How are the Government trying to retain and recruit troops?

The Ministry of Defence has outlined a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the long-standing challenges of recruitment and retention within the Armed Forces.

Responding to a written question from Andrew Rosindell MP (Conservative – Romford) on May 8, 2025, Armed Fores Minister Luke Pollard detailed the steps being taken to reverse the decline in personnel numbers.

Pollard stated that the current government inherited a recruitment and retention crisis from the previous administration. In response, a comprehensive package of measures has been introduced since July 2024, focusing on both attracting new recruits and retaining experienced personnel.

To increase recruitment, the Ministry of Defence has introduced several key policies, including:

• A 35% pay increase for new recruits, marking one of the largest pay rises for Armed Forces personnel in the last two decades.
• The removal of over 100 outdated medical policies that previously hindered recruitment efforts.
• The implementation of a direct-entry cyber pathway to attract talent into military cyber roles.
• An ambitious target to issue a conditional employment offer within 10 days of application, with a provisional training start date within 30 days.

Pollard explained that these measures are part of a broader effort to streamline recruitment and reduce administrative bottlenecks. The initiatives are also expected to inform the development of the new Armed Forces Recruitment Service, aimed at making the recruitment process faster and more efficient.

Retention measures to support existing personnel

Retention of trained and skilled personnel is also a significant focus. The Ministry of Defence has introduced:

• A £30,000 financial incentive for a select group of tri-Service Air Engineers to encourage continued service.
• An £8,000 retention payment for a cohort of Army personnel to help retain essential skills within the force.
• Preservation of the Continuity of Education Allowance to support the families of service members.
• Repurchasing the Service Family Accommodation estate from Annington Homes to improve housing security.
• Extending Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas, potentially saving up to £3,400 annually for service families.

Pollard added that these initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to investing in the well-being and professional satisfaction of Armed Forces personnel, ensuring the UK’s military remains both robust and resilient.