WE ARE FORWARD-LOOKING AND READY FOR THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE, BOTH AT HOME AND OVERSEAS.
OUR PEOPLE - OUR GREATEST ASSET
The Army is distinct from the RAF and Royal Navy in that our tasks are always delivered directly by soldiers through human interaction. They are our greatest asset. We are an inspirational employer who embraces diversity, inclusivity and contributes to society in everything we do. We are leaders in leadership with skills for life and the opportunity for all.
We have to make life-critical decisions and take purposeful action in sometimes hostile, confusing and unclear situations that occasionally test us to the limit of human endurance. Our training, development and preparation is personally rewarding but also ensures we are united by common values and strong bonds and will do the right thing, even under the most difficult circumstances.
Our Command Structure
The Army is distinct from the RAF and Royal Navy in that our tasks are always delivered directly by soldiers through human interaction. They are our greatest asset.
How the Army is structured
Chief of the General Staff
The Chief of the General Staff is the head of the British Army. The post is immediately subordinate to The Chief of Defence Staff, the head of the British Armed Services.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff
Responsible for representing the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) within Head Office and outwards to relevant TLBs and dependencies, provides oversight of the Army Operating Model and provides overall personnel policy direction as the Principal Personnel Officer.
Levels of Command
Within the British Army we have different levels of command made up of varying units.
Fire Team
Three Private soldiers, commanded by a Lance Corporal, form a Fire Team.
Contains
4 individuals
Personnel
4
Commanded by
Lance Corporal
Section
Two Fire Teams form a Section which is commanded by a Corporal.
Contains
2 Fire Teams
Personnel
8-10
Commanded by
Corporal
Platoon/Troop
Three Sections are grouped into a Platoon. They are commanded by a Lieutenant and administered by a Sergeant.
Contains
3 Sections
Personnel
30
Commanded by
Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant
Company/Squadron
A Company consists on three platoons and a headquarters. It is commanded by a Major, assisted by the Company Sergeant Major.
Contains
3 Platoons
Personnel
120
Commanded by
Major
Battalion/Regiment
Commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel, supported by a Regimental Sergeant Major, a Battalion consists of five companies.
Contains
4-6 Companies
Personnel
720
Commanded by
Lieutenant Colonel
Battlegroup
Contains
Combined arms unit
Personnel
700-1000
Commanded by
Lieutenant Colonel
Brigade
A Brigadier commands five battalions and supporting elements, grouped together in a Brigade of over 2,500 troops.
Contains
3-5 Battalions
Personnel
5,000
Commanded by
Brigadier
Division
The largest formation the British Army can field is a Division which consists of two or more Brigades of 40,000 troops and is commanded by a Major General.
Contains
3 Brigades
Personnel
10,000
Commanded by
Major General
Ranks
The rank system forms the backbone of the Army's structure and it defines a soldier or officer's role and degree of responsibility.
Ranks
The rank system forms the backbone of the Army's structure and it defines a soldier's or officer's role and degree of responsibility. The Chief of the General Staff (CGS) is the head of the British Army. CGS commands an Army Staff who work at the Army Headquarters in Andover and exercises command of the Army through two subordinate commands: The Field Army and Home Command.
Thinking of Joining?
Find out more about what it's like to Join the Army.
