Joining the British Army starts with an online application, after which a recruiter will guide you. Part of the recruitment process also involves an interview that you must ace. Let’s take a look at some of the questions that you should expect in this interview.
1. What Do You Know about the British Army?
This question will tell the interviewer if you took the time to find out about your potential recruiter. It also reveals your interest in the British army, an entity that requires devotion and discipline. Make sure that whatever you mention is factual.
Sample Answer
The British Army was founded on 1st January 1660. It is the mainland force of the United Kingdom and part of the British Armed Forces. Its Commander-in-chief at the moment is Queen Elizabeth II. It consists of over 80,000 regular full-time personnel and 30,000 reserve staff, making it one of the largest armies worldwide.
2. Can You Mention the British Army Officer Ranks
This question will tell how much you know about the British Army. You need to familiarise yourself with the processes, ranks, and operations of this institution ahead of your interview.
Sample Answer
The British Army has 12 ranks. The last is the Officer Cadet, who has no command, followed by the second Lieutenant and Lieutenant who is in charge of up to 30 soldiers. The Captain is in charge of between 50 and 120 soldiers, whereas the Major controls up to 120 soldiers and officers. The Lieutenant Colonel manages up to 650 officers and officers. The Colonel is one of the senior-most ranks, charged with field command in the royal army medical corps. The Brigadier directs the staff, while the Major General, a division. The Lieutenant General is in charge of the corps while the General is the senior-most rank. The last rank is the Field Marshall, which is an honorary rank.
3. Can You Cope With the Discipline That Comes with the Armed Forces?
The interviewer wants to know if you can cope with army life. Remember, inasmuch as almost everybody wants to serve the country, being part of the army is not as easy as it seems. You have to maintain high discipline standards and perform everything required by being part of a military organization.
Sample Answer
I believe that I am more than capable of leading an army life. I don’t have a problem taking orders, listening to my superiors, and giving my best. I know that we are serving a higher calling and keeping my motherland safe. I can abide by all the rules and ensure that those around me also uphold them. I have also watched many army documentaries and even familiarised myself with some of your cultural aspects. I am convinced that I can do a good job.
4. How Will You Deal With Being Away From Your Loved Ones and Losing Part of Your Freedom?
You have to know all the stakes before joining the army. You will be away from your family members, at times, for as long as a year. Therefore, you know how to cope during such times and face the fact that you will not be entitled to your personal freedom.
Sample Answer
I understand all the stakes. I discussed this with my family and informed them that I might be away for longer durations if I join the service. They were okay since my father was a member of the disciplined forces. I will miss them but knowing that I am sacrificing everything, including my freedom, to make them and everybody safe will give me the strength I need.
5. How Do You Keep Fit?
You have to be fit if you want to stay in the army. Being in shape means that you are flexible enough and ready for action at all times. It is also easier to train someone fit. Mention any sporting or fitness activities that you take part in.
Sample Answer
I played rugby up to the national levels while in college. It helped me gain mass and keep fit. At the moment, I exercise 5 times a week. I have managed to maintain this physique and body weight for the last five years. I was also a gym attendant at one point, which gave me ample time to work on my body. I value fitness and will be more than prepared to keep improving.
6. Do You Understand the Risks that Come With Being an Army Officer?
The interviewer wants to ensure that you know what you are getting yourself into. Working for the army comes with risks that you must have in mind.
Sample Answer
I understand what I am getting into. I know that the army carries with it lots of risks that I am prepared to face. I understand that my life is on the line, especially during active fights. I have also read extensively about the PTSD that army officers undergo. Therefore, I know that serving my country comes at a cost, which I am willing to pay for.
7. What Have You Done to Find Out about the Army Life?
The interviewer wants to make sure that you know what you are getting into. Do you know the ugly sides of being in the army, which may include losing your life? Also, finding out more about the armed forces shows that you are enthusiastic about the particular position. Convince the interviewer that you have gone out of your way to know more about the life you are about to enter.
Sample Answer
I have watched lots of army documentaries and gone through your website lots of times. My dad, who was a member of the armed forces, also brought me up to speed about some of your processes. I also attend some of your events, where I get to see just how good you are. I believe that I know a lot of things when it comes to the army. I am still willing to learn some more.
8. Tell Us about the Requirements of Joining the British Army?
Do you know what it takes to qualify for a position with the army? Mention any skills, age requirements or physical traits that one must have to be an army officer.
Sample Answer
To join the British army, one must be a British citizen of between 16 and 49 years. Other requirements include zero medical issues, no criminal convictions, zero offensive piercings and tattoos, health and fitness as well as a basic level of education.
9. Can You Tell Us About Any of Your Achievements?
The interviewer wants to know about your personal life achievements. Mention something that you are proud of. Remember, you are not limited and can talk about something that happened in any timeframe. Convince the interviewer that you hold your achievements in high regard.
Sample Answer
I love rugby and played lots of games during my years in college. My greatest achievement is leading my school to the nationals and clinching the years’ trophy. I was also crowned the most valuable player and even got a chance to meet the queen. I have never been so honored in my life. I believe that a chance with the army will be an avenue to realizing more achievements.
10. Do You Think You Will Fit into a Team Environment? How?
The interviewer wants to know if you can successfully be part of a team. Remember, you have to work closely with your team members during missions and rescue operations. It is therefore imperative that you know how to fit into team settings if you want this job.
