Secure job?

Jobs in the armed forces are said to be some of the most secure available and if you pass through training, avoid serious injury and illness, and progress up the ranks then you can expect to serve until the end of your engagement/contract. There is also a pension that most soldiers think is a good deal.  However, about 3% of soldiers are discharged for 'service no longer required' each year; these are mostly soldiers who have not progressed up the ranks as they became older. Therefore the army is under no obligation to keep you if it thinks it doesn't need you.  There is no redundancy payment.

The Versatile Engagement

If you join the regular army you are most likely to be signing onto the so-called Versatile Engagement, which is a 12-year contract.  (See the other questions in this section for the rules on leaving before 12 years).  You can apply to extend your contract by a further 12 years and whether this is accepted will depend on the army's needs at the time and what they think of your performance.  If this extension is refused, you might be able to apply for a shorter, two-year extension, which also depends on the army's needs at the time.  In any case, you cannot normally serve beyond your 55th birthday.

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