Army - Specialist Instructional Officer

Overview

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army is a major part of the Ministry of Defence and one of its largest operating centres, employing around 12,000 Civil Servants located at over 300 locations supporting the 110K regular and reserve soldiers across the Army. This Civil Service workforce is diverse, with many different functions and professions ranging from police officers, security guards, trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff.

The Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick is responsible for training all Army Infantry Troops. The Specialist Instructional Officer (SIO) is employed in the Physical Development (PD) Wing within ITC. The mission of ITC is to deliver trained & motivated service personnel in a broad range of infantry-specific capabilities, ensuring that the Infantry is at the core of the Army; from peacekeeping to combat operations. ITC consists of 3 battalions, all working in unity to deliver Basic Training (BT), Initial Trade Training (ITT) and Subsequent Trade Training (STT).

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. As the SIO, you will be responsible for delivering comprehensive physical training in accordance with Army Physical Training Policy. Your primary duties will include preparing and conducting both indoor and outdoor physical training sessions in alignment with the Army Physical Training System (APTS).

Responsibilities

• Deliver safe and progressive physical training to all Infantry soldiers undergoing BT and ITT.
• Instruct, oversee and record all BT and ITT physical development matters pertaining to their designated platoon or activity.
• Deliver and record physical training testing to the permanent staff of ITC.
• Carry out the duties of an All Arms Physical Training Instructor (AAPTI) if required.
• Assist with the practical delivery of adventurous training with permanent staff or recruits.
• Carry out daily maintenance of physical development equipment.
• Organise, support and deliver UK Armed Forces, Army, National or Regional & Unit Sports.
• Carry out any additional tasks given by the Chain of Command.
• Operate independently to a formalised physical training programme when directed.
• The SIO may be required to deliver and lead physical training of an arduous nature and demonstrate the attributes expected of every Infantry recruit.

Selection and qualifications

• Experience working as a Physical Training Instructor.
• Passionate about nurturing and training potential soldiers.
• Highly motivated, able to function in a large team while delivering physical training to a large audience.
• Military Physical Training Instructor (PTI) or civilian physical trainer (PT) qualification with a recognised UK governing body.
• Desirable: history or knowledge of physical training across the Tri-service.
• Desirable: sports science degree.
• Desirable: knowledge and understanding of the Army Physical Training System (APTS).

Selection process and assessment

We’ll assess you against the behaviours below during the selection process: Working Together, Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others, Delivering at Pace, Leadership. Evidence of these behaviours should be provided on your application form, including CV details, and a Personal Statement (no more than 250 words) detailing your Physical Training Instructor experience.

• Application stage: CV, Personal Statement, and Behaviour – Working Together.
• Selection day: Soldier Conditioning Assessment (SCA) and Army Physical Training Instructor fitness standard; deliver a 20-minute lesson to a large group under supervision.
• Interview: CV, Personal Statement, and Behaviours – Communicating & Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Developing Self & Others, Leadership.

Applications and timelines

Application sifting will be scheduled within 7 days of the application closing date. Interviews are in person and dates will be confirmed. Timeframes are subject to change around business needs.

Diversity, security, and employment conditions

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity, including a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Required security checks include a criminal record check and meeting security requirements. See our vetting charter and baseline personnel security standards for details. Nationality requirements apply as stated, with information provided on eligibility.

Benefits and working arrangements

• Salary of £29,580 with the MOD contributing £8,569 to the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working where possible to support work/life balance.
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 after 5 years, plus a highly competitive pension scheme.
• Personal and professional development, opportunities for professional membership, or modern apprenticeships.
• Other benefits: employee assistance programme, enhanced parental and adoption leave, volunteering leave, and learning opportunities.

Notes

The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits will be subject to a six-month probation period. Travel interview expenses are not reimbursed. The MOD conducts pay-related allowances reviews. If you move from another employer to MOD, childcare vouchers may not be available. Smoking policy applies across Defence premises.

Security and eligibility

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements. See the Civil Service Code and guidance on eligibility and nationality requirements for further information.