British Army facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Army
Badge of the British Army Logo since 2018
Founded	1 January 1660; 365 years ago (1660-01-01)
Country	Kingdom of England (to 1707) Kingdom of Scotland (partially) (to 1707) Kingdom of Great Britain (1707–1800) United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801–1922) United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1922–present)
Type	Army
Role	Land warfare
Size	75,166 regular forces personnel (January 2024) 4,062 Gurkhas (January 2024) 26,244 volunteer reserve personnel (January 2024)
Part of	British Armed Forces
March	List of marches of the British Army
Equipment	List of equipment of the British Army
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief	King Charles III
Chief of the General Staff	General Sir Patrick Sanders
Deputy Chief of the General Staff	Lieutenant General Dame Sharon Nesmith
Army Sergeant Major	Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Carney
Insignia
War flag
Non-ceremonial flag

The British Army is the main land fighting force of the United Kingdom. It is part of the British Armed Forces, which also includes the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. As of 2024, the British Army has about 75,000 full-time soldiers. It also includes around 4,000 Gurkhas and over 26,000 volunteer reserve personnel.

The British Army as we know it started in 1707. Before that, there were separate English and Scottish armies. The name "British Army" began after England and Scotland joined together. Soldiers in the British Army promise loyalty to the King. However, a law from 1689 says that Parliament must agree for the army to exist during peacetime. The army is managed by the Ministry of Defence. It is led by the Chief of the General Staff.

The British Army has fought in many big wars. These include the Seven Years' War, the American Revolutionary War, and the Napoleonic Wars. They also fought in World War I and World War II. Winning these wars helped Britain become a major world power. Since the Cold War, the army has been sent to different conflict areas. They often work with other countries or as part of United Nations peacekeeping missions.

History of the British Army

How the Army Began

Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell

Lord General Thomas Fairfax, who led the New Model Army

Before the English Civil War, England did not have a permanent army. Instead, it used local militias or hired soldiers. If a large army was needed for a trip abroad, like when Henry V of England fought at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, it was put together just for that time.

During the English Civil War, Parliament realized they needed a stronger army. They created the New Model Army. This army was well-trained and paid by Parliament. It was led by Lord General Thomas Fairfax. This new army helped Parliament win the war.

However, after the war, many people disliked the New Model Army because it got involved in politics. When King Charles II returned to power in 1660, the New Model Army was disbanded. King Charles II then started a new army under his control. This became the first permanent English Army.

Later, laws like the Bill of Rights 1689 made sure Parliament had control over the army. This meant the King could not keep a large army without Parliament's approval. By 1685, the English Army had about 7,500 soldiers. After the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, King James II increased the army to 20,000 men.

In 1707, England and Scotland officially joined to form Great Britain. Many English and Scottish army regiments were combined. They fought together in wars like the War of the Spanish Succession. This was the start of the modern British Army.

The British Empire (1700–1914)

John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, a famous general in the early British Army

After 1700, Britain wanted to stop other powerful countries like France and Spain from expanding. The British Army helped create and protect the British Empire around the world. They captured important places and fought wars to keep the empire safe.

Some of these wars included the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years' War), the American Revolutionary War, and the Napoleonic Wars. The British Army also fought in places like India, China, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The British Army was very important in the Napoleonic Wars. At its largest in 1813, the army had over 250,000 men. In 1815, a combined army led by the Duke of Wellington finally defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

The Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo

The army was also involved in Ireland for a long time. They fought against Irish rebels in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Later, the army helped protect important bases like Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bermuda, Malta, and Gibraltar. These bases helped the Royal Navy control trade routes.

At the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift, a small British force fought off a large Zulu attack.

Over time, the British Army changed and improved. Reforms in the late 1800s gave the army its modern shape. In 1907, the Territorial Force was created. This was a volunteer reserve group for the army.

World Wars (1914–1945)

A British Mark I tank during World War I.

In August 1914, World War I began. The British Army sent its BEF to France and Belgium. The fighting quickly turned into trench warfare, where soldiers fought from long ditches. This war was very tough for Britain, with nearly 800,000 soldiers killed. New technologies like the tank and airplanes were used for the first time.

Men of the 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, advancing in Normandy in 1944.

World War II started in September 1939. A small British force was sent to France but had to be quickly evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. After this, the British Army fought back. They defeated German and Italian forces in North Africa. They then fought through Italy.

