So, what's it all about?
The armed forces. They're the ones with all the shouting, right? And the running. Followed by a bit more of the shouting, before you're sent abroad somewhere to get shouted at in a different country. That's all there is to it, isn't there?
Actually, no. Britain's armed forces offer a lot more than that. For a start, they offer the chance to travel, to meet new people, and to feel part of a worldwide organisation. They'll give you the chance to take part in any sport you can think of, go on adventurous training exercises in all parts of the globe - from the Arctic to Arizona - and gain plenty of skills along the way, like leadership, communication and teamwork.
That's not all. Any branch of the armed forces is only as good as its people, so the Army, Navy and RAF invest a lot in them, making sure their personnel get the best training, and the best opportunities, they can. That includes education, giving them a range of qualifications that are as relevant in the civilian world as they are in the services: what you learn in the Army, Navy or RAF will be valued and useful if you ever decide to leave, as well as an essential part of your skillset while you're in active service.
Those qualifications include Apprenticeships, and we're not talking 'how to look good in green and black facepaint' Apprenticeships. We're talking trades, like Engineer, Mechanic or Fitter; we're talking training on state of the art equipment in challenging environments all over the world; and we're talking a decent wage while you train, accommodation, and the support of a major employer.
But it's not for everyone – life in the armed forces can be tough, and it can be dangerous. The training can be hard, and it can take you away from home for a long time, in potentially difficult or stressful situations, so it's important to think long and hard about whether or not it's the right decision for you. You make a big committment when you join up: make sure you've done your research, and thought about which branch of the services might be right for you.
Need some help? That's what this section is here for...
The Royal Air Force
You'll have noticed the RAF. They're the ones with the planes. Their role is to defend our skies, but also to undertake search and rescue and humanitarian missions worldwide. They have roles for pilots, but also for ground crew, observers, navigators... everything it takes to keep things flying along smoothly.The Royal Navy
The Navy are about ships, sure, but they’re also about planes, helicopters, submarines, and of course the Royal Marines - the Navy’s elite fighting force. The Navy keep the seas safe, provide offshore support to military operations, help in sea rescues, and much more. Sea legs are a bonus, but not essential, and there are roles on shore as well as at sea.
The Army
At home and overseas, the Army is there to protect the UK, engage in military operations and keep the peace where there is potential conflict. There are numerous branches to the Army, from infantry soldiers to armoured vehicles, artillery to engineers, all with specialised equipment and training.