Degree for officer application

I am applying to be in the British army after I finish my A levels. I expect to get three Bs (I have good enough GCSEs as well), my fitness is up to scratch too, so everything is good health and fitness wise. However, with no degree, am I at a serious disadvantage with my application?

Reply 1

ProStacker

11

Put it this way. The vast majority of British Military Officers have degrees. Whilst you have enough academic success to initiate an application you will be in a minority from the start.

I strongly recommend going to university, getting a degree, joining the OTC and seeing more of the Army. Then graduate and if you still want to apply, do it then. You will be in a much better position regardless of the outcome.

Reply 2

allnewmaterials

OP

3

Original post by ProStacker

Put it this way. The vast majority of British Military Officers have degrees. Whilst you have enough academic success to initiate an application you will be in a minority from the start.

I strongly recommend going to university, getting a degree, joining the OTC and seeing more of the Army. Then graduate and if you still want to apply, do it then. You will be in a much better position regardless of the outcome.

For multiple reasons, I have decided that university is not for me. I will attend a potential officers course, I am also in the cadets. Is that enough to teach me what the army is like? Additionally, do you have any statistics for percentage of candidates with only A levels given an interview?

Reply 3

BarrattsMini

Original post by allnewmaterials

For multiple reasons, I have decided that university is not for me. I will attend a potential officers course, I am also in the cadets. Is that enough to teach me what the army is like? Additionally, do you have any statistics for percentage of candidates with only A levels given an interview?

Go speak with them.

I regret not having joined at 18. I went to Uni and got my degree but after I wanted to travel and ended up around S.E.Asia for a year.

I was then offered a job in Orlando where I met my girlfriend of 4 years. We then went from there to Australia to work for 2 years.

I do often wonder what my life would have been like had I joined back then – 9 years on …

I’d speak with them. See what they advise. At least choose a degree that relates to your application if you do decide to follow that route. I did not.

Uni with the right frame of mind (I didn’t have this) will allow for a lot of focus. You could be visiting bases, reading up on the application, joining and trying to run the sports teams. Maybe look at 3 years in the Army reserves when at Uni? I’m basically saying you could have 3 years gaining you a great qualification but also 3 years to be absolutely prepared to apply?

Original post by allnewmaterials

For multiple reasons, I have decided that university is not for me. I will attend a potential officers course, I am also in the cadets. Is that enough to teach me what the army is like? Additionally, do you have any statistics for percentage of candidates with only A levels given an interview?

Hi,

Its great that you are interested in becoming an Officer for the British Army, may I ask what you have your A-levels in? To apply as an Regular Officer you only need to 180 UCAS point and 35 ALIS points(from gcse). There are a high number of applicants that do not hold a degree when applying for Officer roles, so I wouldn't worry too much that you don't have one. It will just depend on the role that you choose as some specialist roles will require you to hold certain qualifications.

Regards
ArmyJobs

Reply 5

Drewski

19

Original post by allnewmaterials

For multiple reasons, I have decided that university is not for me. I will attend a potential officers course, I am also in the cadets. Is that enough to teach me what the army is like? Additionally, do you have any statistics for percentage of candidates with only A levels given an interview?

It's enough to teach you what the army is like, what's up to debate is whether or not that gives you the requisite life experience and leadership skills that are demanded of army officers.

I read once that the average age of those going through Sandhurst was 25, while it's by no means impossible for younger people and non-grads, they are definitely the exception to the rule.

As the army careers bod will repeatedly say, it's theoretically possible if you have the minimum requirements. What they won't do is tell you whether or not it's likely. The likelihood is that, no, it's not all that likely. And then even if you did make it in, you're then limiting yourself with what you can do throughout a career.

Remember, minimum requirements ate just that, the minimum. It's a highly competitive world out there at every stage of recruitment. Ask yourself what have you got that you can talk about and demonstrate that you are just as worthy of a place as someone who's 5/6 years older, with a degree and who knows what other relative experience. Put yourself in the recruiter's boots: why should they pick you?

None of that is meant to put you off. If you're determined enough you'll make it, but it's painting a picture of the likely scenario.

Reply 6

allnewmaterials

OP

3

Original post by ArmyJobs

Hi,

Its great that you are interested in becoming an Officer for the British Army, may I ask what you have your A-levels in? To apply as an Regular Officer you only need to 180 UCAS point and 35 ALIS points(from gcse). There are a high number of applicants that do not hold a degree when applying for Officer roles, so I wouldn't worry too much that you don't have one. It will just depend on the role that you choose as some specialist roles will require you to hold certain qualifications.

Regards
ArmyJobs

I will have A levels in chemistry, philosophy & ethics and geography. I want to be light cavalry or infantry so I don't think I will need a degree for that.