On June 6, 1944, the British Army was a key part of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. This was a huge operation to free Europe from German control. In Asia, the army also fought against the Japanese in the Burma Campaign.

After the Empire (1945–2000)

After World War II, the British Army became much smaller. Many British colonies in Africa and Asia gained their independence. The army still played a role in conflicts like the Korean War in the 1950s and the Suez Crisis in 1956.

During the Cold War, a large part of the British Army stayed in Germany. This was to protect against a possible Soviet invasion. The army also fought in smaller conflicts around the world, like in Aden and Malaya. In 1982, the British Army helped free the Falkland Islands after Argentina invaded them.

For about 30 years, from 1969 to 2007, the army was heavily involved in Northern Ireland. This was called Operation Banner. Soldiers helped the police deal with conflicts between different groups. Over 700 soldiers were killed during this time. The operation ended in 2007, as peace efforts progressed.

Persian Gulf War

A British armoured vehicle in Kuwait in 1991.

In 1991, the British Army sent 50,000 troops to the Persian Gulf War. They helped a group of countries fight against Iraq. British forces helped control Kuwait after it was freed. Forty-seven British soldiers died in this war.

Balkan Conflicts

British Army vehicles in Croatia, 1996.

The army was sent to former Yugoslavia in 1992. They were part of UN peacekeeping forces. Later, they joined other international forces. At one point, over 10,000 British troops were there. They also went to Kosovo in 1999.

Sierra Leone

In 1999, the British Army went to Sierra Leone to help the government stop violent uprisings. British troops also helped during the West African Ebola virus epidemic in 2014.

Recent History (2000–Present)

War in Afghanistan

Royal Anglian Regiment soldiers in Afghanistan.

In 2001, the UK sent forces to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom with the United States. They worked to remove the Taliban from power. At its peak, about 9,500 British troops were in Helmand Province. The combat mission ended in 2014. All British troops left Afghanistan by August 2021. Over 450 British soldiers died during these operations.

Iraq War

British soldiers using an 81mm mortar in Iraq in 2003.

In 2003, the UK helped invade Iraq, sending over 46,000 military personnel. The British Army controlled southern Iraq and helped keep peace in Basra. All British troops left Iraq by 2009. One hundred and seventy-nine British soldiers died in Iraq. The British Armed Forces returned to Iraq in 2014 to fight the Islamic State.

Helping at Home

The British Army also helps people in the UK during emergencies. They have helped with floods, the foot-and-mouth outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This is called "Military Aid to the Civil Authorities."

Eastern Europe

Since 2016, the British Army has been present in Eastern Europe. This is to support NATO and respond to Russian actions. British troops are in Estonia and Poland. Between 2015 and 2022, they also trained Ukrainian forces.

The Modern British Army

Soldiers and Personnel

The Blues and Royals during Trooping the Colour in 2013.

The British Army is a volunteer force. This means people choose to join, unlike in some countries where people are forced to serve. The full-time army is called the Regular Army. There is also the Army Reserve, which is a part-time volunteer force.

In July 2020, there were over 78,800 Regular soldiers and over 30,000 Army Reservists. Former Regular Army soldiers can also be called back to duty in emergencies.

Here's how the British Army's size has changed over time:

British Army strength
(1707–1810)			(1810–1921)			(1930– Present)
Year	Regular Army		Year	Regular Army		Year	Regular Army	Army Reserve	Total
1710	68,000		1820	93,000		1930	188,000		—
1720	20,000		1830	89,000		1945	2,930,000	Included in Regular	3,120,000
1730	17,000		1838	89,000		1950	364,000	83,000	447,000
1740	46,000		1840	94,000		1960	258,000	120,000	387,000
1750	79,000		1850	99,000		1970	174,000	80,000	256,000
1760	65,000		1860	236,000		1980	159,000	63,000	222,000
1770	24,000		1870	185,000		1990	153,000	73,000	226,000
1780	35,000		1880	165,000		2000	110,000	45,000	155,000
1790	17,000		1890	210,000		2010	109,000	29,000	142,000
1800	80,000		1900	302,000		2020	79,000	30,000	116,000
1810	99,000		1918	3,838,000		2024	75,000	26,000	110,000

Army Equipment

What Weapons Do Soldiers Use?

The main rifle for British Army soldiers is the 5.56 mm L85A2 or L85A3 assault rifle. Some special soldiers use a shorter version called the L22A2 carbine. Soldiers can add things like grenade launchers to their rifles. The L403A1 rifle is used by the Army Special Operations Brigade.

