Over 10,000 UK Armed Forces Personnel Declared Medically Undeployable, MoD Reveals

MoD reveals over 10,000 UK armed forces personnel are medically undeployable, highlighting concerns about military readiness and recruitment.

Over 10,000 UK armed forces personnel are medically undeployable, as revealed by Ministry of Defence figures, raising concerns about military readiness.

 

London, UK – New figures from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) reveal that 13,522 members of the UK armed forces are medically undeployable, representing a significant concern for the country’s military capabilities. The data was disclosed by Defence Minister Alistair Carns in response to a parliamentary question.

 

According to the MoD, the UK’s armed forces comprise 99,560 fully deployable service members, with 14,350 having limited deployability and 13,522 unable to deploy. The breakdown of medically undeployable personnel includes 6,879 in the Army, 2,922 in the Royal Navy, and 3,721 in the Royal Air Force.

 

An MoD spokesperson stated, “Around 90% of our service personnel are deployable at any time, with most of the remaining members engaged in other essential military roles. We are committed to providing world-class medical care to ensure their return to duty or support their transition to civilian life.”

 

Personnel facing medical issues undergo examinations by a medical board to determine their grading and deployability. Some restrictions may be temporary, while others are permanent, based on their health needs and recovery status.

 

The latest statistics also highlight a recruitment gap across all branches. The Army is currently 5,440 personnel (1%) short of its target size for the first time since the goal was set. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines are down by 5%, and the RAF lags by 10%.

 

Former Defence Minister James Heappey described the figures as “arresting,” adding that many soldiers deemed unfit had missed routine dental checks. He also noted that, despite their status, these personnel could still serve effectively during wartime scenarios.

 

These revelations come amid heightened global tensions and speculation about Britain’s support for Ukraine’s military efforts. Defence Secretary John Healey recently emphasized the importance of stepping up aid to Ukraine during a “critical period.”

 

While Russia, Iran, and China have increased defence budgets by over 50% since 2014, UK defence spending has grown by just 14%. Adjusted for inflation, funding for service personnel has declined by £500m over the past five years, with the MoD allocating £11.66bn for personnel in 2024-25.

 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged a £2.9bn increase in the defence budget for next year. The MoD reiterated its commitment to supporting service personnel through improved pay, housing investments, and retention bonuses for critical skills.