| CRITERION | RN/RM
| ARMY | RAF |
Age Limits:
Minimum
| Reviewed 1998.
RN: Officers 17 years; Ratings 16 years (15¾ years on application).
RM: Officers 17½ years; ORs 16 years. (15¾ years on application).
| Reviewed 1998(ORs); 1981 (Officers)
ORs 16 years; (Nurses 17 years 10 months; Intelligence Corps 17½ years).
Officers 17¾ years.
| Reviewed 1997.
Airmen 16 years. (15¾ years on application).
Officers 17½ years (on entry to Initial Officer Training).
|
| Maximum | RN: Officers 22-26 years, direct entry graduates up to 34 years; Ratings 33 years (up to and including 33rd birthday).
RM: Officers 25 years; ORs 28 years (up to and including 28th birthday).
| ORs 27 years; (some employment groups allow entry up to age 33 years).
Officers 25 years. (In a few exceptional circumstances some may enter under age of 27 years).
| Airmen, under 30 years (33 years in exceptional circumstances).
Officers, mostly under 30 years (some specialist branches over 30 years and, exceptionally, up to 39 years).
|
| Convictions: | Reviewed 1998.
Applicants, other than for medical dental and nursing trades where full disclosure is required, need only disclose details of unspent convictions to the recruiting authorities. Each case is judged on its individual merits. Applicants requiring pre-entry security vetting are obliged to disclose all spent and unspent convictions to the vetting authorities where again each case is judged on its individual merits as to whether the applicant is a fit person to hold a security clearance.
| Reviewed 1998.
An applicant with a conviction for an offence with a racial element or under the Sexual Offences Act; Street Offences Act; Indecency with Children Act; Protection of Children Act; Sex Offenders Act, will not be considered. A person convicted for an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act may be eligilible but each case is judged on its merits. Time spent in a Young Offenders institute not necessarily a bar to entry.
| Reviewed 1997.
Unless an applicant is applying for a medical, dental or police trade, in which case all convictions spent or unspent should be disclosed, no consideration is taken of spent convictions. An applicant with an unspent civil conviction is considered on merit which also takes account of the nature of the offence.
|
| Debtors: | Reviewed 1998.
Individuals declared undischarged bankrupt are not accepted unless proof of having been granted "Discharge from Bankruptcy" can be produced. An assessment is made of the applicant's ability to survive financially on future Service pay without becoming an administrative burden. Educational grants (ie student loans) not included.
| Reviewed 1998.
New policy in place. Applicants with debts less than £2K can be accepted. Those with mortgages can apply as long as they (and Army) are satisfied that they can cope with repayments. Educational grants not included in criterion.
| Reviewed 1997.
An applicant with significant debts which he/she would be unable to service, or who displays a character defect of financial irresponsibility during the course of initial interview, will not normally be considered. Educational grants not included in criterion.
|
| Drugs: | Reviewed 1998.
Applicants who have a conviction for trafficking, sale, or possession of controlled drugs are unsuitable. Consideration is given exceptionally to those with one conviction or Formal Police Caution for "possession for personal use" of a Category B or C drug. Experimentation with Class B "soft" drugs is not in itself a bar to entry, but the attitude to drugs is of prime importance. Legal and medical advice on the use of drugs are taken into consideration. Compulsory drug testing introduced in the RN in April 1997.
| Reviewed 1998.
Those who take classified (illegal) drugs or solvents are not allowed entry. Individuals who either admit to using, or have been convicted of minor possession offences, can apply. Applicants are trusted to tell the truth. Legal and medical advice on the use of drugs are taken into consideration.
| Reviewed 1998.
Applicants admitting to multiple abuse of drugs/solvents are rejected. An admission to a one-off experimentation with a Class A drug is a definite bar to entry. Experimentation with a Class B "soft" drug is not a bar to entry, but an assessment of the applicant's overall suitability is required. Applicants are trusted to tell the truth. Legal and medical advice on the use of drugs are taken into consideration.
|
| Education: | Reviewed 1997.
Officers—two GCE "A" Levels (or equivalent) and five acceptable GCSEs (or equivalent or SCE passes in five subjects to include three at higher grade). English and Maths are mandatory subjects. Specific branches (eg Engineering and University Sponsorship Schemes) require higher grades.
Ratings—All potential recruits have to complete a Recruiting Test (RT). Entry to some branches (ie Technicians) requires GCSEs, or equivalent, in addition to passing the RT. Artificer applicants are required to complete a further two academic tests.
| Reviewed 1997
(Officers); 1998(ORs)
Officers—The minimum requirement is now two "A" Level passes and five GCSEs.
ORs— An applicants eligibility for service and/or to qualify for a particular form of training is determined by the results achieved in the BARB. Failure to achieve the minimum standards for BARB will result in the applicant being ineligible. Some employment groups require additional qualifications.
| Reviewed 1997.
Officers—two "A" Levels and five GCSEs (minimum Grade C) including English and Maths.
