An infantry soldier in the UK Army is a front-line role, forming the backbone of military operations. Infantry soldiers are trained to operate in a variety of environments, including urban, woodland, and desert settings. Their main duties include combat, patrolling, reconnaissance, and working as part of a close-knit team to achieve military objectives. Training is rigorous, focusing on physical fitness, weapons handling, tactics, survival skills, and teamwork. Infantry soldiers can be deployed both in the UK and overseas, responding to emergencies, peacekeeping missions, and combat operations. The role can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, but it offers opportunities for travel, personal development, and promotion within the ranks. Additional benefits may include subsidised accommodation, healthcare, and pension schemes.
The starting salary for a British Army infantry soldier is around £22,000 per year after training.
As of 2023, there are approximately 15,000 regular infantry soldiers serving in the British Army.
You can join the British Army as an infantry soldier from the age of 16, with parental consent.
Leads a small team of infantry soldiers, responsible for their training, welfare and operational effectiveness.
Operates and maintains mortar weapons, providing indirect fire support for infantry units.
Specialises in gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance missions ahead of main infantry forces.
Understand what being an Infantry Soldier involves, including daily duties, lifestyle, and career prospects.
Visit the official British Army website and read about the Infantry Soldier role. Watch videos and read articles to get a realistic idea of the job. You can also attend local Army careers events or speak to serving soldiers to ask questions about what the job is really like.
Begin physical training to meet the Army’s fitness standards.
Start a regular exercise routine focusing on running, sit-ups, and press-ups. The Army has minimum fitness requirements, so it’s important to build up your stamina and strength. Resources such as the Army’s ‘100% Army Fit’ app can help you track your progress and prepare for the selection tests.
Submit an application through the British Army recruitment website.
You’ll need to create an account, fill in personal details, and select the Infantry Soldier role. Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, such as age (16-35 years), nationality, and residency requirements. You don’t need specific qualifications, but you must have basic numeracy and literacy skills.
Take part in the Army Assessment Centre, which tests your fitness, medical suitability, and aptitude.
The assessment usually takes place over two days and includes a medical exam, fitness tests, team exercises, and interviews. Be prepared by practising interview techniques and ensuring you’re in good health. If successful, you’ll be given a provisional offer to start training.
Attend Basic Training at the Army Training Centre, where you’ll learn essential soldiering skills.
The Combat Infantry Course at Catterick lasts about 22 weeks and covers weapon handling, fieldcraft, fitness, teamwork, and discipline. You’ll also develop leadership skills and learn how to operate in challenging conditions. Support is available to help you adjust to Army life.
After training, you’ll be posted to an Infantry unit to begin your career as a fully qualified Infantry Soldier.
You’ll continue to develop your skills and gain new qualifications. Opportunities exist for promotion, further training, and specialised roles within the Infantry. You may be deployed on exercises or operations in the UK or abroad, depending on the needs of the Army.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Infantry Soldier. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
The career title 'Soldier' most closely matches 'Infantry Soldier' because both refer to personnel serving in the army, with similar roles, responsibilities, and qualifications related to combat and defence. An Infantry Soldier is a specific type of soldier specialising in ground combat, so the overall career aligns best with the broader 'Soldier' designation rather than a commissioned officer role.
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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