Sample Answer
I am positive that I will fit into a team environment. I possess many skills that will allow me to get along with other army officers during missions and reduce operations. I also played rugby for over four years, a game that heavily relies on teamwork. I know how to get along with others and also maintain boundaries.
11. Could You Mention Some of the Qualities that You Believe Every Good Team Player Should Possess?
This is more of a follow-up question whose answer should be at your fingertips. Do you know the skills required to be a good team player now that you have confirmed that you are one? Be as detailed as possible and convince the recruiter that you know what it takes to be a good team player.
Sample Answer
I believe that every good team player should know how to handle conflicts; be patient; enjoy working with others, and maintain boundaries. A good team player should also know how to inspire other team members to give their best. They should work hard to contribute their part to avoid inconveniencing others.
12. Do You Have any Medical Conditions that We Should Know Of?
Even though you will be tested and scanned for any medical conditions, the recruiter may also ask you such a question ahead of your tests. Be as honest as possible, even if it will cost you the job. Remember, some medical conditions may put you or your peers at risk.
Sample Answer
I don’t have any major medical condition that will put me and others at risk. Before applying for this position, I had a full-body scan, and my doctor confirmed that I was in good condition. All my organs are working well and can withstand the rigorous training and operations of this job. ( You can also tell the recruiter that you are willing to work with their doctor to uncover any underlying medical condition)
13. What Infantry Would You Love to Join?
The interviewer wants to know if you have good background knowledge on the army and its different infantries. All this information can be found online, which explains why you need to conduct as much research as possible. Give clear reasons for your choice and show that you are enthusiastic about the particular infantry.
Sample Answer
I don’t have a problem with any infantry that you will deem fit. However, I would prefer to join the armored infantry, specializing in armored warfare. I have always loved armored vehicles, and I dream that I will one day get a chance to be in one and serve my country. I don’t also mind the mechanized infantry which uses Mastiff-protected patrol vehicles.
14. Mention Five Infantry Regiments of the British Army
The interviewer is assessing what you know about the British army. This is important as it shows that you know whatever you are getting yourself into. Visit the army website and find out such information before the interview.
Sample Answer
Some of the infantry regiments are Grenadier, Cold Stream, and Irish guards who are part of the light role infantry; Welsh and Scots guard who from the mechanized infantry; The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which plays light and specialized infantry roles and the Princess of Wale’s Royal Regiment that forms part of the armored and light role infantry.
15. Can You Be a Leader?
Leadership is important, especially in the army setting. You can be called upon to lead a team on a mission or oversee the control center. Therefore, you must convince the interviewer that you have the right leadership skills and the ability to steer others to success.
Sample Answer
I believe that I am a natural leader. I have occupied several leadership positions in the past, which have all been successful. I was also the captain of my rugby team when we clinched the national trophy and got the chance to meet the queen. Therefore, I believe that I can steer any team I am mandated with to success.
16. How Do You Handle Stress?
Working in the army will definitely get stressful. You need good stress handling or coping techniques if you intend to succeed. Therefore, the interviewer must know that you can handle any stressful situation that comes your way and be at your best always.
Sample Answer
I normally react to the situation rather than the stress itself. I have found out that I particularly enjoy such environments since they push me to be better and give my all. Also, I visit the gym in the evening and work out, ever since I realized just how good of a stress reliever it is. All in all, stress cant prevent me from getting the job done.
17. How Have Your Former Roles Prepared You for This Position?
This is a viable question that you should expect in your army interview. Have your trimer roles and responsibilities prepared you for what you are expected to do in the army? Correlate whatever you did on your past jobs and what you will once you join the army.
Sample Answer
I worked as a gym attendant in my former role, which gave me enough time to work out and experiment on my body. I can confidently say that I am physically fit, which is an important attribute in the army. I have managed to build muscles, get lean and work on my tolerance levels which should help me handle heavy training.
18. What is Your Greatest Strength?
Even though this seems like a no-brainer question, be careful. Do not use this as a chance to go all proud about yourself but pick a skill or ability that relates to the job you are interviewing for. Sell yourself without boasting and convince the interviewer that you have what it takes.
Sample Answer
I am a person of high integrity. I always want everybody around to trust me and feel safe and secure. I believe that this is one of the values of the British army, and therefore, I am in a better position to uphold it since it guides all my operations and decisions. ( Be detailed. Explain to the interviewer how the strength is relevant to the job you are interviewing for)
19. How Will You Evaluate Success in Missions?
You will need to evaluate whether an operation has been successful or not once you join the army. Therefore, your answer will tell whether you will fit into the army setting since it depicts what you hold dear.
Sample Answer
I will know that we have succeeded when we realize the emission objectives and come back in one piece. A mission is successful when everybody comes back alive, having achieved what we set out to do.
20. Why Should We Give You a Chance?
This is your chance to convince the interviewer to give you the job. Mention the skills, attributes, and qualities that make you a good choice for this position. Also include the contributions you will make to the workplace.
Sample Answer
I am passionate about serving my country. I have waited for this opportunity ever since I was a child. I am physically fit, well trained in combat sports, and willing to do everything possible to succeed in the army. I will therefore give my all and fit in the team setting.
Conclusion
Joining the British army can be an uphill task. However, knowing how to answer the questions that the interviewer is likely to ask will help make your dreams come true.
