More than 114,000 applications to the British Army have been rejected on medical grounds over the past five years, according to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Psychiatry, eye, and musculoskeletal conditions were identified as some of the most frequent reasons for these rejections. An MoD spokesperson stated that the majority of these figures predate substantial government changes to remove over 100 outdated recruitment policies.
The rejections occur against a backdrop of broader recruitment difficulties for the armed forces. Latest figures indicate the military remains approximately six percent below its full-time trained strength target, with a shortfall of 8,460 personnel.
Lewis Jackson, 21, was rejected from the Army due to cataract surgery he had at age three, despite a consultant ophthalmic surgeon stating his vision is now "excellent in both eyes" and "everything was stable." Medical entry rules deem applicants with lens replacement surgery "unfit." Similarly, Ben Smith, 20, was rejected from the Royal Air Force (RAF) due to ongoing inhaler use for asthma, despite his GP confirming "unlimited exercise tolerance."
Dr Simon Opher, GP and Labour MP for Stroud, suggested a "more sensible approach" to medical screening is needed. Prof Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine, highlighted the necessity for strict physical and psychological health standards due to the demanding nature of military service.