§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current maximum age requirement for recruits to enter the Air Force; what was this age limit two years ago; and if he will make a statement. [41563]
§ Mr. SoamesThe information is as follows:
Years and under Age requirement from 1 September 1995 Age requirement two years ago Officers General Duties (Air) Pilot 24 24 General Duties (Air) Navigator 26 26 General Duties (Ground) Air Traffic Control 25½ 30 General Duties (Ground) Fighter Control 30 30 General Duties (Ground) Intelligence 30 30 Engineer 29½ 130 Supply 26½ 130 Administrative (Secretarial) 25½ 130 Administrative (Education) 27½ 130 Administrative (Catering) 27½ 130 Administrative (Physical Education) 27½ 127 Security (Regiment) 25½ 26 Security (Provost) 30 130 Specialists Legal 330 330 Chaplains 339 339 PMRAFNS 35 35 Medical Secretarial 130 130 Medical 39 439 Dental 333 33 Airmen/Aircrew 31 226 Ground Trades 24 39 1 Exceptionally, recruits could be considered up to the age of 39 years. 2 Exceptionally, recruits could be considered up to the age of 31 years. 3 Older candidates could be considered on their merits. 4 Older candidates could be considered in exceptional circumstances. Temporary age restrictions have been imposed from 1 September 1995 on entry to training in the RAF. Given reductions and restructuring in the RAF following changes in the strategic environment, these restrictions are necessary to maintain a balanced age-rank structure for the future. The revised age criteria will be kept under regular review.