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Armed Forces: Career Development

Asked by Mr Angus MacDonaldLiberal DemocratMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 19 October 2025UIN 81198

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support service personnel at the top of their pay scale and unable to be promoted due to medical limitations.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones

The issue of Service personnel being unable to promote due to medical limitations is managed within single Service policies. Each case is managed on an individual basis, recognising unique circumstances.

In instances where Service personnel are permanently medically downgraded, the Services may be able to find a suitable position, or the Service person may choose to leave the Service with the appropriate remuneration if applicable.

In some instances, Service personnel may be awarded an acting rank, and receive the associated pay, but they will not substantively promote in order to safeguard overall workforce planning and progression.

At present, there are no plans to revise existing policies or procedures.

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