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Armed forces operational officer: Entry requirements

All three armed forces recruit graduates as officers and provide initial officer training and continuation of technical and professional training. Graduates of any subject will be considered as officers for operational/combat roles since leadership qualities and suitability for service life are more important than degree subject. However, graduates in science or engineering are particularly welcome in operational/combat roles, especially flying, weapons and artillery, the armoured brigade and transport/logistics.

The acceptability of higher education qualifications other than a degree varies between forces, depending on both the subject studied and the specialism the candidate wishes to follow. In general, all three forces will consider applicants for officer training with a minimum of 180 UCAS points.

GCSE maths and English language (A-C) are essential. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, neither is pre-entry experience, but some training with cadet forces, university service units (University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) , University Air Squadrons (UAS) or University Royal Navy Units (URNUs) ), or the Territorial Army (TA) can be helpful.

You will be expected to demonstrate a range of qualities and aptitudes. Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

communication skills;
the ability to identify situations, think clearly and act decisively under pressure;
a commitment to take and exercise responsibility;
leadership ability - all officers are expected to be leaders and managers;
a good health record and high level of physical fitness with good sight and colour perception.

Generally speaking, you must be a UK, Commonwealth or Irish citizen and have been resident in the UK or Ireland for five years prior to entry to the armed forces, but some exceptions and restrictions apply. Age limits also apply.

All three services offer student bursaries or sponsorship, but amounts vary according to the subject you are studying and the needs of the service. University service units also pay students who join and attend training. Up-to-date information on bursaries, entry requirements, vacation training, and familiarisation visits to service units is available from university liaison officers (ULOs), local Armed Forces Careers Offices, and on the three armed forces websites.Your careers service can give you details of your nearest Army , Royal Navy or Royal Air Force (RAF) ULO.

If you are considering the Army, the Army ULO will conduct an initial interview and decide whether to recommend you for a familiarisation visit to the regiment or corps of your choice. If that goes well, the regiment or corps will support your application for the four-day army officer selection board (AOSB). The AOSB process consists of a series of individual and group tests of your physical, mental and intellectual abilities, along with in-depth interviews. Both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force follow a similar process.

The selection process varies for each service but can take up to a year, and high standards are required at the selection board and throughout basic training. A common problem at interviews is a lack of current affairs and service knowledge. It should be noted that the competition for certain specialisations, e.g. pilot training, or for popular regiments, can be fierce.

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