Speak English?

A question about : Speak English?

Random question but do you have to be able to speak & understand English to join the British Army?

There is a genuine reason for my question, I just can't find anything online that states whether this is an actual requirement or not?

Thank you :-)

Best answers:

• The literacy test explained
  It's important that you can communicate with your team in all sorts of ways. This part of the process tests your reading and writing skills. If you're worried about the literacy test, use our online version to practice. You can do it as many times as you need to gain confidence and prepare for the office test
  The literacy test checks your reading and writing ability. But if it's not your strong point - or if English isn't your first language - there's no need to worry. There's a minimum pass mark, but if your scores are low you'll be able to get further help during initial training, known as Phase 1.
• Some people say there is not such thing as stupid question, but...
• Where did he get this info re the test? If he does need to do the test it must be a very new requirement. My South African partner didn't need to do any test and I can't remember the form asking him which was his first language (as it happens it's English, but I'm sure this was not checked and he's from an area where Afrikaans is spoken quite widely)
• Can he just not take the exam rather than do the course? Has he tried speaking to his education centre, they may be able to help.
• God things don't change with the border agency hey! My partner's was also turned down on the not in the country on the day 5 years ago rule. They said don't worry, just re-date the form. Oh by the way the fees have gone up Ј400 please send us that too. He couldn't afford so had to give up. They never refunded his ceremony fee, it was a nightmare. Took him years to finally save up again.
  Back on topic though, is your partner still in the army? There seems to be an exemption for people on discharge from military service. I am not sure when the discharge needs to have been. It would seem pretty crazy that people can get an exemption on discharge but not whilst serving??
  There also seems to be an exemption for people with a particular language certificate, it might be cheaper just to sit the test for that though? Good luck
• What's the problem with sitting the course?
  If he can speak, read and write perfect English, what is the problem?
  The Army will need to release him for the course, he will still get paid and it will be like a holiday for him.
  I don't really see the problem other than the !!!!!!ance factor...