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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Thursday, 25 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Calvin Bailey (Labour) on Friday, 3 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Length of Service

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there is a formal target for the length of service for personnel in the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Air Force, (c) Royal Navy and (d) Royal Marines.

Answer

There is no formal length of service target for personnel in the British Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines or the Royal Air Force (RAF).

The British Army has minimum service periods for officers (three years) and soldiers (four years).

For Ratings, the Royal Navy has a Return of Service of three and a half years post joining the Training Strength. For Officers, Returns of Service are for periods between three and seven years depending on their branch.

RAF initial engagements or commissions normally start at six or 12 years.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13182
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Armed forces Length of service
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk