Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army enhances (a) society, (b) cohesion and (c) resilience with land forces as the framework integrator for national (i) resilience, (ii) defence and (iii) regeneration.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. The first duty of Government is to keep the country safe and protect its citizens. The SDR has been examining the Defence capabilities and options to reinforce UK homeland security.
Allow Gluten-Free applicants to join the British Army
- 52 Signatures
(Estimated Final Signatures: 80 - 1 added in the past 24hrs)
Change the ruling on (otherwise fit and healthy) gluten-free applicants being classed as unfit in army applications.
Found: Allow Gluten-Free applicants to join the British Army
Mentions:
1: Luke Pollard (LAB - Plymouth Sutton and Devonport) The Government are committed to ensuring a combat credible Army that is structured to meet its purpose—protecting - Speech Link
Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Army's submission to the Strategic Defence Review, whether it is his policy that the Army harnesses the talent of exceptional people (a) enabling, (b) inspiring and (c) optimising the force.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Strategic Defence Review will determine the roles, capabilities and reforms required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century, including for the British Army. All Defence personnel-in and out of uniform-are at the heart of Defence's plans, the Review has been considering the approach to recruiting, educating, training, and retaining the people needed for One Defence. This includes Regular, Reserve, Civil Service, and industry and how Service life can be improved for those who commit to serve their country in uniform.
Dec. 11 2024
Source Page: British Army successfully tests new drone-destroying laserFound: British Army successfully tests new drone-destroying laser
Dec. 11 2024
Source Page: British Army successfully tests new drone-destroying laserFound: British Army successfully tests new drone-destroying laser
Mar. 30 2025
Source Page: British Army returns from NATO exercise as UK strengthens alliance deployment capabilitiesFound: British Army returns from NATO exercise as UK strengthens alliance deployment capabilities
Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have completed a (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.
The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.
Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.
Year | Internship completions |
2017-2018 | 11 |
2018-2019 | 14 |
2019-2020 | 14 |
2020-2021 | 16 |
2021-2022 | 10 |
2022-2023 | 10 |
2023-2024 | 11 |
There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.
Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what remuneration package comes with the Army Officer Internship programme.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.
The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.
Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.
Year | Internship completions |
2017-2018 | 11 |
2018-2019 | 14 |
2019-2020 | 14 |
2020-2021 | 16 |
2021-2022 | 10 |
2022-2023 | 10 |
2023-2024 | 11 |
There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.
Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.
Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the maximum capacity is of the Army Officer Internship programme.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.
The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.
Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.
Year | Internship completions |
2017-2018 | 11 |
2018-2019 | 14 |
2019-2020 | 14 |
2020-2021 | 16 |
2021-2022 | 10 |
2022-2023 | 10 |
2023-2024 | 11 |
There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.
Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.