Thinking of Joining the British Army? Here’s What’s in it for You!
If you’re considering a career in the British Army, you’ve probably got plenty of questions. At the top of the list might be: “What are the benefits of joining the British Army?” or more simply, “What’s in it for me?” It’s a valid question, and one you should ask before making such a life-changing decision. After spending nearly a decade in the Army myself, I’m here to offer a firsthand look at the perks and benefits that come with Army life. This isn’t a recruitment pitch—I’m not part of the Army’s recruitment team, and I don’t get any bonuses if you join after reading this. Instead, this is just an honest reflection of what I think are the best reasons to consider taking the leap.
Let’s jump right in and explore why joining the British Army might just be the best decision you ever make.
- Money
- Subsidized Housing
- Home Security
- Free Gym, Health, and Dental Care
- Travel Opportunities
- Friends for Life
- World-Class Training
- Job Security
- Free Gear
- Adventure Training and Sports
- Not Your Average 9-to-5 Job
1. Money
Let’s start with something straightforward: money. A steady paycheck is, of course, one of the primary reasons many people consider a job in the Army, and it’s not just pocket change. While Army salaries might not match those of rockstars or CEOs, they are competitive, especially when you factor in the additional perks.
Your pay depends on your role and rank. Naturally, the more responsibility you take on, the more you get paid. Here’s a look at the current pay scale:
- Soldiers:
- Recruits & Privates: £25,200 per year
- Lance Corporal: £32,615 per year
- Corporal: £37,861 per year
- Sergeant: £42,510 per year
- Officers:
- Officer Cadets (at Sandhurst): £33,183 per year
- 2nd Lieutenant: £39,671 per year
- Lieutenant: £41,026 per year
- Captain: £50,540 per year
- Major: £63,387 per year
These are solid figures that give you a foundation of financial stability, especially when you consider that many Army benefits (like housing and healthcare) drastically reduce your cost of living. Plus, as you gain experience and rank up, your earnings will grow accordingly. So while you won’t be living like a millionaire, you’ll certainly be able to live comfortably, all while serving your country.
2. Subsidized Housing
Housing is often one of the biggest expenses in civilian life, but in the Army, you get a huge break on this front. Army personnel enjoy heavily subsidized housing, which can significantly ease financial pressure. Most accommodations are located within Army barracks, which means you’re close to your work and part of a tight-knit community.
If you’re single, you’ll pay between £30 to £80 per month for Single Living Accommodation (SLA). Depending on the barracks, this could range from the more basic accommodations you might see in movies to more upscale “Z-type” quarters, complete with en-suite bathrooms.
For married soldiers or those with families, the Army offers family housing at rates between £80 and £370 per month. These homes are generally located on or near the camp. Compared to what you’d pay on the civilian market, it’s an incredible deal. Plus, Army housing is well-maintained and secure (more on that in a moment).
3. Home Security
This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Army life, but one of the unexpected perks of living in Army housing is the level of security you enjoy. Military bases are some of the most secure places you can live. They’re often surrounded by miles of barbed wire and high fences, with entry points guarded 24/7 by soldiers (sometimes armed). It’s comforting to know that when you leave your home for a training exercise or deployment, it’s about as safe as it can get.
You won’t have to worry too much about burglars or random intruders, and that peace of mind is a unique benefit that not many other jobs can offer.
4. Free Gym, Health, and Dental Care
The British Army takes physical fitness and health very seriously. That’s why, as a soldier, you’ll have free access to gyms and healthcare services on most bases. Forget expensive gym memberships and the long wait times associated with the NHS. Army gyms are usually well-equipped, with a range of cardio machines, free weights, and sometimes even squash or tennis courts. You can train whenever you like, for free, keeping you in peak physical condition.
