Soldier

As a soldier, your duties will depend on your unit. You could:

• service and repair HGVs, Land Rovers, tanks and other armoured vehicles
•  refuel and re-arm combat helicopters as part of an aviation groundcrew team
•  set up communications links and conduct cyber warfare activities
•  collect and analyse military intelligence to help plan operations
•  support medical, veterinary or administrative services
•  take part in training exercises, and humanitarian and combat operations

• physical fitness and endurance
• concentration skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

When you join the army, you sign up for 4 years. You can leave at any time after this as long as you give 12 months' notice. If you want to stay longer you can extend your contract.

Throughout your army career, you'll have the opportunity to gain qualifications in your chosen field. With experience you could move up through the ranks or into a specialist unit like the commandos or paratroopers. You could also train to become an officer.

You can move into a wide range of careers after leaving the army. You'll find details about support and opportunities from:

• Quest
• Career Transition Partnership
• Forces Employment Charity
• Get Into Teaching