Information Services Engineer

No week is the same in the Royal Signals, one week you could be conducting a training exercise with Multi-National Forces in America, tackling the Machu Picchu trail in Peru as part of an Adventurous Training Expedition.

Royal Signals are everywhere the British Army are deployed providing essential communications support, as such the breadth of opportunities are limitless.

A typical working week after training in barracks and when not deployed on operations:

Monday: (Late start) Maintenance of Comms equipment ensuring it is ready for deployment. PT.
Tuesday: PT. Continuation training military or trade.
Wednesday: Equipment care and Sports.
Thursday: PT. Personal Development.
Friday: Comms kit check. CO’s PT usually finished by midday.

Anybody who has a good general level of fitness will be absolutely fine. Basic training is about taking you from being fit to being Army fit.

You don’t need to arrive as a finished athlete. If you’re reasonably active and willing to put the effort in, you’ll improve quickly with training and support.

It’s similar to a normal working day, with gyms, food halls and social spaces available on camp.

Living on a base gives you a good balance of structure and normal day‑to‑day life. Your days usually have a routine, like training, work and meals, but there’s also plenty of time to relax. You live close to the people you work with, so there’s a strong sense of community. In the evenings or downtime, you might go to the gym, watch TV, play sport or just catch up with mates. Everything you need is close by, which makes settling in much easier.

From day one you’re trained, supported and developed - you’re never left to figure things out alone.

You’re very well supported. Instructors are there to guide you, and don't forget, you join alongside others who are just as new, so you learn and settle in as a team.

Most days you finish work and can spend your evenings however you like, and you’re usually free to go away at weekends.

When you’re not on duty, your time is your own. Many people use evenings and weekends to relax, keep active, or spend time with friends on camp.

There truly is no job like being in the Army, where colleagues become your friends.

You’re living, training and working with the same people, so friendships build very quickly.

Yes. Everyone starts in the same position, learning together and supporting each other. That shared journey makes it easy to form friendships and feel like you belong.

There are varied periods where you’ll be extremely busy and also periods where you could be having downtime at home with family and friends.

Not at all. Some parts are intense, especially during training or when learning something new, but it’s not like that all the time. You’ll have structured periods where you’re focused and pushed to do your best, but there’s also downtime to reset, socialise and look after yourself. That balance helps you grow without feeling overwhelmed.

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

The Army has worked hard to improve its food options, with several choices available each day including hot meals and healthier options.

You’ll eat in the cookhouse, where meals are prepared for you each day. There’s a good choice, and it’s designed to keep you fuelled for training.