, taking place at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth . In the RAF, officers also begin with initial officer training, lasting 30 weeks and taking place at the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell .

Initial officer training is designed to build leadership skills. All the programmes include military, physical and academic training. Officers are taught about military organisation, defence issues, current affairs and management skills, and learn strategic skills, such as negotiation, communication, decision-making and leadership.

Continuing professional development (CPD) and training are features of a forces career, with opportunities to gain qualifications and accreditation with civilian professional bodies. Following commissioning, Army officers attend an eight-week educational and training course. Those who do not already have a Postgraduate Certificate of Education in Further Education (PGCE), will be expected to qualify for this within two years of commission. Further opportunities to study are available, including postgraduate training for Masters degrees. Army officers are trained to be personal development advisers, qualifying for a Level 4 NVQ in guidance. They are also able to qualify as NVQ assessors.

Following initial officer training in the Royal Navy, Engineer (Training Management) Officers - E(TM)s - undergo four months' fleet training at sea, and also complete a four-week Engineer Training Manager Foundation Course. E(TM)s who choose to work with the Royal Marines  have the opportunity to complete the All Arms Commando Course, and those who work with the Royal Navy Submarine Service  undertake basic submarine training. Throughout their career, E(TM)s have the opportunity to gain recognised academic qualifications, such as a postgraduate certificate, diploma and an MSc in Training Management and Consultancy.

Some officers within all of the armed forces may also, after several years' experience, have the opportunity to attend extended command and staff training courses at the Joint Services Command and Staff College  in preparation for senior and top management appointments.