An infantry soldier is a frontline member of the British Army, trained to engage in combat and carry out a wide range of military operations on foot. Their duties include patrolling, setting up defensive positions, engaging with enemy forces, and supporting peacekeeping missions around the world. Infantry soldiers must maintain high levels of physical fitness and discipline, work well in a team, and be prepared to face challenging and sometimes dangerous situations. Training is extensive and ongoing, covering weapons handling, tactics, and survival skills. Infantry soldiers may be deployed overseas or stationed within the UK, and there are opportunities for further training and specialisation as their career progresses.
An infantry soldier in the British Army typically starts with a salary of around £21,424 per year during initial training.
With experience and promotion, salaries can rise to around £32,000 or more for senior roles.
As of 2023, there are approximately 18,000 regular infantry soldiers in the British Army.
A soldier trained to parachute into operations, often working as part of airborne forces to carry out missions behind enemy lines.
A highly skilled infantry soldier specialising in marksmanship, camouflage, and reconnaissance, responsible for engaging targets at long distances.
A non-commissioned officer who leads a small team of infantry soldiers, managing training, discipline, and tactical operations on the ground.
Learn about the responsibilities, daily life, and expectations of an Infantry Soldier in the British Army.
Visit the official British Army website and read first-hand accounts from serving soldiers to get a realistic idea of the duties involved. Consider speaking with an Army Careers Advisor, either online or at a local careers office, to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties about the role.
Evaluate your physical fitness, mental resilience, and commitment to a military career.
Infantry roles are demanding, both physically and mentally. You should be comfortable with physical exercise, teamwork, and working in challenging environments. Review the Army’s eligibility criteria, including age, nationality, and health requirements, to ensure you meet the basic standards.
Apply online via the British Army recruitment portal for the Infantry Soldier role.
The application process involves filling out an online form with your personal details and answering questions about your background. Be prepared to provide identification and any relevant qualifications. You may also need to supply references or complete additional screening forms.
Participate in the Army Assessment Centre, which includes physical, medical, and aptitude tests.
The assessment typically takes place over a couple of days and includes activities such as fitness tests, medical examinations, team exercises, and interviews. You will also be assessed on your ability to work with others and your motivation to join the Army. Preparing for this stage by practising fitness tests and reviewing sample interview questions is recommended.
Attend and complete the 14-week Combat Infantry Course at the Infantry Training Centre.
This intensive training programme covers weapon handling, fieldcraft, fitness, discipline, and teamwork. You will learn all the fundamental skills required to serve as an Infantry Soldier. Successful completion of this course is mandatory before you can join a battalion.
After training, you will be posted to your chosen or assigned infantry regiment.
Once you have completed basic training, you will officially become a British Army Infantry Soldier and join your regiment. Here, you will continue to develop your skills through continued training and real-world experience, and you may have opportunities for further specialisation or promotion.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Infantry Soldier. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An Infantry Soldier and a Soldier share similar core responsibilities, including military training, discipline, combat skills, and operational duties. Both roles involve serving in the armed forces, with the primary focus on ground combat and defence, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and job nature.
You can get into this job through:
You can apply to join the army through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You apply directly to the army to find the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in, for example, engineering, health or logistics.
You can join the Army Reserve to get experience of what life is like in the regular army. You'll also learn new skills at the same time.
You'll need to:
If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Army Cadet Force.
You can apply directly to join the army. You do not need any specific qualifications unless you're applying for a technical role like engineering or communications.
You'll also need to be:
If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about the opportunities available to you. You'll then attend a 2-day assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.
You'll find more information about becoming a soldier from Army Careers.
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