The British Army is the principal land warfare force of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, a part of the British Armed Forces along with the Naval Service and the Royal Air Force.
Commonwealth citizens, including Nigerians, are invited to apply and join its British Army force. Interested candidate can apply here.
The British Army’s salary structure is determined by the rank and qualifications of individuals. Employees undergo an annual review to ensure they progress through the ranks and get higher pay as they advance.
However, Some Army jobs pay higher than the standard rate of pay. These are typically specialist roles.
British Army Ranks
There are two distinct tiers within the British Army’s rank structure: officers and Soldier ranks.
Officers are at the top of the hierarchy. Their ranks indicate that they hold positions of authority, granted through a commission – a formal document of appointment signed by the monarch. While Soldier ranks do not have a commission and do not hold high command positions
Officers Ranks Structure
- Lieutenant (aka 3 star)
- Major General (aka 2 star)
- Brigadier (aka 1 star)
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Second Lieutenant
- Officer Cadet
- Soldier Ranks Structure
Private & Recruit
- Warrant Officer Class 1
- Warrant Officer Class 2
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance Corporal
British Army Salary
- Recruits & Private – £25,200 per annum
- Lance Corporal – £32,615 per annum
- Corporal – £37,861 per annum
- Sergeant – £42,510 per annum
- Major – £63,387 per annum
- Captain – £50,540 per annum
- Lieutenant – £41,026 per annum
- Second Lieutenant – £39,671 per annum
- Officer Cadet – £33,183 per annum
British Army Rank & Roles
Officer Cadet:
This is the rank held during initial officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst or in the University Officers’ Training Corps
Second Lieutenant
This is the rank held on commissioning from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. During their service time, Officers complete special to arms training relevant to their Corps. After training is complete, they are responsible for leading up to 30 soldiers in a platoon or troop, both in training and on operations. The post is normally held for 1 to 2 years.
Lieutenant
Lieutenant commands a platoon or troop of around 30 soldiers, with increased responsibilities from being a Second Lieutenant. The rank of Lieutenant is typically held for 2 to 3 years.
Captain
Capatain are key players in the planning and decision-making process, with tactical responsibility for operations on the ground as well as equipment maintenance, logistic support and personnel. The rank of Captain is typically held for 5 – 10 years. Captains are normally made second-in-command of a sub-unit of up to 120 soldiers.
Major
Typically a Major will be given command of a sub-unit of up to 120 officers and soldiers. They would responsible for their training, welfare and administration both in camp and on operations, as well as the management of their equipment.
Private & Recruit
On completion of Basic Training, all new soldiers start as Privates although the title may be Trooper, Gunner, Signaller, Sapper, Guardsman, Rifleman or even Kingsman depending on the Corps or Regiment in which they are serving.
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporals are required to supervise a small team of up to four soldiers called a section. Promotion to Lance Corporal may follow after Initial Trade Training, or after about 4 years as a Private.
Corporal
After 6 to 8 years, and depending on ability to lead, promotion to Corporal typically follows. Corporals are given command of more soldiers and equipment – such as tanks and guns.
Sergeant
Sergeants typically are second in command of a troop or platoon of up to 35 soldiers, with the important responsibility of advising and assisting junior officers. Sergeant is a senior role of responsibility, promotion to which typically takes place after 12 years of service, depending on ability.
Staff Sergeant
This is a senior role combining man and resource management of around 120 soldiers, or even command of a platoon or troop. After a few years as a Sergeant promotion to either Staff or Colour Sergeant may follow.
