Training & Qualifications

Intelligence Corps training begins with learning basic soldiering skills before going on to complete a 27-week course at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) at Chicksands in Bedfordshire.

When you join the Intelligence Corps, your initial training will act as an introduction to the Army. There will be times when you may have to work in combat situations and your basic soldier training will give you a vital grounding.

Your Intelligence Corps training will begin with a 27-week course at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) at Chicksands in Bedfordshire. As well as giving an introduction to the multi-specialist nature of Int Corps work, this stage of training provides a firm grounding in many of the skills needed for a career in the corps.

At no point in your career development will you stand still. You will always be learning something new. If you are naturally curious and love to learn and find things out, the Int Corps could have your perfect job.

Phase 1: Basic Training

Your military career will start at an Army Training Regiment (ATR).

During your basic training course you will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open and how to tackle an assault course, as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will be stretched further than you thought possible and toughen up both physically and mentally. Having successfully mastered these basic military skills, you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friends.

Some of the main subjects covered are :

Skill-At-Arms (SAA) Training -Learning to handle and operate your rifle. 
Marksmanship & Shooting - Learning how to shoot accurately. 
Fieldcraft - Learn the skills you will need to operate as a soldier in the field, how to work as part of a Patrol. 
Physical Training - A progressive programme to build your personal fitness and strength.
Adventure Training - Canoeing, Climbing, Hillwalking and other activities conducted in a rugged outdoor environment.
Drill - The building block of team work. 
First Aid - Learn various skills in treating a casualty. 
Navigation - Develop your skills and ability to navigate across country using a map and compass. 
Health - A soldier needs to be able to look after themselves in all conditions and environments.  

Phase 2: Intelligence Corps Training
Your Int Corps specific  training will begin with a 27 week course at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) at Chicksands in Bedfordshire.

As well as giving an introduction to the multi-specialist nature of Int Corps work, this stage of training provides a firm grounding in many of the skills needed for a career in the corps.

In addition to information gathering and interpreting techniques, traiing includes how to present and share data. The course focuses on both Operational Intelligence and Counter Intelligence.  Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is taught.

Training also gives opportunities to take part in Adventurous Training. Activities vary, but can include rock climbing, hiking, white water rafting and orienteering.

Phase 2 Int Corps training ends with a passing-out parade in front of invited family and friends, and promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal.  With this initial higher rank comes more pay and the chance to gain promotion much faster than in any other regiments or corps in the Army.

On-going Training

In the Army, there are many excellent career and personal development opportunities. And no where is this more true than in the Intelligence Corps. The very best on-going training is central to the success of the Int Corps.

The training that you do will depend on which area of specialisation you choose. As a linguist, for example, you may study the language and culture of a country or group of countries for several years. You will be awarded language diplomas and will be trained to a level that surpasses that of civilian degree students.

If you specialise in Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), you will continually learn to use new equipment and techniques, as the cutting-edge technology we use is constantly advancing.

There are many specialist courses including

Counter Sabotage
Foreign Languages
Human Intelligence
Imagery Analysis
IT Security
Protective security

A number of these courses also attract civilian qualifications. All of our training will provide you with skills that are highly sought after by civilian employers including risk analysis, languages, IT, security and management.

At no point in your career development will you stand still. You will always be learning something new. If you are naturally curious and love to learn and find things out, the Int Corps could have your perfect job.

City & Guilds Awards

City & Guilds in Intelligence ManagementHeadquarters Director Intelligence Corps (HQ D INT CORPS) is an awarding body for City & Guilds Senior Awards in Intelligence Management. These awards have been designed in such a way as not to exclude any member of the Corps from applying (they should be equally applicable to anyone across the Corps' disciplines)

City & Guilds in Security Management
Headquarters Director Intelligence Corps (HQ D INT CORPS) are currently negotiating a City & Guilds award in Security Management.