Airmen Aircrew—three specific GCSEs at minimum Grade C.
Airmen—No formal qualifications for the majority of trades. All candidates, however, are required to sit the RAF Ground Trades Test Battery (GTTB) in order to determine the trade(s) for which they are eligible.
|
| Eyesight: | Last reviewed 1997.
There is no general restriction to the wearing of spectacles or contact lenses to improve visual efficiency provided that the eyesight standards are met. (Use of contact lenses at sea is not recommended). Any abnormalities of the eye or visual system (congenital, traumatic, or pathological) may be a cause of rejection even though visual function is within standard limits. Colour blindness is not a total bar but employment is restricted.
| Currently under review.
There is no general restriction to wearing glasses/contact lenses provided the visual standards for both corrected and uncorrected vision are met. Entry visual standards vary with employment groups. Colour blindness is not a total bar (applicants classified as Colour Perception 4 are accepted) but employment is restricted. Applicants who have suffered a detached retina or had laser treatment not accepted.
| Last reviewed 1997.
Entry visual standards vary with Branch. No allowance for glasses is accepted for pilots or helicopter search and rescue crew. Beyond this there is no restriction to wearing glasses/contact lenses provided the visual standards for both corrected and uncorrected vision are met. Congenital, traumatic pathological eye disease may disqualify, however, regardless of visual acuity. Colour blindness is not a total bar but employment is restricted.
|
| Gender: | Currently under review.
Since 1990 women have served in surface ships; since 1991 all aircrew roles have been open to women. Recently announced (1998) that women may now serve in approx 1,300 RM billets. Prospect of women serving in submarines, and as mine clearance divers, is under review.
| Reviewed 1998.
With effect from 1 April 1998, 70% of all posts became open to women. Women are only excluded from posts on grounds of combat effectiveness. The main areas of exclusion are the armoured corps and the Infantry.
| Reviewed 1997.
96% of posts are open to women. Women are only excluded from the RAF Regiment.
|
| Height: | Reviewed 1998.
Minimum height requirements are:
RN: Aircraft Handler 166 cm
Other Branches 157 cm
RM: General Duties 163 cm
Musician/bugler 155 cm
| Reviewed 1998.
With the introduction of Physical Selection Standards (Recruits), mandatory minimum requirements will be removed with the exception of a few Arms and Services, which will continue to have minimum height requirements of 158cm, which are legally defensible.
| Currently under review.
Height restrictions only apply to specific aircrew branches, and Firefighter (168 cm—Defence Fire Service rules), and MTD trades; but these trades are under review. Aircrew's body length taken into consideration (ejection seats).
|
| Medical Standards: | Reviewed 1997.
All applicants have to be medically fit. In general, physical defects of the body, impediment of speech, defect of sight or hearing, and pre-disposition to constitutional or hereditary disease or weakness will cause rejection if these conditions are considered to be of such a nature as to render the applicant incapable of performing general duties in the RN/RM ashore or afloat. Automatic rejection will apply to those suffering from, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and related conditions, migraine, the majority of childhood cancers (even if successfully treated), colitis, Crohns Disease or any other long standing bowel disorder or removal of spleen, detached retina or corneal transplant or surgery or laser treatment to improve vision, rheumatoid arthritis, or any other bone or joint disorders, or if registered disabled.
| Currently under review.
Officers—Applicants must pass a military Medical Board before attending regular Commissions Board. Current rules: "To pass as medically fit, a candidate must be in good mental and bodily health and free from physical defects likely to interfere with the efficient performance of military duty."
ORs—Applicants get a total of 3 medicals at the Recruit Selection Centre within the first 6 days of service, and at the end of basic training.
Automatic rejection will apply to those suffering from, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, migraine, most childhood cancers, colitis, Crohns Disease or chronic bowel disorder, removal of the spleen, detached retina or corneal transplant or surgery/laser treatment to improve vision, rheumatoid arthritis or any bone or joint disorders, or if registered disabled.
| Reviewed 1997.
All applicants have to be medically fit to serve worldwide. In general, physical defects of the body, speech impediment, defect of sight or hearing, a pre-disposition to constitutional or hereditary disease or weakness, will result in rejection if these conditions are considered to be of such a nature as to render the applicant incapable of performing both trade or general service duties. Automatic rejection will apply to those suffering from epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, heart rhythm abnormalities, migraine, most childhood cancers (even if successfully treated), colitis, Crohns disease or chronic bowel disorder, removal of the spleen, detached retina or corneal transplant or surgery/laser treatment to improve vision, rheumatoid arthritis or any bone or joint disorders, or if registered disabled.
|
| Nationality: | Reviewed 1998.
An applicant must be a British, Commonwealth, or Dependent Territory citizen, or a Republic of Ireland national.
| Reviewed 1998.
An applicant must be a British, Commonwealth, or Dependent Territory citizen, or a Republic of Ireland national.
| Reviewed 1998.
