Guidance

Joining the Army Reserve

Published 14 February 2014

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/army-reserve-qa/army-reserve-questions-and-answers

How do I apply?

Have a look at the roles that interest you, create an online account and then fill in an application.

Once you’ve found a role within the unit you want to join and your application has been received and your basic eligibility assessed, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Complete an online medical questionnaire

  2. Have an interview with your Careers Adviser

  3. Complete a 2-day assessment, which includes a full medical assessment and basic numeracy and literacy tests

  4. Once you’ve been offered employment, you’ll start your initial training

If you want to know more:

What skills will I gain from my training?

Through your military training you can gain:

  • career related qualifications
  • courses accredited up to Masters level
  • leadership and other skills

Qualifications are available through:

See a list of all qualifications by service.

Will it affect my day job?

You will need to balance your training commitment with your day job. You’ll be expected to train with your unit for a minimum number of days each year and will also need time off if you are mobilised.

Although there’s no legal requirement for your employer to allow you extra time off for training, many are happy to do so.

Am I eligible to join?

The eligibility criteria for joining the Army Reserve varies depending on the service and role you’re applying for.

Age

You must be at least 17 years and 9 months when you apply.

You can apply to join the Army until the day before your 50th birthday (for Reserve Soldier) and 48 years and 9 months for Officer Roles. There are higher age limits for some specialist roles, and ex-Regular Rejoiners.

Check the full criteria on the Army’s website.

Nationality

You must be a British or Irish citizen to join the Army Reserve. Commonwealth applicants may be invited to apply depending on role availability.

Check the full criteria on the Army’s website.

Education and qualifications

There are no minimum education qualifications unless you’re applying for an officer or technical role.

Check the full criteria on the Army’s website.

Health

You must meet the medical entry standard to join the Army Reserve.

Check the full criteria on the Army’s website.

How fit do I need to be?

The Army helps develop your fitness but you will need to meet some basic requirements before you start training.

You will also need to pass a full Army medical. Check which medical conditions may prevent you from joining.

Can I leave the Reserves?

If you decide that being a reservist isn’t for you, you can leave at any point except during mobilisation.

Will I be deployed?

When the Army needs to call up a reservist, it goes through a process called mobilisation. You will only be mobilised if the Army really needs you, but you or your employer can object if it would seriously adversely affect your family or work responsibilities. For many people in the Army Reserve, serving on operations is a high point of their military careers. It’s an opportunity to use all the skills and expertise that they developed in their training.

Will I get paid?

You will get paid for training and also get a tax free bounty if you complete the minimum days training required in a year. View the rates of pay.

Is there a role for me?

Being a reservist doesn’t always mean being on the frontline. There are around 200 roles from medics to logistics and communications:

  • combat
  • engineering
  • logistics and support
  • medical
  • HR and finance
  • intelligence
  • communications
  • IT

Check the role finder.

How much training will I do?

You will need to train for up to 40 days a year depending on your role. Training takes place in the evening and on weekends plus a two-week annual camp.

Your basic training will give you military skills such as tactics, weapon handling and map reading. Subsequent training depends on your role and how much time you can devote to it.

Find out more about training as a soldier.

Find out more about officer training.

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