For longer shots, soldiers use the 7.62mm L129A1 sharpshooter rifle. Support fire comes from the L7 general-purpose machine gun. Mortars, like the L16 81mm mortar, provide indirect fire. Snipers use special rifles like the L118A1 and L115A3. The standard pistol is the Glock 17.

For fighting tanks, the army uses weapons like the Javelin and the NLAW. The NLAW is a special missile that can hit a tank from above, often knocking it out in one shot.

Armoured Vehicles

The army's main battle tank is the Challenger 2. This tank is being updated to the Challenger 3. The Warrior tracked armoured vehicle is used to carry infantry (soldiers who fight on foot). The Warrior will soon be replaced by the Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle. Lighter armoured units use vehicles like the Supacat "Jackal" MWMIK for scouting and support.

Artillery and Air Defence

The army has three main artillery systems. The Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS) can fire rockets up to 85 km, or even 500 km with special missiles. The AS-90 is a large self-propelled gun that fires shells 24 km. The L118 light gun is a smaller gun that can be towed.

For air defence, the army uses the new Sky Sabre system. They also have the Starstreak HVM (high-velocity missile). This missile can be fired by a single soldier or from a vehicle.

Protected Vehicles

When heavy armour isn't needed, the army uses protected patrol vehicles. These include the Panther, Foxhound, and different versions of the Cougar family (like the Ridgeback and Mastiff). For everyday tasks, they use Land Rover Wolf vehicles.

Engineering and Communication

Special vehicles are used for engineering tasks, like bomb disposal robots and bridge-laying vehicles. Large trucks from MAN and Oshkosh carry equipment. Soldiers use the Bowman radio system for communication.

Army Aviation

The Army Air Corps (AAC) provides air support. Their main attack helicopter is the Boeing AH-64E Apache. The AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat is used for scouting and gathering information. Small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) like the Lockheed Martin Desert Hawk III are used for surveillance.

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  Warrior IFV

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  AS-90

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  Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)

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  Challenger 2

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  Apache AH64-E

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  L85A3 (SA80A3)

Where the Army is Now

Current Operations

Permanent Bases Overseas

How the Army is Organized

The main headquarters for the British Army is in Andover, Hampshire. It makes sure forces are ready for operations. The overall leader is the Chief of the General Staff.

The army is split into two main commands: Field Army and Home Command. Each is led by a lieutenant general. These commands have different divisions and brigades, which contain smaller units.

Field Army

The Field Army gets forces ready for operations. It includes:

• 1st (United Kingdom) Division
• 3rd (United Kingdom) Division (the UK's main land fighting force)
• 6th (United Kingdom) Division
• Land Warfare Centre (United Kingdom) (which helps the army adapt and improve)

Home Command

Home Command supports the Field Army. It handles recruiting, training, and helping the UK. It includes:

• Army Personnel Centre (deals with soldier issues)
• Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command (handles all recruiting and training)
• London District Command (manages army units in London and ceremonial events)
• Regional Command (supports the army at home and helps with civil emergencies)

Special Forces

SAS cap badge

The British Army has two special forces units: the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR). The SAS has one regular regiment (22 SAS) and two reserve regiments (21 SAS and 23 SAS). The SRR does special scouting and surveillance. The Special Forces Support Group helps these units.

Overseas Units

Historically, the British Army included many units from its colonies. Today, some British Overseas Territories still have their own local regiments. These include:

• Royal Bermuda Regiment
• Royal Gibraltar Regiment
• Falkland Islands Defence Force
• Royal Montserrat Defence Force
• Cayman Islands Regiment
• Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment

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  Falkland Islands Defence Force on parade in June 2013

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  Detachment of the Falkland Islands Defence Force in ceremonial dress

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  John Fitzgerald Kennedy inspecting the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps in 1961.

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  WO1 Herman Eve, RSM of the Royal Bermuda Regiment in 1992.

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  Bandsmen of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

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  Royal Bermuda Regiment on parade.

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  Changing of the guard, Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2012).

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  Royal Gibraltar Regiment in London, April 2012.

Army Unit Sizes

The army is organized into different levels, from large divisions to small teams.

A "Battlegroup" is a common fighting unit. It combines different types of soldiers and vehicles. For example, it might have armoured infantry, tanks, engineers, and artillery. It is led by a lieutenant colonel.

Joining the Army

A famous World War I recruiting poster.

