Blog » Forces seek hundreds of new recruits to move up the ranks

Forces seek hundreds of new recruits to move up the ranks

17th September 2013

The Forces are looking for 750 new recruits from Northern Ireland in the next year.

The positions, which are both full and spare time in the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army, cover a wide range of trades and professions, including engineers, medics and logistical personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel Dick Rafferty, head of Army recruiting in Northern Ireland said: “We are keen to let people know that the doors are open for people seeking a worthwhile career within the Armed Forces. The Army alone plans to recruit 600 people through its offices in Northern Ireland with roughly half of these being spare time opportunities with the Territorial Army.

“As well as soldiers, we are also recruiting officers. With more university graduates striving to get onto the career ladder than ever, an officer career in the Armed Forces is a great choice.

“An officer could expect to start on more than £24,000 initially, and with further training and promotion that figure will keep rising. In addition to that, the Army pays for any further education or qualifications they may require to fulfill their chosen role.

“Training and development of our soldiers is key and after basic training they can expect to begin earning more than £17,000 a year, plus benefits such as a pension, free healthcare and subsidised accommodation.

“The best advice I can give anyone who is interested in a career in either the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force is to come along to the Armed Forces Careers Exhibition later this month. We aim to give attendees a flavour of what life in the Forces might be like, and it’s an informal, relaxed way to learn more.

“Serving officers and soldiers will be present to talk to you about their personal experiences, and it’s a great chance to see the latest high tech equipment up close.

The Armed Forces Careers Exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, March from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Entry to the event is free and visitors will be required to show photographic ID on arrival.

For more information on a career in the Army please visit www.army.mod.uk/join or call 0845 600 8080.

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