Recent data released by the Ministry of Defence reveals high application withdrawal rates for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) over the past decade.
This information was provided in response to a parliamentary question posed by John Healey, the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence.
Healey asked, “How many and what proportion of applications were (a) received and (b) voluntarily withdrawn to join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in each year since 2010?”
Andrew Murrison, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, provided a detailed breakdown of the application data:
| Year of Application | Applications Received | Applications Withdrawn | Proportion Withdrawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | 246 | 101 | 41% |
| 2012-13 | 925 | 360 | 39% |
| 2013-14 | 1,375 | 540 | 39% |
| 2014-15 | 2,003 | 360 | 18% |
| 2015-16 | 2,549 | 282 | 11% |
| 2016-17 | 2,595 | 279 | 11% |
| 2017-18 | 2,369 | 610 | 26% |
| 2018-19 | 2,586 | 1,035 | 40% |
| 2019-20 | 2,154 | 874 | 41% |
| 2020-21 | 3,204 | 1,405 | 44% |
| 2021-22 | 2,088 | 982 | 47% |
| 2022-23 | 1,994 | 893 | 45% |
| 2023-24 | 2,502 | 814 | 33% |
The data reveals fluctuating trends in both the number of applications received and the proportion of those applications that were voluntarily withdrawn. Notably, there were significant peaks in application numbers in certain years, such as 2020-21, which saw the highest number of applications at 3,204. This period also experienced a high withdrawal rate of 44%.
The proportion of applications withdrawn has varied widely, with some years experiencing relatively low withdrawal rates, such as 2015-16 and 2016-17, both at 11%. In contrast, recent years have seen higher withdrawal rates, with 2021-22 recording the highest at 47%.
Who proof read the titles?
If it was AI, then it needs being sent back to AI spelling school!
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I applied to join the RFA in 1984, had an interview in October never heard anything. Had an interview with P&0 in January 1985 joined the ship 2 days after the interview. Week later I got a message from home RFA had accepted me to start in February. Wages were approx £3k more with P&O with at least a months extra leave, retired from P&O over 35 years later.
Lett exRN personel join without union interference. I would if I could if I was given the chance when I left the RN.
That’s exactly what the RFA doesn’t need
Why?
There is just no benefits shit wage shit living conditions go civvy side get paid double better living conditions
Eh pay is better than most cruise companies and they put you on a monthly wage which makes organising your life easier. Also given your living at home or on ship it isn’t the worst certainty been on worse ships
Have you ever been on an RFA? Conditions are better than a warship. Single ensuite cabins and better chefs. If you are away for six months or more you don’t pay Income Tax whereas RN personnel do. Get your facts straight before gobbing off.
Once you apply it takes months and months to get a response people just forget about it and go for something else, it’s the same as the military because it’s hand over to a profit making private company who’s really not bothered how many get put through because they’ve got a nice big defence contract, plus the will either be Australian or US or European who don’t give a **** about our military or RFA.
This is because it takes to long for the system to process the application and therefore applicants go elsewhere!!