Late entry officers in the British Army face no formal restrictions on which officer appointments they can hold, with all officers now considered under a single merit-based selection system, the Ministry of Defence has said.
In a written parliamentary answer published on 4 February, Defence Minister Louise Sandher-Jones responded to Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan, who asked what restrictions apply to late entry officers and why those restrictions are in place.
Sandher-Jones said late entry officers are eligible to apply for the same appointments as direct entry officers, adding: “since 2023 all officers have been considered together for roles under a single, merit-based system.”
She stated that there are “no formal restrictions” preventing late entry officers from being appointed to particular posts. However, she noted that some roles require specific experience or career pathways which direct entry officers are more likely to have.
The minister also said that some posts, particularly those requiring extensive soldiering experience, may be better suited to late entry officers.
Sandher-Jones said selection is based on the Army’s needs and the skills and experience required for each role.
She added that the Army is currently reviewing how to improve parity between late entry and direct entry career structures, including how late entry officers could access a broader range of roles and development opportunities, while ensuring operational effectiveness remains the priority.
So a private could potentially rise to a Generalship, time allowing?