Regarding Drewski, I know it's a tough world but I have other things to put on my CV apart from academic stuff so I am wondering if that is enough or they want more academic ability.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 7

ProStacker

11

Original post by allnewmaterials

For multiple reasons, I have decided that university is not for me. I will attend a potential officers course, I am also in the cadets. Is that enough to teach me what the army is like? Additionally, do you have any statistics for percentage of candidates with only A levels given an interview?

Over 80% of those starting Sandhurst are graduates. 8 out of 10. 4 out of 5.

If you have the qualifications and the ability to go to university, I strongly recommend you do. Having a degree is something for the longer term and should not just be thought of as something for the short term. Look at the lifelong earning potential for grads and non-grads as a start. Having spent most of my adult life in uniform and having joined as a non-grad (and having been very happy with all my life choices), I would urge anyone who can go to university to do so. It is something that will serve you well and help a lot if you decide to make a full career of it. It will also give you something if you fail to get in or something happens and you are forced to leave.

Reply 8

ProStacker

11

Original post by ArmyJobs

There are a high number of applicants that do not hold a degree when applying for Officer roles, so I wouldn't worry too much that you don't have one. It will just depend on the role that you choose as some specialist roles will require you to hold certain qualifications.

I get that you are a recruiter and here to recruit, but that statement is just disingenuous and somewhat misleading. 20% of Sandhurst attendees being non-grads is a minority however you phrase the figures.

Original post by ProStacker

I get that you are a recruiter and here to recruit, but that statement is just disingenuous and somewhat misleading. 20% of Sandhurst attendees being non-grads is a minority however you phrase the figures.

Hi,

Some applicants will have will have different attributes than a degree, As stated before, those with degrees will more than likely be applying for specific roles that will require one as that is the career path that they have chosen. If an applicant does not hold a degree and is applying for a role that doesn't need that qualification, and succeeds highly in interviews and at selection then they will have a very good chance being accepted into Sandhurst.

Regards
ArmyJobs

Reply 10

allnewmaterials

OP

3

Original post by ArmyJobs

Hi,

Some applicants will have will have different attributes than a degree, As stated before, those with degrees will more than likely be applying for specific roles that will require one as that is the career path that they have chosen. If an applicant does not hold a degree and is applying for a role that doesn't need that qualification, and succeeds highly in interviews and at selection then they will have a very good chance being accepted into Sandhurst.

Regards
ArmyJobs

What's the percentage of applicants without a degree that get an interview?

Original post by allnewmaterials

What's the percentage of applicants without a degree that get an interview?

Hi,

The percentage split between graduates and non-graduates is 80 - 20% split. However, it all comes down to how well you do at selection. There will of course be those who are unsuccessful at selection not matter if they hold a degree or not. If you prepare yourself well and do your research then you will have a good chance as passing your selection. All in all, I would not let, not holding a degree stop you from applying for the role of an Officer. We are here to help and support you throughout your application process.

Regards
ArmyJobs

Reply 12

allnewmaterials

OP

3

Thank you very much ArmyJobs, why is there such a large difference between non-graduates and graduates? Is it because people with degrees tend to be better at the actual training or that you will normally accept graduates over non-graduates?

Original post by allnewmaterials

Thank you very much ArmyJobs, why is there such a large difference between non-graduates and graduates? Is it because people with degrees tend to be better at the actual training or that you will normally accept graduates over non-graduates?

Hi,

I believe that most applicants will apply for Regular soldier entry if they do not hold a degree as the application process is easier. The training result will differ as all applicants are individual and you will perform better in some places that others and visa versa.

You begin by doing officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, which lasts for 44 weeks. You learn what’s expected of a British Army officer and how to lead soldiers on and off the battlefield. If you join an Infantry regiment you go on to do the 16-week Platoon Commanders Battle Course in Brecon, Wales, after which you're a capable tactician, as well as physically and mentally robust.

Officer training helps you develop your existing skills as a leader and teaches you many new ones. You learn combat skills, like how to handle and fire a weapon, basic infantry tactics, how to think and act decisively under pressure and how to manage people from very different backgrounds. You also learn how to command and lead your team in combat and how to manage them in camp.

Here is information on the role of an Infantry Platoon Officer: https://www.army.mod.uk/rolefinder/role/81/infantry-platoon-officer

Any other questions you are more than welcome to ask.

Regards
ArmyJobs

Reply 14

Drewski

19

Original post by allnewmaterials

Thank you very much ArmyJobs, why is there such a large difference between non-graduates and graduates? Is it because people with degrees tend to be better at the actual training or that you will normally accept graduates over non-graduates?

Forgive me for butting in but I don't think ArmyJobs really answered the question I think you're asking.

Being an officer in the military is a massively demanding job. You have not only your role to think about, but the welfare of all the people under your command.

