There are ample opportunities during periods in barracks, and whilst on operations, for soldiers' personal development.

We encourage all ranks to spend their time wisely and complete courses that will either enable them to progress further in the Army, or for their own development.

Soldiers need to be able to drive - and not just a car! We aim to have all private soldiers to have their driving license (category B) by the time they complete their training at ITC Catterick and anything over 7.5 tonnes (category C) and over 7.5 tonnes with a trailer (categories C and E) later when they get to their Battalions.

There's also ample opportunity to learn to ride a motorbike (category A) and convert categories B and C to all different kinds of vehicles that we use. All these driving qualifications would cost you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. We teach you for free.

Everyone in the Army receives Standard Learning Credits (SLC) which can be used against any course. For example, SLC may be used to pay for learning a language, a professional qualification or training in an area that you enjoy.

We also have Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) that can be used against educational courses. These can be worth up to £1000 a year, for a number of years. Where else would you get that?

At each level of training you are elligable for an NVQ to show that your efforts in the Army have an equivalence in civilian life. And if you didn't do too well at school we will get you up to standard in your own time - and pay for it too.