Junior Soldier Training

There are two courses, a long and short course. Which one you join depends on the job you're hoping to do in the Army. If you're on the short course you'll have three weeks off, mid-term, while those doing the long course will have eight weeks off.

Short course - 23 weeks (20 weeks on course + 3 weeks holiday)
Army Air Corps, Adjutant General's Corps (SPS), Royal Signals, Royal Army Medical Services, Royal Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, Corps of Army Music

Long course - 48 weeks (40 weeks on course + 8 weeks holiday)
Infantry, Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery, Household Cavalry, Royal Logistic Corps.

You'll be part of a 12-person 'section', sharing a large room divided up to give you your own space and some privacy. It's not like living at home, but it is comfortable - and sharing helps you to make friends quickly. Males and females have separate sleeping and washing areas.

The qualifications that you need will depend on the job that you're going to do once you're trained and serving in the Army. Some roles don't need you to have any formal qualifications, but others (often more technical roles) look for a minimum level of GCSEs. You can find out what you need in Rolefinder.

You must be older than 15 years and 9 months to apply for the Army. There are two intakes to Harrogate each year, March and September, You need to be between 16 and 17 years, 5 months when you start.

Once your application has been checked you'll be invited along to your nearest Army Careers Centre to meet the team and find out about your options.

When you're ready you'll be sent along to the Assessment Centre for two days, where your fitness, team skills and potential to be a soldier will be assessed. Once you've passed there are final checks to be made, then you're ready to start.