As for healthcare, you’ll have access to military doctors, nurses, and dentists, all without the usual cost. If your base doesn’t have its own medical facilities, you can easily travel to a neighbouring base that does. From routine check-ups to more specialized care, the Army ensures you’re looked after both physically and mentally. This is a huge benefit, especially considering the rising cost of private healthcare in the civilian world.
5. Travel Opportunities
The Army isn’t just about staying on base or in the UK. One of the major benefits of joining the British Army is the chance to travel, and I mean really travel. Whether it’s relocating to a new unit, going on deployment, or participating in exercises and adventure training, you’ll have opportunities to visit places you’d never even dreamed of. During my 10 years in the Army, I travelled all across the UK, as well as to France, Germany, Cyprus, and more. I also served in active operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, giving me a global perspective few civilian jobs can offer.
What’s more, when you travel with the Army, flights and accommodation are typically free. Whether it’s an operational deployment or an international training exercise, you won’t have to worry about the costs.
6. Friends for Life
It’s often said that the friendships you make in the Army are ones that last a lifetime, and I can attest to that. The bonds you form with your fellow soldiers are unlike any other. Whether it’s the camaraderie of basic training, the shared experiences on deployment, or simply working side by side, these friendships become an integral part of your Army life.
Even after leaving the Army, I’ve stayed in touch with people I trained with over a decade ago. The Army is a relatively small world, so don’t be surprised if you keep bumping into familiar faces throughout your career. The unique experiences you go through together create bonds that are difficult to replicate in civilian life.
7. World-Class Training
One of the greatest things about joining the Army is that you don’t have to come in with a specific skill set—most roles provide training from the ground up. Whether you want to be an engineer, a mechanic, a tank driver, or even a pilot, the Army will give you world-class training to prepare you for your role. Many of these qualifications are also recognized in the civilian world, meaning that when you eventually leave, you’ll have a valuable skill set to take with you.
Even once you’re qualified in your role, there are countless opportunities to continue learning and developing. Whether it’s learning a new skill, gaining a specialist qualification, or cross-training in different areas, the Army encourages continuous improvement.
8. Job Security
While no job is 100% secure, a career in the Army is about as stable as it gets in today’s world. While budget cuts and downsizing do happen, the Army offers long-term job security that is hard to match. As long as you remain physically fit, disciplined, and adhere to the rules, you can build a lasting career.
Of course, it’s not for everyone. If you struggle with authority, discipline, or maintaining physical standards, Army life might not be the best fit. But for those who thrive in this structured environment, it offers a rewarding and secure career.
9. Free Gear
One of the fun perks of Army life is all the free gear. In addition to your uniforms, you’ll receive an array of equipment, including jackets, bags, sleeping bags, sunglasses, and more. Over time, it’s easy to accumulate a small arsenal of gear that’s not only practical but also high-quality. And if something breaks, it’s simply replaced at no cost to you.
The only downside? You have to return everything when you leave. And if you lose something, you’ll get billed for it—but the cost is usually very reasonable.
10. Adventure Training and Sports
The Army isn’t all work and no play. In fact, adventure training is an integral part of Army life, designed to build teamwork and resilience. You could be kayaking in the UK one week and skiing in the Alps the next. The Army offers a huge range of extracurricular activities, from climbing and cycling to team sports and even skydiving.
If you excel in a particular sport, you could even represent the Army in competitions at national or international levels. Whatever your interests, there’s likely an adventure waiting for you.
11. Not Your Average 9-to-5 Job
Let’s be honest—Army life is far from your typical 9-to-5 desk job. While you might keep regular hours once you’re posted to a unit, the tasks you’ll be doing are anything but ordinary. One day you might be in the field on an exercise, and the next, you could be involved in an important operational mission. The variety is one of the things that makes Army life exciting and unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
There are many more benefits to joining the British Army, but these are the ones that stand out most to me. Of course, no career is without its challenges, and Army life does have its downsides. But if you’re looking for a rewarding, unique, and secure career that offers lifelong friendships, world-class training, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, the
