76. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for War what is the age limit for persons wishing to join the Regular Army; and what standard they are required to reach before they are accepted.
§ Mr. SoamesThe minimum age for a normal Regular engagement is 17½ and the maximum 24, or 29 for technicians and some other tradesmen. There are slightly higher limits for Regular reservists who wish to return to the Colours and for recruits to short-service engagements.
Recruits must be of good character and would be disqualified by a serious criminal conviction or a record of unsatisfactory military service.
There are varying standards of education and physical fitness, depending on the arm of the Service or the trade concerned. Applicants are graded according to a selection test and a medical assessment in the PULHEEMS code.