Defence
About Defence
Frequently Asked Questions about equality and diversity in the Armed Forces
Recruitment
How old do I have to be to join the Services?
Generally Officers must be a minimum of 17 years old and other ranks 16 years old. Maximum ages vary depending on Service and trade but range from 24 to 55 years old. Service personnel under the age of 18 are not allowed to deploy to any operations outside the United Kingdom, except where the operation does not involve personnel becoming engaged in, or exposed to, hostilities.
I am not a British National can I join the British Armed Forces?
Passport holders of the British Commonwealth and citizens of the Republic of Ireland are eligible to join the British Armed Forces.
Can women be fighter pilots?
Yes. There are already female fixed wing pilots in the RAF.
I have heard that women can't join the Infantry. Why?
71% of posts in the Navy, 67% of posts in the Army and 96% of posts in the RAF are open to women. However, all cap-badged posts in the Regular Infantry (and Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps) and the Royal Marines are presently closed to women on the grounds of combat effectiveness. The Government is wholly committed to maximising employment opportunities for women in the Armed Forces. Indeed, roles previously considered the preserve of men are now being opened up for women. For example, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, has recently recruited its first ever female pilot to fly as part of the 2010 display team. Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore of Number XIII Squadron, RAF Marham, joined the display team and began training for a three year tour in September 2009.
Can lesbian, gay or bisexual people join the Services?
Yes.
I am a transsexual; is it possible for me to join?
Applications from transsexual people are processed in the same way as any other application. Transsexual people wishing to join the Armed Forces have to fulfil and achieve the same physical and medical entry requirements as any other eligible applicant.
Are you looking for applications from all ethnic groups?
Very much so. We want to see the Services reflect more closely the ethnic diversity of UK society.
Do all jobs in the Services involve a commitment to combat action?
Yes.
Can people with disabilities join the Services?
The Armed Forces are exempt from the employment provisions of domestic and EU disability legislation because all Service personnel need to be combat effective to meet a world-wide liability to deploy and to ensure that military health and fitness remain matters for MOD Ministers based on military advice, not for the courts. Not all forms of disability are incompatible with service in the Armed Forces. The Armed Forces demonstrate a willingness to follow the spirit of disability legislation, where possible, by recruiting people who have a degree of impairment that will not impact on their ability to be combat effective. Such impairments include: myopia, facial disfigurement, ligament repairs and mild dyslexia..
When You've Joined
What policies do you have to ensure equality and diversity?How seriously is it taken by the Armed Forces?
Our equality and diversity policies are set out in the Unified Diversity Strategy and are reflected in instructions issued by the Chain of Command. Policy implementation is taken very seriously and is regularly reviewed by Ministers and Senior Commanders.
Is there separate accommodation for men and women?
Where accommodation is based on multi-occupancy, men and women live in segregated accommodation. This is generally the case for all junior ranks. All other accommodation is based on single room occupancy. Segregated or single room accommodation may not be available when deployed on operations or onboard ships.
Can personnel in Civil Partnerships take advantage of Service Families Accommodation?
Yes, Service personnel in a Civil Partnership are entitled to exactly the same benefits and entitlements as their married colleagues.
What measures are taken to help Service Personnel with family life?
The Armed Forces have introduced a number of “family friendly” polices over the last couple of years. Please see “family friendly” policies page (under related pages) for more details.
What measures are taken to cater for special dietary needs?
The Armed Forces aim to cater for all special religious dietary requirements. Vegetarian, Halal or Kosher options can be provided in Service Mess facilities. However, preparation of Kosher food, by Mess staff, in strict observance of the Jewish faith cannot be guaranteed. Halal, Vegetarian and Sikh/Hindu Operational Ration Packs (ORP) are readily available for those on operations and exercises.
Can I practise my religious observances?
We encourage people from all faiths to practise their religious observances. There are a wide range of religions and beliefs practised in the Armed Forces include Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Christianity. Whenever practicable, personnel will be allowed to observe their religious festivals or holidays. If an individual's religion requires them to pray at a certain time, they will be allowed to do so, provided this does not jeopardise operational effectiveness. Fasting is also generally allowed, but there may be some operational circumstances when high physical demands make fasting hazardous. As well as Christian Chaplains to the military we now have Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh Chaplains.
Can Muslim and Sikh men wear beards?
Muslim and Sikh men are permitted to wear short neatly trimmed beards. However, where a hazard clearly exists, Muslim and Sikh men may be required to modify or remove facial hair to such an extent as to enable the correct wearing of breathing apparatus, oxygen masks, or respirators. An effective seal on a respirator can only be achieved when the skin is clean shaven. In the Royal Navy all men are permitted to wear beards.
As a Sikh, will I be able to wear a turban and other items of religious significance?
In the Armed Forces Sikhs are permitted to wear the 5Ks; male Sikhs can also wear a turban. However, some constraints regarding keeping facial hear uncut (see above) and the wearing of a turban do exist. Turbans are incompatible with the specialist headgear required by certain trades. Examples of this include combat helmets, breathing apparatus (full hood) for fire fighters and flying helmets for aircrew in some types of aircraft. Male Sikh personnel can normally wear a Patka under specialist headgear; however, this is not possible under a flying helmet which must be closely fitted to the contours of the head.
What arrangements are made to cater for Muslim women?
Muslim women are generally allowed to wear hijabs and uniform trousers, rather than a skirt. Tracksuit bottoms are allowed for sport.
Is it true that people from ethnic minorities and women cannot reach senior positions?
Absolutely not. Promotion and advancement is entirely on merit. We are beginning to see more women and ethnic minorities coming through to senior positions. As their numbers increase we can expect more women and ethnic minorities serving in senior positions. Rear- Admiral Amjad Hussain is currently the highest ranking member of the Armed Forces from an ethnic minority background.
What is being done to root out prejudice?
A great deal. We do not tolerate harassment, bullying or discrimination under any circumstances. The penalties for offenders are potentially severe. An extensive education and awareness programme is underway throughout the Services. We have also, for the past five years, been working with the EOC (Equal Opportunities Commission) and its successor the EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission) to ensure that we deal effectively harassment and discrimination in the workplace. We have implemented a range of policies and procedures in this regard.
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