facts & figures

The latest information available and some quick guidance on using this data.

The nationwide survey found 72% of people who expressed a view believed young people should not be able to join the army until they are 18.

A nationwide poll conducted in July 2014 by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Ltd found that 78 per cent of respondents who expressed a view thought the minimum enlistment age for the Army should be 18 or above. Just 14 per cent of respondents thought the minimum age should be 16 (as it currently is) or less. An identically worded poll conducted in April 2013 by ICM found 70 per cent of respondents who expressed a view thought the minimum enlistment age should be 18 or above, with 20 per cent supporting 16 or younger. See data from 2018.

The Ministry of Defence publishes statistics on a range of defence related topics.

Published by the MoD It provides a tri-Service perspective of Service personnel attitudes, opinions and circumstances on important Service conditions. The survey is one of the MoD's main vehicles to collect attitudinal information; it informs changes to Service personnel policies across MOD.

Disclosures under the FOI Act. Also see FOI releases published via whatdotheyknow.com

An annual survey of trainees in the army, navy and air force. Covers background, perceptions of training and how the experience compares to perceptions prior to recruitment, facilities and food, support, fairness of treatment and hopes for the future.