One Fifth of UK Armed Forces Medically Unfit

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has disclosed that over 13,000 personnel in the British Armed Forces are medically unfit for deployment, with an additional 14,350 categorized as medically limited deployable. This alarming statistic indicates that around one-fifth of the military cannot be relied upon for combat operations, with the Army experiencing the most significant impact, where nearly a quarter of its personnel are affected. Factors contributing to these figures include the lack of dental check-ups and various health issues, prompting calls for urgent recruitment and retention strategies. Former defense officials have emphasized the need for remedial actions, particularly in physiotherapy, to ensure the remaining troops are fit for service. While 90% of service members are reportedly deployable at any time, the current situation raises concerns about the overall effectiveness and readiness of the UK's military forces. The MoD acknowledges the challenges but stresses its commitment to maintaining operational capability and addressing personnel issues.