An applicant must be a British, Commonwealth, or Dependent Territory citizen, or a Republic of Ireland national.
Nationality
|
| Nationality Extraction: | Reviewed 1998.
If DV clearance is required, both parents of the applicant must, at all times, have been a British or Commonwealth citizen, or Republic of Ireland national, and born in such a country. With effect from 1 April 1998 these rules were relaxed for applicants requiring SC level clearance.
| Reviewed 1998.
If DV clearance is required, both parents of the applicant must, at all times, have been a British or Commonwealth citizen, or Republic of Ireland national, and born in such a country. With effect from 1 April 1998, these rules were relaxed for applicants requiring SC level clearance .
| Reviewed 1998.
If DV clearance is required, both parents of the applicant must, at all times, have been a British or Commonwealth citizen, or Republic of Ireland national, and born in such a country. With effect from 1 April 1998, these rules were relaxed for applicants requiring SC level clearance .
|
| Physical Fitness: | Reviewed 1997.
RN: Applicants are expected to be physically fit and be pursuing physical spare time activities.
RM: Applicants must pass Potential RM Courses which are designed to better prepare new entrants for the rigours of training. A recommended physical training programme is included in the recruiting literature passed to the applicant at the initial enquiry stage.
| Reviewed 1998.
Officers—From 1 April 1998, all applicants were required to take the PSS(R) at the relevant RSC.
ORs—From 1 April 1998, all applicants required to undergo the PSS(R) at the relevant RSC.
The PSS(R) comprises 9 tests and measurements which predict if after training the individual is capable to physically perform their trade.
| Reviewed 1997.
There are no specific physical fitness standards for entry, although those selected for Initial Officer Training have to demonstrate their potential to achieve the fitness standard necessary to complete training.
|
| Religion: | Last reviewed 1996.
All religious denominations are accepted for entry into the Armed Forces.
| Reviewed 1998.
All religious denominations are accepted for entry into the Armed Forces.
| NOT reviewed.
All religious denominations are accepted for entry into the Armed Forces.
|
| Residency: | Reviewed 1998.
If DV level clearance is required, applicants would normally have been required to have resided in the UK for a minimum period of 10 years. For applicants requiring clearance to SC level only, the five year UK residency rule should not be enforced when satisfactory enquiries can be made in the applicant's country of residence.
| Reviewed 1998.
Officers—If DV level clearance is required, applicants would normally have been required to have resided in UK for a minimum period of 10 years. Applicants requiring clearance to SC level, the five year UK residency rule should not be enforced when satisfactory enquiries can be made in the applicant's country of residence.
ORs—PSIs currently under review. As part of the review some countries will be exempt from residency restrictions. Policy will allow for a degree of flexibility dependent upon circumstances.
| Reviewed 1998.
If DV level clearance is required, applicants would normally have been required to have resided in the UK for a minimum period of 10 years. For applicants requiring clearance to SC level only, the five year UK residency rule should not be enforced when satisfactory enquiries can be made in the applicant's country of residence.
|
| Tattoos: | Reviewed 1998.
Applicants will be rejected if they have any tattoo, whether visible or not, which is obscene or offensive (eg racist, anti-religious, crude, overtly sexist or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos which are visible in "parade uniform", ie on the face, neck and ears are also not permitted. Discretion is exercised, however, over tattoos on the hands and fingers.
| Reviewed 1997.
Any visible tattoo(s) excessive in size or number, offensive or obscene will be a bar to enlistment or re-enlistment. By definition, this refers to tattoos which are visible on individuals wearing parade uniform. This does not include shirt sleeve order and issue sports uniform. The visible area comprises face and neck.
| Reviewed 1997.
An applicant who has a tattoo which is obscene or offensive, or which is visible when in uniform, is ineligible for RAF service. For a tattoo on a female's leg to be acceptable it should be covered by a single small plaster.
|
| Under 18s: | Reviewed 1997.
Parental consent is required for those enlisting below the age of 18 years.
| Reviewed 1998.
Parental consent is required for those enlisting below the age of 18 years.
| Reviewed 1997.
Parental consent is required for those enlisting below the age of 18 years.
|
| Weight: | Reviewed 1997.
Weight standards are based on standard actuarial tables. An applicant's weight should not normally vary from the average by more than 25%. Aircrew applicants weight should not normally vary by more than 15%. No underweight limit set, but doubts may be expressed if an applicant is considered to be suffering from anorexia.
| Reviewed 1998.
Recruits are weighed as part of the PSS(R). Doctors check for anorexia or obesity before PSS(R) testing.
| Reviewed 1998.
Applicants below the desired weight for height are assessed in relation to physical capacity and aerobic fitness. Applicants for ground duties whose weight is 25% over the ideal are TU (Temporarily Unfit) pending weight loss. Those between 20-25% have skinfold measurements taken. Those with caliper readings greater than 1.5 cm are required to lose weight to below 20%. Aircrew applicants have a 15% excess weight limit.
|
