The British Army has opened its doors to Commonwealth citizens, including Nigerians, who are interested in joining its ranks. Starting today, 19th August 2024, the application process is officially underway and will remain open until 26th August 2024.
This recruitment drive specifically seeks candidates for several key roles, including musician, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, Royal Engineers Technician and Tradesman, and paratrooper. The initiative highlights the significant contributions that Commonwealth soldiers have historically made and continue to make within the British Army.
A crucial aspect of the recruitment process is the requirement for applications to be submitted under the Recruit Bounty Referral Scheme. This means that current British Army members must refer potential recruits for their applications to be considered. However, this does not apply to musicians, who must instead meet specific musical standards detailed on the Army Musicians page.
Medical screening is another critical component of the recruitment process, particularly the screening for Sickle Cell traits. This condition is more prevalent among certain populations, including those from Commonwealth countries. While having the Sickle Cell Trait does not disqualify a candidate, those identified as being at higher risk will need to undergo a diagnostic blood test before they can take part in the entry fitness tests. This precaution is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all recruits.
**Eligibility Criteria**
For those aspiring to become soldiers, candidates must be at least 16 years old to apply, though applications can begin as early as 15 years and 7 months. Assessment can start from 15 years and 9 months, and candidates under 17 years and 6 months will attend the Army Foundation College before beginning standard entry training. All candidates must enlist before reaching 36 years of age.
For officer roles, candidates must be between 18 and 29 years old. However, higher age limits apply for specialist roles, such as doctors, and exceptions may be made for candidates over 30 on a case-by-case basis. Academic requirements include 35 ALIS points from 7 subjects, with at least a grade C/4 in English Language, Maths, and either Science or a foreign language, in addition to 72 UCAS Tariff points from 3 subjects.
**Fitness and Lifestyle Requirements**
All applicants must pass several fitness tests, including the Multistage Fitness Test (Beep Test), Seated Ball Throw, and Mid Thigh Pull. The British Army provides guidance to help candidates reach the necessary fitness levels and encourages maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and adhering to a balanced diet to meet Body Mass Index (BMI) requirements.
**Tattoos, Piercings, and Criminal Convictions**
The British Army has specific guidelines regarding tattoos: they must not be offensive, obscene, or visible in a passport photo. While hand and neck tattoos are allowed, tattoos on the head and face are not permitted. Piercings that alter appearance, such as large flesh tunnels, may disqualify applicants, and all jewelry must be removed during physical activities.
Regarding criminal convictions, the British Army takes a rehabilitative approach. While certain convictions may be considered ‘spent’ after a rehabilitation period, all unspent convictions must be disclosed. Hiding such information could result in legal consequences.
**Application Process and Timeline**
Prospective candidates are reminded that the application window is strictly from 19th August 2024 to 26th August 2024. Applications submitted outside this timeframe will not be considered. Selected candidates should be prepared to travel to the UK for further assessments in October and November 2024, with basic training scheduled to begin between January and March 2025.
For more detailed information and to submit applications, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official British Army recruitment page.
