ADD ADVICE TO FAVArmed forces officer job profile
Armed forces officers are members of either the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.
What armed forces officers do
- may be required to go to war in defence of the realm, to act as peacekeepers, or to perform rescue services
- lead their teams, encouraging and berating team members where necessary
- analyse information and situations, making necessary and often difficult decisions about appropriate actions
- give and take orders
- take responsibility for the welfare and training of their team
- perform specialist duties (such as education, administration, operational work, air-traffic control or engineering)
Key skills for armed forces officers
- total commitment and loyalty
- high level of physical fitness
- acceptance of tight discipline
- flexibility
- teamworking skills
- self-motivation
Training to be an armed forces officer
After a period of formal training, general and specialist professional training is ongoing.
Salaries for armed forces officers
These depend on the service. Army officers start on £22,679, rising to £27,260 on promotion to lieutenant. Royal Navy officers start on £22,680 as a Sub Lieutenant, rising to £34,000 to £40,000 as a Lieutenant. For those joining the Royal Air Force, flying officer pay starts at about £26,371 to £29,149. Pilots are paid more.
