The exact expertise and work of an army officer depends on the arm or service chosen. This could be, for example, a combat arm, such as the Infantry, Air Corps, Household Cavalry, Special Air Service Regiment or Royal Armoured Corps.

It could be a combat support arm, such as the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals or Intelligence Corps. It could be one of the services corps, such as the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Logistics or one of the branches of the Adjutant General's Corps (staff and personnel support, education and training, legal services, military police). It could be a specialism in medicine, music or religion.

Whichever corps or regiment they serve in, officers lead and manage a group of soldiers as well as developing their own expertise in their arm or service. They fit into a highly structured system of management of resources and personnel. They would have to make decisions about the welfare, training and deployment of the soldiers under their command and would be expected to maintain the morale of their soldiers, often in extreme conditions. A typical first command would be a platoon of around 30 soldiers of different ages and ranks.

All officers are trained in the handling of weapons and are expected to go into areas of combat.

Entry level

Around 80% of army officers are graduates, although the minimum educational qualifications to join as an officer are five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) and two A levels/Advanced Highers or three H grades, or equivalent. You must normally have English language, maths and either a science subject or a foreign language.

Entry is possible between 17 years 9 months and 29years. You must pass a medical entrance test and meet the army's nationality requirements. Selection involves a series of interviews and practical and written tests.

Making the grade

If selected for officer training, you would start with the commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This 44-week course is uniquely demanding, with many physical, mental and emotional challenges alongside leadership and management training.

Following the Passing Out parade at Sandhurst, you would join your regiment or corps and undertake specialist training relevant to your chosen role, occupation or profession. There would be many opportunities for you to gain further academic and vocational qualifications as you progress.

The length of specialist training can vary according to your qualifications before you join. Individuals with professional qualifications in law, medicine, dentistry and veterinary studies, for example, train for just four weeks instead of the usual 44.

You would normally be awarded a three-year (six-year in the Army Air Corps) Short Service Commission (SSC) from the date you leave Sandhurst. This may be extended to a maximum of eight years. After two years' service an SSC officer, you may apply to convert to an Intermediate Regular Commission (IRC).

The IRC offers a mid-length career, with service for up to 16 years. After two years as an IRC officer, you may apply to convert to a full career Regular Commission. This offers a full career, potentially for 34 years, or to the age of 60 if that is earlier. There are also two short, gap year commissions available for pre-university students or for current undergraduates.

Personal qualities

As an army officer, you need to be a decisive, effective leader, able to inspire and motivate others. You must be adaptable, physically fit and prepared to operate in combat situations.

You need to be highly motivated and able to think and react quickly in any situation, capable of using your own initiative while fitting into a highly organised structure. Good teamworking skills are essential. You must be able to communicate with people at all levels, often in stressful situations.