British Army Soldier Training
At a glance
Basic Training in the British Army is designed to prepare you for life as a trained soldier, developing your military skills, fitness, discipline and confidence. The course focuses on the essentials: physical fitness, fieldcraft, weapons handling, first aid, teamwork and leadership. You'll be supported every step of the way and grow into a soldier who lives up to the British Army's values and standards.Training takes place at dedicated Army training centres around the UK. And once you've passed, you'll move on to specialist trade training.
A taste of Army Training
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Footsteps hit the ground running as recruits get stuck in to physical fitness training.
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What's basic training really like?
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What to expect from Army training
- 1It's a journey
No two soldiers will have the same journey from application to training. Expect at least 14 weeks of Basic Training, before picking and learning a trade. Initial Trade Training can take at least 12 weeks. But how much time it takes to get through all of your training will depend on the role that you choose. The more specialised the role, the more time you'll need to prepare to train. Once training is complete, you’ll join your unit. Each stage builds on the last, so you're never thrown in without the skills to back you up.
- 2There's a routine
Early starts, physical training, fieldcraft, classroom lessons, kit checks –– most days will follow a rhythm, even if the activities change day to day. Evenings and weekends bring some downtime, though how much will depend on which stage you've reached.
- 3Be ready to learn
Fitness matters, but so does mindset. Turn up ready to learn to make the first weeks far easier than turning up ready to prove something. A bit of running, some basic strength work and getting comfortable outdoors will take you a long way.
- 4Growth takes time
Weapons handling, fieldcraft, first aid, navigation and the discipline to keep going when it's hard - skills that start in training and stay with you for the rest of your life. Some you'll pick up fast, others take the full course to click.
- 5Hard days are normal
Homesickness, falling behind, missing your old routine - most recruits hit at least one of these, and it's normal - not a sign you're not cut out for it. Instructors and support petsonnel are there to help you catch up, not catch you out, so don’t worry. It’s all part of the process.
- 6Expect the unexpected
Training will push you further than you expect. And whatever gets thrown at you, the people next to you are going through it too. They’ll be next to you in the mud at 5am, getting through it together.
Real recruits, real training
Watch Civilian to Soldier on YouTube. Follow brand new recruits through Basic Training, from first day nerves to fully trained Infantry soldier. Get a glimpse into the real thing with fitness tests, live weapons, and everything else from a typical day of basic training in the British Army.
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Ways to join
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What is Basic Training?
The 13 week course is delivered by expert instructors, their job is to help you be your best. They will encourage you, motivate you, and teach you the Army's core values and standards.
You’ll learn to be a soldier, we’ll teach you everything you need to know. From living and working in the field to first aid and how to fire a rifle. This is also where you’ll work on fitness and confidence. At the end of your training, you’ll take part in a passing‑out parade, celebrating with your friends and your family watching.
Whatever role you choose, your journey will start with Basic Training, also called Phase 1 Training.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ARMY TRAINING
It's a journey
No two soldiers have the same journey. How long it takes to go from recruit to soldier will depend on your role. Expect at least 14 weeks of Basic Training. After that, you'll spend at least 12 weeks in Initial Trade Training.
There's a routine
Early starts, physical training, fieldcraft, classroom lessons, kit checks –– most days will follow a rhythm, even if the activities change day to day. Evenings and weekends bring some downtime, though how much will depend on which stage you've reached.
Be ready to learn
Fitness matters, but so does your mindset. You don't need to prove anything when you start training as a recruit. Turn up ready to learn and you'll find the first few weeks far easier. It's also easy to prepare for Army training before you ever arrive: a bit of running, basic strength work, and getting comfortable outdoors will take you a long way.
Growth takes time
Training is all about building up your skills and confidence. You'll learn weapons handling, fieldcraft, first aid, navigation, and the discipline to keep going. Some skills you'll pick up fast, others might take a little longer, but what starts with training stays with you for the rest of your career.
Hard days are normal
You're not alone when it comes to homesickness, or falling behind. Most recruits experience these during training and it's completely normal. It's not a sign that you're not cut out for it. You'll be supported every step of the way, every day.
Expect the unexpected
Army training will push you further than you expect. And whatever gets thrown at you, the people next to you are going through it too. They’ll be next to you in the mud at 5am, getting through it together and building bonds that last for decades to come.
You don’t arrive as a soldier - basic training is where you become one.
Gary
Where will you train?
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Best experienced with headphones
Immerse yourself
Listen to soldiers practicing on the ranges.
Shooting Range
Ready. Aim. Fire.
What’s it like?
Get behind the scenes of training by watching Civilian to Soldier, created by one of the team at the Initial Training Centre, Catterick. The series breaks down the training into week by week blocks, so you can see exactly what to expect when you head off to start your Army career.