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Armed forces operational officer: Salary and conditions

• 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 £23,475. Officer commissions are confirmed upon successful completion of initial officer training, and salaries increase to approximately £28,000 (salary data collected Oct 08).
• Salaries at senior level/with experience can range from £45,000 after eight years to £65,000 after 15 years, depending on rank and seniority, with other additional allowances such as a non-contributory index-linked pension scheme/gratuity and subsidised accommodation (salary data collected Oct 08). Some types of work attract additional pay, for example in the Royal Navy , a submariner will receive an allowance upwards of £4,219, and flying pay allowance can be upwards of £4,850 per year. The Army pays additional allowances for specialisms such as parachuting and explosives disposal.
• When on operations, you will be working in a challenging environment where long hours and difficult conditions can be expected. However, serving officers all agree that there is a high level of satisfaction upon the successful completion, with one's unit, of an operation or exercise. 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. This provides variety and the challenge of new experiences and responsibilities. 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.
• Whilst opportunities for women graduates in the armed forces are good and increasing, with most posts equally open to both men and women, 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 Paul Brown and Rebecca Brown, University of St Andrews/AGCAS

Last updated:

November 2008

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