Military personnel

[14] As an indication of the socio-economic background of British Army personnel, in 2015 three-quarters of its youngest recruits had the literacy skills normally expected of an 11-year-old or younger, and 7% had a reading age of 5–7.

This is achieved in initial training, a physically and psychologically intensive process which resocializes recruits for the unique nature of military demands.

[17] For example, throughout initial training: In conditions of continuous physical and psychological stress, the trainee group normally forms a bond of mutual loyalty, commonly experienced as an emotional commitment.

[17][22] They are also taught the basic skills of their profession, such as military tactics, first aid, managing their affairs in the field, and the use of weaponry and other equipment.

Training is designed to test and improve the physical fitness of recruits, although the heavy strain on the body also leads to a rate of injury.

[15][27][28] The exception to this rule is a short discharge window, which opens after the first few weeks of training and closes a few months later, and allows recruits to leave the armed force as of right.

After leaving the armed forces, for a fixed period (between four and six years is normal in the UK and U.S., for example[28][29]), former recruits may remain liable for compulsory return to full-time military employment in order to train or deploy on operations.

[30] Military personnel in some countries have a right of conscientious objection if they believe an order is immoral or unlawful, or cannot in good conscience carry it out.

Benefits and perks of military service typically include adventurous training, subsidised accommodation, meals and travel, and a pension.