Hi, this is such a popular question that people ask. Many people have the misconception that being in the army means you live and breathe the army, that you live behind 'the wire', live in a 'block' with other soldiers. The reality is, once phase 1 training is complete (14 weeks as a soldier, 44 wks as an officer) where you don't get to see your friends and family that often (although you do have a few long weekends from Wk 7) you can choose how / where you live. Once you are at a Regt / unit what you do on weekends or evenings is up to you! Unless you are on duty, on exericse or ops etc etc you can live off camp, you can be a member of local civi sports teams and gyms (although there's a free gym on camp!), you could be in a band and play in pubs etc etc exactly as you would do as a civi. In the Army, if you are not on duty, exercise ops etc, you generally finish around lunch time on a Friday and have a late start (1030am) on a Monday - this allows for safe travel to and from 'home' or seeing friends and family. It's a great life and we probably have more flexibility (when not away) than most do. I hope this helps dispel some myths.

03 February, 2022 12:34