Phase 1: Initial military training covering fitness, weapons, fieldcraft, navigation, and discipline. Completion earns the right to your cap badge. Duration: 14 weeks (Army) · 10 weeks (RN) · 10 weeks (RAF). Location: Catterick (Infantry) · Pirbright (most arms) · Winchester (AMS/RLC).

SFA is a lottery, and you're probably losing. A 2023 Defence Committee report found 60% of Service Families Accommodation is not fit for purpose. Mould, damp, broken heating, contractors who don't show up — then charge the MoD £2M+ in compensation for missing appointments. The waiting list is years long at popular postings.

A squaddie who knows every QR by heart and weaponises them — usually to skive, dodge duties, or frustrate authority. Can be useful when you actually need the regs quoted back at your chain of command.

Key terms include: Squaddie: Generic term for a soldier, particularly Other Ranks. Not offensive — used with pride, affection, and occasionally as a warning.; Tom: Infantry private soldier — "Tommy Atkins," the eternal British private. Every Tom has a story. Most end with Phase 1, two tours, and a very clear answer to "would you do it again."; Rupert: A junior officer. Often encountered requesting directions from NCOs who have been there twice already. Not always incompetent. Often not competent enough to know that..