Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he will make an assessment of the potential merits of making a requirement on those leaving the military to undertake existing courses hosted by (a) the military and (b) third sector to help serving personnel transition out of the military.

The Ministry of Defence provides all Service leavers with resettlement support. This is designed to help personnel leaving the Armed Forces prepare for civilian life, including a successful transition to employment, self-employment or a wider vocational outcome such as education, retirement or working with Third Sector organisations, tailored to the wishes of the individual.

Resettlement support is available from two years prior to leaving and two years after discharge. The provision entitles Service leavers to duty time, financial assistance and access to Career Transition Partnership (CTP) Services. The CTP provision includes workshops, seminars, career consultancy, resettlement training advice and vocational training, together with job finding support.

From 31 May 2022, all Service leavers have been automatically registered with CTP and can only opt-out by informing their CTP career consultant. In the event that a Service leaver has opted out of CTP services but wishes to use their entitlements to CTP provision, they may do so by contacting the CTP direct at any point up to two years post-discharge.