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Travel the world with your unit. Get skills and qualifications. Playing your part in a team – that's the life of an Military Personnel Administrator.
This job is like no other Army role. You could be attached to any unit and go with them wherever they go. As well as being a fully trained soldier, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day actions of your unit, in barracks or on operations. Your responsibility will start on day 1 and increase as your rank advances. You can get qualifications that develop your skills and are recognised outside the Army. With worldwide travel, Adventurous Training and the chance to make friends for life, it’s exciting as well as rewarding.
The SPS (Staff and Personnel Support) Branch ensures that the British Army’s people are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice by managing its people, finances and information. We are soldiers first, and serve alongside every unit in the Army; wherever the Army goes, we are there too.
Key responsibilities
Serve our soldiers through administrative support.
Support the chain of command with their decision-making
Deploy on operations
Have any questions? Talk with us
Reserve (part time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
GCSE Grade A–D/9-3, or Scottish National A-C, in English Language and Maths minimum, or vocational qualifications such as an NVQ in Business Administration, or equivalent qualifications.
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 5.8
Army Reserve standards
Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm
MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8
Training for the role
Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.
Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.
Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.
Step 2
Take the Service Initial Personnel Administration course. When you finish, you’ll be a MPA. You’ll spend at least 27 days per year with us – usually one evening a week, one weekend a month and a two-week annual camp.
Qualifications you could get after training
Level 2 Certificate for Military Personnel Administrators.
Level 3 Diploma for Military Personnel Administrators.
Training is accredited by the Defence Awarding Organisation, Institute of Leadership and Management and Chartered Management Institute, ranging from Levels 4 to 7.
Opportunity to apply for accountancy training after qualifying period and selection.
Pay & benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increasing as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
How to Apply
When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.
To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.