Family life as a soldier

The British Army offers subsidised housing on or your near base, so you can live with your family wherever you are. This is known as Serviced Family Accommodation. Housing is made to fit your needs and your rank, without the house-hunting or bidding wars. It's not without its trade-offs: postings can mean relocating with your family. This can happen more than most people are used to, but soldiers and their families are used to it and you'll be supported any time you need to move.

Becoming a parent in the British Army is taken seriously. New parents enjoy up to 26 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a return-to-work plan that's specifically built around you. As a pregnant soldier, every activity will be risk-assessed to ensure your physical safety and wellbeing. It's a big life change, especially alongside Army life's unpredictability, but few employers look after new mums and dads quite this well.

Tax-free childcare, playgroups and after-school care, and a huge service community that's used to juggling long days - childcare support in the British Army goes further than most. Moving schools when you've been posted can be an adjustment for kids, but the Army will be there to help you and your family get set up wherever you are.

Flexible working patterns in the British Army give you more time for the things that matter at home. You can take advantage of reduced hours when you need them, which means more time for school plays and bedtimes. It's assessed individually rather than guaranteed, but it's a real option soldiers use to keep family life a priority.  

Welfare officers, spousal support, family days, and a community that understands Army life mean you are never figuring this out on your own. We're a close-knit community that spans the globe, which takes some getting used to - but most families say it becomes one of the best parts of the job.