British Army Recruitment 2024: How Nigerians, other Commonwealth citizens can apply

The British Army is opening its doors to Commonwealth citizens, including Nigerians, with applications available from August 19, 2024, until August 26, 2024.

To join, candidates must meet certain basic requirements, including age, nationality, health, and fitness standards. Education and qualifications are considered to help find the most suitable role, though formal qualifications are not mandatory.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications are invited for specific roles, including musicians, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Engineers Technicians and Tradesmen, and paratroopers. This recruitment highlights the significant contributions of Commonwealth soldiers within the British Army.

Important: Applications must be associated with the Recruit Bounty Referral Scheme (referral by a British Army member) to be considered, except for musician roles. Musicians must meet specific musical standards, detailed on the Army Musicians page.

Medical Screening

A critical part of the recruitment process is medical screening for Sickle Cell traits, particularly important for applicants from Commonwealth countries. While having the trait does not disqualify candidates, those at higher risk will need a diagnostic blood test before taking part in entry fitness tests. This measure ensures the safety of all recruits.

Qualifications and Requirements

Soldiers:

• Age Requirements: Candidates must be at least 16 years old, with applications accepted from 15 years and 7 months. Assessments can begin at 15 years and 9 months. Applicants under 17 years and 6 months will attend the Army Foundation College before starting standard entry training for Junior Soldiers.
• Enlistment Deadline: Candidates must enlist before the age of 36.

Officers:

• Age Requirements: Candidates must be between 18 and 29 years old, with higher age limits for specialist roles like doctors. Exceptions may be made for candidates over 30 on a case-by-case basis.
• Academic Requirements: Candidates need 35 ALIS points from 7 subjects, including a minimum grade of C/4 in English Language, Maths, and either Science or a foreign language. They also need 72 UCAS Tariff points from 3 subjects.

Fitness and Lifestyle Requirements

• Fitness Tests: Applicants must pass a series of fitness tests, including the Multistage Fitness Test (Beep Test), Seated Ball Throw, and Mid-Thigh Pull. The Army provides guidance on achieving the required fitness levels and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
• BMI and Lifestyle: Recruits are encouraged to quit smoking and maintain a balanced diet to meet Body Mass Index (BMI) requirements.

Tattoos and Piercings

• Tattoos: Acceptable if not offensive, obscene, or visible in passport photos. Hand and neck tattoos are now allowed, but head and face tattoos are not.
• Piercings: Alterations like large flesh tunnels may disqualify applicants. All jewelry must be removed during physical activities.

Criminal Convictions

The British Army takes a rehabilitative approach to criminal convictions. While some convictions may be ‘spent’ after a rehabilitation period, applicants must disclose any unspent convictions. Honesty is crucial, as concealing convictions could lead to prosecution later.

Army Cadet Force

For those too young to join the Army, the Army Cadet Force offers a great opportunity to engage in military-themed activities, sports, and outdoor adventures, while developing survival skills and earning additional qualifications.