← UK Occupations
🇬🇧 UKSOC 3311· Protective Service Occupations

Non-commissioned officers and other ranks

Those holding jobs in this unit group are full-time members of the armed forces of the UK, the Commonwealth and other foreign countries and perform military duties for which there is no civilian equivalent.

AircraftmanAircraft technician (armed forces)Lance-corporalSergeant (armed forces)SoldierWeapons engineer (armed forces)
38,100
currently employed
76,723
projected 2035
Strong growth
9 tasks scored1 AI Assists8 Human-Led

Task Bundle Breakdown

How AI interacts with this occupation's task bundle

11%
89%
0%
AI automates
11%
AI assists
89%
Human-led

Task-by-Task Breakdown

Every task scored individually — sorted highest to lowest AI exposure

44

undertakes specialist activities such as operating communications equipment, driving military vehicles

AI Assists

AI tools can assist with communications signal processing, route optimisation for vehicle operations, and predictive maintenance, meaningfully augmenting specialist tasks.

33

monitors, operates, services and repairs military equipment

Human-Led

AI-powered diagnostics tools can assist with fault detection in complex military systems, but hands-on servicing and repairs require physical dexterity and specialist training.

33

trains and exercises using various military equipment and tactics

Human-Led

AI simulation platforms can support training scenario design and after-action review, but physical drills and live exercises require human participation and real-world practice.

33

leads and trains new recruits and lower ranks, looks after their discipline and welfare

Human-Led

AI tools like chatbots or learning management systems can support training content delivery and welfare signposting, but leadership, mentorship, and discipline require human authority and empathy.

22

engages in peacekeeping operations and enforces ceasefire agreements

Human-Led

AI can assist with intelligence analysis and monitoring ceasefire compliance via satellite imagery, but peacekeeping requires human diplomacy, presence, and de-escalation skills.

22

stands watch and guards military establishments and other buildings

Human-Led

AI-powered surveillance systems and facial recognition can augment perimeter monitoring, but physical guarding and human response to threats remain essential.

22

patrols areas of possible military activity

Human-Led

AI-enabled drone surveillance and sensor networks can support patrol planning and threat detection, but physical patrolling and on-ground response remain human tasks.

11

receives and responds to commands from senior officers

Human-Led

Receiving and responding to commands requires real-time human judgment, situational awareness, and physical presence in dynamic environments that AI cannot replicate.

11

takes part in military operations in situations of conflict and provides aid if required in emergency situations such as civil disorder, natural disasters and major accidents

Human-Led

Combat and emergency operations require split-second human judgment, physical presence, and ethical decision-making under extreme stress that AI cannot perform in the field.

ROI Calculator

Non-commissioned officers and other ranks

Enter your salary to see your personalised ROI

How is this calculated?▾

Task weights — each task is weighted by its O*NET frequency rating. Where frequency data is absent, equal weighting is applied.

AI time reduction — tasks scored as "AI Automates" assume 80% time saving; "AI Assists" assumes 40%; "Human-Led" assumes 5%.

Salary equivalent — annual hours saved × (salary ÷ 1,800 working hours/year).

Value at risk — salary × share of role time in AI-automate or AI-assist tasks.

Figures are indicative estimates for planning purposes, not guarantees of productivity gain or job loss risk.