Having a degree is proof that you have taken the time to study something, that you have the discipline to do so on your own, outside of school environment, that you can perform certain tasks to certain standards. It is also usually proof that you can look after yourself, that you can live on your own, organise yourself, that you can arrange and organise clubs and societies and do all that as well as studying.

Picking people with degrees is more than just picking people with a certain bit of paper, it's about picking people who have demonstrated that they have life experience, that they have many strings to their bow.

Ability to cope with training is only one element of it, you've got to be able to cope with the job afterwards too - and it only gets harder. It's not just a degree that helps that, it's age and experience too.

Not having a degree doesn't disadvantage yourself in the selection, but the perceived lack of age, experience and wisdom definitely does.

Original post by Drewski

Forgive me for butting in but I don't think ArmyJobs really answered the question I think you're asking.

Being an officer in the military is a massively demanding job. You have not only your role to think about, but the welfare of all the people under your command.

Having a degree is proof that you have taken the time to study something, that you have the discipline to do so on your own, outside of school environment, that you can perform certain tasks to certain standards. It is also usually proof that you can look after yourself, that you can live on your own, organise yourself, that you can arrange and organise clubs and societies and do all that as well as studying.

Picking people with degrees is more than just picking people with a certain bit of paper, it's about picking people who have demonstrated that they have life experience, that they have many strings to their bow.

Ability to cope with training is only one element of it, you've got to be able to cope with the job afterwards too - and it only gets harder. It's not just a degree that helps that, it's age and experience too.

Not having a degree doesn't disadvantage yourself in the selection, but the perceived lack of age, experience and wisdom definitely does.

Hi,

Thats no problem! You are correct. Everyone is given the chance to apply as an Officer to Sandhurst if they hold the qualifications required for a particular role. Yes, the Role of an Officer is tough and demanding, mentally and physically. But overall, the core objectives of the Commissioning Course are:To develop commanders of courage and willpower, with the temperament for decisive action in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
To foster attitudes to integrity, selflessness and loyalty which set the soldier apart from others.
To teach Officer Cadets how to think and communicate as commanders and to foster a deep interest and care for the individual.
To achieve a grounding in British Military Doctrine and its significance in all forms of conflict.
To encourage the analysis of strategic and war studies as a foundation to military thought and wisdom.
To train Officer Cadets in the basic skills and battlefield disciplines of soldiering.

No one is expected to jump into a role and start performing it at the highest standard, hence why training is provided. If an individual, believes that he or she has the mentality and determination then anything is possible.

Regards
ArmyJobs

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 16

exlibris

6

I've got no axe to grind here - I've been out of the Army for nearly two years now, having joined as an officer (with a degree) in 2007. There are pluses and minuses on both sides of the debate - those with degrees will, as a rule, be a little older, they're likely to do better at the academic/intellectual elements of both Sandhurst and the field Army; those without have the advantage of youth and, very often, a great deal of determination. I went through Sandhurst with and served alongside many non-grad officers - one won an MC, others were genuinely the best out of all their peers, others were average or below. I know graduate officers about whom I could say exactly the same on all three counts. I would say go to the Careers office, start the ball rolling and see how you get along: contrary to what some posters seem to be saying on this thread, no-one is going to say 'No, we won't take that candidate, s/he doesn't have a degree' unless it's for a role that specifically requires one (the main one I can think of being REME Offr, where an engineering degree is required).

One thing to think about is post-Army employability - generally a degree will open more doors to you, though having a stint in the military is also an enormous positive for most employers. Be aware that there is funding and academic accreditation within the military that could help get higher qualifications either during or after your military service. Keep an open mind on degrees/university/qualifications - and remember that while the Army is potentially a great career, you need to have one eye on what's best for you as well.

Original post by ArmyJobs

Hi,

You are correct. However, everyone is given the chance to apply as an Officer to Sandhurst if they hold the qualifications required for a particular role. Yes, the Role of an Officer is tough and demanding, mentally and physically. But overall, the core objectives of the Commissioning Course are:To develop commanders of courage and willpower, with the temperament for decisive action in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
To foster attitudes to integrity, selflessness and loyalty which set the soldier apart from others.
To teach Officer Cadets how to think and communicate as commanders and to foster a deep interest and care for the individual.
To achieve a grounding in British Military Doctrine and its significance in all forms of conflict.
To encourage the analysis of strategic and war studies as a foundation to military thought and wisdom.
To train Officer Cadets in the basic skills and battlefield disciplines of soldiering.

No one is expected to jump into a role and start performing it at the highest standard, hence why training is provided. If an individual, believes that he or she has the mentality and determination then anything is possible.

Regards
ArmyJobs

Reply 17

allnewmaterials

OP

3

Thank you very much guys, if it really is true that a lack of a degree won't be a barrier, I will put in my application as soon as possible. Cheers guys!