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combat
Soldier
Regular

Infantry Soldier

Protecting the nation and preventing conflict, an Infantry Soldier is among the most active soldiers in the Army, with an incredibly varied, exciting role.

Infantry

Starting salary
£26,334
Age range
16 to 35.6
Qualifications needed
None

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Role details

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Entry Requirements

Age

To apply for this position, you must be between 16 years old and 35 years & 6 months old at the time of your application. sdfsfdfsdfsdfsfsdfsdfsd.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 76kg (Army Reserve 50kg)
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m (Army Reserve 2.7m)
2km run 10 min 15 sec

More information about the fitness test

Education

No formal qualifications needed

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Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

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About the Role

Infantry

The Infantry are ready to protect the nation, prevent conflict, fight the nation’s enemies and deal with disaster at home or overseas.

Highly skilled. Extremely fit. Always ready for the next challenge. The British Army’s Infantry Soldiers are respected throughout the world. From disaster relief to protecting the nation, nothing compares to the fast-changing life of the Infantry. You’ll be at the heart of the action, working to keep vulnerable communities safe and prevent conflict, doing something that really matters. Whatever you’re doing or where you are in the world, you’ll work and train alongside other highly skilled close-combat professionals. They’re there to help you through whatever life throws at you, on operations, on exercise or on the sports field –⁠ it’s belonging like nothing else and they’ll become friends for life. With the chance to gain qualifications, you will learn and move up the ranks too.

Key Responsibilities

Master of a number of weapons, including the SA80 Rifle, Underslung Grenade Launcher, Light Support Weapon and the Light Mortar
Deploy around the world on everything from frontline operations to disaster relief missions
Work in a close-knit section and make friends for life
Get promoted into a huge variety of specialist Infantry roles and eventually advise senior officers
Join one of Britain’s 16 Infantry regiments. Each has its own identity and history

Training

Step 1
You start with a Combat Infantry Course (28 weeks) at The Infantry Training Centre Catterick. Here, you do your Basic Training and then your Infantry Initial Trade Training. Your instructors will coach you through progressive training where you will learn essential skills such as firing weapons, survival, first aid and map reading while building stamina and fitness.

If you’re aged under 17 years and 6 months, you’ll do your Basic Training (long) course at the Army Foundation College Harrogate. You’ll then go to Catterick to complete your Infantry Initial Trade Training over 10 weeks.

Step 2
On completion of your Initial Trade Training, you will move to your Infantry Battalion. Battalions routinely conduct training in the UK, Europe, Kenya and Belize. More concentrated periods of mission-specific training prepare battalions for operations abroad.

Pay and Benefits

Qualifications You'll Earn

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There has been a change to the mental health requirements.

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Your application journey

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

i. Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1-2 days

Online application

Complete your application form online. You'll need details about your education, work history, and why you want to join the Army.

2-3 weeks

Careers office interview

Meet with an Army Careers Advisor who will discuss your application, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.

2-4 weeks

Assessment centre

Attend a 3-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.

2-4 weeks

Security clearance

Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.

Real Army Life

Get a look at what life is really like for an Infantry Soldier.

Mess hall & nutrition

See what meals look like in the Army and how we fuel soldiers’ performance.

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Training facilities

Explore our state-of-the-art training grounds, gyms and equipment.

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Your accommodation

Take a tour of the barracks and see where you’ll be living during training.

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Kit & equipment

Get up close with the gear and equipment you’ll use as an Infantry Soldier.

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Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

Ask a question

What’s a typical day like for an infantry soldier?

“No two days are the same, which is what I love about it. You might start with PT at 6:30am, then spend the morning on weapon training or field exercises. Afternoons could be admin, kit maintenance, or tactical planning. When you're on exercise or deployment, days are intense - early starts, long patrols, and constant training. But there's also downtime with your mates, sports, and evenings off when you're back at barracks. The variety keeps it interesting.”

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Private James Mitchell

Infantry Officer

How fit do I need to be before I apply?

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Private Joe Bloggs

Infantry Soldier

What is basic training like?

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Infantry Soldier

Will I get deployed? How often?

Private Joe Bloggs

Infantry Soldier

Can I live my own life outside the Army?

Private Joe Bloggs

Infantry Soldier

What if I don’t like it after joining?

Private Joe Bloggs

Infantry Soldier

Your future starts here

Every Infantry Soldier started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Apply now

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Contact us

0345 600 8080

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Part-time opportunity

This role is also available in the Army Reserves

Serve part-time as a Reserve Infantry Soldier while maintaining your civilian career. Train on evenings and weekends, with opportunities for overseas deployments and adventure training.

Commitment

27 days per year minimum

Training

Evenings and weekends

View Reserve role

Benefits of Reserve service

Earn extra income
Gain world-class training
Develop skills
Close-knit local unit
Deployment opportunities

More about Reserves