There are six main types of commission in the Army. These are:

THE SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION (SSC) - the SSC is the normal first commission for those who become an officer in the Army. It is a commission for those who do not wish to commit to a long career but would like to benefit from the high quality training and exceptional experience available to young officers. The SSC is also a first step to a mid-length or full career in the Army. SSCs are awarded for a minimum of three years (six years for the Army Air Corps on account of the length of pilot training) but can be extended to eight.

Candidates for commissions should be over 17 years and nine months and under 29 years old when they begin officer training.

THE INTERMEDIATE REGULAR COMMISSION (IRC) - The IRC offers a mid length career for a maximum of 18 years and can be applied for after 2 years SSC, subject to being recommended. On completion of 18 years after the age of 40 the officer will be entitled to a lump sum and regular monthly payments, which will convert at 65 to a further lump sum and pension.

THE REGULAR COMMISSION (Reg C) - The Reg C offers a full career of 35 years or to age 60 whichever is first. It can be applied for after 2 years IRC, subject to recommendation. Those completing a full career will receive an immediate lump sum and pension from age 55.

GAP YEAR COMMISSION (GYC) - The GYC is a commission that is aimed at those who have a gap year prior to entering University. The selection procedure at the AOSB has to be completed after which a four-week course at Sandhurst is attended. Officers then join their chosen Regiment or Corps as probationary 2nd Lieutenants for a minimum of four months and a maximum of 18 months with a front-line unit, but not on active service. The purpose of the GYC is to create a pool of young men and women who will take a favourable impression of the Army into their careers.

UNDERGRADUATE ARMY PLACEMENT (UGAP) - UGAP is a Commission for highly motivated undergraduates studying at UK universities requiring a placement as part of their degree. Up to 10 places are available each year. In all other respects the commission is identical to the GYC.

LATE ENTRY COMMISSIONS - A number of vacancies exist for senior Non Commissioned Officers and Warrant Officers to be granted commissions known as Late Entry Commissions. They attend the Late Officer Entry Course (LEOC) at Sandhurst before commencing their officer careers. Because of their age they generally do not rise above the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

All except LE officers require an indicative level of 35 ALIS points (34 for Scottish Standards) gained from the best seven subjects at GCSE, or equivalent, which must include English language, mathematics and either a science subject or a foreign language. In addition a score of 180 UCAS Tariff points acquired in separate subjects at AS and A level, or equivalent. These must include a minimum of two passes at A level, or equivalent, at grades A-E. Note that the General Studies paper does not qualify for UCAS Tariff points. The attainment of a degree will normally override the requirement for UCAS Tariff points.

OFFICER SELECTION AND SANDHURST

Officer candidates are normally advised by an Army Careers Adviser of the options open to them and they will also arrange for interviews and familiarisation visits to an appropriate Regiment or Corps. If the Regiment or Corps is prepared to sponsor a candidate they then guide him or her through the rest of the selection procedure. All candidates, except those seeking an Army Sixth Form Scholarship or entry to Welbeck - The Defence Sixth Form College, are required to attend a briefing at the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB briefing) at Westbury, Wiltshire for psychometric tests and a 24 hour briefing. So long as they meet the minimum standards they will be invited back for a three and a half day assessment also at the AOSB. Here they will also undergo a medical examination.

AOSB consists of a series of interviews and tests that assess the personality and the leadership potential in applicants. Candidates need to be themselves, be prepared to discuss the issues of the day and be physically fit. In 2003/04, AOSB filtered over 3800 candidates down to 1673, of whom 1010 received passes, while Territorial Commissions Board (TCB) passed 221 out of 320 candidates.

All potential officers accepted for training attend the RMAS Common Commissioning Course which lasts for 44 weeks with three entries a year in January, May and September. After successfully completing the Sandhurst course a young officer then completes a further specialist course with his or her chosen Regiment or Corps. Females cannot be accepted in the Household Cavalry, The Royal Armoured Corps or the Infantry.

In 2003-2004, the RMAS commissioned 622 Direct Entry Officers into the British Army and trained 68 Foreign and Commonwealth Officers to the same standards. In addition, a further 175 Late Entry Officers and 92 Professionally Qualified Officers (PQOs) successfully completed Regular Army courses at the RMAS and 197 Territorial Army (TA) Officers and 82 TA PQOs were commissioned.

WELBECK - THE DEFENCE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE/ARMY SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIP

Welbeck DSFC offers a two year residential A level course to motivated young people who would like, in the future, a commission in one of the more technical branches of the three Services, as well as the MoD Civil Service. Of those destined for the Army, most Welbexians will be commissioned into the Royal Engineers, the Royal Signals, the Royal Logistic Corps or the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Both potential Welbexians and those seeking an Army Sixth Form Scholarship attend a similar 24 hour selection board at the AOSB.