Army: Recruitment
Commons · Question 148 · Tabled 13 May 2026 · Ministry of Defence · Official record
Answered 18 May 2026
Question
Asked by Emma Lewell
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether provisions allow the immediate discharge of an under-18 year old recruit from Army training on safeguarding or welfare grounds, including where there are allegations of abuse; and whether such discharge c
Answer
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones, 18 May 2026
All recruits have a statutory right to discharge, known as Discharge as of Right (DAOR). If under 18 at attestation, they may terminate their service at any time after completing 28 days of full-time paid duty and before six months have elapsed from their...