§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what age his Department starts recruiting(a) males and (b) females in each of the services; and at what age recruits are allowed into front line duties in each of the services. [13485]
§ Mr. SoamesThe minimum age for recruitment into the armed forces is 16 years for each service. The minimum ages at which recruits are allowed into front-line duties in each of the services are:
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Minimum age Royal Navy 16 years 3 months Royal Marines 17 years Army 17 years 3 months Royal Air Force 17 years 5 months The age of recruitment and deployment is the same for both men and women, with the following exceptions:
- (a) On submarines—males only—deployment is from age 17, and on overseas shore establishments at 18 years.
- (b) In the Royal Marines—males only—those under 18 years would not be deployed on active service overseas unless serving with a unit already deployed overseas and which was redeployed on active service.
Additionally, in Northern Ireland, the minimum deployment age for the Army is seventeen and a half years for those in residential units where they are restricted to barrack guards—patrolling not allowed; and 18 years for all serving on emergency tours, and in the Royal Air Force.