Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 October 2007. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Territorial Army: Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what account is taken of performance in the combat fitness test in the assessment of (a) suitability and (b) progress of Territorial Army applicants for potential junior NCO courses; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Territorial Army personnel are only usually allowed to undertake potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) courses if they have passed the Military Annual Training Test (MATT), of which the Combat Fitness Test (CFT) is a constituent part and if they are deemed suitable (including being mentally and physically fit) to attend by their unit.TA personnel who are unable to meet the JNCO course standards set out by their Corps (including the CFT if it is part of the syllabus) are unlikely to progress and be recommended for promotion.

Secondary information