Table of Contents
Joining the UK Armed Forces is a commitment to serve the nation and take on a unique lifestyle. But before you start your military career, you must complete basic training—an essential step in transforming from a civilian into a disciplined, capable member of the armed forces. Whether you’re joining the Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force (RAF), basic training is designed to equip you with the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to serve effectively.
In this article, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of UK Basic Military Training—what it involves, how long it lasts, and the key stages of training across different branches.
What Is UK Basic Military Training?
Basic Military Training in the UK is the initial phase of instruction that all recruits must complete to become service members of the UK Armed Forces. The training is designed to teach recruits the core values of military life, develop their physical and mental strength, and ensure they possess the essential military skills for their future roles.
The Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force each have their version of basic training, but they all share a common focus: to prepare recruits for the challenges and demands of military service. Training periods vary slightly between branches, but recruits generally spend several weeks learning basic skills like physical fitness, weapons handling, and teamwork.
Army Basic Training
The British Army’s Basic Training is one of the most physically and mentally demanding experiences a recruit will face. The training is designed to develop endurance, discipline, and leadership skills, transforming recruits into soldiers capable of performing in any situation.
Location: Army Training Centres
Army basic training takes place at several Army Training Centres (ATCs) across the UK. The primary location for regular recruits is the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, while older recruits typically train at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.
Duration: 14 Weeks
Army basic training lasts for 14 weeks. These weeks are intense, both physically and mentally, as they are packed with physical conditioning, military drills, and weapons training. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during Army training:
Week 1-4: Introduction and Physical Conditioning
The first four weeks of Army basic training focus on adjusting to military life and building your physical fitness. Recruits will be introduced to military discipline, drill exercises, and the importance of teamwork. Some of the key activities during these weeks include:
- Fitness Training: Daily running, push-ups, and other exercises to build strength and stamina.
- Drill Practice: Learning to march, salute, and work in unison with your squad.
- Introduction to Weapons: Learning the basics of weapon safety and handling.
Week 5-8: Combat Training and Skills Development
Once you’ve adjusted to the physical and mental demands of military life, the training intensifies. During this phase, you’ll be introduced to combat training, including:
- Weapons Handling: Training with the standard-issue SA80 rifle, including live-fire exercises.
- Navigation Skills: Learning to use maps, compasses, and GPS to navigate in unfamiliar terrain.
- Fieldcraft: How to operate in different environments, including camouflage, concealment, and survival techniques.
Week 9-12: Field Exercises and Leadership Development
As training progresses, you’ll start participating in field exercises, where you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice. These exercises take place in outdoor environments and simulate real combat conditions. You’ll also receive leadership training, learning how to take charge and make decisions under pressure.
Week 13-14: Final Assessment
The last two weeks of basic training involve final assessments. You’ll undergo physical and tactical tests to ensure you’re ready to join your unit as a fully trained soldier. Upon passing, you’ll graduate and move on to specialized training in your chosen career path, whether that’s infantry, engineering, or logistics.
Royal Navy Basic Training
Basic training in the Royal Navy is designed to prepare recruits for life at sea, teaching them how to operate aboard naval vessels, work as a team, and handle emergencies. It’s a physically demanding course that also requires mental resilience.
Location: HMS Raleigh
Royal Navy recruits undergo basic training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, the Navy’s primary training facility.
Duration: 10 Weeks
Royal Navy basic training lasts for 10 weeks, and focuses on teaching the fundamentals of seamanship, teamwork, and physical conditioning. Here’s what to expect during Royal Navy training:
Week 1-3: Introduction to Naval Life and Physical Training
The first few weeks introduce recruits to life in the Royal Navy. Recruits will learn about naval history, the structure of the Navy, and the core values of military life.
- Physical Fitness: Regular PT sessions that include running, swimming, and strength exercises to meet Navy fitness standards.
- Teamwork and Discipline: Drill practice and team-building exercises.
- Seamanship Basics: Introduction to life at sea, including ship safety, navigation, and naval protocols.
Week 4-7: Weapons Training and Sea Survival
After the initial introduction, the training intensifies with weapons handling and sea survival techniques.
- Weapons Handling: Learning to safely handle firearms, such as the SA80 rifle and other naval weapons.
- Sea Survival: Training on how to survive at sea in the event of an emergency, including lifeboat drills and underwater escape exercises.
- Firefighting and Damage Control: Recruits are trained to deal with onboard emergencies like fires and flooding.
Week 8-10: Final Field Exercises and Graduation
The final weeks of Royal Navy training involve putting your skills to the test. You’ll participate in practical field exercises that simulate real-life scenarios on naval ships. After completing these exercises, recruits will undergo a final fitness test and assessment before graduating and moving on to further specialized training.
Royal Air Force (RAF) Basic Training
The Royal Air Force (RAF) basic training prepares recruits for roles in air defense, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, and many other areas. RAF training is designed to develop physical fitness, discipline, and technical skills necessary for working in high-stress environments.
Location: RAF Halton
RAF basic training is conducted at RAF Halton, a training center located in Buckinghamshire.
Duration: 10 Weeks
The RAF Recruit Training Course (RTC) lasts for 10 weeks. Recruits will go through rigorous physical training, academic instruction, and hands-on learning experiences. Here’s a breakdown of RAF training:
Week 1-4: Introduction and Military Discipline
In the first few weeks, recruits learn about the RAF’s core values, structure, and expectations. Physical training is a significant part of the program.
- Fitness Training: Running, bodyweight exercises, and strength training to meet the RAF’s physical fitness requirements.
- Military Discipline: Recruits are taught the fundamentals of drill, how to follow orders, and the importance of teamwork.
Week 5-7: Air Force Skills and Weapons Training
Midway through basic training, recruits are introduced to more advanced skills specific to the RAF.
- Weapons Handling: You’ll learn how to operate the SA80 rifle and other small arms used by the RAF.
- Aviation Safety: Basic aviation safety procedures, including fire drills and first aid training.
- Fieldcraft and Survival: How to operate in hostile environments, including navigation, camouflage, and first aid.
Week 8-10: Final Exercises and Graduation
The final weeks are dedicated to field exercises where recruits put their skills to the test. These exercises simulate real-world scenarios, such as defending an airbase or surviving in the wilderness. After completing these challenges, recruits graduate and begin their specialized training, depending on their chosen role within the RAF.
Key Skills You’ll Learn During UK Basic Military Training
No matter which branch you join, basic training in the UK Armed Forces focuses on several core skills, including:
- Physical Fitness: Regular exercise is a crucial part of basic training. Whether you’re running, swimming, or completing obstacle courses, you’ll be pushed to improve your stamina, strength, and endurance.
- Weapons Handling: Every recruit learns how to safely handle and fire the SA80 rifle, the standard-issue firearm for all branches.
- Drill and Discipline: Marching, saluting, and following orders are key parts of military discipline. Recruits are taught to act as a unit and follow instructions precisely.
- Survival Skills: Whether on land or at sea, you’ll learn essential survival skills that prepare you for the realities of military service, such as navigation, fieldcraft, and first aid.
Conclusion: Preparing for UK Basic Military Training
UK Basic Military Training is both a challenging and transformative experience. The goal is to prepare you for the physical and mental demands of military life, whether you’re serving in the Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force. You’ll emerge from training as a disciplined, well-rounded individual ready to take on the responsibilities and rewards of military service.
As you prepare for this journey, focus on building your physical fitness and mental resilience. By doing so, you’ll be ready to meet the challenges of basic training and start your military career on the right foot.