What are the different Corps, and what do they do? - Myth Busting: Army Edition

Ever wondered what all the different Corps in the Army do and which one might be right for you? 

If you think the Army is just about combat, you’re not alone. But the truth is, there’s a whole world of roles out there, from engineering and logistics to music, medicine, and IT. In this blog, we break down the different Corps, explain how they’re grouped into key areas of work, and hear from real soldiers about how they found their place. 

You’ll come away with a clearer picture of what’s possible, and maybe even spot a role that matches your own skills and interests. 

Something for Everyone 

The Army is organised into different areas of work, each with its own focus, but not everything fits neatly into a box. These groupings help give a general idea of what’s out there and make it easier to explore your options. 

Here’s a quick look: 

• Combat - Frontline roles including Infantry, Army Air Corps, Royal Artillery and Royal Armoured Corps - leading operations and defending the nation. 

• Engineering - From construction to electrical systems, engineers build and maintain vital infrastructure in challenging environments. This would be corps such as the Royal Engineers and the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME).

• Logistics & Support - Ensuring troops have what they need - from transport and supplies to catering and equipment management. This would be the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC).

• Medical - Delivering healthcare in the field and at home - roles include doctors, nurses, dentists, vets, and biomedical scientists. This would be the Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS) or the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC).

• Intelligence, Communications & IT - Gathering intelligence, managing secure communications, and maintaining cutting-edge tech systems. This would be the Royal Signals and the Intelligence Corps.

• HR, Finance & Support - Keeping the Army running smoothly - from managing pay and personnel to providing administrative support. This would be the Adjutant General’s Corps, which includes Royal Military Police, Army Legal Services, Staff and Personnel Support and Education and Training Services branches.

• Music - Performing at ceremonial events and boosting morale - Army musicians in the Royal Corps of Army Music play a key role in tradition and culture.

Understanding Army Corps 

Beneath the above streams lies a more detailed structure: the corps. Each corps specialises in a particular function, such as logistics, intelligence, or engineering. They form the organisational backbone of the Army, shaping training, career progression, and identity.   

Within each corps are Regiments, which are the individual unit’s soldiers join and serve in. 

As one soldier put it: 

“It’s almost good to think of the corps as the umbrella, and the different Regiments sit under that.” 

Whether you're exploring Army life as a Regular or Reservist, understanding the corps structure helps you see where you might fit - and how your skills could be developed across a wide range of roles. 

“Loads of different corps that have big possibilities to join, and each one is broken down into lots of different things.” 

Finding Your Fit 

Whether you’re into tech, teamwork, travel or helping others- there’s a corps for you. One soldier shares: 

“Well, I was into music, so I played music at school for many, many years. So, I chose the Royal Corps of Army Music a long time ago, back in 1976 when I joined.” 

Another explains how vital logistics are: 

“We can't go anywhere unless we've got bullets to the right places, rations to the right places, water to the right places, fuel to the right places.” 

Every corps plays a part in making the Army work. And every role matters. 

It’s true, there are many corps, each with its own special role. But don’t worry, you don’t need to know them all to get started. What matters is finding the one that’s right for you. 

Our Myth Busting Series

Keep an eye out for the next video of the series, where we tackle the big question - What's the best job in the Army? Or follow us on our YouTube channel for more videos.