's
ARMY RESERVE INFO DECK
everything you need to know about being a RESERVIST
Join the hundreds of people just like you in and across England who give some of their spare time to the defence of their country.
This info deck is designed to give you all the information you need to make a decision on whether a second career as an Army Reservist is for you.
ENGLAND'S INFANTRY AT ITS VERY BEST.
Commitment.
How much time you spend is really up to you - training is flexible and can fit around your life. There is no minimum time required.
However, to receive the annual bonus we require you to train at least 27 days per year, including a 2-week camp, in order to remain competent and achieve your Certificate of Efficiency.
27 DAYS
This might sound like a lot, but broken down over the year, it could be as little as:
32 x Weekly drill nights ¼ day = 8 days
1 x Annual camp = 15 days
2 x Training Weekends (these are usually held monthly) = 4 days
TRAINING.
Once you have been attested and become a member of the British Armed Forces, you will begin
your formal training.
In addition to training at your unit, training is divided into three blocks:
PHASE 1
FOUNDATION: A nine-day introduction to the Army Reserve & foundational military skills.
BATTLE CAMP: A two-week battle camp to develop skills & mark the end of Phase 1.
PHASE 2
CIC: Your Combat Infantry Course (CIC) is your infantry trade specific training and normally lasts 2 weeks.
Upon completion of CIC you are a fully-qualified Army Reserve Infantry Soldier. You'll be able to attend specialist courses such as:
Physical Training Instructor
Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course
Section Commander's Battle Course
Specialist Weapons (Machine Guns, Mortars, Anti-Tanks etc.)
Team Medic
Skill at Arms (Weapons Instructor)
Are you ready to get started ?
ELIGIBILITY.
If you want to join the Army Reserve, you'll need to meet the basic criteria below.
AGE
As a Reservist Soldier:
Be at least 17 years and 9 months when you apply.
You can apply for most roles until you're 42 years and 6 months old, but you must have joined by your 43 birthday.
As a Reservist Officer:
Be at least 17 years and 9 months when you apply.
Apply by the time you're 48 years and 9 months.
NATIONALITY
You must be a British Citizen, OR have indefinite leave to remain. Seak with an advisor about your specific circumstances.
HEALTH & FITNESS
There are certain health conditions or medical histories that will exclude you from service. These will be assessed on a case by case basis and it is important that you discuss this with an advisor.
You do not need to be an athlete to join the Army Reserve, you will receive structured training once you join that is tailored to your job role. However, you do need to meet the minimum entry standards. Speak with an advisor to find out more.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT JOINING ?
pay.
Your pay increases as you are promoted, and incrementally each year in each rank. These are the starting rates for your first year in that rank.
Soldiers
RECRUIT (IN TRAINING): £63.27 per day
PRIVATE: £63.27 per day
LANCE CORPORAL: £83.87 per day
CORPORAL: £97.74 per day
SERGEANT: £110.22 per day
Officers
SECOND LIEUTENANT: £103.03 per day
LIEUTENANT: £110.08 per day
CAPTAIN: £130.03 per day
MAJOR: £166.55 per day
ANNUAL TAX-FREE LUMP SUM.
If you complete the minimum annual commitment — including a two-week training camp — and pass the required assessments to earn your Certificate of Efficiency, you’ll qualify for a tax-free annual bonus known as a bounty.
YEAR 1: £558.00
YEAR 2: £1,234.00
YEAR 3: £1,906.00
YEAR 4: £1907.00
YEAR 5+: £2,209.00
The Army Reserve bounty is often seen as a reward for commitment, and people typically spend it in ways that feel personally meaningful or offer a good return. You will have your own goals, but some of the ways our soldiers use their bounty include:
- Saving for a house
- Holidays & Travel
- Personal Development
- Investing
- DIY & Home Improvements
QUICK
STATS.
£2,209
ANNUAL TAX FREE BOUNTY (In year 5)
Starting at £558 in Year 1.
27
DAYS ANNUAL COMMITMENT
5
LOCATIONS ACROSS ENGLAND
HOLIDAY
PAY.
In addition to your pay, benefits and tax-free annual lump sum, you will also accrue holiday pay. As Army Reserve service is usually done in your spare time as opposed to being your full-time career, your leave is paid rather than taken as time off.
This means for every 9 full days that you train, you get a day's leave - given to you as pay.
JOINING PROCESS.
If you've decided that a career as an Army Reservist is something that interests you , the first step is to get in touch.
Our friendly team of recruiters will provide you with all of the information you need to make a decision on whether to proceed.
1. SELECTION
If you do decide to join us, we'll need to access your medical records, and you will also need to attend a selection centre to ensure that you are fit enough to start training.
2. ATTESTATION
Once you've been accepted, you will swear your Oath of Allegiance and officially join the British Army, ready to begin your training journey.
3. PHASE 1
Your Phase 1 Training teaches you basic military skills and qualifies you as a trained Army Reserve soldier. This consists of your Foundation Course, as well as Battle Camp and additional training with your unit.
4. phase 2
Your Phase 2 Training is your Infantry specific trade training and is run by the Regular Army at Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick.
READY TO LEARN MORE ?
Speak with one of the team.
Joining the Army Reserve has given me an
additional sense of purpose and something
for me, without sacrificing my work or
personal life. It’s very rewarding.
LOCATIONS
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
X Company
St George’s Barracks
Sandyford
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE2 1DF
NORTHUMBERLAND
Z Company
Fox Barracks
High Pit Road
Cramlington
NE23 6RA
BOLTON
Machine Gun Platoon
Army Reserve Centre
Nelson Street
Bolton
BL3 2RW
BIRMINGHAM
A Company
Army Reserve Centre
Barrows Lane
Birmingham
B26 3BE
LONDON
C Company
Fusilier House
Balham High Road
London
SW17 7BQ
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This site is independently run platform managed by current Reservists, providing guidance, resources, and tools to support prospective and current Army Reservists while assisting units with transparent candidate management. This website is operated independently and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official representation of the British Army or the Ministry of Defence. Any views expressed are those of the contributors and do not reflect official policy. LEARN MORE HERE.