Britain: An official handbook > 1977

112
Engagements
Training
BRITAIN 1977: AN OFFICIAL HANDBOOK
1976-77 is 289,400. A functional analysis of personnel is shown in the diagram
below.
Britain’s armed forces consist entirely of personnel serving on a voluntary
basis. Engagements available to non-commissioned ranks range from three to
22 years, with a wide freedom of choice on the length and terms of service.
Recruits to non-commissioned ranks of all three Services are committed for
only a minimum period of productive service (about three years) and, subject
to that minimum, may leave at any time at 18 months notice. Discharge may
also be granted on compassionate grounds, by purchase, or on grounds of
conscience (applications being assessed by an independent tribunal). Com¬
missions may be granted for short, medium and long terms. In all three Services
there are opportunities for promotion from the ranks. Entry to commissioned
Functional analysis of defence personnel 1976-77
Military personnel
Total 340,400
Civilian personnel
Total 289,400
/Navy general purpose
9 900 f combat forces
European theatre ground
forces
Other army combat forces
Air force general purpose
^forces
Reserve and auxiliary
.formations
^ Research and development
Training
Production, repair and
associated facilities in
Britain
Other support functions
Nuclear strategic force
Notes: 1 The above are average strengths and include locally enlisted personnel
2 Civilian personnel comprise 138,100 non-industrial staff and 151,300 industrial staff
ranks is on the basis of educational and other qualifications (General Certificate
of Education O and A level and their equivalents or degrees): all three Services
have schemes for university cadetships which enable young men to take a
degree before commencing their training.
Entrants to non-commissioned ranks are given basic training, and further and
specialist training is given during the course of their careers. Young service¬
men are encouraged to study for educational qualifications, all three Services
providing extensive facilities for the consolidation and development of their
personnel’s education. Trade and technical training, though primarily designed
for Service purposes, leads for about half the total number of servicemen to
nationally recognised qualifications including qualification for membership of
trade unions.
Service technical training is highly valued in industry, which is a significant
advantage on return to civilian life. To assist such resettlement the Services
provide an advisory service, familiarisation attachments to civilian organisa¬
tions and, for those without technical qualifications, opportunity and assistance
to study for suitable civilian qualifications. There are also opportunities for