How does the british army recruit soldiers?

The process in joining the British army is a long line of steps

1) You research and find a specific job that you want to do in the army.

2) You then apply either online, by an application letter or by calling your local careers office.

3) Then you start the selection which is in 3 stages. The BARB test, the medical test, and the fitness test.

The BARB test (British Army Recruit Battery) is a test to find out how good you are with solving puzzles, maths, English, reaction times and the ability of concentrate. After this you are given a list of jobs that you are able to apply for.

The medical is examining your body for illnesses and factual errors. It also looks at height, weight and tattoos. You either pass this or you fail this.

The fitness is a series of test to find out your core fitness. These tests are only to pass phase one of training, you may need higher fitness requirements for certain jobs. The tests include a mile and a half, press-ups, sit-ups, squat-thusts and pull-ups on a beam.

4) Once you pass all these tests, your ready for phase 1 of training. but first you must select a job that the British Army has to offer you. Depending on what you pick is to when you go into phase 1 of training. If you pick a popular job (Weapons mechanic, officer pilot) then you could be waiting a long time until a job comes to offer.

5) You then start phase 1 of training which every solider (Apart from officers) undertake. This 16 week long process develops the basics that every solider must know about the British Army. This includes team work, fitness, field craft, skill at arms and shooting. This also gives them time to find out what its like in army life and also you look in detail into your chosen job with the regiment you'll join.

6) Once you pass out, you'll go into phase 2 training which is separate training into your chosen job. Which is variable in terms of lenght of training and what you will take up.

7) You are officially a member of the British Army