The British Army is on manoeuvres to hire 10,000 new troops this year – and there’s a role for you

ARE you ready to step up and serve your country?

Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day, where we honour serving and past forces staff.

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The war in Ukraine and conflict in other areas around the world has highlighted the need for a strong military.

To keep numbers up, the British Army is now on manoeuvres to hire 10,000 new troops this year.

The RAF needs 2,500 to swell its ranks and around 5,000 will join the Navy.

There are more than 200 Army roles available, from frontline combat to cyber security, helicopter pilot to chef.

The Army is also the nation’s biggest backer of apprenticeships, with 90 per of new joiners enrolled on an “earn as you learn” scheme.

Once again, the choice is vast, with over 40 different types ranging from plumbing, carpentry and driving to telecoms, cooking and animal care.

Colonel Ross Cleland, assistant director of Army Recruitment, said: “The British Army is a unique institution that depends on the strength of its people.

“There are very few jobs out there that provide the feeling of belonging to a team quite like the Army does, or which provide such a wide variety of training, personal development and career opportunities.

“Soldiers become friends for life, grow and develop together throughout their careers, and benefit from being united in their desire to make a difference in the world.”

One of the British Army’s proud recruits is vehicle mechanic Millie Langton.

The 20-year-old, who works in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corp, is originally from the Rhondda Valley, Wales, but is now serving with 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps in Colchester, Essex. She said: “Being in the Army is much more than just having a job.

“You gain good qualifications and you don’t have to just focus on one thing.

“I’ve been trained and work as a mechanic, but I’ve been encouraged to build other skills and interests as well.

“There are always opportunities to do courses to develop my skills as a soldier.

“And I’ve joined the regimental boxing team, which is a sport that I’d always wanted to try and really enjoy. You’ve got to be willing to get stuck in and get on with the job, whatever the situation you’re in.”

To join the army like Millie, head over to jobs.army.mod.uk to apply.

 Regular soldiers apply from aged 16 to 36 while senior entry soldiers need to be over 18.

To train as a regular officer, you’ll need to apply between 18 and 30 and have good grades in your A-levels.

Skills on the parade ground

 AROUND 15,000 people leave the military each year, armed with skills to boost business.

Former Army pilot Charlie Goode, founder of business development firm Culture15. com, says: The skills and adaptability of military veterans are much needed in the workplace today but are often overlooked through lack of understanding of the military and what veterans can bring to a team or an organisation.”

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Here are his top reasons bosses should hire veterans:

1. They know how to work effectively together. They instinctively trust colleagues and understand the benefit of multi-discipline teams.
2. Military service instils self-reliance, discipline and professionalism. Veterans respect process, without ever relinquishing their accountability to do their part.
3. Ultimately adaptable, those who have served in the military have learnt to solve problems and use initiative. Used to complex problems and working around or through challenges, they have mastered the art of getting s*** done.
4. A trait that I would like see more of in non-veterans, ex-military tend not to put themselves first and are loyal to organisation and higher purpose. They are used to seeing the bigger picture, and will always seek to progress the overall aim of the organisation.
5. Responsibility comes at an early stage in the military, so veterans are comfortable taking charge and leading change where necessary, but also know how not to be overbearing in the process.
6. Last but not least, military service develops a sense of humour – an ability to look at events with a smile and not take things too seriously. In fact, the more serious things get, the more military people can see the funny side.

Look for a lock in

PRISON and Probation Service careers beckon for Armed Forces leavers and their spouses.

New government scheme Advance into Justice shortens the application process for them. Roles also include catering ones.

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Luke Whitehead, 29, joined the prison service after 12 years in the Army.

He said: “Being in the Army is a lot like being a prison officer, with similar rank structure and camaraderie.”

Prisons Minister Damian Hinds added: “In the Armed Forces you need good communication, discipline and resilience – also essential across the prison service.”

To find out more, and apply, go to bit.ly/3qsxkpk.

Veteran roles rising

RECORD numbers of firms are realising the value of hiring veterans. Forces Employment Charity figures show the number of jobs created for ex-military staff went up from 97,826 in 2021 to 115,012 in 2022.

But it warned two in three veterans sometimes underestimate the skills they have developed in the services, with many wanting more guidance on how to recognise their transferable talents.

Alistair Halliday, of the Forces Employment Charity, said: “It is fantastic to see that so many more employers are starting to recognise the incredible value veterans bring.”

You can find out more aand see what roles are available, at forcesemployment.org.uk.