The British Army mainly recruits people from the UK. They also accept citizens from Ireland and Commonwealth countries. The army welcomes everyone, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation.

To join the Regular Army, you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you cannot serve in operations. The maximum age to join is 36. For the Army Reserve, the age limits are 17 years and 9 months to 43 years. There are also rules about health, fitness, and education.

Soldiers usually sign up for 12 years. They must serve for at least 4 years and give 12 months' notice if they want to leave.

Oath of Loyalty

All soldiers and officers must take an oath when they join. This is called attestation. They promise to be loyal to the King and follow orders.

Training to be a Soldier

New recruits go through two phases of training. Phase 1 is basic military training, where everyone learns core soldier skills. After this, they are considered "trained." Phase 2 is specialist training for their specific job or regiment. After Phase 2, they are "fully trained."

Younger soldiers (under 17 and a half) do Phase 1 training at the Army Foundation College. Infantry soldiers do both phases at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. Other soldiers go to different places for their specialist training. Officers train at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

New College buildings at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Army Flags and Symbols

The official flag of the British Army is the Union Jack. The army also has a special non-ceremonial flag. This flag is often seen at military buildings and events.

Most army units have their own flags called "colours." These flags often show the unit's battle honours (important battles they fought in). They are a symbol of pride for the regiment.

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  Official Army flag.

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  Non-ceremonial army flag.

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  Ensign for general use by the Royal Logistic Corps.

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  Ensign flown by the Royal Logistic Corps from vessels commanded by officers.

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  Ensign of the Corps of Royal Engineers.

Ranks and Insignia

British Army officer rank insignia
NATO Code	OF-10	OF-9	OF-8	OF-7	OF-6	OF-5	OF-4	OF-3	OF-2	OF-1		OF(D)
United Kingdom Epaulette rank insignia
Rank:	Field marshal	General	Lieutenant-general	Major-general	Brigadier	Colonel	Lieutenant colonel	Major	Captain	Lieutenant	Second lieutenant	Officer cadet
Abbreviation:	FM	Gen	Lt Gen	Maj Gen	Brig	Col	Lt Col	Maj	Capt	Lt	2Lt	OCdt

British Army other rank insignia
NATO Code	OR-9			OR-8		OR-7	OR-6	OR-5	OR-4	OR-3	OR-2	OR-1
United Kingdom Rank Insignia (View)											No insignia
Rank Title:	Warrant Officer class 1			Warrant Officer class 2		Staff/Colour Sergeant	Sergeant		Corporal	Lance corporal	Private (or equivalent)
Abbreviation:	WO1			WO2		SSgt/CSgt	Sgt		Cpl	LCpl	Pte

Most ranks in the British Army have the same name across different units. However, some regiments use different names for certain ranks. For example, the Royal Artillery calls Corporals "Bombardiers." Private soldiers can be called many different things, like "trooper," "gunner," or "rifleman," depending on their regiment. These different names do not change a soldier's pay or job.

Army Uniforms

The British Army has many types of uniforms. These range from formal ceremonial uniforms to everyday combat dress. The main everyday uniform is called "Personal Clothing System – Combat Uniform" (PCS-CU). It includes a camouflage jacket and trousers. Soldiers also wear a special patch on their right arm called a tactical recognition flash (TRF). This patch shows which regiment or corps they belong to.

For formal events, the army has parade uniforms. The most famous is No. 1 Dress, seen at events like the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Soldiers wear a beret as their working headgear. The colour of the beret shows what type of regiment they are in:

• Khaki—Foot Guards, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, Royal Anglian Regiment, Royal Welsh, Royal Yorkshire Regiment
• Light grey—Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps
• Brown—King's Royal Hussars, Royal Wessex Yeomanry
• Black—Royal Tank Regiment
• Dark (rifle) green—Royal Dragoon Guards, The Rifles, Royal Gurkha Rifles, Small Arms School Corps
• Maroon—Parachute Regiment
• Beige—Special Air Service
• Sky blue—Army Air Corps
• Cypress green—Intelligence Corps
• Scarlet—Royal Military Police
• Green—Adjutant General's Corps
• Navy blue—All other units, such as the Household Cavalry, Light Dragoons, Queen's Dragoon Guards, Royal Yeomanry, and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
• Emerald grey—Special Reconnaissance Regiment
• Gun-metal grey—The Ranger Regiment

Images for kids

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  1945 Order of Precedence of the British Army

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  1939 Dominion and Colonial Regiments