Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what skills and background qualify an applicant for officer posts in the Army Reserve to be considered when that applicant is aged between 45 and 50.

Applicants for Army Reserve Officer posts aged between 45 and 50 may enter as generalists or specialists. For general entry officers, i.e. those applying for non-specialist roles, an individual would be expected to demonstrate the same skills and qualities as applicants under 45. These include a commitment to personal fitness, leadership potential and the qualities required to be an Army Officer.

In addition to the skills and qualities for general entry Officers, specialist Officer applicants should demonstrate specific skills, competence or qualification in a field which is relevant to the skills and capability needs of the Army. Examples include medical and veterinary professionals, lawyers, engineers and cyber and cultural specialists.