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Armed Services
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." (General Douglas Macarthur)
 There are three main Services: the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy (including the Royal Marines).
The main purpose of all of the Armed Services is to defend the United Kingdom, its Overseas Territories (like the Falklands), its people and interests. Of course their role has changed over the years. Today they also take part in:
- international peacekeeping activities
- international conflicts
- search and rescue services
- helping after major disasters (for example after hurricanes or earthquakes)
- helping the community (for example during recent flooding).
However, the situation in Iraq does bring home the fact that, although most people working in the Services are not involved in front line fighting, taking part in war and other conflicts is part of the job for any soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman.
All branches of the Armed Services offer a wide and interesting range of careers for men and women. In fact, you just wouldn't get some of the jobs, such as weapon technician, anywhere else. There are over 140 trade and professional jobs in the Army alone!
The Armed Services are a major UK employer, with about 176,330 regular forces personnel (January 2010). Just over 9% of the regular Armed Services are women. Women can serve in 71% of jobs in the Royal Navy, 67% of jobs in the Army and 96% of jobs in the RAF.
Demand for recruits varies depending on the Service, the branch and even the job you go into, but generally recruitment is steady and there are openings for most jobs.
You may want to join up for all sorts of different reasons. You may be attracted by:
- the chance to learn a particular trade or job
- the challenge of the military or combat training
- the chance to travel and live overseas
- the quality of the training
- the sporting and other outdoor activities
- the chance to be part of a team doing an important job.
Whatever the reasons, and there are many good ones, you must think things through carefully before you join up.
- Commitment – you can't just walk out of the Forces. You sign up for a minimum length of service. And other people are depending on you: your regiment, your unit or your crew.
- Danger – you could be injured or killed in a conflict.
- Discipline – the military sort! Not everyone finds it easy to take orders.
- Routine – it's not all skiing in the Alps. Like most jobs there is a day-to-day routine.
- Responsibility – you could be maintaining vital equipment or making decisions that will affect other people's lives.
- Missing people and places – most, if not all, new recruits suffer from home-sickness. Others miss girlfriends, boyfriends, their mum or even their hamster (and why not!).
- The impact on family life – moving around from base to base (or being away from home for long periods) affects you and your family.
The opportunity to get good quality training and qualifications is a major attraction for many people joining the Armed Services, from those who want to learn a trade to officer training for graduates. Student sponsorships are also available.
Sources
For detailed information about each of the Services visit their own websites at
http://www.army.mod.uk/
http://www.rafcareers.com/
http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/
Home National Statistics Publication: UK Armed Forces Quarterly Manning Report (www.dasa.mod.uk)
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