The proportion of British Army recruits failing to complete initial training has fallen to 19 percent, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Defence.
Data covering the most recent recruiting year shows Phase 1 attrition has declined steadily, returning to levels last seen before 2020 after several years of higher dropout rates. The figures indicate a downward trend in recent years, with the proportion leaving training falling from 29% in 2021/22 to 25% in 2022/23, 22% in 2023/24 and now 19% in 2024/25.
Defence minister Louise Sandher-Jones said there are multiple reasons why recruits leave during initial training. “Reasons for leaving training during Phase 1 are numerous, but include issues such as medical conditions, discipline, false information given on joining and general unsuitability for Army service.”
The data relates to Regular Army Other Ranks and includes all personnel who leave before completing Phase 1 training. It excludes Gurkhas, reserves and other non-regular personnel.
Phase 1 training is the first stage of a soldier’s career and focuses on basic military skills and preparation for service. Infantry recruits complete a longer combined course at Catterick, which integrates basic and specialist training.
Here’s the answer in full.
| Recruiting Year (Year of Intake) | Proportion of Recruiting Year that left Phase 1 Training | |
| 2017/2018 | 19% | |
| 2018/2019 | 19% | |
| 2019/2020 | 19% | |
| 2020/2021 | 26% | |
| 2021/2022 | 29% | |
| 2022/2023 | 25% | |
| 2023/2024 | 22% | |
| 2024/2025 | 19% | p |
| Source: Analysis (Army) | ||
1. The figures are for the Trade Trained Regular Army only and therefore exclude Gurkhas, Full Time Reserve Service, Mobilised Reserves, Army Reserve and all other Reserves, but includes those personnel that have transferred from GURTAM to UKTAP.
2. Prior to September 2016, Analysis (Army) are unable to distinguish between Phase 1 and Phase 2 training.
3.. Figures include those that leave the Army before becoming Phase 1 trained for any reason.
4. The proportion is calculated by dividing all those that have left Phase 1 Training in the 24 months since joining by total numbers recruited into Phase 1. Outflow used in the calculation of proportions is up to 1st July 2025.
5. There may still be a few personnel who entered during Financial Years 24/25 that can outflow as Phase 1 trained. These figures are provisional ‘p’ as these figures are subject to change.
6. Infantry recruits undergo a longer 28-week Combat Infantry Course (CIC) at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) in Catterick, which combines basic training with infantry-specific skills.
7. Figures include Junior Entrants who have a longer Phase 1 training time.
