Table of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Statistics on Non-Deployable Personnel
  3. Medical Issues Affecting Deployability
  4. Expert Opinion

More than 13,000 members of the Armed Forces are currently deemed unfit for frontline service, according to government statistics.

Specifically, 13,133 soldiers, sailors, and aviators possess medical documentation that prevents them from being deployed to combat zones.

Portrait of Louise Sandher-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans and People. Defence minister Louise Sandher-Jones disclosed that 40 percent of these sick notes—totaling 5,376 personnel—are due to ‘musculoskeletal disorders’ such as fractures.Credit: Wikipedia/Roger Harris

This indicates that one in ten personnel is classified as “medically non-deployable.”

Defence minister Louise Sandher-Jones further stated that 40 percent of the sick notes—5,376 personnel—are related to conditions such as broken bones or ligament injuries.

Additionally, another 2,747 troops—representing the second highest medical concern—have been diagnosed with “mental and behavioral disorders.”

Other reasons for troops being unfit for combat include issues related to their digestive systems, hearing, vision, and skin conditions.

Only 16 female personnel were unable to deploy due to pregnancy.

The Ministry of Defence remarked: “Personnel classified as medically non-deployable are not fit for operations; however, they may be able to participate in UK-based exercises.”

A former intelligence officer noted: “The growing number of personnel who are unable to deploy or have limited deployability adds to the challenges faced by the armed forces, which are already understrength.

“Retaining individuals who cannot deploy is not a practical solution unless their situation is only temporary.

“It is time for innovative thinking and effective operational leadership.”

Three members of the British 16 Air Assault Brigade train, with two soldiers jumping over a log. One in ten of all UK armed forces is classified as ‘medically non-deployable’ (stock image)Credit: Getty Images – Getty

What percentage of the Armed Forces is classified as medically non-deployable?

Approximately 10% of the Armed Forces, or 13,133 personnel, are classified as medically non-deployable.

What are the main medical issues affecting deployability?

The primary medical issues include musculoskeletal disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, and various conditions affecting the digestive system, hearing, vision, and skin.

How many female troops are unfit for deployment due to pregnancy?

Only 16 female troops are currently unable to deploy because of pregnancy.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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