LONDON, England — Commonwealth nationals may now apply for a number of specialist roles in the British Army thanks to new rules introduced by the government.

The British Army has welcomed soldiers from Commonwealth countries for many years; however, under previous rules, people could only join if they had lived in the UK for five years.

Commonwealth nationals will now be able to apply for positions including medical technician, logistic supply specialist, chef, vehicle mechanic, metalsmith and gunner logistics specialist.

General Chris Tickell, General Officer Commanding, Army Recruiting and Training Division, said: “We are delighted that key roles have been opened up to people from across the Commonwealth who are non-resident in the UK. The service given by soldiers from Commonwealth countries helps the Armed Forces to defend the UK at home and abroad, and we look forward to welcoming more Commonwealth recruits following the introduction of the new regulations.”

A specialist Commonwealth recruiter spokesperson said: “We’re looking for candidates that are physically fit, can communicate well in both written and spoken English and can self-fund travel to the UK to attend one of the Army development and selection centres. Full details of the Army recruitment and selection process can be found on the Army website.”

For more information about how people from the Commonwealth can apply for the Army without UK residency, visit http://www.army.mod.uk/join/commonwealth_joiners.aspx

As an Army soldier:

• You are offered over 500 different qualifications, from GCSE to degrees, including all kinds of professional and practical qualifications in areas such as chartered engineering and accountancy that will build up your CV.

• You will start on an annual salary of £18,305 after training, plus pension. In comparison, the UK’s national average apprentice earns £6,846 and may not have job security at the end of their apprentice.

• You will be offered a clear career structure with annual pay rises and a clear promotion path.

• You receive six weeks paid leave, plus bank holidays.

• You have access to free gym, sports facilities and the chance to train with the very best coaches. You could play in overseas tournaments or on international stages like Twickenham.

• You have opportunities to travel overseas for operations, sport and peacekeeping, from training in Kenya to supporting the UN in Cyprus.

• You can take up adventurous training from mountaineering in the Himalayas, to sky-diving in Florida.

IMAGE: british_army.jpg