(BASIC SKILLS)

The Army is committed to improving the standard of Basic Skills and, in line with the Government's Skills for Life agenda, all soldiers are required to reach Level 1 and Level 2 in literacy and numeracy as they progress through their careers.  The Army's target is that all personnel attain at least Level 1 (GCSE grade D-G or equivalent) literacy and numeracy standards within 3 years of joining.

All potential recruits are assessed for basic reading, writing and mathematical skills at Recruiting Offices before their selection and enlistment to the Army.  Those candidates with literacy and/or numeracy skills assessed as below the Army's standard may be deferred and directed to local FE colleges or similar organisations until their skills have improved, and they can then re-apply.  For recruits who are accepted but require assistance in reaching level 1 a programme of support will be put in place during their training phase.  Throughout their Army career all soldiers can get help with basic skills of reading, writing, numeracy, speaking, listening or ICT.  Help is available for those soldiers whose first language is not English.

The Army has well qualified staff, known as Basic Skills Development Managers (BSDMs), plus a network of mentors and supporters trained from within the organisation, to help you.  In this way, all soldiers are trained to operate effectively as well as gaining a firm basis for their future development. 

Specific Learning Difficulties

The term "specific learning difficulties" (SpLD) encompasses a range of learning difficulties which may affect an individual in their daily life.
 
All Army Basic Skills Development Managers are trained Dyslexia Advisors and can offer advice, guidance and a range of strategies to help individuals get the education they want and need.  Having a specific learning difficulty will not necessarily prevent you from joining the Army.

Support on Operations

The support available to you in Skills for Life does not stop when you are deployed on Operations as the Army provides Theatre Education Centres with specialist staff in Iraq and Afghanistan.