VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Armed Forces: Recruitment

Asked by Emma FoodyLabour (Co-op)Ministry of DefenceTabled Answered 18 October 2025UIN 78853

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of recruits did not pass out of basic training in each service in each of the last five years.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

The single Services routinely monitor and review reasons for recruits and trainees withdrawing from training, ensuring that they are supported appropriately. For example, the Recruit Trainee Survey (RTS) annual reports provide summary statistics on the perceptions of training, facilities, food, support and fairness of treatment of Phase 1 and Phase 2 recruits and trainees. The single Services use these activities to identify where improvements can be made to ensure more recruits and trainees complete their basic and professional training to enter productive service in the Armed Forces.

The requested information is provided in the attached spreadsheet.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim